3 Secret Apple TV Features Hasn’t Been Told You

During his modest introduction of the device, Jobs called the Apple TV "one more hobby." But a closer look at the code and the hardware powering the Apple TV reveals that there's a lot more going on under the hood than the CEO shared.

Interestingly, Jobs didn't mention that Apple TV runs iOS, the same operating system running on its flagship product, the iPhone, and some other big hits - the iPod Touch and iPad. And there's more, too: The Apple TV's software may already be jailbroken, and some hidden software should eventually allow you to share the Apple TV's media with other iOS devices.

These secret ingredients could be the recipe Apple needs to shake up the television industry. For years, Apple executives have labeled the set-top box a "hobby" product because of its mild success compared to blockbuster sellers like the iPhone and iPod. Now that Apple TV has been revamped into a streaming rental service with an arsenal of stealth features, maybe Apple has a chance to change the TV business - if not today, perhaps later.

"The most important hint of Apple's real ambitions in the living room come from AirPlay, which puts iPhones and iPads in the driver's seat and makes the TV just an output device for the Apple ecosystem," said James McQuivey, a Forrester analyst, in a recent e-mail statement. "Expect Apple to gradually push more and more in that direction, but as of this moment in 2010, Apple has not yet made a significant play for control of the TV."

Here, we round up the juicy tidbits we've heard about Apple's mysterious new set-top box.

There's more than enough evidence proving that the Apple TV runs iOS. Dispelling any doubts, Apple recently posted a build of iOS 4.1 specifically for the Apple TV.

This piece of information about iOS is important because of a new feature called AirPlay, which streams media from your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch to the Apple TV. When Jobs demonstrated AirPlay, he only showed the feature working with an iPad's built-in video player, photo app and music library. Now that we know Apple TV runs iOS, it's likely that third-party apps such as MLB at Bat or ABC Player will be able stream media to the set-top box, too.

DaringFireball blogger John Gruber confirmed that an AirPlay button is showing up in the MLB at Bat app, and he adds that apps using the built-in media controller will be able to integrate AirPlay.

Long story short, you'll be able to wirelessly stream media from some third-party apps straight to your Apple TV with an AirPlay button. AirPlay is shaping up to be Apple's secret weapon to reshape home entertainment.

In addition to AirPlay, the fact that Apple TV is running iOS means that - in principle, at least - it may someday be able to run applications from the iTunes App Store. For now, that capability is not included in Apple TV, but the underlying operating system certainly supports it, so Apple might open a TV App Store in a future software update.

Third-party app support will probably be limited for the Apple TV, but that's where the jailbreakers come in. In the same way that we're able to override restrictions on the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch with a jailbreak, we should be able to run unauthorized apps on the Apple TV - something Jobs would never advertise, of course.

In fact, hackers already have a head start, because a tool called Shatter, which was used to jailbreak the newest iPod Touch, already works with the Apple TV, according to the iPhone Dev Team. That means we should be expecting hackers to code some unauthorized apps soon to unlock additional capabilities such as video conferencing via your Apple TV.

On top of that, existing hacks for the old Apple TV should work, too. Dev Team member Will Strafach explained that "the new AppleTV OS seems to be a mashup of the old AppleTV OS and iOS," meaning "frappliances," plug-ins that add functionality to the old Apple TV, should work as well.

The Unofficial Apple Weblog's Erica Sadun, a popular iOS programmer, took a close look at the Apple TV's software and discovered that it runs an application called Lowtide - the software containing the set-top box's media interface.

Sadun dug deeper and found lines of code that suggest that Lowtide might eventually be extended to other iOS devices. In other words, you should be able to share media from the Apple TV to your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad, whereas originally we thought we'd only be able to do the converse with AirPlay. This functionality would be comparable to a Slingbox or an EyeTV.

Lowtide isn't readily available for Apple's iOS mobile devices yet, but iOS developer Dustin Howett has already managed to load Lowtide on an iPod touch running iOS 4.1, demonstrated in the video above. He recommended against doing it yourself, though, unless you're ready to reformat your iPhone on a regular basis just to turn it back into a phone.

iPod touch For Dummies

The perfect full-color guide to the iPod touch for both Mac and Windows users

Your iPod touch can do so many things. With this full-color guide, you can get hip to all your iPod touch has to offer and take full advantage of the iTunes store and the App Store, as well.

You'll start by learning how to manage the multi-touch interface and setting up iTunes. Then you'll discover how to connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi, receive and send e-mail, get directions and use maps, play games, download and watch movies, shop for cool new apps at the App Store, and much more.

• Starts with the basics of setting up and using the iPod touch, richly illustrated in full color
• Covers listening to music, synchronizing your data, working with the calendar, setting up iTunes, and getting online via Wi-Fi
• Shows how to send and receive e-mail, shop for movies and music at the iTunes Store, browse the Web, share photos, download and watch movies and TV shows, and download apps from the App Store
• Explains how to use your iPod touch as a portable game console and how to manage your contacts and to-do lists
• Also covers protecting your information and troubleshooting

iPod touch For Dummies helps you make the most of this amazing device that combines a widescreen iPod with touch controls, a portable game console, and a breakthrough Internet device.

