ReelSmart.com » iPod

Update Your iPhone Now iOS 4 Arrives

Stephen Antonucci — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 17:36:03 +0000

Apple has released the FREE iOS 4 for the 2G iPod touch, 3G iPod touch, iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS owners that adds 100 new features. You will need to update iTunes 9.2 and connect your device for updating. With iOS 4, you'll be be getting the new multitasking feature, use folders to organize your apps, jump into the unified e-mail inbox, and much more.

iPhone OS 4.0 to Bring 100+ New User Features

Stephen Antonucci — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:03:53 +0000

Apple has unveiled the new software development kit (SDK) for the iPhone platform which includes the iPod touch and the brand new iPad. The new SDK will bring over 1500 new APIs to create apps that are much more powerful and innovative. The new iPhone OS 4.0 will have over 100 new user features including some of the most requested such as multitasking for third party apps, folders to organize apps and a unified inbox for Mail. iBooks app, just launched with the iPad will be coming to the iPhone and iPod touch allowing users to buy and read ebooks on their device. Other important things to note is a VoIP API which will allow users to receive Skype calls even when the app is not running! Other features are Multiple Exchange accounts, threaded messages and open attachments in other apps. One popular feature from the Mac, QuickLook will now be making its appearance on the iPhone and iPad. Users will be able to change and customize Homescreen Wallpaper and use Bluetooth keyboards on the iPhone and iPod touch like they can on the iPad. The SDK for developers is available now for download and the iPhone OS 4.0 is expected to ship this summer for iPhone and iPod touch. The 4.0 update will come to the iPad in the fall.

Review: BlueAnt M1 Stereo Bluetooth Speakers

Stephen Antonucci — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:06:12 +0000

I just purchased two BlueAnt M1 speaker systems - one for my home and the other for my office. I was looking to find a nice wireless speaker to use with my iPhone 3GS and Blackberry Curve. The BlueAnt M1 Portable Stereo Speakers, $169.99 [Amazon] filled this perfectly as it features rechargeable batteries that will run the device for around 10 hours (medium volume level), has an output of 28 watts RMS and is compatible with any Bluetooth A2DP device including computers, PDAs and mobile phones. A nice added feature is its stereo 3.5mm jack on the rear so you can use the speakers with your non-Bluetooth devices connected directly. The first thing you will notice is just how loud these portable speakers are as they deliver 28 Watt RMS (making it one of the most powerful portable Bluetooth speakers in the world as claimed by BlueAnt). With an internal Subwoofer they sound good, especially for Bluetooth speakers. Pairing my iPhone 3GS, Blackberry Curve and MacBook Pro was quick and easy. The BlueAnt M1 can be paired with up to eight devices that support Bluetooth A2DP profile. The BlueAnt M1 also supports AVRCP for remote control (Audio Video Remote Control Profile) that allows you to control most Bluetooth devices from the BlueAnt M1 front mounted controls. Unfortunately the iPhone 3G or 3GS does not yet support this feature (play-pause does work with iPhone), but testing it with my Blackberry it worked perfectly. The BlueAnt M1 also automatically re-connects to Bluetooth devices. Included with the BlueAnt M1 Portable Stereo Speakers is a nice well formed carrying case that allows you to use the portable speakers with even removing the case. So these speakers can go most anywhere. Pairing it with my Blackberry Curve allowed me to stream music and Pandora with a range of the usual Bluetooth specs of about thirty feet. Pairing it with my iPhone 3GS truly a blast due to all the apps that are available for the iPhone. I used my iPhone 3GS to stream iPod, Pandora, Slacker, AOL Radio, Concert Vault, FlyCast, iheartradio, ShoutCast, SlingPlayer, Stitcher, Tuner, etc. BUT fire up most any game on your iPhone and the audio from the BlueAnt M1 adds a new dimension to the gameplay! Playing piano or guitar in the Moo-Cow-Music Band app is quite fun over the BlueAnt M1 speakers. If while you are having all this fun playing games or playing music and a phone call comes in the BlueAnt M1 speakers will automatically fade the music and allow you to answer the phone. No speakerphone however. General Specifications:

Bluetooth v2.0
Up to 10 meters or about 30 feet (Bluetooth standard) Frequency 2.4 GHz
A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) Stereo Bluetooth
AVRCP Audio Video Remote Control Profile (iPhone 3G or 3GS does not yet support this feature)
Music Playing Time about 3 to 4 hours (high volume level) or 10 hours (medium volume level) on a full charge
User Interface has Bluetooth red/blue indicator & Battery level/charging indicator by LEDs
2 Year Warranty

Audio Features:

2.1 channel speaker system
Bluetooth stereo high power speaker for cell phones and computers (A2DP) or any Bluetooth stereo device
Play/Previous/Next/Pause/Stop (AVRCP Standard - iPhone 3G or 3GS does not yet support this feature)
High power speaker for non-Bluetooth computers/mobile phones/MP3 players connected via cable to line input via included stereo mini 3.5mm jack
Internal Subwoofer amplifier power 12 watts RMS (real)
Internal Left Right audio power amplifier: 2x8 watts RMS (real)
Subwoofer speaker using Neodyne high efficiency system
Left Right full range speaker with parabolic membrane
All speakers magnetic shielded

Battery type: NI MH Power Pack (sealed) Stand-By time: Up to 1,500 hrs Charge Time: 3 hrs Weight: 1.14 kg or 40.21 oz Dimensions: 310 x 89 x 65 (mm) or (12.2 x 3.50 x 2.55 inches) Package Contents:

M1 Bluetooth Stereo Speakers
Wall type AC charger
3.5mm Jack cable for MP3, iPod, etc.
Carry Case
User Manual

