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AAC audio without the Apple

Since AAC is the audio format of choice for all music sold or encoded using Apple's iTunes software, many people assume Apple has some special right to the format. It doesn't.

The truth is that AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) is just one of many audio standards, and is available on a wide range of non-Apple products. It's arguably a superior format to MP3 because it does a more efficient job of encoding audio. In spite of its advantages, though, the MP3 format is still regarded as the most universally compatible standard for consumer digital audio.

So if … Read more

A Wii app to photofy your TV

If you ever wished for a way to view your iPhone snapshots on a bigger screen (without first copying them to your PC), here's your answer. WiiPhoto transmits photos to your HDTV by way of your Wii game console.

It's a terrific idea, but one marred by a couple of gotchas and the limitations of the console itself. The app works with any iOS device that's connected to your home Wi-Fi network: iPhone, iPod, iPad, and so on. You'll also need the Wii Internet Channel on your console if you don't already have it.

When … Read more

The Force is weak with this one

Admit it: you've always wanted to talk like Darth Vader. Alas, your voice has all the deep, menacing bass of Justin Bieber's. Enter Star Wars: Vader Yourself, a Lucasfilm-licensed app that makes your spoken words sound like the big man's--in theory, at least.

We like the app from a style standpoint: it's modeled after the control panel on Vader's chest. To make a recording, you tap the Record switch, provide a file name, then start speaking. You're instructed to use a loud, menacing voice--meaning you should probably find a very secluded area, unless you'… Read more

Workout-worthy MP3 players

Arguably, the only reason standalone MP3 players still exist is to keep people entertained at the gym. After all, no one wants to sweat all over a fancy smartphone.

If you just need some motivational background music for a morning jog, you'll want something small enough to clip onto your shirt, and cheap enough to easily replace if it gets trampled.

We rounded up five fitness-friendly MP3 players that are all small, relatively inexpensive, and attach to you in one way or another. Some, such as the iPod Nano or Haier Trainer, also use a pedometer to keep track … Read more