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Apple recalls faulty first generation iPod nano players in Korea
While Apple may have moved on to selling the 4th generation iPod nano, consumer protection agencies are still focused on gen-1. For good reason too, apparently, as there's mounting evidence that those early white and black plastic players have a tendency to overheat, swell, and possibly burst into a nasty chemical fire. Responding to four formal consumer complaints made between December and June, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards sent a request to Apple on June 25th recommending that Apple "aggressively" collects first generation iPod nano with Lithium Ion batteries made by the Chinese company ATL. Initially, Apple agreed to replace faulty units as they did in Japan upon request by the consumer. However, KATS is now reporting that Apple will recall the players under its own initiative making this the first formal iPod nano recall we can, uh, recall.
Radiopaq's Sound Jacket improves nano sound quality, according to this handy chart
Accessories aimed at the iPod nano 4G crowd are always a curious affair. Isn't the whole point to have your tunes on-the-go, with a minimal of fuss? And aren't costly (and bulky) add-ons the definition of "fuss?" We seriously doubted there was much of a market for the portable speaker attachment we saw a few weeks back, and now it's Radiopaq's turn to get us scratchin' our heads. The iPod Sound Jacket claims to do away with "the distortion that can sometimes result from a static EQ setting" and reveal the "hidden detail in the music that is lost during MP3 compression." In other words, it seems to be a graphic equalizer. One that you have no control over, to boot. Sound familiar? But then again, according to the product literature the device boosts sound quality "up to 60 percent." If only it were able to boost our self esteem by, say, 40 percent or more. Now that would be well worth the £69.99 (roughly $115).[Via SlashGear]
iPod touch, nano might get cameras
Ah, the loose lips on those 3rd party case manufacturers. This time we're seeing what looks like an iPod case with a hole cut out for... yes, a camera. Macrumors has a few juicy shots of both nano and touch-sized iPod cases with said holes. These match up with sketches reported by iLounge back in May and rumored by HardMac before then.Personally I think it's brilliant and logical to add a camera to the nano and I doubt a touch with video would scuttle many iPhone sales. More importantly, the touch is likely to get the same "upgrade" treatment the 3GS did: oleophobic screen and speed boost. Adding a camera just turns the touch into what people wanted anyway: pretty much an all-in-one device.
Evidence mounts for iPods with cameras
The iPod with camera is pretty much a given at this point in Apple's evolutionary approach to its audio / video players. In fact, we've already seen iLounge's confident rendering of an iPod nano with camera. Now we have the first cases with matching camera cut-outs (like that of the above) for the iPod nano in addition to an iPod touch case with similar cutouts passing through our tips box. This morning TechCrunch is claiming that a "massive number of camera modules" for iPods have been ordered per information provided by a source in Asia. Add it all up and we should see the announcement of a new iPod touch and iPod nano with photo / video recording sometime around September per Apple's usual pattern.[Via MacRumors, thanks to everyone who sent this in]
User friendliness, new features highlight Nike+ site redesign
Since its introduction in May 2006, the look, feel and features of the Nike+ website have undergone relatively minor changes. Which makes the redesign (still in beta) of the site all the more noteworthy. By putting familiar faces in different places, as well as adding some new faces, Nike has added some polish on an already great and revolutionary fitness motivational tool.
Walt Disney World Notescast for iPhone: one Disnerd's review
To start with: I am a Disney fan -- to be precise, it's a lot like the way Jack Nicholson is a Laker fan -- so on my very nearly annual expeditions to a Disney park, I don't really need the map. I have memorized shortcuts and low-traffic restrooms, how to get all the good stuff done in one day, and loads more random bits (look closely in the Hall Of Presidents; molds for their faces are used on other animatronics around the park), mostly because carrying them around in my head was the easiest way to carry them. Then I got my iPhone (my first smartphone) and was able to put data on my phone (which I always carry with me). Enter the Walt Disney World Notescast. This $0.99 app is a handy planning/informational tool that can guide your entire Walt Disney World trip, from vacation packages to tips on annual events and park history. I tested the iPhone version of this app, but TimeStream Software also sells a $1.99 version for notes-capable classic iPods and nanos. It doesn't rely on a data connection and you can carry all this info with you easily.When you first launch the application, you get a list of options to choose from. I liked the variety of options, but I wish I could customize or at least re-order it so I could get at a few of the options more quickly. There is a bookmark system available, but I ended up bookmarking a lot of things so that list went non-functional pretty quickly. And while I understand not having a ton of information on one page, I had a hard time figuring out why there were breaks between, for example, "Tours of EPCOT I" and "Tours of EPCOT II". I love the list of phone numbers, especially since I can tap the number to make the call. In the now cutthroat world of Disney Dining, having that number handy -- as well as the ticket line and even the camping and Magical Express numbers, not usually easy to find on the WDW site -- is a huge convenience.
