iPod and Tech news

IPod car adapters are amazing.  No longer do you have to worry about losing your station when you travel a good distance, or listen to stations that don’t play your favorite tunes.  These handy devices let you take the music you love everywhere you go, so that you don’t have to ride in silence.  It is almost unthinkable that you would have to drive your car without music, which is where most people enjoy listening the most!

Some newer cars are coming out now with the tools that are necessary to use your iPod.  BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Nissan are a few of the names that are including integration options.  You don’t have to trash your car if it is not one of these models - that is exactly what iPod car adapters are for.  Companies like Peripheral and SoundGate make these adapters that can be easily installed, and act like a CD changer.  You simply use the stereo buttons on your factory installed stereo to select the songs you want to listen to.

Most cars can be modified to work with iPod car adapters, however if your vehicle is a much older model you may have to get a newer car stereo before this will work.  Sound quality is important to some people, not so much to others.  They simply want to listen to their favorites, even if they have to put up with a little static or interference.  For others, it is essential that the songs are crystal clear and perfect.

Cassette iPod car adapters provide the lowest sound quality, and they do not recharge the iPod as other adapters do.  You may decide that an FM modulator is best for you.  It will charge the iPod and the sound quality is better than with the cassette version.  Of course, as with most things in life, to get ultimate sound quality without interference, you may want to choose the more costly options and have someone with mechanical experience install it for you.

You were most likely very excited when you got your iPod.  They are great little devices, and let you carry all of your favorite music with you wherever you go, without taking up much space like CD’s do.  However, the car is the place where most people really enjoy their music the most, and unfortunately not many are equipped to handle this.  If you are a true music aficionado and cannot stand the thought of driving without the music titles that are your true favorites, an iPod adapter is a way around this problem!

Dice Electronics is an incredibly quality manufacturer of Ipod Adapters and ipod accessories. In the belief that you are a savvy consumer, you’ve probably done some comparison shopping for the iPod adapter that’s perfect for your needs. There are many different brands to choose from out there on the internet, which makes for a large and, perhaps, intimidating selection process to go through. Different factors to consider in determining your choice of adapter will likely to be the selling price, installation costs, and compatibility with your vehicle, just to name a few. If you’re like most consumers, you’d prefer to find the perfect balance between all of these factors in one, easy-to-use adapter. And, with the creation of the DICE Electronics iPod car adapter & accessories, you may find just that.

One of the best characteristics of the DICE iPod car adapter is that it is compatible with more than just the iPod series. If you’ve got another popular brand of mp3 player, such as a Sony or Zune, you may be able to stick with what you have and still use the DICE in your car. So you probably won’t have to fret about buying an iPod and transferring all of your music to it in order to use this adapter. As an additional bonus, the DICE charges your mp3 player as you drive, so there is no need to worry about having a low battery by the time your trip is over.

In addition to being compatible with a number of mp3 players, the DICE Electronics iPod car adapter is also compatible with a number of different types of vehicles. European, Japanese, and domestic cars all apply, and some of the most popular include Mercedes, Honda, and even Lexus. To find out if your car is one of these compatible models, you should speak with a car audio installation expert. They know all about vehicle compatibility, and they’ll also be informative on whether or not your non-iPod mp3 player will work with the DICE, too.

One of the neatest features about the DICE is the ability you will have to control your music however you want to while you’re driving in your car. If you prefer to continue using the controls on your iPod, that works well. You could also use the controls on your car’s stereo system, just like you would if you were listening to the radio. In some car models, you can even control your iPod from the steering wheel. This is obviously not a feature available in all car models, but the option is there for many.

For the majority of vehicle types, the DICE Electronics iPod car adapter requires little to no knowledge of hard wiring or other complicated installation processes. You simply plug one of the wires on the DICE into your iPod, and the other wire into your car’s factory radio. There may be more to the installation process if your vehicle comes equipped with an aftermarket radio or other type of stereo system you installed after the purchase. In those circumstances, you’d be wise to get help from a car audio installation company. Their employees will likely be able to guide you through the installation process.

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.

