ipod

Monochromatic speakers try to blend

Note to Intempo: There's a concept known as too much of a good thing. That idea is apparently a foreign one to the company, which just began shipping its new monochromatic "I-Series" speakers apparently to match the iPod Nano's color spectrum, though it will work with other MP3 players.

This reminds us of the matching shirt-tie combos that were popular in the '60s and made a comeback in the '90s (as did everything else). You can mix and match, but that would kind of defeat the purpose. Once again, originality eludes designers in consumer technology.

Apple files for patent on zirconia iPhone

Ah, cubic zirconia. How would underpaid journalists get married without it?

In August, Apple filed for a patent that would protect the use of zirconia as a casing material for a number of wireless handhelds, including a certain still-unannounced-but-geez-where-is-it product: the iPhone.

Apparently, zirconia is a good material for any small device that needs to transmit radio frequency signals--like cell phones--in that it is strong enough to protect the internal components but wireless signals can still easily pass through, according to Apple's patent filing, disclosed Thursday by the U.S. Patent and Trademark office and spotted by numerous Apple … Read more

iTalk connects iPod to the real world

In prehistoric times, when cassette tapes ruled the Earth, people were known to hold their recorders up against their radio speakers to capture a song. The results were predictably primitive.

If only something like the iTalk were around then. (Food and shelter would have helped too.) Griffin Technology says the device, which plugs into the iPod's dock connector, "faithfully records under real-world conditions," including concerts, lectures and, yes, even open-air radio if you should so choose.

Griffin also claims that the $50 recorder has CD quality and an easy one-touch operation. But we think the smartest thing … Read more

Nike Amp+ wrist-mounted remote coming soon?

Neither Apple or Nike has announced the slick-looking accessory pictured at right, but somehow it's managed to sneak its way onto several gadget blogs. Called the Amp+, this fitness-friendly accessory was outed a bit early in the 2007 Men's Health Tech Guide. Sounds like another incident that occurred several months back. In any case, I'm thankful for the slip-ups because they mean we get some dirt a little earlier than usual, and that's always welcome. There's not much info on the Amp+, but it will likely work with the same proprietary Bluetooth transmitter that makes … Read more

Tubes (not Nets) make a comeback

Contrary to popular belief, tubes are alive and well in high technology--just not on the Internet(s).

A Japanese company called Rockridgessound is using them in a new vacuum tube stereo system, which has a built-in docking station for the iPod and presumably other MP3 players. The VTS-384, as it is affectionately known, uses three high-quality EL84 vacuum tubes for a "warm and clear" sound, according to Fareastgizmos. It also goes for more than $600--proving that retro doesn't necessarily mean cheap.

iPod vs. snooze alarm

Laugh as you might at this item, but it represents a perfect storm where three hot gadget trends intersect: The iPod, retro chic and alarm clocks.

This dock clock from RadioShack works with the iPod's alarm function and has a 9-minute snooze button (why 9 minutes, we have no idea). No matter what you think of it, at least it doesn't fly.

Cool iPod alternative

If you are in the market for an MP3 player but want something that differentiates you from the crowd of iPod owners, may I suggest the Samsung YP-K5? This unique MP3 player has a built-in speaker as well as an FM radio. Comparing with the iPod Nanos (same capacity), the YP-K5s are a bit pricier, but it?s a small price to pay to be different. The YP-K5 comes in two versions, the 2GB for a little more than $170 and the 4GB for about $250, although Best Buy offers it for $220.

Bring on the Zune!

Well, Microsoft's Zune is upon us and response seems to be a bit on the underwhelming side. With onboard Wi-Fi that can be used only to sample tracks from other Zunes within 30 feet, and an audio/video marketplace with next to no video content, the tepid reception of the Zune seems far from surprising. It's a safe bet that Microsoft will eventually release patches that will improve the usability, but lets be honest--we want our goodies, and we want 'em now.

So, if you're like me and this supposed iPod killer is leaving you feeling a … Read more

iPod + free peanuts = less air rage?

Reuters says that Papa Steve Jobs has agreed to let six airlines (Air France, Continental Airlines, Delta, Emirates, KLM, and United) provide iPod hookups to their in-flight entertainment systems as of mid-2007. The hookup would let you watch iPod-stored videos on seat-back monitors, thus allowing frequent fliers to avoid watching Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest four times in a month.

We might find this news compelling if we weren't so disappointed that Zune release day didn't bring a rumored (but we admit, extremely unlikely) release of the "true video" touch-screen iPod.