AITALK adapter adds voice control to your iPod nano
Voice control accessories for the iPod aren't an entirely new invention, but they've often been more expensive than the iPods themselves. While it's still far from a bargain, this new $85 AITALK adapter for the iPod nano on display at Computex does seem to be one of the more affordable to date, and seemingly just as full-featured as the rest of the options out there. That includes the ability to speak artist and song names in addition to the usual player controls, and support for multiple languages (although it's not clear exactly which ones). Unfortunately, there's no word on a release 'round here just yet, but you can get a closer look at the device courtesy of our pals at Engadget Chinese by hitting up the read link below.
Apple iPhone 3.0 rumor roundup
Heard any good iPhone 3.0 rumors lately? No? That's because they're all here in this tidy little roundup. The latest (pictured above) is a purported top-facing bezel frame for the "Apple iPhone 3Gen 2009." Besides being black unlike the chrome edge of the iPhone 3G, iLounge and others have noticed a repositioned ear speaker, tucked high against the top-edge that could be making way for a front-facing camera or additional sensor(s). iLounge also created a render (pictured after the break) of a 5th gen iPod nano based on information provided by a source who "has a perfect track record for accuracy." In addition to a slightly larger screen with 1.5:1 aspect, there's now a camera on the back; a redesign that dovetails nicely with rumors about Apple to getting serious with integrated video and digital cameras. iLounge also claims that there will be three new models (3G, enhanced 3G, and mainland China version lacking WiFi we suspect) of iPhones with matte plastic bodies less prone to scratching. Importantly, countries will get the phone appropriate to their telco's capabilities -- iLounge says users won't have to choose between a fast and slow iPhone, they'll get what their carriers can support. Each will ship in a choice of two capacity options with 32GB being the top-end rumored. Oh, and iPhone 3.0 will also get into the Nike+ game without requiring an adapter (like the iPod touch). These rumors ride a wave of reports that inventories of the iPhone 3G are running low and component makers are now shipping parts for the next generation iPhone. So Steve Jobs or not, we're still expecting the hardware to be announced at WWDC with possible July 17 launch. Read -- iPhone 3.0 bezel (via iFun.de) Read -- iPod nano with camera renders, three versions of iPhone 3.0 Read -- PCB makers begin shipments for new iPhone Read -- Nike+ Read -- 16GB iPhone 3G listed as End of Life Read -- 32GB iPhone 3G
iPod nano GPS hack ensures that you and your MP3s make it home safely
We've seen iPod hacks run the gamut, from the useful to the just plain absurd, but no matter how rough around the edges such a project may seem, we always get a kick out of the ingenuity and hard work involved. Today's DIY wonder comes from a cat named Benjamin Kokes, who's using his engineering chops to put together a GPS peripheral for the iPod nano. As the project stands right now, he's taken a reference board sporting a Nemerix GPS and written a screen driver for it, allowing it to do its thing on the handheld. Apparently, all this bad boy is capable of doing right now is finding a satellite and displaying your latitude and longitude -- but we'd like to see your old nano do that! Hit the read link for the whole, sordid tale in geek-tastic detail, or to speak with the developer if you'd like to give this a shot your own self. Tell him Engadget sent you.[Via Technabob]
Creative TravelSound i85 adds external speaker, FM tuner to iPod nano
There's really no easy way to say it -- Creative's TravelSound i85 is bordering on unsightly, so devout fashionistas should probably look elsewhere. For those who always put design second and utility first, this here device adds a portable speaker and FM tuning abilities to Apple's fourth-generation iPod nano (the tall, thin one, for those unaware) and even includes a built-in rechargeable battery for pumping out up to 15 hours of house jams. Aside from operating as a gaudy wrist adornment, it can also double as a stand (horizontally or vertically), though there's no Dock Connector pass-through (just a miniUSB plug). Worth $99.99? That's between you and the monster underneath your bed.[Via FarEastGizmos]
Road Tested: EcoRunner by Marware
As promised, we're launching a new series called Road Tested where we try out various products for a month or more, see how they hold up to extended "real world" use, and report back our findings. To kick things off we're looking at the EcoRunner from Marware [thanks to our friends at Dr. Bott for the review unit].The EcoRunner is a "green" product in that the primary material is not neoprene, but "a revolutionary environmentally friendly material." I'm not sure what that is, but I can say I like it better than neoprene -- it feels just as soft, but the cells are smaller and thus the material is more supple. The EcoRunner can be worn on the wrist or arm (using an extender strap, included) and is designed for the 4th-gen iPod nano. There's the requisite vinyl window for controlling playback and viewing the screen, plus the case can be used with the Nike+ Sport kit attached (there's a strap to keep everything in).Does it work? Well, there's one caveat to our test: we used a 1st-gen nano, the white model that was infamous for being easily scratched. It's increasingly tough to find cases