Price: $21.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

iPod: The Missing Manual

Get the scoop on iTunes 9 and all of the newest iPods with this bestselling Missing Manual. Apple's gotten the world hooked on portable music, pictures, and videos with its amazing entertainment center, but one thing they haven't delivered is an easy guide for getting the most from it. iPod: The Missing Manual gives you a no-nonsense view of the latest iPod line, with expert guidance on the most useful things your iPod can do.

Get a Birds-Eye Look at Your Collection With Grid View

Although it’s been around since iTunes 8, Grid View is still probably the most eye-catching way to see your media library. It’s like laying out all your albums on the living room floorâ??great for seeing everything you’ve got, without the hassle of having to pick it all back up. More picturesque than List View and not quite as moving as Cover Flow, Grid View is the middle road to discovering (or rediscovering) what’s in your iTunes library.
iTunes offers four ways to see your collection: grouped by album, artist, genre, or composer. Click each named tab to see the music sorted by that category. (If you don’t see the tabs, choose View-->Grid View-->Show Header.) Here’s how to work the Grid:

1) Hover your mouse over any tile on the grid to get a clickable Play icon that lets you start listening to the music.

2) Double-click a cover in Albums view to display both the cover and song titles in List View.

3) If you have multiple albums under the Artists, Genres, or Composers tabs, hover your mouse over each tile to rotate through the album covers. If you want to represent the group using a particular album cover or piece of art, right-click it and choose Set Default Grid Artwork. You can do the opposite for art you don’t want to see: right-click it and choose Clear Default Grid Artwork.

4) Adjust the size of the covers and art by dragging the slider at the top of the window. One thing about Grid View, though: It’s pretty darn depressing unless you have artwork on just about everything in your collection. (If you don’t, and you see far too many generic musical-note icons there, Chapter 5 shows you how to art things up.) And if you hate Grid View, don’t use it iTunes just defaults to whatever view you were using the last time you quit the program.

Price: $19.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

Microsoft Zune 120GB

The design of the Zune 120 is almost entirely unchanged from the Zune 80 we reviewed last year. The back of the Zune is now black instead of silver and the face of the player is covered with a glossy plastic that, although pretty, is more prone to smudges and scratches than the metal finish on last year's model. We're happy to see that the increase in the Zune's hard drive capacity doesn't translate into a thicker design.

The Zune 120 measures the same 4.3 inches high by 2.4 inches wide by 0.5 inch deep as the Zune 80. Also, no changes have been made to the Zune's navigation controls, headphone jack, hold switch, dock connection, and 3.2 inch glass covered LCD. Considering Apple's strategy of altering its iPod design every fall (for better or for worse), it's a little unnerving to see the Zune's hardware design at a standstill.

The upshot of the Zune's lack of design tinkering is that it maintains the product's compatibility with the handful of accessories designed for the player. The bulk of the third generation Zune's improvements are found by flicking through its main menu. New menu items for Games and Marketplace have been added alongside existing selections for Music, Videos, Pictures, Social, Radio, Podcasts, and Settings. The Zune's primary purpose as a high quality portable music player hasn't changed.

If anything, the enhancements offered by the third generation firmware have bolstered the unique music discovery and sharing features that have differentiated the Zune from the very beginning. One of the more notable new features on the Zune is a Marketplace selection in the main menu that allows you to browse, preview, and download music directly from Microsoft's Zune Marketplace online store.

Within the Marketplace submenu you can choose between browsing Top Songs, Top Albums, and New Releases, or search for specific music by keying in a few letters. Songs can be previewed for 30 seconds with the option to add them to your virtual cart or purchase and download immediately. By signing up for Microsoft's Zune Pass music subscription service (a free 14 day trial is available), you can download unlimited music to your Zune for a flat fee of $15 a month.

Otherwise, you'll need to purchase songs a la carte by setting up a payment account in the Zune desktop software. Your Zune needs to be connected to a Wi-Fi hot spot in order to take advantage of the Marketplace feature. Fortunately, Microsoft has improved the Zune's ability to step through public Wi-Fi hot spots, and it's even struck a deal with fast food giant McDonald's to have the Zune supported by the Wayport Wi-Fi hot spots found in many McDonald's restaurants. If your local Wi-Fi requires you to enter a password, you can enter it manually using the Zunepad. The Zune will remember and associate your Wi-Fi passwords so that you'll only need to enter them once.

Iriver P7 (16GB)

Iriver P7 (16GB) measures 4.5 inches across, 3 inches tall, and a relatively svelte 0.5 inch thick. The overall form is more pocket friendly than the chunkier design of the Cowon O2, feeling more like an Archos 5 with a shrunken screen. The majority of Iriver P7 (16GB) is operated using touch screen control, however, you'll find teeny, tiny buttons for power, menu, and volume on the top edge of the player. Iriver P7 (16GB)'s headphone jack is on the right edge, along with a hold switch, and a microSD memory slot covered by a plastic door.