The BlueAnt M1 Portable Stereo Speakers are awarded 4.5 out of 5 Paws

Skype App for iPhone Tomorrow, Blackberry in May

Stephen Antonucci — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:43:34 +0000

I have been using Fring and Nimbuzz to make Skype calls on my iPhone, but now I am excited to get the official Skype app due tomorrow. CNET and PCWorld are reporting that Skype is coming to the iPhone tomorrow, BlackBerry devices in May. Fring and Nimbuzz should be easily bested by the official Skype App that doesn't need the extra audio transcoding. The SkypeOut calls will work over WiFi only and will use your iPhone Contacts in addition to many of the other features you've used from the desktop client. iPod touch (second generation owners will require earphones with an embedded mic to talk. For a hands-on preview of the Skype iPhone app read here. UPDATE: Engadget is reporting that Skype for iPhone is LIVE in Japan already.

MLB.com At Bat 2009 Arrives for iPhone/iPod touch

Stephen Antonucci — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:11:50 +0000

MLB.com has brought us a updated version of their iPhone app this year that includes Gameday Audio so you can listen to every game LIVE. You can choose the home or the visiting teams announcers. This year it will cost you $9.99 or you can opt for a free "lite" version. MLB.com At Bat Lite, free - Keep track of all the games being played in almost realtime includes video highlights. The must have all baseball fans' iPhone or iPod touch. Next version update for 2009 season will probably not be free. MLB.com At Bat 2009, $9.99 - eaturing exclusive pitch type, location and speed data from MLB.com Gameday, plus real-time box scores, play-by-play and video highlights, it's the fastest, most detailed way to follow games on your iPhone or iPod touch. And new for 2009, At Bat includes MLB.com Gameday Audio. You can listen to every regular season and Postseason game LIVE, with your choice of the home or visiting team's announcers.

Nimbuzz Improves iPhone App Adds SkypeOut Over WiFi

Stephen Antonucci — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 03:11:51 +0000

Nimbuzz (free) has just updated its iPhone and iPod touch app adding more VoIP options, a dial-pad and the ability to make VoIP calls to landlines and cell phones via SkypeOut or Nimbuzz' VoIP other partners. Nimbuzz also has a feature to use VoIP calls without a WiFi connection in more than 50 countries (uses cell minutes). Second generation iPod touch owners can also use Nimbuzz to make SkypeOut calls with a microphone headset. Other new features include Twitter status updates within the Personal Message feature, the ability to add new buddies on various instant messaging services, support for MobileMe user names with a dot, and various other usability and stability improvements. I downloaded this update and tried it out making several SkypeOut calls to landline phones and even calls in both directions using Skype to Skype. The sound quality was quite decent. Since this is a free download go and try it yourself.

iPhone 3.0: What You Want To Know

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:03:46 +0000

Apple unveiled yesterday their iPhone 3.0 software containing 100 new features that will be rolling out to consumers sometime this summer. Developers are already downloading the beta SDK that offers over 1,000 new APIs which promises even better mobile applications than the over 25,000 that are available today. This release brings some missed and sought after features that many iPhone users have asked for such as MMS, Cut-Copy-Paste, stereo Bluetooth, Landscape mode in all key apps, system-wide search, Note syncing, Auto-fill for Mobile Safari, Wi-Fi auto-login and subscribed calendars. Make no mistake, a great deal of what is coming in the third generation iPhone software is all about developers. Continue with pictures...

iPhone 3.0 Event Video Now Available

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 01:53:13 +0000

The March 17th Apple event unveiled details about iPhone OS 3.0 software and released the new iPhone Software Development Kit for developers. Watch the presentation.

iPhone Software 3.0 Coming This Summer

Stephen Antonucci — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:52:16 +0000

Apple has unveiled the new features and details of the iPhone 3.0 OS today. The developer beta SDK will be released later today and iPhone 3.0 will be set free to iPhone and iPod touch users this summer. Many dreamed about features will soon be on your iPhone! Features include Push Notification, MMS support, cut-copy-paste across most all key apps, landscape mode in most all apps, notes syncing, better calendar support, built-in voice memo app, Spotlight search, stereo Bluetooth audio support, mailing multiple photos, Peer-to-Peer connectivity (without WiFi), improvements in the YouTube app, auto-login for Wi-Fi hotspots, Safari will now able to remember login credentials and detect phishing attempts. Not mentioned was video recording, Flash support or tethering. This update will be free to all current iPhone 3G and original iPhone users, but Apple points out some features will not be available to the original iPhone like stereo Bluetooth support and MMS support. iPod touch users will have to shell out $9.95 for the 3.0 update. With push notifications, applications for Instant messaging, news readers, social networking, and calendaring will be able to use alerts and notification even when they are not running while saving resources and battery, unlike background processes. iPhone Software 3.0 will also see a big changes in Google Maps. Developers will now be able to embed a map directly within their applications. The maps will support regular map, satellite, and hybrid views; adding your own locations; pinch-and-zoom; and GPS and Wi-Fi/cell location. And speaking of GPS, Apple will now allow third-parties to create GPS applications the offer turn-by-turn driving (as long as developers provide their own maps—they can't use the included Google Maps functionality). Overall, I have to say I am quite happy with the added features and the way the iPhone has evolved. The 3.0 release has filled in most of my wishlist.

New 4GB iPod shuffle with VoiceOver

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:26:54 +0000

Apple has introduced a new 4GB iPod shuffle ($79) they are calling 'the first music player that talks to you' featuring VoiceOver that can announces artists, songs and playlists on demand. This is the first iPod shuffle that supports multiple playlists. This new shuffle is small at 1.8" high, 0.7" wide and 0.3" deep (45mm x 17mm x 7.8mm), with the player controls were moved onto the headphone cord (Apple will offer an adapter so earbuds or using other headsets). Available in two colors, silver and black. The shuffle can speak 14 languages: including English, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, and Turkish. The shuffle will ship in 3-5 days.

