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Dexim's Shu-Lip turns your new iPod shuffle into the thumb drive it's dying to be
With the promising intro of "when a shuffle kisses a Mac..." we were hoping for something a bit more exciting, but we suppose Dexim's new Shu-Lip will have to do. In completely straightforward and boring fashion, the Shu-Lip is designed to plug into the end of the new iPod shuffle and transform it from miniscule DAP to completely run-of-the-mill thumb drive, replacing that clunky audio-jack-to-USB dongle that the shuffle comes with. Naturally, with such short notice from Apple, it seems like Dexim merely has the renders and a price locked down so far -- the Shu-Lip will ship for $10 whenever it's ready.[Via iLounge]
iPod shuffle teardown: guts weigh just 10% more than sheet of paper
Regular readers, you know the drill: interesting product introduced, product splayed wide for nerdgasm pulp. iFixIt has the honors again, this time aiming its Xacto at the new iPod shuffle. After the usual struggle to open Apple's un-serviceable (by consumers) gear, iFixIt notes that the functioning parts of the 3rd gen shuffle weigh only 10% more than a single sheet of letter-sized paper. Hit that read link for the visual gore -- pretty amazing stuff at this scale. [Via 9to5 Mac]
New iPod shuffle first hands-on (with video!)
We just nabbed one of Apple's new button-free iPod shuffles, and in case you were wondering: yes, it's really small. We're gonna play around a bit with the VoiceOver navigation and get you our full impressions in a few, but at first glance we think this is totally usable, especially for the shuffle's sweaty target demographic. Also: it's really small.Update: In-depth impressions are after the break, along with video!
So it begins: Klipsch, Scosche unveil VoiceOver-compatible iPod shuffle earbuds
We knew we'd be hearing more about all those third party VoiceOver-compatible headphones today, and sure enough, the flood has begun. In an admittedly cute attempt to be first out of the gate, Klipsch has pushed out a woefully underwhelming release that simply assures consumers that it is currently working up a set of earbuds for Apple's latest iPod shuffle, and that said 'buds will be available to purchase sometime this summer for $99.99. In other, more tangible news, Scosche has announced (full release is after the break) actual products that'll play nice with the aforementioned DAP: the IDR350M, IDR450M and IDR650M noise isolating earphones. All three of these also include a built-in microphone for recording voice memos, and if all goes well, they'll be shipping this Spring for $49.99 to $99.99.
The new iPod shuffle, explained.
img src="https://o.aolcdn.com/images/dar/5845cadfecd996e0372f/2a82295f065b400b98264b0989555c8bb2c158e2/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ibG9nY2RuLmNvbS93d3cuZW5nYWRnZXQuY29tL21lZGlhLzIwMDkvMDMvMy0xMS0wOWlwb2R3YXIzLmpwZw==" alt="The new iPod shuffle, explained. image">
New iPod shuffle requires extra adapter for third-party headphones
We were wondering why the new voice-enabled iPod shuffle even has a standard 3.5mm headphone jack since it's controlled by proprietary headphones, and we just got the answer: non-Apple headphones will require a special dongle that includes the new three-button controller, and Apple says it's working with third parties to bring other compatible 'phones to market. Yes, Apple's cheapest iPod is now the most needlessly complex, and far from cost-effective if you want to use your own cans: assuming the adapter will cost between $20 and $30 like most other Apple accessories, you're looking at minimum $100 outlay for the new shuffle, and at that point you might as well pick up a $150 iPod nano, which is also VoiceOver-enabled in addition to having twice the storage, dongle-less controls, a screen, and numerous other features. We'll see if this thing is so tiny these concerns wash out when we get one in our hands, but does anyone actually feel like the numbers tip in favor of the shuffle here? We're all ears.P.S.- Yes, we know $100 can get you any number of fine non-Apple players, we're just talking about Apple's price points. Feel free to suggest your favorite alternative, though!Update: Apple called to clarify that the nano doesn't have the exact same VoiceOver feature, which is shuffle-exclusive; the nano does "spoken menus" but doesn't say track names as you skip around. We're getting a full list of differences between the two systems, we'll let you know if there's anything else major.
New iPod shuffle features VoiceOver
The store is back, and the rapid rumor ramp-up is vindicated: Apple introduced a new iPod shuffle this morning, billed as 'the first music player that talks to you' -- it features a VoiceOver interface that announces artists, songs and playlists on demand (the iPod nano features spoken menus as well, so that tagline may need some work). Interestingly, the VoiceOver UI concept was mused upon by John Gruber last month. The shuffle now supports multiple playlists, which would have been difficult to manage without some sort of UI for controlling which one is playing. The new shuffle expands to 4 GB of storage for the same $79US, but in the course of shrinking the overall size of the microscopic MP3 maven down to 1.8" high, 0.7" wide and 0.3" deep (45mm x 17mm x 7.8mm), the player controls were moved onto the headphone cord. This may not sit well with buyers who prefer other earbuds. The shuffle is available in black and silver and is shipping in 3-5 days.
Apple's redesigned iPod shuffle hits 4GB, talks to you (updated with video!)
Bam, another Apple rumor vindicated. Apple just doubled the capacity of its iPod shuffle to 4GB while ditching the control wheel entirely. The new design keeps the clip and adds VoiceOver -- a new feature that gets around the lack of display by telling you which song is playing and who performs it at the touch of a button on the earbud cable. It'll also call out your playlists and let you navigate to others. Available in black or silver for $80 and your claim to what Apple calls the "world's smallest music player." Check the video tutorial after the break.Update: VoiceOver in English, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish.
Apple store down: 4GB iPod shuffle on the way?
