iPod and Tech news

Your iPod Touch has has a medium called flash memory. The technology behind flash memory is this: a cell structure built into what is known as a chip exists to accept positive or negative charges, signifying a zero or one; binary code, which is the platform by which electronic devices work on. There are a variety of complex implementations of this technology, but they all work on the same ideology. Generally, while there are many sub-variants of flash memory, by far, the most used types are known as NOR and NAND. They were invented by Dr. Fujio Masuoka while working for Toshiba in 1980. More information on this can be found on the Sketchcorner Design and Technology Blog

NOR, compared to it’s later birthed counterpart, had comparedly slower erase and write times, but it’s unique characteristics made it suitable for storing the small support operating systems that run your iPod and PDA; firmware. NAND flash memory was later introduced in 1987 at the Electron Devices Meeting. It had faster erase and write times and lower production costs than it’s predecessor. Both counterparts posesses characteristics that make them unique of each other, and, applicable in some senarios and unusable in others. Thusly, that do it all device in your pocket that allows you to browse the web, listen to music, and watch video, feature both NOR and NAND Flash Memory; storage mediums which serve as critically nescessary components to it’s working, and allow for your continued enjoyment through it’s use.

Adobe had an event “Flash On The Beach” where they made public that they are currently developing a flash player for the iPhone.

This comes after recent statements by Steve Jobs, saying that the current version of flash for the iPhone is not good enough.
This Adobe flash might not be seen right away until it is developed to work properly with the iPhone and Apple determines what apps make it into the App Store. It might not be seen soon because Flash has the ability to cause CPU overload on computers and on smartphones. Which means that until it is a firmware that will work properly with the iPhone Apple will not be offering Adobe’s Flash. It also might not be seen as an update for 1st or 2nd generation iPhones at the Apps Store, if and when it is approved by Apple’s Steve Jobs.

Brand new technology which permits both iPhones and iPods alike to recieve streaming music is starting to take the lead it would seem. Sports talk shows may liekwise be received and all at absoltely no cost for the listener. These internet-based feeds are now gaining in popularity.
Pandora and Last fm, along with AOL Radio may stream this music onto iphones which is adapted to the individual’s particular tastes.
Slacker is another internet radio provider which streams the music in question onto BlackBerries. Research in Motion uses this technology to enable outside applications onto the smart phone to bring about more attention to the smart phone marketplace. With the slacker application, for example, you may store and use the music you like all from the music channels that you specifically create.
As mentioned in previous articles here, new Google Android software technology will also be offering new ways of accessing the music that you prefer. The new Google phones should to be out very soon, according to various media reports.
This is all good news to those who are tired of downloading and paying for their listening music. There area few drawbacks though. The problems to be solved are how to pay the artists and those who produce and license the songs. It is not sure if advertisements can be added to provide the revenue or not. They are not sure yet if listener will be turned off by that and then just not use this technology as a way to listen to music. Another problem is that of connection issues, which all need to be worked out.

Spring of 2008 is going to be an exciting time for iPod owners with the many new components that are going to make their debut on the market. One of these components is going to be the Creative Xdock, which has had an upgrade. This new component will be available to iPod owners soon and one of its features is converting video to HD resolution.

   The Xdock will convert video resolution to 720p or 1080i, this will mean to iPod owners that they will be able to with their Xdock HD play video on an HDTV with complete DTS surround sound. Another feature of this new unit is the ability to play music through X-Fi wireless receivers that can be connected to speakers that can be placed anywhere in the home.

   According to the manufacturer this unit can be used with iPods from previous generations so iPod owners will not have to upgrade their iPod, as well as the new iPod Nano and iPod Touch.

   It will be accompanied by a remote that will have selections such as music, videos, photos and podcasts, along with a menu on the HDTV which can be controlled with the remote.

   The Xdock charges the iPod while it is docked and can be connected to home theater systems.