Google Brings Basic Spreadsheet Editing to Mobile Phones

Stephen Antonucci — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 18:21:37 +0000

Google has announced List View for spreadsheets. You can now quickly view, edit, sort, and filter your spreadsheets on a variety of mobile devices including Android-powered devices like the T-Mobile G1, the iPhone and iPod touch, and the Nokia S60.

Universal and Sony’s Total Music is Total Disaster

Stephen Antonucci — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:25:35 +0000

Bye to Total Music as another so-called iTunes killer is calling it quits. Universal and partner Sony BMG have pulled the plug on the music service. Last week the music at Ruckus died too. Seems Apple's iTunes still dominates as does the iPod. Next, is what Apple must be thinking.

Turn-by-Turn Directions on iPhone via Jailbreak

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:53:46 +0000

xGPS has used Google Maps and it’s own real-time navigation readout and a voice proving it is possible. Apple, Google how about making this available to ALL iPhone users? The xGPS is only available via jailbreak. Works with iPod touch also.

Pre-order 240GB 5G iPod Hard Drive Upgrade

Stephen Antonucci — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 20:08:21 +0000

RapidRepair is taking pre-orders for a huge 240GB hard drive upgrade for the fifth-generation iPod. According to the product page for the Toshiba 240GB MK2431GAH 8mm, for 5th generation iPods ONLY (NOT the iPod classic). This is because it is a two-platter drive. Pricing is $295 for the drive and will begin shipping in March. Owners of the 30GB 5th generation iPod will be able to order a thicker backing along with the drive for an added $10. Compatibility This will only work in an iPod Video 5th Generation unit. The original iPod Video came in: 30GB, 60GB & 80GB sizes. This drive will not function in: PC's, iPod Classic, or Zune players. Players other than the iPod Video will only see one platter on the drive. Hopefully there will be an update to fix this issue. Capacity

Holds up to 60,000 songs in 128-Kbps AAC format
Holds up to 50,000 iPod-viewable photos
Holds up to 300 hours of video

Amazing!

iPhone/iPod touch 2.2.1 Update Arrives

Stephen Antonucci — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 20:33:57 +0000

Apple has just updated the firmware for the iPhone and the iPod touch to 2.2.1. This latest release has improved general stability of Safari and has addressed the issue where some images saved from Mail did not display correctly in the camera roll. The upgrade applies to both the original iPhone and the iPhone 3G, and can be downloaded through iTunes.

Zune Shows Its Brown

Stephen Antonucci — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 18:53:43 +0000

First the Zune loses the ability to see the date and goes screwy as New Year Eve approached. Microsoft's fix, WAIT until the New Year starts and try again. Now the Zune revenue is reported to have decreased $100 million, or 54 percent compared to the same quarter last year, while Apple sees a 3 percent increase in iPod sales over the same period. This despite Microsoft cutting the price during the holiday season! Ouch! Microsoft's announcement yesterday for 5,000 layoffs may hit the Entertainment and Devices Division (where the Zune lives) hard. Not all doomed the Xbox 360 has seen a revenue increase, but not without problems with the gaming console and last years write down.

Truphone Bringing Skype to iPhone and iPod touch

Stephen Antonucci — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:32:26 +0000

TRUPHONE INTRODUCES SKYPE CALLING AND INSTANT MESSAGING TO iPHONE AND iPOD TOUCH APPLICATIONS London and San Francisco–Jan. 6, 2009—Truphone today debuted the ability to make and receive Skype™ calls and instant messaging (IM) to the entire Skype user base from its iPhone™ and iPod touch™ applications. The service is scheduled to be available to all customers during the week of Jan. 12. The introduction was made at "ShowStoppers @ Macworld 2009" and will be showcased at the Truphone stand (#3228) at Macworld for the remainder of the week.

I have been using Truphone since its introduction on my iPhone and found it to be a great app with good calling quality. I have been using Fring also for its Skype feature.

Apple Brings New iPod touch Online Ads

Stephen Antonucci — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 14:50:43 +0000

Apple has some cool new online ads for the iPod touch. The placement on the Yahoo Games site is awesome. TBWA/Media Arts Lab, created an iPhone ad for Yahoo Games, where the iPod touch gameplay begins to move all the elements on the page. Take a look.

Apple Updates iTunes, Apple TV, iPhone and iPod touch

Stephen Antonucci — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:08:59 +0000

The busy bees at Apple have released a bunch of updates. See all the updates. iTunes 8.02 includes the following fixes (according to Apple):

Addresses a quality issue creating MP3s on some computers.
Fixes a connectivity issue with the iTunes Store when using some Internet proxies with Mac OS X.
Improves accessibility with VoiceOver.

