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Zune HD's HD Radio breaks through the FCC as well
Can you feel it? The Zune HD is really really real, and the FCC just rubber stamped another internal component: the onboard HD Radio. With a September 15th release date already on the books, it's not exactly a surprise that the wireless insides of the device won't fry your babies, but it's still a comforting thought. And check out that sexy label! Totally worth the second trip to FCC land.
Hey, maybe that iPod touch with a camera is real after all (video)
Look, we're not too proud admit this: that iPod touch with a camera might actually be the real deal. Why do we think that? Video after the break, kids. Update: And... here's a gallery of new pics. [Thanks, Kyle and Darren]
Zune 4.0 software won't play nice with HDTV Media Center recordings
With the launch of the Zune HD and the CEDIA show just around the corner, we've been hoping this could mean an all new integrated future for Windows Media Center and other Microsoft platforms -- until now. As a few commenters pointed out yesterday, the corrected spec sheet received from Microsoft indicated HDTV and protected Windows Media Center DVR-MS (the files used by Vista Media center) recordings were not supported. We reached out for clarification and received the following: "Zune HD, and the forthcoming Zune 4.0 PC software, will support and transcode Windows Media Center recorded TV file formats from Windows Vista or Windows 7 that contain MPEG-2 video, in either the DVR-MS or WTV formats. Support is limited to unencrypted SD and HD recordings. HD Files with AC3 audio are not supported by Zune." As you may or may not be aware, at least in the U.S. , and most other countries, any high definition broadcasts you snag from antenna, ClearQAM or otherwise use Dolby Digital AC-3 audio, meaning the Zune software won't be able to convert them. Current workarounds for bringing Media Center recordings on the go should still be a go, but all we can see is the missed opportunity to tie the two platforms together with easy one click transcoding support. Hopefully Microsoft still has something up its sleeve to pull together Zune and Windows 7 Media Center, but portable DVR recordings ain't it.
Next-gen iPod touch photos supposedly leak out; Cocktail part of Apple announcement? (Updated)
No surprise that the Zune HD announcement has resulted in a flurry of iPod rumors, and there's a couple good ones going around today. Obviously the big news is a set of photos purporting to show a next-gen touch with a camera -- the sourcing and the backdrop in some of the pics make it feel like it's a publicity stunt, but the shots of the motherboard next to a current-gen touch's board seem convincing -- especially because of Apple's recent propensity to leak this sort of thing. The other piece of news? CNET says that whatever Apple does next month, the new Cocktail "next-generation album cover" will be a part of it, at least according to "multiple music industry sources." That might link into the major labels' CMX initiative, it might have something to do with iTunes 9, it might be a fun little Tom Cruise movie, or it might be nothing at all -- but it sure seems like we're in for a hell of a September. Update: As commenter Joseph pointed out, these look pretty fake when you zoom in Photoshop -- there's a distinct square of pixels around the lens. Nice publicity stunt, guys -- we'll totally start listening to your show now. Update 2: After seeing some high res versions of these pics, we think we can safely rule out the JPG artifacting as the tell-tale sign that these are fake. You know what we can't rule out? The really bad looking Photoshop work around the lens. Much clearer pic after the break. [Thanks for the pic, Manny] Read - The Covino and Rich Show blog post with iPod touch photos Read - iPod touch photos on Flickr in higher-res Read - CNET on Cocktail
Ainol announces V8000HD PMPs with HDMI, h.264 support
Well, well... it looks like Microsoft isn't the only company overhauling, upgrading, and generally "swankifying" its handheld devices. We just received a dispatch from iMP3.net detailing the new V8000HD line from Ainol and, while we doubt we'll be seeing one of these guys in the States any time soon, they do manage to pack a lot in a little package. Available in three flavors, the V8000HDA（4.3-inch / 800 x 480), V8000HDB (4.3-inch / 480 x 272), and V8000HDG (5-inch / 800 x 480) are being billed as PVPs (Portable Video Players) -- because, you know, there aren't enough arbitrary product categories out there as it is. According to the company, the PVP concept centers around full support for the H.264 codec (up to 1280 x 720), HDMI output (in addition to your standard component and A/V outs), and hi-def audio support. Also included is a USB port for access to external storage. No word on prices or release date, but we'll keep you posted. In the meantime, feel free to feast your eyes on some Chinese-language PR in the gallery below. [Via iTechNews]
iPhone devs offered cash to code for the Zune HD?