   For the iPod owner who likes to be away from it all there is a solution to recharging the iPod without the use of electricity, this is with the use of Powermonkey Explorer.  The new unit is unlike any other on the market so far for iPod owners with its ability to be used without electrical power.

   Unlike the first of these, which needed to be connected to power, this new one does not. This comes in a fabric case that will keep the Powermonkey and all of its accessories secure, including the solar panel.

   Yes, this new Powermonkey Explorer is made to go anywhere including the great outdoors with a solar power accessory to recharge iPods anyplace there is sunlight. Along with the solar panel there is also electrical connections for both the United States and European electricity for charging iPods when connected with a USB cable.

   The Powermonkey Explorer can also charge the iPhone and other items such as digital cameras so this unit is capable of charging all the items that are important today no matter where a person is at, inside or outside. This also means that the iPod owners will never be without their play list when enjoying the outdoors.

 With the holidays at an end, there are many new iPod owners just beginning to figure out the functions of their iPods. For many of these new generation iPod owners there is a feeling of confusion because of the many new features. There are places that can be contacted for help in figuring out the functions of the new iPods, Apple of course has tech support, however there are also other companies that offer expert advice and are trained to help with iPod problems and questions from the most simple to the most technical.

     One of these tech support companies for iPod are SupportSpace, where they are ready to give support on the latest generation of iPods from the most simple procedure to the most complicated.

    While many iPod users will not need to resort to an expert the fact that they are there when questions or problems arise is a comforting thought with all the functions the new generation of iPods are capable of performing.

   When the results are in for the amount of sales for the holiday season are in for the new generation of iPods it is expected to be a dramatic increase from sales at other times of the year.

here are some cool tech toys and iGadgets………..We show you the best cases on the market for your shiny new iPod Touch.
Here are the best cases for protecting your iPod Touch from scratches, drops or even the coffee you might spill one morning that just happens to screw your iPod over. That is why the accessory market is so profitable, cases cause people feel to feel insecure about their investment therefore they buy the best cases. Let’s start off with cases that just make your iPod a tiny bit less prone to scratches and a target for drops.
Fancy
Orbino Italian Leather (http://www.orbino.com) - Dubbed as the “World’s Finest Cases” they sure do look very nice, the cases run from $99 to $129 for the iPod Touch. Orbino also offers cases for the iPhone, iPod Classic/Video, the new iPod nano, and yes the incredibly small iPod shuffle.
Incase Leather Sleeve (http://goincase.com) - Featuring genuine leather form-fitting construction and custom suede topo lining, the Leather Sleeve for iPod touch provides the highest quality in iPod protection. Direct access to widescreen with touch controls and cutouts for headphone jack, hold switch and dock connector provide for ultimate functionality. A neoprene sleeve is also available. Highly recommended.
Hipcase from DLO - A folio-style case that gives you complete body protection, a padded flip-up cover with hidden inner pocket, a leather-covered belt clip, and total iPod access in one sleek leather package.
 Protection
Griffin iClear (http://www.griffintechnology.com) - iClear’s transparent and unobtrusive design protects the iPod with a tough, polycarbonate two-piece shell that is strong enough to take the daily abuse of active lifestyles.
Griffin Reflect (http://www.griffintechnology.com) - Reflect cases are durable polycarbonate shells that present a seamless, mirrored-chrome reflective face to the world — until you wake up your player, and the bright, clear screen shows through the chrome as if by magic.
Belkin Remix Acrylic- Slip your iPod right into your pocket, without the added bulk, with this sleek, sturdy plastic case. The case also provides full access to ports and navigation.
iSkin (http://www.iskin.com) - Designed from every angle, the iSkin touch delivers on the promise of solid protection with sophisticated style. It covers and protects all ports and controls without affecting usability or aesthetics.
 Our Recommendation
Leather Folio from Belkin (http://catalog.belkin.com) - This fashion-inspired leather case provides full protection from everyday scratches and scuffs. The sleek, portable design lets you slip your iPod right into your pocket or purse.