Apple TV 2.3 includes:

AirTunes Streaming from Apple TV - Music can now be streamed via AirTunes to Airport Express speakers or other Apple TVs in your house.
Support for third-party Remote Controls
Playlists can now contain Movies, TV Shows, Podcasts, and Music Videos.
Support for volume control in Music (note you have to turn on this feature under Settings -> Audio and Video).

iPhone 2.2 includes:

Fewer call connection failures and mid-call drops.
Improved Visual Voicemail sound quality.
Google Street View has been added to maps.
Public transit information and walking directions.
Dropped pins display addresses.
Current location can be shared via e-mail.
E-mail fetching problems have been resolved.
Wide HTML e-mail formatting has been improved.
Auto-correcting keyboard can be turned on or off.
Safari is more stable and performs better.
Pressing Home button from any Home screen returns you to the first Home screen.

iPod touch 2.2 includes:

Secure WPA Wi-Fi network connection issues have been fixed.
E-mail fetching problems have been resolved.
Wide HTML e-mail formatting has been improved.
Auto-correcting keyboard can be turned on or off.
Safari is more stable and performs better.
Podcasts can be downloaded from iTunes application.
Pressing Home button from any Home screen returns you to the first Home screen.

iPhone Battery Extenders

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:21:40 +0000

Road warriors may find the iPhone's battery a bit inadequate. Personally, I can usually get through a work day on a charge. Sometimes my battery is spent by end of the work day however if I used my iPhone a lot. If you are finding that your iPhone battery is spent you may want to get a battery extender. The iPhone does not having a replaceable battery. Using one of these battery extenders solves this completely. Making the iPhone's non-replaceable battery mostly irrelevant. There are several models to choose from. Here are the ones I came up with. See them all...

App Store Surpass 4,000 iPhone Apps and Has Bargains

Stephen Antonucci — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:57:38 +0000

The App Store has now surpassed over 4,000 apps for the iPhone and iPod touch. There are some deals in the store right now (after the jump). 300 Bowl - my favorite bowling game now $2.99 until October. Bootant Games all on sale for a limited time including BeeCells, BiiBall 3D, BlocksClassic, BlocksTouch 3D, ColorRise 3D and CubeRise 3D. Equivalence - converter app on sale for $1.99 until October 6th. Normally priced at $4.99. eWallet - great password app on sale for $4.99 until October 3rd. Freeverse has lowered prices on all their games. Most are now $4.99. Galcon - action game now $4.99. iFlipr Flashcards - study app now $5.99 for a limited time. Pangea Software is having a sale with some nice discounts including Bugdom 2, Cro-Mag Rally & Enigmo. Tank Ace 1944 - tank game now $1.99 down four dollars this month. Vegas Pool Sharks - now $1.99 for a limited time is a nice pool sim game. Also see my favorites list.

My Favorite iPhone Apps – UPDATED!

Stephen Antonucci — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:58:06 +0000

With over ~~3,600~~ 4,000 apps available in the App Store now it is a bit daunting to find the best ones. I have tried so many it is not funny. I decided to compile a list of my favorites. Many of these are also on my iPod touch. Several of these apps are on sale at reduced prices right now. Take a look:

iPod classic the Mature iPod Sorta Updated

Stephen Antonucci — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:22:57 +0000

The iPod classic has always had a place in my heart as this was the iPod that is well as close to my original 5G iPod that I bought on launch day October 23, 2001. Seems so long ago. I own a 160GB iPod classic now I carry on long car trips. It was great a few weeks ago on my 2,000 mile trek thru Canada. Well now my 160GB iPod classic is really a classic as Apple has scaled back a bit on the classic and will now only offer one model in black or white with 120GB of storage which can still hold 30,000 songs or about 150 hours of video. "One Size Fits All. The New iPod classic" is the new tagline. This is the first time Apple has updated an iPod with less storage. The new 120GB unit offers the new Genius feature creates a playlist of tracks in your library that go great together. Battery life is 36 hours music or up to 6 hours when fully charged. The new unit looks to be mostly unchanged as compared to the 80GB and 160GB units it replaces. No word yet if owners of the previous models can expect a firmware update to add the new Genius feature that now is present in iTunes 8 and across the new iPod lineup.

iPod touch Receives Update

Stephen Antonucci — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:53:25 +0000

The iPod touch is being positioned by Apple as a handheld gaming device. Apple is calling it "the funnest iPod ever," along with the tagline "Millions of songs. Thousands of movies. Hundreds of games. The new iPod touch." Available for order at the Apple Store online the new sleeker iPod touch costs $229 for 8GB, $299 for 16GB and $399 for 32GB model. Added are built-in speakers and mechanical volume control. Battery life is up to an amazing 36 hours of audio or 6 hours of video on its 3.5 inch screen. Ships with earphones, USB 2.0 cable, dock adapter and a polishing cloth. New for the iPod touch 2.1 software is a new Genius playlist feature that creates a playlist by finding songs in your library that go great together. The new iPod touch also comes with Nike+ built-in, so all you have to buy is the shoe sensor/transmitter. No more dongle. Owners of the older iPod touch can update to 2.1 software for free if they paid the $9.99 for the 2.0 upgrade. If not they must pay the $9.99 price for the 2.1 software. Updated software should is available now.

iPhone 2.1 Update Expected Friday

Stephen Antonucci — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:36:22 +0000

iPhone 2.1 update promises less dropped calls, fix the crashes, faster syncs and better battery life. Along with iTunes 8 which will be available today this is welcomed news for all iPhone owners. The new 2.1 software is a free update to iPhone and iPod touch users who have 2.0 installed. If your iPod touch is still running 1.x software, it will cost $9.95 to get the 2.1 upgrade. The iPod touch 2.1 update is available now.

New iPod nano Arrives

Stephen Antonucci — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:24:29 +0000

There is a new iPod nano in town in 9 colors, rounder thinner with new features. Available for $149 for 8GB and $199 for 16GB model. The new iPod nano has several new features that include:

"Shake to shuffle" - just give iPod nano a shake and it shuffles to a different song in your music library.
"Rock and roll over" - built-in accelerometer allows you rotating the iPod nano to flip through album art with Cover Flow. Watch movies and TV shows in widescreen. And view photos in either portrait or landscape.
"Meet a musical Genius" - just a few clicks, the new Genius feature finds the songs on your iPod nano that go great together and makes a Genius Playlist for you.

