All About iPods

Weekend Project: Design your own iPod stickers

2007-05-16T01:37:00.000-07:00

You know those wee little iPod stickers you can buy at horribly inflated prices? Bah. You can design your own kickass iPod stickers for a fraction of that.

All you need is some kind of graphics program and a full sheet of labels in order to pull off this quick project, and it's really fun to see what you can come up with - the design is pretty much up to you. — Wendy Boswell

iPodifier video converter (Windows)

2007-05-16T01:34:00.000-07:00

Windows only: Freeware application iPodifier monitors user-defined folders for videos, automatically transcodes them to an iPod-compatible format, adds them to iTunes, and then syncs them with your iPod.

Awesome, right? There are a lot of to-iPod transcoding tools out there, but iPodifier has clearly had a lot of thought put into set-up-and-leave-it automation. iPodifier can watch any folder for new video, so that means you can keep an eye on your bittorrent directory, your DVR TV shows, etc. In fact, if you're a Windows MCE user, Rick has already detailed how to copy MCE-recorded shows to your iPod with iPodifier. If you do any transcoding to get videos on your iPod, you can't do any better than iPodifier. — Adam Pash

iNoPhone: Headset Made from an Apple Mouse

2007-01-31T17:28:00.000-08:00

An enterprising modder has created his very own Apple Phone, dubbed the iNoPhone. It's not exactly as slick as the official version, but it's not without its charm. Made from an old Apple mouse and a Bluetooth headset, it's not really a full phone — it's a headset, and you need a real phone equipped with Bluetooth to use it.

Pretty cool, if you consider holding a 20-year-old computer peripheral up to your head cool. –Adam Frucci

iNoPhone [via NotCot.org

Get the Latest iPod shuffle Earbuds: Telling the Old Box vs. the New

2007-01-31T17:25:00.000-08:00

Do you want to make sure you get Apple's updated earbuds with your new iPod shuffle? That'll be easy if you're getting one of the newly-technicolored models. But if you're getting a silver one, here's how to tell the difference in the packaging so you won't be stuck with those old-skool phones.

Take a look at the boxes above. If that swanky box has a green Apple logo and text, it's the old version. The new box has gray lettering, and you'll be taking home the latest earphones. – Charlie White

iPhone Roundup: True Cost, 3D, and Ringtones!

2007-01-16T22:58:00.000-08:00

For the sake of not bombarding you with 25 iPhone stories today (too late?), here's a summary of all the goodness we've found in the last 48 hours.

First off, someone took all the images on the Apple site and modelled it up into a 3D gif. Neat, eh?

But how much will you really pay for the iPhone in the first year? Counting the $640 for the phone ($599 + tax), a $60 voice plan, a $40 data plan, and $8 worth of fees, you're looking at $1,936 in just the first year. Yikes. Then again, you're paying around that much if you get a regular smartphone with the same data plans, but this may be a shock to the "average" consumer who isn't used to getting data.

Think you're going to be getting the entire 4GB or 8GB on your iPhone for music and videos? Think again. Apple's going to be using 500MB of that to store the OS (slimmed down version of OSX), so you're only going to be getting 3.5GB or 7.5GB. Even less if you're considering the apps that are installed there—if the apps aren't considered part of the OS.

Also, more importantly, users won't be able to use iTunes songs as ringtones. At least, not at launch. We're sure Apple's gotta work out stuff with Cingular and the music industry, since using songs you already bought as ringtones makes it pretty hard to justify buying the same song again just to use as a ringtone—something that's turning out to be a pretty big money source for both providers and the music industry.

And has Cisco lost the rights to the iPhone? According to a trademark law expert, Cisco had to file a Declaration of Use for the trademark before the sixth anniversary of the registration date. Since they registered on 11/16/99, the sixth anniversary would have been 11/16/05. Since they didn't do so, they may in fact have lost their right for exclusive use of the iPhone trademark. – Jason Chen

True cost of the iPhone - CenterNetworks does the math! [CenterNetworks]

iPhone 3d [iPhone-3d]

Macwelt gets more iPhone details out of Apple [Ars Technica]

Cisco lost rights to iPhone trademark last year, experts say [ZDNet]