Here is a new article that I hope you will enjoy, I will probably have a lot more to say on this subject very soon:

All iPod users wish for more time out of their battery life before recharging and now there is the iPower Rush that will extend the battery charge life for iPod owners.

   The iPower Rush is being manufactured by Fusion Audio Technologies as one of their new products for iPod owners, and can either be used for any of the iPod models or the iPhone with its feature to connect to the dock port.

  IPowerRush has a 30-pin connector that makes it compatible with all the iPod models and is powered with six AAA batteries. On the iPower Rush there is a power switch and a limiting circuit that is built in the unit to keep it from over charging the iPod, as well as a push button indicator, these features also work for the iPhone to keep it from being over charged.

  This iPower Rush has the capability to provide the iPod video viewer an added three and a half hours of viewing time and up to fourteen hours of audio playback with the use of the iPower Rush according to Fusion Audio Technologies. This is a great amount of time given the iPod owner with a mere three AAA batteries.

iPod touch now running Mail, Google Maps, and more
October 11, 2007 at 3:21pm

The iPod touch now has been hacked to run Mail, Google Maps, and lots more! Although not available to the general public, it will be when things are all stable. Look forward to it!
Written by Alex · Filed Under News Comments
5 Responses to “iPod touch now running Mail, Google Maps, and more”
Mike Johnson on October 11th, 2007 5:28 pm
This is excellent news, its great to know that the iPod Touch is now that much closer to the iPhone minus the phone.
Jonathan on October 11th, 2007 9:08 pm
Just what I wanted, an iPhone without the phone. Now that this baby is hacked, 16GB doesn’t seem so bad, the pros outdo the cons. I wish I had an iPod touch now.
Alex on October 11th, 2007 9:09 pm
Not so much for me, my iPhone can do everything on the go, even if EDGE is as slow as a sloth, but great thing my 16gb iPod touch can do that same now.
Chris on October 11th, 2007 9:22 pm
!!!
I praise you, hacking community, of your everlasting ingenuity and passion for your dreams.
Thank you guys, you totally made my day today, as well as many others’ I presume.
Jonathan on October 12th, 2007 10:36 pm
I love it how the iPhone/iPod Touch hacking community is as great as the PSP homebrew community.

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.

According to the Press Release news Wire,  the Maxell Corp has
retooled its entire line of iPod accessories, such as portable
entertainment & connector-compatible gadgets, giving buyers a little bit more practicality
in the applications.  New packaging updates include the
Blow-Away Guy icon to form a more visible, eye-catching
presence on the retail shelves. As it stands now, the
Maxell firms’ portable accessories include such items as FM transmitters,
headphone splitters, speakers, power adapters & even various protective
casings which have been updated for enhanced buyer appeal. Their
Back-Up Battery Pack for MP3 as well as iPods is
now much more sleek in general.  A USB slot has also now augments the P-2 2G so
consumers may hook-up any item which connects with a USB cord.  The P-3 2G Universal Charging Dock &
P-3A 2G Universal Charging Dock with Remote Control now has an adjustable
dock support to fit all different size iPods, taking away the requirement for variable-sized
trays, and a standard AC adapter to permit owners the complete liberty of recharging
their iPod without a pc which is a huge plus for many individuals, to be certain.
They also have the P-4 Digital FM Transmitter, P-5A Digital FM Transmitter with Auto
Adapter, P-6 Headphone Splitter, P-8B Digital Ear Buds and P-18 Portable
Speakers which likewise got makeovers to alter the look of these particular items.
And for the specificic Pod buyer who wishes to protect their player from the elements,
 the firm has added some brand new styles to its line-up of skin cases with
the new P-20B skin cases for iPod nano third rd generation and new P-33 skin
case for iPod touch.  The P-20B features the same shock-absorbing, durable
design of the P-20, but now with a 4-pack variety of sleek colors - clear,
black, blue and pink (new).  For on-the-go use, the P-20B Skins are also
conveniently equipped with a neck strap and belt loop. In addition, their
P-33 skin case for the iPod touch is now being made available in black and even comes complete
with invisible cling-film screen shields. How is that for a great variety?

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.