Battery life offers up to 24 hours of audio or 4 hours of video. Ships with earphones, USB 2.0 cable, and a dock adapter.

EA Brings Spore to iPhone and iPod touch

Stephen Antonucci — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:52:32 +0000

Electronic Art's Spore $9.99 is hidden in the iTunes App Store. Likely part of an announcement for tomorrow's Steve-note. If you want it NOW go here. Tomorrow's "Let's Rock" iPod related event will most likely be bringing us iTunes 8 and hopefully iPhone 2.1 update. The event will be held at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco at 10 AM PT. The banners were raised over the weekend. Maybe we can get more interest in new hardware, software and services than Steve Jobs weight this time around.

“Let’s Rock” on September 9 Says Apple Invitation

Stephen Antonucci — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 19:33:55 +0000

According to Ars Technica, Apple has sent out invitations to select media for a September 9th special event. The invitation features an iPod screen with the words "Let's Rock" on it. According to the invite, the event will be held at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco at 10 AM PT next Tuesday. New iPods? Revamped iPod touch? Stay tuned.

Apple Shows Mercy Releases iPhone Firmware 2.0.1 Proving There Is a God

Stephen Antonucci — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 01:40:58 +0000

Apple has set free iPhone Software 2.0.1, the first highly awaited update for the iPhone and iPod touch. And the crowd cheered! Apple explains that the update contains “Bug fixes.” Weighing in at 249.2MB in size for the iPhone, or 246.7MB for the iPod touch, let's hope it contains an entire can of Raid! Connect your iPhone or iPod touch and click to Update. I am updating my iPhone 3G and iPod touch right now.

Ordered A New iPod Kit for my Toyota

Stephen Antonucci — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 19:59:38 +0000

I just ordered a new iPod/iPhone interface for my Toyota mini-van. I have had an after market Peripheral device in my van since I bought it in 2005. It has worked fine for me. It allows direct connection to my vehicles sound system and allowed control from my steering wheel controls. Sure beats FM modulators and cassette adapters. Unfortunately, the cable the connects to the iPod or iPhone (1st generation) broke and I have had some ugly black electrical tape on it for some time. This is given me the excuse to replace the unit instead of just the cable. I actually did buy a cable replacement that ended up being the wrong one. The device I have installed now only has a dock connector that allows the iPod or 1st generation iPhone charge and play through my van's stereo system. What I have been longing for was an additional stereo input so I could connect any additional device. Another problem is many charging accessories that worked with the iPod and the 1st generation iPhone no longer work with the new iPhone 3G due to a change Apple has made to the way it charges. There is some hope that third party adapters may in some cases restore charging to the iPhone 3G with older accessories. Looking for a new kit to replace my current one turned up several choices offering a second input. That is one with a dock connector that can charge most iPods and the 1st generation iPhone and a stereo RCA input you can switch to for other devices. I could not find any that could guarantee charging for the newer iPhone 3G however. I ended up ordering the USA Spec PA20-Toy Toyota/Lexus iPod Adapter w/ Aux Input, $158 [Amazon link]. It offered exactly what I was looking for. The manufacturers website also clarified the iPhone 3G charging issue and will be offering a quick solution (see below).

Important Note - NEW 3 G PHONE !! Apple changed the connector dock which results that all existing interface (including all other brands) cables do not charge the new 3G We have a new cable being designed that will charge the 3G Phone. This new cable should be available in September. Please email sales for order information. Please note, due to software changes in the new iPods, the new iPhone and iTouch, work fine in the direct mode, but do not work in our new Hybrid mode! The new models work fine on the new PA20 TOY with all features!

the USA Spec PA20-Toy iPod Interface offers the following features:

IPOD interface to connect, control, charge and play an IPOD through a factory radio
All plug and play harnesses included for most applications and for easy installation
Adds additional single stereo Aux input
Song up/down Playlist/disc select, shuffle and random play features all control iPod
Auto memory feature – Auto locates last song listened to on each play list
Auto Skip 10+ songs in each play list with factory CD Changer FF button
Auto skip to end of play list with factory CD Changer FF button
Auto Maintain current play list when migrating from portable to in car use
Auto Charge feature charges IPOD battery and auto stops after 1 hour of non use.
In some vehicles if Vehicle has existing external CD Changer it must be disconnected.
Auto Playlist Select – If no play list is created, Auto Selects first 5 play list on iPod

Other New Features: • Playlist Mode - Create up to 5 favorite mobile playlist then use the radio’s CD changer controls to access and control your playlist. • Direct Mode - Gives user complete control of their iPod while it is connected to the factory radio. iPod is not locked out while connected to the radio and user is able to manually access their complete iPod content. Radio still can adjust song up/down random or shuffle play but user can manually control their iPod and select any playlist, genre or Artist of their choice. • New Hybrid Mode! - Combines best features of Direct Mode and Playlist Mode. Create and access your favorite mobile playlist or directly access all your iPod content manually on your iPod. iPod displays song title information and iPod is not locked, so the iPod can be operated manually at all times. No word on the cost of the new cable that will be needed to charge the iPhone 3G yet. But I doubt it will be that expensive. Besides with the AUX input I can connect the iPhone 3G to my vehicle's sound system and charge it with a lighter plug charger. I am looking forward to connecting my iPod classic to the dock connector and my iPhone 3G or any other device that has audio out to the stereo AUX input for a long driving tour of Canada I have at the end of the month. Look for my full review of the USA Spec PA20-Toy Toyota/Lexus iPod Adapter w/ Aux Input after that trip. In my opinion all cars today should at least have a AUX audio input. My fuel saving Toyota Yaris does. By the way if you are looking for a nice mounting system for your car for any of your electronic devices check out ProClipUSA. Love their stuff. I just updated the ProClip mount in my vehicle to a dual mount.