2007 iPod Buyers' Guide Ready for Download

2006-11-02T00:34:00.000-08:00

The guys over at iLounge must be cruising around in their Deloreans a bit too much because they just released their 2007 iPod Buyers' Guide. Quick, someone shoot them an e-mail because it is still 2006. Joking aside, if you ever wanted to know something about the iPod—this is the place to go. The guide is 180 pages of pure iPod. Everything from the actual players, to accessories, history, reviews, contests, backstage and more. It is definitely worth checking out for any current or future iPod owners. Oh, and it's free! Hooray free! – Travis Hudson

2007 iPod Buyers' Guide [iLounge]

Etymotic Ety8 Wireless iPod Earphones

2006-11-01T23:32:00.000-08:00

We've been waiting for wireless earphones for the iPod for a while, but these Ety8 earphones from Etymotic unfortunately look a bit silly. These earphones are wireless in that they don't need to be connected to your iPod, but they do have a cable running between the two that wraps around your head/neck. That's great, but how do they wear? Well, not so great.

If you thought people wearing Bluetooth headsets looked weird, imagine what someone wearing two of them—one in each ear—would look like. Also, they're shaped like a rectangle. Yeah, not too cool. Plus they cost $299 with an iPod connector and $199 without. ¡Gracias, pero no gracias! – Jason Chen

Etymotic to unveil Ety8 wireless earphones [iLounge]

Touchscreen iPod in December, Zune Slam-Dunked?

2006-10-19T07:53:00.000-07:00

An "extremely well-informed exec" tells Trusted Reviews that the 6G iPod will be released in December, and it will be capable of 480p resolution. The source confirmed that it will be a touchscreen model with virtual click wheel control, but made no mention of whether wireless connectivity would be part of the package. Added the source, "This is why Jobs isn't afraid of the Zune."

We've seen the iPod touchscreen patent documentation, and we've entertained countless rumors and even reliable tips about the upcoming device; what we need to see now is a real picture of it. One thing's for sure, if this widescreen iPod is released in the next two months, the Microsoft Zune with its old-fashioned 4x3 screen and crippled WiFi will be slam-dunked. – Charlie White

Touchscreen iPod Comes This December [Trusted Reviews]

mi Lites: iPod Case with Lighting

2006-10-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

If those white earbuds aren't doing their job to get your iPod stolen, you might consider the mi Lite. It's half protective case, half party in my pocket, and fully obnoxious to fellow commuters on the subway.

mi Lites are activated by a touch sensor on the case and provide their own "replaceable" power supply (we are guessing watch battery). The site claims future availability for all iPods but the mini and shuffle. We'll need to see mi Lites in person before any final judgments, but most of the designs on their page are ugly as sin - like sticking your iPod in a glowing pile of poo. But the model pictured here isn't bad for $19.98. – Mark Wilson

Product Page [via popgadget]

iPod Nano From Hell?

2006-10-16T08:03:00.000-07:00

This from reader/Satan-worshipper David:

"Hey guys, I'm a worker at Staples-Business Depot in Canada , and we just started carying iPods. Funny little thing, in our inventory program, for every iPod the SKU starts with 666! For exapme the ipod Nano is 666 268. Coincidence? I think not. iPods must be from from hell."

Hmm. Did Jobs sign a deal with the Devil? Is this the real reason for the new red iPod Nano that was just launched? We can appreciate David's half-assed Photoshopping, but the Devil will not be happy that he didn't take the time to cut out the pentagram/draw it in blood. – Mark Wilson

Thanks David!

Belkin Tunestage II Bluetooth iPod Adapter, Receiver

2006-10-13T02:28:00.000-07:00

Belkin has officially announced the release of their TuneStage II Bluetooth iPod adapter and receiver. The receiver will hook up to your home entertainment system and the adapter will simply plug into the dock connector of almost all iPods. It will then stream music up to 33 feet away via Bluetooth v2.0. All controls can be done via the iPod itself, including volume, so the TuneStage II essentially turns the iPod into a damn expensive remote control.