We've all been a bit up in arms about the apparent lack of a push for apps on the Zune HD given the platform's obvious strengths, but news from Daring Fireball seems to suggest that may not be the whole story. According to John Gruber, after publishing a short story on the ZHD and Microsoft's seeming lack of developer interest, he was contacted by an iPhone dev who claimed to have been pinged by Redmond to code for the new device. According to the source -- a Twitter client-maker -- he was asked to port his software to the Zune platform for "a bucket of money," though he ultimately declined the offer. Details beyond that fact are scarce, though apparently this dev is "certain" the offer was for the Zune. We won't argue for the benefits of having your application on two high-profile devices (clearly a personal decision), but it is extremely encouraging to hear that Microsoft sees the need to bring more than just basic functionality to a device like the Zune HD. Now, it's just a question of how smartly they go about it. [Via The iPhone Blog]
Newsmy A8HD probably looks better than it really is
After the lustrous ManMan and retro Cool Man, Newsmy has now surprised us with a straight-laced number in the form of the 8GB 4.3-inch A8HD. Packing a pair of serious-looking speakers and a "high definition" microphone, this has all the intent in the world to break away from the cheap knockoff label, but you already know what you're gonna get: a shiny pretty paintjob outside and someone's leftover parts on the inside. Common audio and video formats are supported, and there's even a rather dubious claim of 720p playback. Maybe once the price and release date are cleared up, we'll saunter over to China and check it out for ourselves. Or not. [Via Akihabara News]
Qik for iPhone 3GS now available, still not capable of live 3G streaming
So, there's good news and bad news. The good news is that Qik for iPhone 3GS is now available, and it's completely gratis to download. The bad news is that it probably won't do exactly what you want it to. You see, those on Symbian S60 have grown used to a Qik that can actually stream live video to the internet, whereas this app is currently just a "capture and upload" piece. Moreover, it only works via WiFi, so if you're not near a hotspot once your video is done, you'll have to wait until you wander back over to one before it automatically begins uploading. Though, you can let the app automatically inform viewers of where the video was taken (in case you feel like pampering guests who show up unannounced), and you can also frame the video horizontally or vertically. The Qik team assures us that an update is in the works to add 3G uploading, but for now, it's WiFi or bust. Which is kosher so long as it's free... we guess.[Thanks, Jackie]
'Sources' say no Apple tablet until 2010
And so it continues. It seems like just when rumorland is ready to claim this month or this season as the absolute certain sure time of the Apple tablet, those pesky "sources" get cold feed and bump the imaginary release date back a year or so. At least that's what the folks at The Loop are saying. They claim "very reliable sources" have called the September rumor "flat out wrong," and state that we won't see the tablet until the first half of next year sometime. Sigh. Don't give up internet, if we just wish hard enough we know that anything is possible. [Via Daring Fireball]
CourseSmart releases eTextbook reader for iPhone
We have no idea who would choose an iPhone app over a real, honest-to-goodness textbook, but if you really want to spend marathon cram sessions hunched over a 3.5-inch display, a company called CourseSmart has just made its entire catalog available for viewing with its eTextbooks app. Certainly, it seems that the company's selection is nothing to sneeze at -- electronic access to over 7,000 titles from 12 publishers -- so if you're already using the service, additional on-the-go access to the books (as well as the handy search, notes, and bookmarks) might prove quite worthwhile. Keep in mind that you're not actually downloading the books -- so your mileage will vary, depending on the quality of your Internet connection. Maybe this device is actually marketed to students who need a helping hand (or, in this case, handheld) during finals? Regardless, this is further evidence that the electronic textbook market is one to keep an eye on -- if only someone could figure out how to do it right. Now, if you'll excuse us, we'd like to get back to Knife Music. Video after the break. [Via PC World]
Zune HD color options revealed in pre-order email
We already knew that the Zune HD would be available in five different colors, and a just sent out pre-order email has now given us our first (very small) glimpse of the options available. In addition to the standard black and silver (or platinum, as Microsoft calls it), it seems you'll also have your choice of blue, lime green, and a red / maroon color, each of which can also be adorned with your choice of 10 exclusive Zune Originals designs. From the looks of it, however, folks pre-ordering are limited to the two less colorful options.[Thanks, matthew]
Microsoft's Zune HD AV Dock and Power Pack up for pre-order
No need to hide your unabashed love for Microsoft -- we know you've already plopped down a few bills to pre-order your Zune HD, but did you bother sinking a few Jacksons on high-margin accessories? If not, we'll have you know that the Zune HD AV Dock (left) and Zune HD AV & Power Pack (right) can be pre-ordered right now from Microsoft's online store as well as through Amazon, and we suspect most every other respectable e-tailer will pick 'em up soonly. Both devices are expected to ship alongside the device itself on September 15th, with the former including a dock, three inserts, wireless remote, AC adapter, HDMI cable and AV output cable for $89.99. The latter is meant to pipe content from your docked Zune HD onto a TV, as it includes an AC adapter, HDMI cable and AC output cable for $49.99.[Thanks, Thomas]Read - Zune HD AV Dock Read - Zune HD AV & Power Pack
Zune HD lands September 15th, up for pre-order today
Do you want a Zune HD real bad? Well you're in luck, because the wait is nearly over. Microsoft announced today that the heavily hyped media player will be making its way into retail channels come September 15th, and will be up for pre-order at select spots (Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and the Microsoft Store) today. That's right... today. The Tegra-packing, HD Radio-playing, 720p-outputting device will come in a black, 16GB flavor for $219.99, or a beefier, "platinum" finish 32GB version clocking in at $289.99 (apparently the player will come in five additional colors, but no word on which ones, exactly). If you're super impatient and in select markets (Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Minneapolis / St. Paul, New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C.) you can head into a Best Buy on August 22nd and 23rd to play with a device and drop $25 on a pre-order. Otherwise, you'll just have to sit tight till the ZHD makes its way into the wide world... which is actually pretty soon. Check out more info about the player at our Zune HD hub, and after the break you can enjoy a recent video we shot of the device in action and the official PR.