Zune’s Lack of Improvement Loses Its Biggest Fan

Stephen Antonucci — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:44:50 +0000

It is no secret that Apple's iPod has trounced Microsoft Zune in the marketplace. Microsoft has done little to improve or change the Zune's features. While iPod owners have enjoyed audiobooks, movie rentals, or any of the advanced features of the iPod touch, Zune owners have seen little change since the device was introduced in November 2006. This has now cost the Zune's most avid fan, Steven Smith the guy even went as far as getting three Zune-themed tattoos. Now he will be hiding them and no longer wants to be part of the Zune community (as small as that community may be). "I have had the Zune since day one and have noticed little improvement," Smith says. "I have tried my best to support them every step of the way but the recent Xbox Live announcement at E3 made me lose it." He has now bought an 80GB iPod classic. Microsoft anemic improvements as lead to only recently received official TV show support in-store as of May 2008, two and a half years after the iTunes and the iPod. At this point Microsoft would need a small miracle, no a LARGE miracle to get anywhere near the feature set of an iPod touch. Rest assured, Steven Smith is not alone in his frustration with Microsoft and their product. There has been plenty of public frustration with the player expressed by early fans and potential buyers. The sales have been dismal. Where is the "social?" I have yet to see a Zune in the wild. Many of the stores I have seen them in are still carrying the old models and no one notices.

App Store Growing Adding New Apps Daily

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:40:12 +0000

Apple is adding new apps to the new iPhone/iPod touch App Store daily. On launch day I counted 553 iPhone apps and today it is up to about 830. At this rate there may be 1,000 third party applications for the iPhone by the weekend! They are off to a fantastic start. Mocha VNC Lite was just made available, which is a free VNC remote desktop app. It allows to to see and control your Windows or Mac OS X desktop from your iPhone or iPod touch. A more full featured $5.99 app will be available soon. I am looking forward to trying it out. Be great if there was a Back To My Mac app from Apple.

Humor: RIM on iPhone Launch Day

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:28:08 +0000

For someone like me that is now carrying a Blackberry and a new iPhone 3G this strikes a chord. I think the fact that RIM is working as fast as possible to bring the iPhone clone looking "touch screen" Blackberry Thunder to market shows they have put out the white flag on mechanical keyboards being the future. Can RIM match the iPhone SDK on an OS from 1999? Can they match the App Store or the iTunes experience? Get decent multi-media support? Improve the browser to match mobile Safari? Give a Blackberry a decent UI? We will see.

Apple Releases iPod touch 1.1.5 update

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 03:17:51 +0000

For those of you that are no choosing to pay the $10 for the iPod touch 2.0 update Apple has not forgotten you. They have just released a 1.1.5 firmware update. This update seems to bring little but the slightest improvements to the touch. In my opinion it is a no brainer to pay for the iPod touch 2.0 update as it adds the App Store, push email (with MobileMe), support for Exchange, updated language and keyboard support, searchable contacts, multiple calendars, a calculator that switches from standard to scientific when you turn the touch sideways, support for viewing a broader variety of e-mail attachments (iWork and PowerPoint files, specifically), mass delete and moving of e-mail messages, parental controls, and the ability to take a screenshot of the iPod’s interface by holding the Home button and then briefly pressing the Sleep/Wake button. The App Store offers many free apps and one from Apple called Remote that makes your iPod touch (or iPhone) into a great wifi remote control for iTunes and Apple TVs. The $10 is well worth the cost. Along with the third party apps it is like getting a new device.

iPod touch 2.0 Upgrade $9.95

Stephen Antonucci — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:45:14 +0000

iPod touch owners can purchase the 2.0 upgrade [iTunes link] for US$9.95 from the iTunes Store as it becomes available.

App Store Goes Official

Stephen Antonucci — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:16:56 +0000

Apple has launched the new App Store. It has been accessible from within the iTunes Store for a few hours now. Still no official release of the iPhone or iPod touch 2.0 firmware as of yet. So you can check out the new mobile apps and purchase them. However, you will have to wait for the software update to run them. Apparently these launches are not going as smooth as Apple may have expected. The .Mac to MobileMe conversion was supposed be done last night between 6 PM and 12 AM PT. It was pushed back to 8 PM to 2 AM. Except for a few moments today MobileMe and www.me.com has been down and the old .mac site says maintenance is still being done. The OS X update for MobileMe integration is missing in action so far.

App Store Almost Launched

Stephen Antonucci — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:20:57 +0000

Although the App Store has not officially launched yet, I was able to find and download iPhone/iPod touch apps from the iTunes Store. Check out this iTunes link. I found the free remote app from Apple under iPhone Applications. It will be able to control iTunes and the Apple TV! There seems to be a lot of apps that will be available for free or reasonable prices with 500 plus applications and 25 percent are free. I already downloaded 14 apps for the iPhone and iPod touch. As soon as you download an app it appears in the new Application section of iTunes as you might expect. I will need the new software 2.0 to use any of them which is expected later today.