The Bluetooth adapter attached to the iPod can also wirelessly connect to headphones, car stereos and other Bluetooth devices. The TuneStage II will be available in November for $150. – Travis Hudson

Press Release [Belkin]

Bono and Oprah to Launch Red iPod Nano Tomorrow

2006-10-13T00:13:00.000-07:00

The two giant stars plan to unveil a 4GB red iPod Nano in order to benefit the Product RED charity. From each sale of the $199 iPod, $10 will be donated towards The Global Fund to help out HIV/AIDS sufferers in Africa. Rumors of a red iPod have been around since January of this year, but we're certain that Oprah used her cosmic powers to get this deal done.

We also heard the red iPod nano is making an appearance at the 5th Ave. Apple Store. If any readers wander down there, email us some photos of the iPod and we'll hit you up with a personalized email with your name in it and a "thank you". If we're feeling generous, we'll even attach our signature.

Oh and by the way, the reason Gizmodo was red yesterday wasn't because we were helping The Global Fund. We just sold out to Radio Shack for a day. Go us! – Jason Chen

Oprah and Bono to unveil Product Red iPod nano tomorrow [Apple Insider]

Gear4 BluEye: Make and Take Calls from Your iPod, FM Radio, Too

2006-10-11T01:40:00.000-07:00

Sick and tired of waiting for the iPhone? BluEye lets you make and take calls from your iPod. It also gives you a remote control with a microphone inside, Bluetooth connectivity between iPod and cellphone, and stops that iPod music when a phone call comes in, showing you the caller ID info on the iPod screen. There's also a clip to hold that remote and mic right where you need it.

For this product, Gear4 teamed up with Mavizen, a company that already thought of this idea, and now Gear4 adds FM radio to the mix, plus the BluEye draws power from the iPod itself instead of its own rechargeable battery. This latest iteration will be available in black or white in the UK first for £49.99 ($94).

Hey wait a minute: doesn't this baby include all of the features the iPod is missing? If it didn't require the extra paraphernalia, this would be an elegant augmentation for the iPod's shortcomings. – Charlie White

Product Page [Gear4]

iPod Screensaver Hack

2006-10-09T08:36:00.000-07:00

For anyone with a 5G iPod, here is how you can make any video your iPod screensaver while it's charging, compliments of Francis Real:

1. Create a file named "Demo Mode" on your iPod.
2. In iTunes, rename any video file as "demo".
3. Sync.
4. Put on the charger.

Sounds like a neat, non-warranty-voiding hack. Now if only I could decide between hot women in bikinis and my favorite episode of Alf - you know, the one where he kidnaps the lion and tries to eat it. – Mark Wilson

How to Enable iPod Screensaver Thanks Francis!

Brando iSing: i Like

2006-10-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

The Brando iSing is yet another 5G iPod dock/speaker unit, but I like it nonetheless. It connects to your computer via USB, or can be loaded with AAs and taken on the road when wall power isn't available. It also comes in 3 colors that we assume match the new Nanos perfectly (though no photos have color iPods next to the iSings on their site, so buyer beware). The catch: at $25 the iSing can't sound that great, but at the low pricepoint we're also more likely to buy it. – Mark Wilson

Product Page [via I4U]

Tuvoli iYiYi iPod Dock Successor Still Called iYiYi

2006-10-08T07:47:00.000-07:00

This tip about the future Tuvoli iPod dock/speaker set looks exactly like the old one, except we think this one's black. Is the black version what's new? We don't know, since there's no extra information besides the fact that it will retail for $299.99. Oh, and there's a remote this time. Tuvoli makes some good-sounding audio products, so this looks good if you're willing to spring $299 for an iPod dock.

But since this is version 2, couldn't they throw a few more Yi's in there? – Jason Chen

Belkin Debuts Line of Cases for 2nd-Gen iPod Nano, Video

2006-09-21T00:16:00.000-07:00

Belkin has officially introduced a eight cases for the 2nd generation iPod nano and video that were released last week. They cover all different types and styles of the cases including acrylic, flip-top hard, neoprene, armband, slider and even a kickstand case. The prices range from $14.99 and up. Hit the jump to see the official list of all of the models with prices. – Travis Hudson

