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The iPod turns five
Hard to believe it, but a half decade ago today Steve Jobs stood up in front of a small crowd and introduced an "MP3 music player... that plays all of the popular open formats of digital music, MP3, MP3 VBR, WAV, and AIFF," a device that changed the consumer electronics industry forever. Of course, that device was the iPod. Love it or hate it (we tend to have mixed feelings about it 'round Engadget HQ), the iPod helped to make consumer electronics cool again, and managed to be a huge step forward for the CE industry shortly after the tech bubble had burst -- and during a time when the country was in turmoil after the attacks of 9/11, no less. No, the iPod wasn't the first digital music player -- not even the first with a portable hard drive -- but we're not going to wax on about what it was that charmed tens of millions of consumers out of their hard earned cash. So we figured it'd be enough to present to you an iPod family tree, do a little groundskeeping to make sure the iPod family cemetery is in good shape, and let you blow out the iPod's birthday candles whichever way you like.P.S. - Check out Steve's original introduction to the iPod after the break. Ah, memories.
Bono, Oprah introducing iPod nano Red tomorrow?
If there's anyone better than U2 frontman Bono at playing both sides of the fence in the OS wars, we haven't met them yet. One day this guy is hanging out with Bill Gates and sleeping over at his cushy pad, and the next day he's convincing Steve Jobs to release a special (non-U2) iPod and donate 5% of the proceeds to his HIV / AIDS charity. Well, at least that's the word from AppleInsider, who's claiming that the rocker was at the Apple Store in Chicago today filming a promo spot with Oprah Winfrey to prepare for the device's debut on her show tomorrow. This iPod nano Red (artist's rendition pictured above), as it's being called, will supposedly be yet another addition to the rainbow of 4GB 'Pods first unveiled at last month's "Showtime" event, but unlike the U2 models, this one will cost the same $200 as its multi-colored brethren. Each DAP sold will reportedly net PROJECT RED $10, which will then be re-donated to The Global Fund to help African women and children afflicted with the deadly disease. Get a Mac? Get a PC? An iPod? A Zune? When you're Bono, you don't have to decide.[Thanks, Tom]
On the DL: Apple's U2 iPod goes 5.5G, falls to $279
After Apple launched the not-exactly-6G iPod at the "It's Showtime" event, we had plenty of fun dissecting the new nano and handling the appropriately dubbed 5.5G iPod, but we couldn't help but notice how the dear ole U2 iPod was apparently uninvited to the refresh party. Apple has finally got around to bringing the long-standing "special edition" 'Pod to 5.5G specs, as it now sports the "brighter display," extended battery life, and a new model number (MA664LL/A) to boot. Aside from getting the 5.5G goodies (and a coupon for an "exclusive" half hour U2 video download), the real news is the price drop; while the engraved signatures of Bono and friends (and that blaze red click wheel) still demand a premium, the coinage required to pick up a 30GB U2 iPod sank from $329 to $279 -- a whole $50 -- to fall more in line with its standard $249 sibling. For a second there, we just figured the U2-branded 'Pod was stuck in a moment it couldn't get out of.[Via iLounge]
U2 iPod updated
Those iPod elves just don't sleep! Apple has updated the U2 special edition iPod, keeping it in line with the 5.5 gen iPods. $279 gets you the signature black 30 gig iPod with a red scroll wheel. Sure, that's a $30 premium, but if you like U2 (or red) then it is a small price to pay.I wonder why Apple has limited this concept of special edition iPods to U2, I'm sure there are other bands out there that would like to get into this action (not to mention I am sure fans wouldn't mind sporting an iPod that shows the world what they like).
Apple to update U2 iPod, too?