for this model, but we found the EcoRunner is stretchy enough to accommodate the slightly thicker model. The side effect of this, possibly due to thickness or the more squarish design: the vinyl window busted (see gallery), leaving the unit exposed and capable of falling out. Call it a "stress test." It's definitely a design challenge to secure the vinyl in a way that won't get too stressed, especially in cases where everything else is so stretchy.The softness of the case can't be understated. It is really smooth and lightweight and stretchy. I'm partial to wrist straps, because I tend to skip around my playlists depending on my workout. If you find yourself monkeying with your nano during a workout, this is a terrific wrist strap. The extension strap to use it on your arm adds virtually no weight, and holds up well, but bulging biceps might strain that window. The Velcro used is very high quality, but the stitching on the end can sometimes be a little tricky to thread through the grommet -- so I recommend not removing it entirely. Just pull it off your wrist. One upside is that you can charge the nano in the case, so the entire unit becomes home to your nano. If you only use your nano for working out, you'll never have to remove it from the case.After a month (OK, nearly 2 months) of solid use -- we're talking about near-daily use on the treadmill and at the gym -- the EcoRunner holds up well. As I said, using a 1st-gen nano isn't recommended by us or the manufacturer, so I don't know if the thinner nanos would bust the window after prolonged use. Other than that, there's very little visible wear-and-tear, and I'd recommend this especially if you a) prefer your nano on your wrist, and b) need a case that'll hold the Nike+ Sport kit. Your choices are pretty limited when it comes to both of those criteria, but the EcoRunner is a good bet either way. If you've had experience with this particular model, let us know in the comments.UPDATE: Great questions in the comments! As far as sweat retention, since my wrist doesn't sweat too much, I'd have to say no problems there. You might have an issue with a very sweaty bicep, but I feel the material's tighter cells (as opposed the larger, more open cells found in neoprene) would guard pretty well against this. There's no signs of staining, either.The extender strap adds a little over 6 inches to the overall strap length. Total that's 11.5 inches (see added gallery image). My puny biceps fit fine, but if you have some massive guns then yeah, you might have a problem. %Gallery-48849%
SwitchEasy's ThumbTacks are the cutest iPod mics you ever did see
SwitchEasy's ThumbTacks are far from being the first third-party microphones designed to function nicely with Apple's iPod nano 4G and second-generation iPod touch, but we'll be darned if they aren't the cutest. Clearly designed to mimic the iconic thumb tack, these itty-bitty microphones function with all third-party voice applications and can be selected in black, white or red. Not too shabby for $15.99 shipped, wouldn't you say?[Via iLounge]
Mini microphone spruces up voice recording possibilities on iPhone / iPods
Not that this is the very first microphone designed to function with Apple's iPhone or anything, but it's certainly amongst the cheapest and most universal that we've seen. The Mini Microphone reportedly plays nice with the iPhone 3G, iPod touch and iPod nano, giving 'em all that extra special voice recording oomph that's so badly needed. The best part(s)? It's only $14.99, and it's barely bigger than a valve stem cover to boot.[Thanks, Junior]
Elton John's Swarovski-encrusted charity iPod nano
Out to give the rumored MySpace MP3 player a run for its money, Elton John has launched his own iPod nano lineup, raising money for a charity close to his hearts and our own -- the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Taking his cue from the classy 'n' sassy Swarovski crowd, the players are bedazzled in the aforementioned crystals, and are available in black, green, orange, pink, purple, red, silver, or yellow. Available at Goldgenie and Selfridges, the 8GB version is going for £399.99 ($566) while the 16GB model will set you back a cool £449.99 ($638). Be sure to jump on this soon, as each color is only offered in a limited edition of 100. And if that weren't enough, Goldgenie is throwing in "Rocket Man: The Definitive Hits CD" with every order. More pics after the break.[Via Pocket Lint]
Original iPod nano owners benefit from scratch settlement
The first generation of iPod nano models may have been small and sleek, but they also apparently had an image problem -- mainly, that it rapidly grew difficult to see the screen after the nicks and scratches began to accumulate on the face of the player. As far back as 2005, users expressed their displeasure over the nano's likelihood for damage, including cracks in the screen in some cases.Thanks to a now-settled class action lawsuit, nano owners who experienced the scratchies can apply for a refund of $15 (if the iPod shipped with a slip case, as later ones did) or $25 (for no-case shipments). You can get all the details from the settlement website. Refunds may take up to a year (!) to arrive.[via AppleInsider]
Apple reaches $22.5 million settlement for scratched iPod nanos