• Acrylic Case for iPod nano (F8Z116) - $29.99; video (F8Z115) - $29.99
• Flip-Top Hard Case for iPod nano (F8Z124) - $14.99; video (F8Z123) - $19.99
• Neoprene Holster for iPod nano (F8Z124) - $14.99; video (F8Z123) - $19.99
• Canvas Flip Case for iPod nano (F8Z120 and F8Z117) - $19.99
• Canvas Holster Case for iPod nano (F8Z119) - $19.99; video (F8Z118) - $24.99
• Sports Armband for iPod nano (F8Z105) - $24.99; video (F8Z095) - $29.99
• Slider Case for iPod nano (F8Z084) - $29.99
• Kickstand II (F8Z112) - $29.99

Press Release [Belkin]

Ferrari's iPod Dock You Can Take From 0-60 in 3.6 Seconds

2006-09-20T23:39:00.000-07:00

The Ferrari 599 Fiorano does 0-60 in 3.6, which is great for Jalopnik fans, but has something else us gadget-heads love—an iPod dock. Yes, this Ferrari is an iPod dock you can drive to work, allowing you to plug in your iPod and listen straight off with the included Fiorano Bose Speakers. If you've got enough for a Fiorano, I'm sure you can spring for an iPod go to inside. – Jason Chen

Nevermind The Horsepower: Buy A Ferrari 599, Use Your IPod [Jalopnik]

Mophie Knox 2nd Gen iPod nano Wallet

2006-09-20T00:18:00.000-07:00

Finally, a multi-use iPod case. This case, called the Knox, was designed to be a wallet and iPod case! It is constructed out of aircraft-grade aluminum and can easily hold your nano along with any wallet essentials like cash and credit cards. It has a small port so the wallet can stay closed but you can still listen to the iPod. The Knox is available for $44.99. I hope it's not too thick—thick wallets always make my ass go to sleep. – Travis Hudson

Product Page [mophie]

Kensington SX 3000R iPod Speakers and FM Radio Receiver

2006-09-20T00:17:00.000-07:00

The Kensington SX 3000R is the sequel to the SX 2000R iPod Speaker Dock, which we featured as a Dealzmodo a few weeks ago. This 3000R has an FM tuner, remote, NXT SurfaceSound speaker technology, dock that fits all iPods, and goes for $169.99. We think it may be kind of cool to set up a cheap iPod dock in each room of your house so you can have music everywhere. An inexpensive alternative to actually rigging up speakers in each room that are centrally controlled. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Kensington]

Press Release [Kensington]

Samsung 4-inch DMB T450 TV Looks Like an iPod TV

2006-09-20T00:10:00.000-07:00

This won't make it out of Korea, the Samsung DMB-T450 looks quite a lot sexier than the DMB devices we've seen before. It's got a built-in antenna, iPod-like white finish, MP3 playback, USB 1.1 connectivity, SD/MMC expansion slot and 4-hour battery. Boy those South Koreans sure know how to keep themselves entertained on the road—when they're not avoiding being kidnapped by North Koreans and forced to make movies. – Jason Chen

Slim 4-inch DMB TV [AVING via Mobile Mag]

French iPod Cases May Be Too Cute For Humanity

2006-09-19T23:57:00.000-07:00

These French cases for your iPod may look like Domokun, but they're definitely French in origin. The felt cases are handmade, and retail for $40 to $50, but who can put a price on cuteness? Apparently these two French sisters.

Also in the same vein, a case for your MacBook that includes track pad, keyboard, and iSight cutouts. To get one, you have to email the sisters directly since they don't have a website.

Apple Expo Paris: Possibly the Cutest iPod Covers Ever [Gearlog via SCI FI Blog]

Dealzmodo Supplemental: Buy a $24 iPod Car Charger, Get 50 Free iTunes Songs

2006-09-19T23:56:00.000-07:00

Whoa! The 20 free songs you got for buying a smartCharge from SendStation just got upped to 50 free iTunes songs. If you were going to buy 24 songs via iTunes already, why not get one of these and get 26 free songs, along with a free charger? Do you not like free stuff? – Jason Chen

SmartCharge [Sendstation]

80GB Enhanced 5G iPod Unboxeed, Compared With Regular 5G

2006-09-17T21:52:00.000-07:00

The gang over at iLounge already got their hands on an 80GB enhanced 5G iPod and have the pics and comparison shots to prove it. (Apparently, full-size iPods that Apple announced on Tuesday are referred to as "enhanced," though the new, brighter screen has supposedly been shipping with regular 5G iPods for a little while now.) While unboxing is all fun and good, how does this enhanced iPod perform?