In other related news, what could be better than the choice to have an iPod docked in the kitchen and on the refrigerator, where there is easy access to it, hands free listening and the ability to share tunes with others in the room. All this is now possible, along with other convenient features that have never been attempted before with a kitchen appliance.

   Whirlpool is bringing the kitchen to life for iPod owners, with the introduction of their newest refrigerator that has technology advancements unlike other refrigerators in today’s market.

  This refrigerator has interactive features and a docking port for an iPod.

   This refrigerator will make the way iPod owners use their iPod at home, not to mention the change in time that will be spent in the kitchen. This of course could affect how people eat and diet in the future with innovative appliances like the Central Park side-by-side.

   The model that is making all the news is the side-by-side named the Central Park and comes with hardware where a component is made for electronic devices like those of the iPod, along with other features that enables owners to make lists, use a calendar and even text message and email is only a step away. This is the iPod owners dream appliance and is not something in the future, it is here now.

Zinio Mobile
hey guys, again, this article was initially posted way back on November 19, 2007

but I am re-posting it to the news archive as of now so it will be available in the future….thanks in adavace for understanding….

If you’ve never heard of Zinio, they are a magazine reader that supplies magazine issues such as Macworld, Playboy, Maxim, and more. If you use Zinio reader and have an iPod Touch (or iPhone) you can browse all the magazines offered magazine for free. Yes, free. Point your iPod Touch or iPhone to zinio.com/iphone and view all the magazines.

To see more information about Zinio Mobile, please visit their website at: http://img.zinio.com/iphone/info/

Written by Alex · Filed Under News

There is new Bluetooth technology that is in the shipping process for consumers who have iPods, this is being produced by Zoom Technologies. This will be an addition to the Zoom iHiFi line of audio components and give iPod owners a new accessory that will enhance their listening experience.

   These new products will plug into the iPod or iPhone dock connector; this is a Bluetooth transceiver, a Bluetooth wireless headphone.

   The headset with its Bluetooth wireless technology is Zoom Technologies model 4380, and the transceiver is capable of sending the iPods music to the headset. Model 4380 is also capable of working with televisions, stereos and radios. 

  Model 4355 is also one of Zoom Technologies new products and has a feature that some other Bluetooth components by having its own volume control from the iPod. Another feature of model 4355 is when it is plugged into the iPod it becomes an integrated part of the iPod and is easily transported just as the iPod normally would.

  These new products in the Zoom iHiFi line geared to iPod owners are bringing Bluetooth to more than just the iPod Touch owners who prior to this new line were the only iPods capable of Bluetooth technology.

Here is a n interesting although somewhat short article which discusses in a little detail about the Alpine audio line and it’s integration with the iPod. I hope that you find it fascinating and hopefully informative as well. Enjoy……  

Alpine one of the leaders in car audio has joined their technology with iPod technology again with the release of their second-generation digital receivers. The second generation is capable of integrating the iPod, along with other features that include AM/FM, Sirius and HD radio.

   These new car audio receivers are the iDA-X100, the iDA-X200 and the iDA-X300 that have the iPod integration dock that enables listening to iPod music while in the car without the use of a headset.

   The new Alpine model iDA-X100 also has features that display the iTune album art with an iTune Tag button. Another feature of this Alpine model is the music that is placed on the iPod with the iTune Tag button can later be kept and paid for by computer, which is a new way of finding music to load on the iPod play list.  This Alpine model will be available to iPod customers in February of this year.

   Each of these new Alpine models have features that will offer the dedicated iPod user new ways of using their iPods and new ways to load songs while in the car on their way to work, home, or out for a ride, along with the extra benefit of being able to keep the new found music and pay for it later.