At this point, what with the black iPod having been out on the market for about a year now, you'd think the two year old U2Pod would have faded into obscurity like so many other consumer electronics sales gimmicks. In fact, after last week's big Apple event, we were fairly certain the Edge and the iPod had finally parted ways. But not unlike its namesake band, the constructivist iPod may be poised for yet another resurrection. If a particular J&R product listing is to be believed, Bono's new 5.5G iPod is due in short order. The typically reliable J&R explicitly mentions the unit's 60% brighter display, 2nd gen earbuds, iTunes 7, etc., and their SKU (MA664LL/A) does appear to be different from the last generation U2 iPod with video (MA452LL/A). Go figure. Still, we wouldn't exactly hold our breath on a Stevenote announcing a U2 iPod mysteriously emblazoned with Johnny Depp's face, so to all ye still itching for that red click wheel (who missed your chance before last week), don't yet abandon all hope.[Thanks, Michael]
Apple to ink deal with Bono for RED iPods, MacBooks and iMacs?
Think Secret is reporting that Apple might be working on a deal with Bono to produce some red products to help promote and support the U2 philanthropist's RED, an AIDS awareness charity. The idea is that RED cuts deals to produce exclusively red items from which a portion of the sale is donated to The Global Fund, an org that helps women and children in Africa who have been affected by HIV/AIDS. Keep in mind, however, that nothing has been signed yet, and while I personally think it would be really cool to see something like this happen, I'm skeptical as to whether a red Mac would fly in a store next to predominantly white and black brethren.But don't call me a hater; I'm as interested to see what happens with this as the next guy, and I think it would be a great gesture on Apple's part for the cause.
iLounge releases The Free iPod Book 2.2
Those iPod-obsessed kids over at iLounge have updated their Free iPod Book to version 2.2 (yes, books can have version point updates too). Four all-new sections are included in this updated version: Nike + iPod Sport Kit Troubleshooting Your iPod U2 iPod + iPod Pack-Ins Backstage at iLounge You'll also find the typical kinds of updates to previous content you would expect. This 200+ page "free manual on getting the most from your iPod" is available from iLounge's update post, as well as from the iLounge Library. Enjoy.
Eight ways to kill someone with an iPod nano
Here's an interesting feature that Apple, understandably, didn't place on the iPod nano's public feature list: deadly killing machine. A tongue-in-cheek article entitled "Eight ways to kill someone with an iPod nano, according to ex-marine Brad Collom" offers just that: a guide to killing someone (effectiveness not guaranteed) with a little plastic box that plays music. Who knew?Thanks, N.
Mad TV - Apple's iPad
Mad TV has produced one of the raunchier iPod spoofs we've seen to date (meaning: probably not safe for work) in the form of an advertisement of, how shall we say, pads for women who 'think different'. The 'iPad' ad wins bonus points for coming complete with a spoof of the iPod silhouette ads and a mock voice-over of Bono.
Gates to spend more time with Bono
Microsoft announced today that Bill Gates will be transitioning out of his current role at Microsoft effective July 2008, though he will maintain an advisory role in a part-time capacity. After his departure, Gates plans to work full time on his chartable foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Gates, his wife Melinda, and U2 lead singer Bono were jointly awarded Time's Persons of the Year in 2005 for the foundation's humanitarian efforts. Speaking of the move, the webslinger richest man in the world had this to say: "I believe with great wealth comes great responsibility - the responsibility to give back to society and make sure those resources are given back in the best possible way, to those in need ... It's not a retirement, it's a reordering of my priorities." New responsibilities were also relegated to Ray Ozzie -- who will become chief software architect -- and Craig Mundy -- who will take on the role of chief research and strategy officer. Mundy and Ozzie, realizing the comic nature of their names, plan to begin shooting a buddy comedy -- appropriately titled Ozzie and Mundy -- in the fall of 2009.* * That last bit is a joke and not true. Best of luck to Ozzie, Mundy, and Gates.
Unpacking the U2 iPod with video
Red clickwheel? Check. Signature-filled black backing? Ditto. Exclusive music video? Got that too. Premium pricetag? Yup, everyting is present and accounted for: it's definitely the new U2 edition iPod (with video). Keep reading for a few more pics, then hit iLounge for the full set...