As for the screen's brightness, well, technically, it is brighter, just don't expect to have it leave your jaw on the floor, especially while viewing indoors. The new earbuds that Apple is including with these iPods now has silicone rubber edges, so they're no longer as torturous to wear. What's more, there more bass heavy, pleasing today's popular music fans, what with their hip hop and heavy metal.

It's worth noting that the side-by-side comparison shots do show how much better the enhanced 5G iPod handles colors when compared to the older 5G. Full reviews are forthcoming, so strap in. – Nicholas Deleon

Apple Computer iPod with video (Enhanced Fifth-Generation) [iLounge]

Apple iPod Nano Users Complaining About New iPod Nanos Already

2006-09-17T21:36:00.000-07:00

It hasn't even been a week and people who bought the new iPod Nanos are complaining about blemishes on the finish. Blemishes? C'mon. First it was scratches on the first-gen Nanos, now blemishes on the second-gen? Some people are even saying dust is getting into the finish, which makes it an uneven color. Are Apple users just too picky, or is this a real issue? – Jason Chen

Blemish Gallery [Flickr via Mobile Mag]

iPod nano Reviewed by PC Mag (Verdict: Long Live the nano!)

2006-09-15T00:42:00.000-07:00

PC Magazine reviewed the next-gen 8GB iPod nano, and gave it the Editors Choice designation, 4.5 stars out of 5. Reviewer Mike Kobrin really liked its longer battery life, brighter screen, search feature, and was especially fond of its new gapless playback:

This is the finest flash player out there in terms of look and feel. Other players have the iPod beat in terms of features, but I like the iPod's lossless compression and Audible support, as well as the cool new search feature.

On the slightly negative side, Kobrin found a bug in the nano's firmware when scrubbing through longer tracks. He also pointed out the lack of FM radio capability. Those shortcomings notwithstanding, he found the iPod navigation system to be "the best in the business," adding that he thinks "it's a good bet that this will be Apple's most popular iPod yet, and with good reason." – Charlie White

Apple iPod nano (8GB) [PC Magazine]

The 8GB Nano Unboxed

2006-09-15T00:32:00.000-07:00

Eager shoppers have already ran out and bought the 2G iPod Nano and took pictures of the unpacking ceremony. The new packaging sure looks nice, and from our firsthand experience, the Nano is still as tiny as ever.

We prefer the old Nano design, but we wouldn't say no if someone gave us one for free. – Jason Chen

8GB iPod Nano [Flickr]

Gizmodo: New iPod Nano at Apple's Showtime Event

2006-09-13T03:03:00.000-07:00

Best iPod Accessory Ever: Combination Breathalyzer, FM Transmitter

2006-09-12T23:36:00.000-07:00

I've been writing about iPod accessories since the beginning of time, and this is no doubt the best one I've ever seen. Call me an alcoholic, but having a breathalyzer is pretty damn important. A breathalyzer is the perfect device to determine how ugly of a girl you can take home that night and still be considered okay—oh and it can determine the legal limit for driving, too.

This gadget attaches to the dock adapter on all newer iPods. Simply blow on the straw for five seconds to determine you blood alcohol content. Also included in this device is an FM transmitter! Therefore giving it a reason to be attached to an iPod. The iBreath is available for $80 from David Steele, whoever that is. – Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via SCI-FI]

Apple Showtime's After Party: New Shuffle Photos

2006-09-12T23:30:00.000-07:00

Apple's new Shuffle looks nothing like the Shuffle of old. Nah, it looks more like a Star Trek Communicator, especially with that clip on the back. At Apple's after event party, we took some time to check out the 1GB player, with its new earbuds. Not a bad buy for $79 bucks.

Jump for more sexy photos.

All Apple Showtime Posts [Gizmodo]
Apple iPod Shuffle [Apple]

From Apple's page:

Apple Showtime's After Party: Photos of the iPod Playing Games

2006-09-12T23:22:00.000-07:00

We bet at even odds that there would be a new widescreen Video iPod. But we were burned. Again. Sigh...

Instead, we get an update to the Generation 5 iPod that has a few new tricks like a brighter screen, an extended battery life, better song search, and decent, Xbox Live Arcade styled games that you can buy from the new iTunes store for 5 bucks. Call it generation 5.1. And btw, the awesome news is that the current generation of ipods can handle the gaming goods.

