David Contois, a Vermont software designer, is suing Apple after they allegedly stole his software design with the intent of implementing it in iTunes. He claims to have patented it 2 years prior to iTunes inception, and is aiming for eliminating distribution of the software, as well as monetary compensation.
Microsoft is said to be readying a handehld device and music service to compete with the iPod and iTunes Music Store. Following similar claims earlier this year, Reuters reports that the software giant has been privately demonstrating an entertainment device that plays videos and music. Microsoft has also reportedly held discussions with the music industry about licensing music for its own download service. A BusinessWeek report in January said Microsoft was “mulling its own digital device that adds gaming to music and video, in an effort to compete with Apple’s iPod empire.” The company was said to have reorganized its home entertainment and Xbox groups to better plan the device. In March, the Mercury News also reported that Microsoft was planning such a device.
Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell has been seen jogging around a London park listening to her iPod .
Barely a month after giving birth to her first child, a daughter called Bluebell Madonna, the former Ginger Spice was out on a run with her iPod , in a bid to get back in shape.
Dressed in black spandex, 33-year-old Geri looked slim and fit after the Caesarean section birth in May.
Speaking to Hello! magazine, Geri said: “I’m just hoping this child is more angel than devil’s child.
“To think that it might one day be going to the equivalent of the raves I went to, or driving away my car without permission the way I took my dad’s, is horrifying.”
Mel C, the former Sporty Spice, has quashed the long-rumoured possibility of a Spice Girls reunion tour, because she says she does not want to sully the reputation of the band.
Apple has responded to the recent claims of poor working conditions at iPod factories in China, stating that it takes the allegations seriously and that it is looking into the charges. “Apple is committed to ensuring that working conditions in our supply chain are safe, workers are treated with respect and dignity, and manufacturing processes are environmentally responsible,” Apple said in a statement. The company said it is “currently investigating the allegations regarding working conditions in the iPod manufacturing plant in China. We do not tolerate any violations of our supplier code of conduct which are posted online.”
High Wycombe, UK, June 15, 2006 – GEAR4, UK based provider of iPod accessories, today announces the X-ClipTM Sports Armband – The latest addition to the X-Clip collection, a cushioned and adjustable armband for iPod nano, with a detachable protective case, to keep your iPod safe whilst giving you the freedom to be active.
The X-Clip Sports Armband allows you to enjoy your tunes on the run - literally! Its adjustable, cushioned strap fits any arm size and features a SmartClip to keep messy wires out of your way for comfort and ease. The hard, protective case and emergency RainJacket ensure your iPod is safely protected while the reflective strips look out for your safety in the dark, allowing you to get active whatever the conditions!
Tom Dudderidge, managing director of Disruptive Technology Channels, commented: “This great new addition to the X-Clip collection is perfect for when I’m out jogging or cycling on these warm summer evenings. I used to hate to have to put my iPod in my pocket or around my neck and feel it moving around with every step I took. The sports armband means this doesn’t happen anymore, plus I can easily change tracks and turn up the volume without having to stop.”
Dudderidge continued: “The X-Clip concept is unique and innovative. It allows you to keep your iPod protected in its hard protective case and simply clip on interchangeable X-Clip accessories, without ever having to remove the iPod from its case. The sports armband is great value for money, giving you the adjustable armband for getting active and also a hard protective case for day to day use thrown in! We were a bit concerned about protecting our iPods from the all too regular English summer (or winter!) rain, so we’ve added the emergency RainJacket feature. I love how this is so simple, a cheeky hidden hood, but functional too. The sports armband is the second addition to the X-Clip collection following on from the headphone splitter with more great products coming soon! ”
X-ClipTM Sports Armband – Adjustable, cushioned armband for iPod nano with a detachable protective case. The Armband comes with an emergency RainJacket to ensure the iPod is protected from the weather and reflective strips so you can be seen at night. Also included with the case and armband is a belt clip and lanyard, allowing the case to also be used on its own in any day to day situation.
The X-Clip case allows full access to dock connector, headphone socket and click wheel. There are now a number of interchangeable X-Clip accessories, for the full range please visit www.gear4.com/xclip
Features:
· Adjustable sports armband
· Emergency RainJacket
· Reflective strips for safety in the dark
· Includes SmartClip for headphone wires and belt clip
· Two piece protective film for iPod nano included
· Lightweight and shatter proof case included
· Compatible with all X-Clip accessories
· Full access to dock connector, headphone port and click wheel
Pricing and availability
The GEAR4 X-Clip Sports Armband will be available from all GEAR4 retailers and resellers. For a list of these, please visit www.gear4.com
The X-Clip Sports Armband will also be available globally from GEAR4’s online store – www.easyishop.co.uk
X-Clip Sports Armband - £19.99 inc VAT
The Mail on Sunday this week released a report detailing the Foxconn iPod factories in China. One of the Foxconn plants houses 200,000 workers who work 15 hour shifts for only $50 a month. The workers live at the factory in Dormitories that have 100 people each. Outside visitors are not allowed to visit the plant as it is guarded by police 24hrs a day.
