Tag: ipod

Apple has posted iPod Updater 2005-03-23, which includes iPod software 1.1 for iPod photos. The update adds support for the optional iPod Camera Connector for importing and viewing photos directly on iPod. The 28.9 MB update also offers updated slideshow transitions.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs isn’t worried that the iPod might one day be considered the “Rubik’s Cube of the 21st century.” He told the LA Times this week that the popular device is more than a consumer trend. “I don’t think we’re seeing trendiness here,” Jobs said of the iPod. “I think we’re seeing a product that’s truly revolutionizing the way we listen to music.

Apple today released iPod Updater 2004-08-06, which includes iPod software 3.0.1 for fourth-generation iPods (Click Wheel). Apple said this update contains the same software versions as iPod Updater 2004-07-15 for all other iPod models. iPod Software 3.0.1 provides: improved connectivity with some FireWire cards using the VIA chipset; improved connectivity with FireWire hubs, and with 4-pin FireWire ports; improved power management; enhanced performance with the optional external battery pack; and removing headphones while the hold switch is on no longer wakes iPod.

USA Today’s Kevin Maney says that Apple CEO Steve Jobs is making the same mistakes with the iPod that he made with the Mac 20 years ago. “Jobs has done for digital music what he once did for personal computing: He’s made it appealing to non-techies,” writes Maney. “Once again, his design sets the pace. No device is as good as the iPod; no software solution works better than iTunes. But like the Mac of 1985, it’s a closed system.

Hot on the heels of its leaked cover photo of the new iPod, Newsweek has posted an article detailing the new features of the fourth generation (4G) iPod. The new iPod, which does not get a storage increase this time around, will be available in 40GB ($399) and 20GB ($299) capacities only — Apple said it is phasing out the 15GB model.

The cover of the July 26th issue of Newsweek reveals the much-rumored next generation iPod, which is expected to be unveiled early next week. The new digital music device appears to be slightly smaller in size than the third generation model and sports a new scroll wheel very similar to the one found on Apple’s iPod mini. The new iPod also retains a black and white screen (sorry folks, no color this time). Newsweek’s headline reads: “iPod, Therefore i Am.

Toshiba said today that it is planning to launch a 60GB version of its 1.8-inch hard drive in the coming months and has already found a customer in Apple. The drive, which is used in Apple’s iPod, will enter mass production during July or August. Toshiba has been showing the drive to customers and has already received an order from Apple, according to Cindy Lee, deputy manager of Toshiba’s hard disk drive division.

The online Apple Store and Apple retail locations are offering 10 percent off 15, 20 and 40GB iPods and select iPod accessories this weekend only (Jan. 31-Feb.1). Accessories eligible for the discount include: Apple In-Ear Headphones, Sony CPA-9C Car Cassette Adapter, Belkin TuneDok, Monster iCarPlay Wireless, NaviPod IR Remote, Altec Lansing inMotion Portable iPod Speakers, JBL Creature II Speakers, iCable for iPod, Incase Belt for iPod, and Monster iCase Travel Pack.

According to sales figures documented in Apple’s annual filing with the SEC, approximately 1.79 iPods were sold every minute in fiscal 2003. Apple said it sold 939,000 iPods for US$345 million in net sales this past year. The iPod is the number one-selling portable digital music player on the market, accounting for 29 percent of all units sold worldwide. The device holds 54 percent of the market share in terms of revenue.

Apple’s popular iPod digital music player is in short supply in many markets in the US and UK, according to the Financial Times. “Most stores in New York have sold out of the larger capacity models and do not expect to get more before the holidays… shortages are forcing many Christmas shoppers to hunt around or settle for one of iPod’s many imitators.

Rob Walker of the New York Times Magazine has written an extensive article on the iPod. The six-page report covers every aspect of Apple’s digital music player, and includes several quotes from Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO, and Jonathan Ive, Apple’s vice president of industrial design. One amusing part of the article is when Walker asks Jobs if he thinks consciously about innovation. “No,” Jobs replied. “We consciously think about making great products. We don’t think, ‘Let’s be innovative! Let’s take a class!

The iPodlounge notes that Stereophile magazine has named the iPod as the 2003 Editor’s Choice. “The admission may not earn me any points in politically correct audiophile circles, but Apple’s cute little iPod was the product I most enjoyed using this past year.