So here are the photos we collected today, along with some screenshots we took at the main event. This, and everything else we know about the iPod Showtime updates, after the jump.

All Apple Showtime Posts [Gizmodo]

From our original post, here.

The iPod Video is now 60% brighter and up to 4.5 hours of battery life up from 2.0 hours.
Gapless playback is now in for all iPods. Instant searching so you can input letters with the wheel. And a letter display as you're scrolling past the songs/artists.

Games. All designed for the wheel. Bejeweled, Cubis, Bahjong, Mini Golf, Pac man, Tetris, Texas Hold'em, Vortex, Zuma. Showing off the bejeweld gameplay now. These games will work on all 5G iPods. You can buy them off the iPod store. $4.99 each.

60% brighter display, 75% longer battery life, gapless playback, games, new headphones.

Lowered price to $249 for the 30GB version and a new 80GB. Both white and black. $349 for the 80GB.

Apple Showtime's After Party: iPod Nano Porn, Plus Video

2006-09-12T23:11:00.000-07:00

After the main event, we were ushered to a back room where the new stuff was on display. We got to play with the pretty little second gen iPod Nano, and even got her to pose for some glamour shots.

Before you jump for the goods, we'll say this. Jason Chen and I prefer the older style's rounded edges, that make it look like a shrunken full-sized iPod. This one is somewhat of an iPod Nano and iPod Mini hybrid, with the sharp edges on the top and bottom of the aluminum case. The colors are stupendous. But we still miss the bling'd out Gold Mini. (Bring it back, Apple!)

Now, jump to see the images, and the video.–Brian Lam

All Apple Showtime Posts [Gizmodo]
The New Apple iPod Nano [Gizmodo]

From today's earlier post on the new ipod Nano:

Battery life increased from 15 to 24 hours, gapless playback, instant search like the big iPod, and quick scrolling. Comes with the new headphones.
Comes in three models, 2GB model in silver, 4GB in silver, pink, green, blue, and 8GB in black.

$149 for 2GB, $199 for 4GB, $249 for 8GB model. Double the storage for the same price.

New packaging is 52% less volume than the old iPod nano. It's more "environmentally friendly".

All three are available today.

BluePod: Caller ID on Your iPod Screen, Not Much Else

2006-09-09T20:28:00.000-07:00

Zenocom rolled out BluePod, a dongle that fits the iPod dock connector and suddenly gives you a couple of things every iPod is lacking: Bluetooth capability and FM radio. But don't get too excited just yet. The device stops short of greatness, because all it can do is display a Bluetooth-compatible cellphone's caller ID information on the iPod screen and lower the iPod's volume automatically when a call comes in.

Too bad it can't stream music to Bluetooth speakers or headphones. We're a little suspicious when we look at this picture of the product attached to an ancient iPod mini. No word on pricing or availability, but this better be cheap. – Charlie White

iPod's friend, 'BluePod'? [AVing.net]

ATO iPod Video Recorder: iSee 360i

2006-09-06T22:09:00.000-07:00

Looks like ATO has made the first iPod Video Recorder to cater to the new iPod video: The iSee 360i. You can now store shows from DVD, PVR, television, or any other source on your iPod for later viewing. It's even got a 3.6-inch LCD screen with controls for watching movies or shows on older iPods. Like most third-party products, though, it has flaws. It won't work with a 60GB iPod 5G nor with anything below 4G. iPod mini is supported as well as the nano with an adaptor. The iSee 360i also features a rechargable battery to extend viewing times. It's not available yet.

iPod Video Recorder Debuts [MacNN]

Best pricing on iPod Video [Shopping.com]

iPod Car Charger

2006-09-05T20:16:00.000-07:00

If you're looking to buy a car charger or PocketDock adapter for your iPod, grab one at SendStation for $24.95 ($22.95 for PocketDock Adapter) and get 20 free iTunes songs. If you were going to spend $20 on iTunes anyway, you're getting a pretty good deal on the charger. If you don't use iTunes, then this deal isn't really for you. – Jason Chen

Product Page [SendStation]

Press Release [SendStation]

iPod Commercial

2006-09-05T01:34:00.000-07:00