TUAW Podcast #10
Here it is ladies and gentlemen: TUAW Podcast #10 for 6/7/06. In this edition I sat down for some coffee talk with Dan Pourhadi and Conrad Quilty-Harper on everything from Apple's new 5G iPod U2 Edition to Macs in Best Buy, as well as gaming on, the finish of, and that darn glossy screen in the MacBook. We also discuss that "Why 1st Generation Apple Products Suck" article and other various bits of Mac culture.You can download the podcast in MP3 format here (42.2 MB), and it should appear in our TUAW iTMS Podcast feed soon, if it hasn't already. We recorded this via an iChat audio conference using GarageBand (which rocks by the way), and we're still working on our podcasting and audio editing skills, so there will be a little bit of noise. Also, Conrad was using his MacBook's internal mic, so let that be a testament to its quality. Nevertheless, it's a good podcast that we hope you'll enjoy.
First hand pictures of the new U2 iPod
Ash over at techpaedia dropped us a line to let us know about some photos he took of the new U2 iPod at an Apple retail store. The four photos over at his site show the rear black metal enclosure a little more clearly than the official ones on Apple's site. Ash reports that "like the traditional stainless steel mirrored finish enclosure, it is a fingerprint magnet." We'd also have to assume that it scratches as easily as the reflective mirror finish on most other iPods too.Now that Apple has created a completely black bodied iPod, how long do you think it'll be until they start bundling black accessories with its black products? Or will we just have to live with it, just like we've been living with the fingerprint and scratch magnet "feature" present on practically every iPod?
The U2 iPod makes a 5th generation encore
Apple has re-released the U2 iPod in the form of a red and black 5G iPod with video. The new U2 iPod features one design element to differentiate it from the normal 5G iPod and the previous U2 iPod: "an all-black stainless steel enclosure" or (as a subtitle underneath a picture of the U2 iPod mentions) a rear featuring "striking black metal." The screenshots of the new U2 iPod on Apple's site don't show the black metal very clearly thanks to the black background, so we'll have to wait for some hands-on pictures for a "yay or nay" design critique. Fingers crossed it doesn't scratch as easily as, well, every other iPod ever made.Another bonus over the normal iPod is the inclusion of an iTunes coupon that lets U2 iPod owners download an exclusive video featuring music and interviews with the Irish rock band. Pricing is $329 ($30 more than a vanilla iPod) and shipping is currently "within 24 hours."Update: check out the Quicktime VR movie at the bottom of this page ("take the U2 iPod for a spin") for a better look at the black metal enclosure. Without the U2 signatures and the red scroll wheel (i.e. on a normal, black 5G iPod) it'd look great![Thanks, Robert]
The U2 iPod returns (with video)
Yep, it's the 30GB iPod (with video) as we all know and love or loathe it, but now it's back U2 Special Edition with that signature red click-wheel (unlike the "traditional" all black model). Just in case the gimmick's worn off now that the pent up demand for black iPods have been met, though, and it also has a metal posterior, and comes with a special iTunes Music Store coupon redeemable for a 30-minute video of music videos and band interviews. So let's review: red click-wheel, black metal back, "free" 30 minute U2 video -- you pay $30 more than the regular 30GB iPod ($329 as opposed to $299). What a steal. Ahem.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
U2's Vertigo tour on HDNet January 29th
If you didn't get a chance to catch U2's Vertigo tour live and in person (or even if you did) you'll probably want to check out the HD premiere of "Vertigo//2005 U2 Live from Chicago" on HDNet later this month. I'm going to grab my Irish flag and pretend to be Johnny Drama, anybody else plan on watching?
J&R offers custom painted iPod Minis
So, you like the dramatic color of the Special Edition U2 iPod, and you wish that the iPod Mini were available in a color other than silver, green, blue or pink? Then you're in luck. J&R is offering iPod Minis in custom colors, including Ferrari Red, Lamborghini Yellow and Smoke White. All custom Minis are the 4GB model and will run you $249.88 USD. Who wouldn't want to have the only blazing red iPod on the block?