Active Lifestyles of iPod nano Users
iSkin Slims and iSkin DuoBand Combine to Offer a Stylish Double Layer of Water, Sweat and Shock Resistant Protection for Apple’s iPod nano
Toronto, Canada—March 22, 2006—There is no question that slim is in. And, with that in mind, iSkin Inc., a leading provider of iPod accessories, today announced the availability of its iSkin slims™ and iSkin DuoBand™ iPod exercise companions. Designed specifically for the new iPod nano, the two new products help to protect, transport, and accessorize Apple’s slimmest iPod device during athletic activities.
The iSkin DuoBand caters specifically to exercise enthusiasts, serving as a portable case for the iPod nano that can be worn stress-free during workouts. Protecting the device with a double layer of polycarbonate and silicone, the DuoBand is completely sweat resistant—perfect for high-intensity aerobic workouts. The one-size-fits-all armband is available in either black or pink, and features a reflective strip to offer protection to users who prefer to exercise outdoors during the evening. Finally, the DuoBand’s outer polycarbonate layer grants the user full access to both the device’s digital screen and click wheel, allowing users to easily change songs or scroll through their music library during workouts.
Available in either a clear or pink skin, the iSkin DuoBand’s inner protective layer is engineered using high-grade 100% silicone, offering an extra layer of shock-absorbing protection to the user’s iPod nano device. For users who want to make a stronger statement, iSkin slims silicone protective layers can be paired with the iSkin DuoBand, allowing individual users chose different color combinations to create customized looks that accentuate their active lifestyles.
Both the iSkin DuoBand and the iSkin slims are slim and lightweight so as to complement the unique aesthetics of the Apple iPod nano device. Additional information about either product is available online at www.iSkin.com for $29.99 each.
About iSkin
iSkin is an ongoing philosophy that encompasses the innovation of cool. Everything we touch we embody independent design and free thought with the sole intention of satisfying those who embrace our offerings. What you have come to understand and what you will remember us by are products developed through love and appreciation for technology. It is an underlying yearning for perfection that is the single driving force of a company that expresses itself through the individual personality of each project pursued. Free thinkers go about life much in the same way, and thinking different is not an option but a way of life. iSkin is committed to delivering the best products using the most advanced technology available and the pursuit of excellence is our driving force.
A smart new speaker system called the Tango, which features an audio/visual line out, has been released for the iPod .
XtremeMac, one of the foremost accessory makers for Mac products makes the Tango, which features a 2.1 stereo system and can be used with all iPod s that have dock connectors.
Featuring four neodymium-drivers, the Tango also has a unique independent downward firing subwoofer.
The Tango is described by XtremeMac as having “big sound for a small, stylish box, offering clear, rich sound from your iPod “.
Along with a highly efficient speaker system, the Tango also has built-in vibration dampening, wireless remote and an audio/visual line and S-video output, which allows iPod 5G users to show video content on a TV screen.
Selling for £105, the Tango is due to be released this spring.
XtremeMac has also recently released the MicroMemo for the iPod , which, as its name suggests, allows the iPod to record and playback audio material.
Instead of being seen as an inconvenient distraction to learning, many are now considering the iPod ’s potential as a teaching tool.
Many teachers allow iPod s to be used in the classroom during study hours, the Telegraph reports.
While some teachers have banned the popular music listening devices, others encourage their use during individual study hours, claiming they help keep the students quiet and boost concentration.
“I have started to allow them when students are doing their work,” one secondary school teacher wrote on an education website, reports the Telegraph.
“The results are very positive. Students are less chatty, get more work done and classroom management has improved.”
iPod accessories that could aid in learning are now being developed, such as the iPod MicroMemo that allow recording directly to aniPod and could be an invaluable tool for recording lectures, notes and so forth.
TMC.net recently reported that market research company Student Monitor found that seventy three per cent of college students surveyed said iPod s were more “in” than text messaging, downloading music and even bar-hopping.
Marware who are a very successful iPod accessory manufactorer has just released a new iPod Video case to add to its already excellent line.
The new case is called Trailvue below are the details on the case.
Designed to complement you iPod, the Trail Vue offers rugged, yet stylish protection for your investment. Expandable to accomodate all iPod video models, each case includes easy access to the earphone jack and a durable Velcro® closure strap. Interchangeable bungee cords in five mood-matching colors serve as a convenient headphone storage. The included removable belt clip provides security and easy access throughout your iPod day.
Features:
• Five interchangeable bungee cords can be used for extra storage
• Use the included clip for attaching your case to a waistband or shoulder strap
• Tough outer construction and Velcro® tab protect your iPod and its Dock Connector
• Remove the clip and you have an ultra-slim, form-fitting case.
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