Rhapsody Embraces iPods and Launches MP3 Store

Stephen Antonucci — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:53:28 +0000

Rhapsody has struggled to compete with Apple's domination with iTunes in the past by ignoring the iPod and offering a subscription model that only worked on Windows. This has failed miserably. Now they will try to take on iTunes by embracing the iPod with DRM-free MP3 tracks they will sell at $.99 and most albums for $9.99. They will be entering an expanding field with eMusic, Amazon and Wal-Mart already selling DRM-free MP3s. Amazon sells MP3s at a discount with most single tracks selling at $.89 and most albums selling at $7.99. Take Katy Perry's new album One Of The Boys selling on Amazon for $7.99 which is $2 more at Rhapsody. The Katy Perry single I Kissed A Girl is only $.89 at Amazon and $.10 more at Rhapsody. Rhapsody will also be available on mobile phones through Verizon Wireless VCAST Music service. Any tracks purchased via VCAST (over-the-air) will be able to be downloaded to the users computer at a whopping $1.99 per track. Apple has the Wi-Fi Music Store where you can buy over-the-air tracks at the same $.99 as with iTunes. Many Starbucks stores are set up to list what's playing in the store for iPhone and iPod touch users for easy purchase. The Rhapsody MP3 tracks will be compatible with Apple's iPod. Rhapsody vice president Neil Smith said that not being compatible with the iPod had limited Rhapsody's reach. Previously the company had focused on its subscription service, which offered unlimited songs streaming for $13 to $15 a month which is NOT compatible with iPods. My question is how will Rhapsody make money? Is moving to DRM-free MP3s too little to late? What compelling reason will iPod and iPhone users have to buy MP3s from Rhapsody instead of iTunes? It is not cheaper. With the new App Store opening for business in a about 11 days, iTunes will certainly get stronger for iPhone and iPod touch owners. Anyway, choice is a good thing and I guess Rhapsody is hoping for the best. Also see NY Times Bits Blog, Rhapsody Runs Hard Just to Stay in Place for another take.

Should Border Guards Work for the MPAA and RIAA?

Stephen Antonucci — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 22:22:24 +0000

The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA), a new plan secretly being negotiated, is an agreement that will include the United States, Canada and members of the European Union, to form an international coalition against copyright infringement. Essentially making border agents work for the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) and the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) to track pirating by searching laptops, iPods and even cell phones for copyrighted materials! See what a good lobbyist can do for you?

Under this plan what is decided is copyrighted material will be left up to the border guard? Now this is really scary. Don't the border guards have enough to do, like watching for terrorists?

If any device has content that the border agent thinks violates a copyright law, the device itself could be taken or even destroyed. This might mean even a ripped CD or DVD that you own. Fair Use be damned.

Anyone found with what is thought to be infringing content in their possession would also be open to a fine. Great, let's have the courts working for the MPAA and the RIAA also.

It does not make this particular tax payer happy to have my tax dollars spent this way. Not to mention waiting in line while agents check devices.

The trade agreement includes "civil enforcement" measures which give security personnel the "authority to order ex parte searches" (without a lawyer present) "and other preliminary measures." The hell with your rights, you could be caught, convicted and fined by a border agent!

In Canada, border guards already perform random searches of laptops at airports to check for child pornography. ACTA would expand the role of those and have border guards also become the "copyright police." Now this sounds like a great plan? What's your take?

iPod and iPhone to Fly on United Airlines

Stephen Antonucci — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:30:21 +0000

According to a United Airlines press release, United is the first U.S. carrier to offer free iPod and iPhone connectivity to its in-flight entertainment system, enabling customers to enjoy their individual content on a 15.4-inch personal television, all while the iPod or iPhone charges. The first aircraft with iPod and iPhone connectivity is scheduled to depart at 5:40 p.m. from Washington, D.C. to Zurich as United #936, and it will fly primarily on trans-Atlantic routes. United's entire fleet of international, widebody aircraft are being reconfigured over the next two years with lie-flat seats, on-demand entertainment, and iPod and iPhone connectivity in first and business class. Cool!

iCarPlay 250 FM Transmitter for the iPod and iPhone

Stephen Antonucci — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:11:44 +0000

Monster has introduced the iCarPlay 250 FM transmitter for the iPod and iPhone. The iCarPlay 250 can be used both in the car and in the home/office by unplugging the device’s USB cord from the included cigarette lighter adapter, and then plugging it into an open USB port on a computer or wall charger. With the transmitter unit detached, the cigarette lighter adapter can be used to charge other USB devices. Your iPhone or iPod will be charged while in use, AutoScan 3D technology that automatically scans the entire FM spectrum three times to lock onto the clearest FM frequency available, automatic adjustment of power output on individual frequencies for maximum signal strength, three button control, and a blue LCD display. The Monster iCarPlay 250 FM transmitter is available now and sells for $99.95.

Universal and Wolfgang’s Vault Make a Deal

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:38:49 +0000

I have been a fan and buyer at Wolfgang’s Vault where you can listen for free or purchase downloads live performances by classic artists like Aerosmith, Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Buffet, Pink Floyd, The Doors, The Rolling Stones,Grateful Dead, Miles Davis, Bruce Springsteen, U2, and many others. Now Wolfgang's Vault has a deal with Universal Music Group to make available vintage concert performances from artists such as The Kinks, Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley adding to the almost 500 recordings they currently available for download.

Get A Free iPod touch with Apple’s School Deal

Stephen Antonucci — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 12:39:59 +0000

Apple started a back-to-school promo offering a free iPod touch to faculty and students buying a Mac through either the online Apple Store or retail stores. The promo offers a $299 rebate equivalent to the price of an 8GB iPod touch if both the iPod and the Mac are on the same order. Upgrading to a 16GB or 32GB iPod touch allows buyers to apply the full $299 discount. Those who prefer the iPod nano can opt for an 8GB model at a reduced $199 rebate. The promo runs to October 15th.

Video: Check Out Pong on three iPod touch

Stephen Antonucci — Fri, 30 May 2008 03:44:47 +0000

Running multi-touch, multi-screen iPod touch Pong seems pretty cool. The iPhone and iPod touch may well end up being one the best handheld gaming systems yet! Three-player networked Pong for the iPod touch, claimed to be written in about an hour.