Samsung YP-R1 portable media player hits the FCC
It's unfortunately not the (presumably) Tegra-based YP-M1 that Samsung has just debuted in South Korea, but the company's YP-R1 player still isn't too shabby as far as basic PMPs go, and it's now finally popped up at the FCC. While still far from a guarantee, that would seem to signal that US release could be coming sooner rather than later, and hopefully means that it's bigger brother, the M1, will also be following suit. In case you missed it, the YP-R1 is a touchscreen-based player with a 2.7-inch display, and packs 8GB to 32GB of flash storage, built-in Bluetooth, TV-out, support for most of the major audio / video formats, and even a few games for good measure. Still curious for more? You can get a glimpse of the manual, some internal shots, and some always-riveting test reports at the link below.
Logitech dishes two new iPod / iPhone speaker docks, one of them rechargeable
Not quite sure if you've noticed, but Logitech has been on a tear for the ages here recently. As the torrent of new gear continues, we're now faced with another pair of iPod sound systems desperately attempting to knock the "me-too" status and contribute something positive to the world. The Rechargeable Speaker S315i is the larger of the two, boasting a rechargeable battery that's supposedly good for up to 20 hours of listening. The unit is fully compatible with dock-connecting iPods and iPhones, and there's even an auxiliary input for those who aren't down with Cupertino's wares. The smaller Portable Speaker S125i plays and charges any iPod model and can be powered by an AC adapter, four AA cells or 8.43 tablespoons of Jobs' favorite fairy dust. Check 'em out this month and next for $129.99 and $69.99, respectively.
Zune HD coming September 15th, says leaked display stand
Once again, an anonymous Best Buy employee has come through with some new Zune HD details, and this one's infinitely more tangible than a computer screen. Pictures of an official display sent to Gizmodo seem to all but confirm its street date will be September 15th, just one week past what we heard yesterday. Pre-orders require a $25 deposit, but as for the full price, the best we've got right now are those $220 / $280 estimates from yesterday.Update: If you needed any more reason to take September 15th off from work, Buy.com has a Zune HD countdown leading to that very day. Huzzah! Thanks, Stephen!
Zune HD video hands-on: chock-full of media edition
We've witnessed a very interesting development cycle with the Zune HD, getting to witness the software at various early stages of development, instead of a completed device all at once. Our latest glimpse of the player is along the lines of what's been cropping up the last week or so: wild transitions, fun motion graphics and plenty of beautiful media to show it all off with. We did get to touch the new keyboard briefly, and while there's no telling what sort of predictive text Microsoft has worked in, since we only had a URL bar to work with, it's a passable (and certainly beautiful) attempt to cram a full QWERTY touchscreen keyboard into such a small device. Reports are conflicting as to whether there will be a landscape keyboard in the final build of the device, but it's been spotted in some iterations of the device -- it didn't show up when we tried to rotate the player, however. Unfortunately, while the browser is up and running, the hotel we were at wasn't able to offer us a working internet connection -- hopefully we'll be able to rectify that soon. For now hold tight, check out the gallery below and the peep the video after the break for a magical exploration of the Zune HD's truly impressive interface.
Flash Zunes mysteriously disappear from Zune site
Looks like the rising tide of Zune HD news has taken some casualties along the way: Microsoft's official Zune store no longer lists any flash players at all, leaving just the Zune 80 and Zune 120 to hold things down while we wait for the next generation. Amazon and some others still have stock, so if you're looking to pick one up on the rebound you know what to do -- but we think you're better off holding out for a little Tegra action. [Thanks, Nathan]
Zune HD on-screen keyboard and browser caught on camera
Oh, you want even more Zune HD news today? You got it! Yahoo! Tech managed to get a hands-on with the device, snapping some pictures of the browser and, more importantly, the on-screen keyboard. It's only a minor glimpse, but it definitely looks sleek. Shot of the browser after the break, and hit up the read link for full gallery. Seriously, Microsoft, add a 3G chipset and dialer app, and you can go ahead and draft those "million seller" press releases already. Update: CNET has posted some more pictures of the browser and keyboard, including Facebook in landscape mode. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Best Buy lists Zune HD at $220 for 16GB, $290 for 32GB, coming September 8th
It hasn't been long at all since we saw Zune HD make its FCC debut, and now Gizmodo's gotten ahold of what looks to be screenshots from Best Buy's inventory system listing 16GB and 32GB Zune HD models going on sale September 8th for $220 and $290, respectively. Retailers don't necessarily have the best track record for release dates or pricing, and while Best Buy's inventory pricing is in fact notoriously wrong prior to release, it's usually way high. As for the date, it certainly falls within the Fall 2009 window we've heard before, but if it's really less than a month away, rest assured Microsoft will be flexing some advertising muscle in the not-too-distant future.Update: Looks like Amazon now has its listing up as well, albeit a non-functional one. [Via ZuneSpring]