Creative, which is a globbl leader in
digital entertainment products, has unveiled the Xdock HD, which is an
iPod dock for your home theater system.  It is actually the only iPod dock which
upconverts your video to 720p or 1080i resolution and your music to X-Fi
Xtreme Fidelity(R).  The Xdock HD plays video on an HDTV in full DTS surround
sound and it is also capable of playing songs through X-Fi Wireless Receivers
connected to speakers throughout the house.  The Xdock HD is perfect for use
with the iPod Touch, iPod Classic, new iPod Nano as well as older iPods.
All in all, it connects to your home theater system using HDMI, or it may be
connected with component or composite for video.  While it docks and charges an iPod, it rather cleverly outputs
a menu to an HDTV screen that users may navigate with a wireless
remote to certain videos, music, photos and podcasts stored on various iPod
models.  Users may also adjust video settings including skin tone correction,
luminescence sharpening and color saturation. It is made with the
superb X-Fi Crystalizer which makes MP3s
sound better than CDs by determining the particular components of the audio
stream which have been segmented during compression.  It can then
restore the highs & lows from instruments and vocals which are lost during
the compression stage……..It also creates virtual surround sound through
speakers or headphones.  It widens the audio for excellent headphone listening
and greater overall experience.

The Clarion Corporation of America, a
top ranked manufacture of mobile gadgets and technology items, unveiled a feature for the
direct iPod audio control via USB which is internall integrated into many of their newest
multimedia source units. The firm is presenting 6 of their new CD & multimedia units with an easy
direct iPod connection using the basic iPod USB cable. The 3 Clarion DXZ models feature the
 Direct USB iPod control which of course is also an important component in the excellent
premium single DIN VRX785BT and MAX685BT DVD double DIN multimedia units. These premium
CD receivers, the DXZ785USB and the DXZ585USB have Clarion’s signature “SLIDETRAK” HMI control,
 direct USB iPod connection, USB digital media streaming with DRM (WMDRM10) and MP3/ WMA/ AAC playback.
Wow what a nice combination there! As a matter of fact,  The SLIDETRAK control is a perfect fit for scrolling
 through music files from an iPod.  These units are Bluetooth and Satellite Radio capable plus offer CeNET
control.  In addition to all of these totally awesome and rear kicking features, they are additionally able to
 interfacing with the OEM steering wheel controls, have AUX input. Plus, they even have with a 2-year warranty.
You just cannot get much better than that, in my opinion. The top or flagship model, DXZ785USB, furthermore offers audiophile
features like time alignment control, 3 band parametric EQ and 3-way crossover control.  It is
motorized detachable front panel has a highly visible full dot LCD, 2-line
letter display which stands out to illuminate any dash very well.

And don’t forget about the other ones. With all-new cosmetics, the
DXZ385USB is a good looking unit offering MP3/ WMA/ AAC playback, front panel AUX
input and USB port and is likewise already Bluetooth and Satellite Radio ready.  The unit
includes CeNET control with 6-channel/ 2-volt RCA output, a detachable
faceplate and it even comes with a remote control.    Clarion’s new DXZ
line-up will be widely available in January 2008

There is a new and improved in-ear canal headphone in 7 colors to match up with the newest iPods. The JVC HA-FX34 Marshmallow has been produced with wearer comfort as an important specification. Ultra-soft earpieces in 2 unique sizes come as standard, providing
a very nice fit for a broad array of users.
 While these earpieces in fact constitute a wonderful fit for the ears, the range of 7 body and cord colors complements ideally the Apple corporation’s 3rd-generation iPod nano plus iPod shuffle models. In addition, the gold-plated connection plug is totally compatible with the iPhone as well.
Now that is what I call a cool combination….
rounding out this particular set is the 3.28-foot (1.0 m) friction-noise reduction cord, produced to reduce the sound that is made as the cord brushes against clothing. The JVC HA-F130 Gumy in-ear headphones, by the way, are now available in 3 different colors. They are Raspberry Red, Mint Blue and Melon Green
 which fits in well with their branding image in my opinion. The soft rubber body of the headphones which inspired the “Gumy” nickname has been redesigned for yet more comfort, and like the Marshmallow, it in fact comes with a gold-plated iPhone plus iPod compatible plug.