Griffin Shipping First iPhone-compatible FM transmitter

Stephen Antonucci — Thu, 29 May 2008 10:39:31 +0000

Griffin Technology has announced it is now shipping its iTrip AutoPilot with SmartScan FM transmitter, $99.99 for the iPod and iPhone. The iTrip AutoPilot features music playback controls, RDS technology to show song information on RDS-enabled car radio displays, the SmartScan feature that automatically finds the three best FM frequencies, and a high-contrast OLED screen.

Sync Google Contacts Added to 10.5.3

Stephen Antonucci — Wed, 28 May 2008 20:53:58 +0000

According to the Google Blog, the Address Book application in Mac OS X 10.5.3 now lets iPhone users sync their Address Book with Google Contacts. I have confirmed this. Easy setup. This brings your Google contacts to the iPhone and iPod. You have had the ability to sync Yahoo with the Address Book for some time.

Napster Opens MP3 Store That is Not Safari Compatible

Stephen Antonucci — Tue, 20 May 2008 12:36:00 +0000

Napster the name that once ruled the MP3 world, although the illegal one, has watched its fortunes disappear. Napster's stock price is riding at about $1.54, once a high of almost $10 a share. They bet on Windows Media DRM and a subscription model and got clobbered by Apple's iTunes Store and the iPod that their tracks were incompatible with. Now they are hoping that an MP3 store offering 6 million unprotected tracks may revive their sinking fortunes. Napster is quick to explain that users with iTunes can auto-sync their Napster downloads. So I went over to see if their new store was better than Amazon or competed well with iTunes. As you can see above they seem to not care much for Mac users running Safari. Gee, seems ridiculous. How hard would it be to have your website work with Safari? Amazon's MP3 Store does. Napster chief executive Chris Gorog said, “Now consumers can use Napster with any device.” Unless of course you are running Safari. Napster thinks they have an edge over the Amazon MP3 store with 6 million to Amazon's supposed 4.5 million available tracks. I do not think Amazon has much to lose sleep over. Napster's pricing is slightly higher at 99 cents each, with most full albums selling for about $10. While Amazon, who has much higher traffic and name recognition is a bit cheaper at sells most tracks for 89 cents and albums for $8 or less. Neither Napster or Amazon are selling iPod compatible videos. Napster will not be offering any type of trade program for customers who have a library of DRM-protected WMA files that they purchased a MP3 version as iTunes does. Napster will continue to offer its online and To Go subscription services for $12.95 or $14.95 per month, respectively. The music associated with a subscription will remain in the protected WMA format with the time-out capability. These services are not compatible with the iPod or iPhone.

Tube 2.7 Brings Placeshifting via iChat to the Mac

Stephen Antonucci — Tue, 13 May 2008 18:49:29 +0000

equinux has released The Tube 2.7, a free update to its Mac TV software that adds live-streaming of content via iChat. Place-shifting, allows users to share what they are watching with friends using iChat Theater allowing the receiving person to even record the show. Users can create TubeToGo web gallery that makes an instant podcast of their recordings. They then can subscribe to the podcast of their recordings on the Apple TV in the living room, on a Mac or PC that is running iTunes or other applications. Time-shifting features like pause and rewind as well as information about the show via the electronic program guide (EPG) are available. Users can watch their recordings via Safari on an iPhone or iPod touch where they can also remotely manage and schedule recordings. The Tube 2.7 software, which requires Mac OS X 10.4, works with its TubeStick Hybrid device ($130), a USB 2.0-based TV receiver that includes two receivers for watching digital over-the-air HDTV or digital (Clear QAM) and analog cable TV.

Google Releases New Reader for iPhone & iPod Touch

Stephen Antonucci — Tue, 13 May 2008 17:08:36 +0000

The Google Reader team has announced a new beta version of Google Reader for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Go to http://google.com/reader/i/ or when you are just in Google Reader on your iPhone or iPod touch (it will default to the classic view) go to the very bottom and choose the “Mobile” view.

Zune Sales Unimpressive and Flat

Stephen Antonucci — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:04:45 +0000

With only 2 millions Zunes sold to date since they went on sale in November 2006 it looks like Microsoft's plan has "no bragging rights." The plan? The plan that was to take on the iPod and Apple head to head instead of the PlaysForSure partnership. In fact it appears that the Zune is mostly taking sales from Creative a former PlaysForSure partner, not Apple or second-place SanDisk. Zune sales look like a total flatline. Apple sold more iPods in on month last quarter than Microsoft sold Zune since it was introduced in 2006. Microsoft sold its first million using solely the pioneering 30GB model, but since the past November has been selling two inexpensive flash-based models as well as two hard drive players, indicating slow growth with little effect on the market for its broader product range. If this is not a failure, I do not know what you would call it. Microsoft has been pretty quiet with actually sales numbers and I find it ironic that with these dismal sales figures they were still way slow in introducing more features like TV shows, podcasts, smart playlists or even audiobooks into the Zune line. These sales results leave Microsoft with just a tiny fraction of Apple's US market share and with comparatively slow development. Microsoft is watching the iPod and now the iPhone fly past their player with wi-fi music store, mobile Safari, widgets, email, etc. with no answer in sight. Microsoft barely has 4 percent of the market for MP3 players. Creative, has dropped from four to two percent marketshare year-over-year. SanDisk is in second place with only 11 percent. Stats are from the NPD Group. Apple in its latest quarter sold 10.6 million iPods, or more than five times Microsoft's cumulative sales to date and is now the number one reseller of music in the U.S. with their iTunes Store. On January 22, 2008, Apple reported they had sold over 140M iPods to date. So I ask "Where is the social?"