Yeah, we know, the Apple Store's down. We had presumed it to be regular maintenance since it's not Tuesday and there's not a single Apple rumor in the mix that would warrant such a quiet product launch. Then we peeped MacRumors and low and behold Arn's got a source claiming 4GB iPod shuffles (up from 2GB) are on the way in black, silver, and possibly other colors. Makes sense to us.
iPod Shuffle colors updated
Apple has updated the iPod shuffle line with new colors. Specifically, you've got grey, blue, green, pink and Product (RED) to choose from.Everything else is the same; the 1GB model costs $49US while the 2GB version is $69US. Personally, I liked the orange and am sad to see it go. I'm quite happy with my "fat" nano, but I'm often tempted to buy a shuffle. They're just so tiny, sturdy and durable, I think, "Why not?"So, what do you think of the new colors?
Luxpro finally countersues Apple over the Super Tangent iPod shuffle clone
Hey, remember the Luxpro Super Shuffle / Super Tangent? That Taiwanese KIRF of the original iPod shuffle? Back in 2005 it ruffled some feathers in Cupertino with an appearance at CeBIT, went under a slight redesign, and was eventually brought to court by Apple's lawyers, prompting Luxpro to vow vengeance -- and nearly two years later, it's finally filed that promised countersuit against Apple. The suit alleges that Apple uses unfair tactics to squash competitors as part of its "unending aspiration" to maintain a monopoly in the PMP game, and throws in a dash of that never-works iTunes-tying argument for good measure. Luxpro also says the Super Tangent was "obviously" different than the original iPod shuffle (uh, sure) and that Apple was just being a bully when it tried to get the Super Shuffle removed from trade shows and importer lists. We'll see how this one plays out -- we've got a feeling it'll end pretty quickly.[Thanks, Mark]
One more thing: New iPod shuffle colors
Although not announced, the iPod shuffle also got turned out in four new colors in addition to the ol' standby, (PRODUCT) RED. Still 1GB and 2GB for $49 and $69, respectively. Hey, what more do you want, aluminum MacBooks? See what's been left behind after the break.
iPod Reset Utility 1.0.3 for iPod shuffle is available
Even iPods get the blues.Earlier today, Apple released iPod Reset Utility 1.03 for the iPod shuffle. It's meant to be used with both a 1st and 2nd generation iPod shuffle when iTunes is unable to restore it to factory settings. Note that this sucker wipes your iPod clean -- all music, photos, etc. will be cleared away, so make sure you've got backups in place. You can read all the details here.
Diamond-studded iPod shuffle to be auctioned in London
Yeah, there's a lot of good, civically-minded things you could do with your cash... but wouldn't it be more fun to blow it on a 1GB iPod? If you're dying to prove how little £20,000 (or around $40,000) means to you, here's your chance. A jeweler named Thomas Heyerdahl has created an 18 karat, diamond studded, white and pink gold iPod shuffle, meant to be auctioned at a charity in London. We've seen an almost identical version which appeared to be selling just for the heck of it -- at least this one seems to be going to good cause.[Via Mobile Magazine]
Apple COO speaks about iPhone, SDK
World of Apple is reporting on a recent 45-minute Q&A session with Tim Cook, Apple's COO, at the Goldman Sachs Investment Symposium. In regards to iPhone unlocking (or allowing users to move to another cell network with their iPhone), Cook said that it is "difficult" to please all users on all networks, primarily because the US uses both GSM and CDMA protocols. He did say that the iPhone model may change over time, but that the current AT&T deal provides the best coverage and simplest experience for the user. "We're not married to any business model," Cook stated. "What we're married to is shipping the best phones in the world."Cook also said that the upcoming iPhone SDK will allow developers to "only be limited by [their] imagination." He declined to give further details because Apple wants to keep "the element of surprise." Cook also talked about the AppleTV, iPhone price cuts, and iPod shuffle price cuts. The session was recorded and is available for your listening pleasure on Apple's site.
2 gig iPod shuffle now available for order
Several readers (thanks!) have pointed out that the new 2 gig iPod shuffle (which we blogged about last Tuesday) are now available to order. The Apple Store lists them as shipping in 7-10 days, for $69.Let us know in the comments if you are ordering one.
Apple's 2GB iPod shuffle now shipping
Break out the champagne, that Apple spec bump you've been waiting for is finally here: the 2GB iPod shuffle is shipping as of today. It'll set you back a cool $69, but if you've decided to hold off on this round of lackluster MacBook updates, we're guessing you've got the cash. Go ahead, you've earned it.
Apple intros 2GB iPod shuffle for $69
It's turning into quite the day for shuffle aficionados. Apple just slash the price on its 1GB iPod shuffle this AM to a very palatable $49, and now the company is pushing a brand new 2GB version out the door for $69. The color selections will be the same as little brother, including a (PRODUCT) RED version. It'll be available later this month.
iPod shuffle price cut, now $49
Well, what do you know. What was $79 just a few minutes ago is now just $49. Making room for something new are we Apple? Still no change to iPod touch and iPhone pricing but we'll keep an eye out.Update: Apple store offline. Picture of all the discounted shuffles after the break.Update 2: Store back online with new 2GB shuffle for just $69 -- available later this month.[Thanks, Mog]
Target offers up pink iPod shuffle Special Edition
With little fanfare a new iPod package has made its way onto Target shelves in the name of cancer. The pink shuffle -- which may or may not be different than the hot pink model from the last-gen shuffles -- comes packaged with a $15 iTunes Gift Card, courtesy of Target, who is donating a portion of the proceeds to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, totalling $25,000. Happily, the player maintains its $79 price tag, so barring an aversion to pink or cancer cures, you've really got no reason not to seek one of these out. They're only in retail stores, and there's no telling when supplies will run out.[Thanks, Kiwi616]