It's been a few years and a couple of different nano generations since the first lawsuits started flying, but it looks like those that found themselves with the scratch magnet known as the first-gen iPod nano may soon be able to get a bit of payback for their troubles, as Apple has reached a $22.5 million settlement following a class-action lawsuit. Under the settlement, Apple would pay out $25 to each person that bought a first-gen nano that didn't include a slip case, and $15 to those that bought one after Apple started including free slip cases, not to mention the usual attorney fees and other litigation expenses. All of that is still subject to a judge's approval at a court hearing on April 28th, however, and it could possibly be further delayed by appeals, but those looking to get in on the action (and willing to wait) can find all the necessary details at the link below.[Via AppleInsider, thanks Mark]
Review: Incipio Lloyd iPod nano microphone
Have you ever forgotten something, or said "I wish I had recorded that?" If you have an iPod nano and the Lloyd microphone, you will be able to instantly record anything. A while back we mentioned that the Incipio Lloyd microphone had begun shipping. Well, I was able to snag one for review purposes and I'm going to tell you about this very cool accessory for the iPod nano. The DesignLloyd was specifically designed for the iPod nano 4th generation, and you can tell that by just looking at it. The microphone attaches to the bottom of the device, and plugs into the audio line-out / microphone line-in port on the bottom. It is nearly the same width/thickness of the iPod nano, and fits well in that regard. I like the fact that the microphone does not add any heft to the device at all. It does, however, add some height. So understand that if you plan on leaving the microphone connected that some cases might not fit it. FeaturesLloyd features a microphone in the center, and an audio line-out port on the left side. The audio out port allows you to leave the microphone connected, while still having the ability to play your tunes. The microphone does cover up the 30-pin Dock connector, so you will need to unplug/reposition the Lloyd while syncing/charging. ThoughtsI really like this microphone. The sound quality is great, it's easy to carry around, and it doesn't hinder me from using my iPod nano as an iPod. I especially found it to be useful when recording lecture audio, but it could be used virtually anywhere you need to quickly capture audio. My only gripe is that it disables the play/pause/skip button on the iPhone headset while it is attached to the line-out port on the Lloyd microphone. I'm hoping this can be improved in a future version of the product. At $17.99US, this microphone is an excellent accessory for your iPod nano. The device is available directly from Incipio and is available in either black or white. %Gallery-40521%
Focal's latest waterproof speaker cases play nice with newest iPod nanos
Focal's latest wares look a lot like similar units that we've seen from Atlantic, but we guess there are only so many ways you can design a waterproof iPod sound system. The battery-powered AquaTune nano 4G (shown after the jump) plays nice with Apple's freshest iPod nano and packs a pair of 1-watt speakers that can withstand all but the deepest puddles. The AquaTune v2 is compatible with a wider range of iPods, and the 3-watt x 2 power rating is sure to stir up a few waves whilst submerged. Both are ready to be placed under Japanese trees for ¥10,800 ($119) / ¥15,800 ($174), respectively.[Via Impress]
Incipio releases Lloyd, new way to record voice notes on iPod nano
With the introduction of the new iPod nano in September, Apple allowed users the ability to record voice notes right to the device using the iPhone headset (with microphone). This is a great way to capture quick reminders, but it's not such a good way to record multiple voices. Incipio hopes to solve this problem with their new microphone designed specifically for iPod nano 4th generation. Lloyd is a compact microphone that attaches to the headphone line out port on the bottom of the nano. The microphone doesn't seem to add much bulk to the nano, either. You can even leave it connected to the iPod at all times -- you can rotate it to connect a syncing/charging cable, or use the audio line out port on Lloyd to listen to your tunes.Incipio is selling Lloyd for $17.99, and you can get your hands on one directly from the Incipio online store.
iPod nano update released, adds support for new In-Ear headphones
If you have one of those small, multi-colored nano-chromatic iPod nanos, then you might be in for a surprise the next time you sync it with iTunes. That's because an update is waiting for you; the iPod nano (4th Generation) update 1.0.3 gives your musical friend the following new features/bug fixes: Support for Apple In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic (yeah, the ones we've been waiting for) Support for Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic Fixed instability issues when using Nike + iPod Sport Kit Added a setting to turn off Cover Flow when rotating iPod nano and a Cover Flow menu item under the Music menu When Shuffle setting is set to Songs, pressing play on a song in saved Genius playlist will now follow the Shuffle setting After playing a slideshow with TV out, Cover Flow album art is no longer distorted Waking iPod nano after hibernating no longer distorts photos Other minor bug fixes If any of these things have been bugging you, you'll be pleased to know that Apple has fixed them. I know I have wanted the ability to disable Cover Flow for a long time. You can download this update by docking your iPod nano (4th Generation) with iTunes, selecting your iPod under devices and choosing "Check for Update."Thanks to everyone who sent this in!