While the P7's hardware looks like it takes a few cues from Apple, the touch screen interface is entirely unique. Iriver appropriately describes the main menu screen as magazine like, laying out each of the player's functions on a single screen, compartmentalized into an attractive arrangement of boxes. If you're accustomed to scrolling though menus, Iriver P7 (16GB)'s Mondrian esque layout takes a little time to grow on you.

After spending some time with it, we can't say the layout offers any practical advantages, but it's a pleasant break from the norm. Once you dial down into Iriver P7 (16GB)'s music and photo menus, the single page interface of the main menu eventually gives way to a more common list view. Unlike the iPod Touch's smooth, swift, and responsive song lists, sorting through your music on Iriver P7 (16GB) requires patience and a precise touch on a slim graphical scroll bar.

If you plan on storing a large music collection on Iriver P7 (16GB), prepare for some navigation frustration. The P7 is easy on the eyes, but the features are nothing to write home about. Despite the movie worthy 4.3 inch screen with a 480x272 resolution, video really isn't the P7's strong suit. On paper, support for formats such as AVI, MP4, WMV, MPG, FLV, XVID, H.264, and a handful of others, makes Iriver P7 (16GB)'s video capabilities seem very impressive.

In practice, however, we found that Iriver P7 (16GB) didn't offer the kind of drag and drop video format and resolution flexibility we've seen from competitors such as the Cowon O2 or Archos 605 WiFi. Just like the smaller screened Samsung P3 or Iriver SPINN, we found ourselves spending extra time converting the videos we wanted to watch on Iriver P7 (16GB) using the included software. Power users and the patient minded may be able to put up with Iriver P7 (16GB)'s particular video requirements, but people looking for drag and drop simplicity should look elsewhere.

In spite of our complaints about the sluggish, unfriendly design of Iriver P7 (16GB)'s music menu navigation, the audio capabilities of the P7 are arguably the best feature of the device. Iriver P7 (16GB) supports MP3, WMA, FLAC, WAV, and OGG file formats, along with album artwork and lyrics, but leaves out the AAC format critical for playing back music purchased from iTunes. Songs are listed in either an ID3 tag sort (Album, Artist, Genre, Playlist) or presented as the user's own custom list of folders.

Once a song is playing, you can apply custom or preset EQ (there's also some nice SRS WOW HD enhancement settings), change the playback mode (shuffle, repeat, etc.), rate the song on a five star scale, and even view song lyric information embedded within the file's ID3 tag. There are also settings for bookmarking, looping, or saving files to a custom playlist. Between Iriver P7 (16GB) and the similarly priced Cowon O2, we're a little torn when it comes to each player's audio capabilities.

Neither device shines in terms of touch screen menu navigation, but we suspect the O2's AAC support is more important than its lack of ID3 song sorting (some will surely disagree). Iriver P7 (16GB) features, such as the FM radio and text reader, are nice to have, but unexceptional. The photo viewer, like most aspects of Iriver P7 (16GB), is a little sluggish. At best, transitions between photographs take 3 seconds to complete, and the image browser uses the same tiny, tedious scroll bar found on the music player.

World Smallest Gadget meet Ipod Shuffle

The iPod shuffle is small if compared to your house key. The size is 1.8" tall x 0.3" thin to be exact how do you control your iPod shuffle you may ask it’s attached on the ear piece.

iPod shuffle has 4GB of storage, you have plenty of room to store hours and hours of music — up to 1,000 songs. With more room for multiple playlists.

The new iPod shuffle is brilliant, Exciting new feature called VoiceOver. Say you’re listening to a song and want to know the title or the artist. With the press of a button, VoiceOver tells you as the music dips down. It even announces the names of your playlists. And when your battery needs charging, VoiceOver will announce it.


Ipod shuffle with multi lingua iTunes automatically selects the language and best voice for your song titles and artist names. It looks at song data, like the title, artist, and album information, then applies intelligent algorithms to choose the right language. The Ipod shuffle has over 14 multi language capabilities making it the 1st in business to speak in different langua.

Ipod Shuffle spec’s both Mac and Windows:

Mac system requirements
• Mac computer with USB 2.0 port
• Mac OS X v10.4.11 or later
• iTunes 8.1 or later5
• Broadband internet access

Windows system requirements
• PC with USB 2.0 port
• Windows Vista or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 3 or later
• iTunes 8.1 or later
• Broadband internet access

Audio
• Skip-free playback
• Frequency response: 20Hz to 20,000Hz
• Audio formats supported: AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store),
mp3 (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4), Apple Lossless,
WAV, and AIFF

Capacity
• 4GB flash drive
• Holds up to 1,000 songs in 128-Kbps AAC format
• Stores data via USB flash drive

Battery and power
• Built-in rechargeable lithium polymer battery
• Playback time: Up to 10 hours when fully charged
• Charging via USB to computer system or power adapter (sold separately)
80% charged in 2 hrs; fully charged in 3 hrs.

The iPod shuffle is only $79.00 at apple store.

C. Crane Witness AM/FM MP3 Player

PoGo Products briefly came to the rescue with a line of AM friendly MP3 players, but the company ceased production of the line after only a few years. Filling the void is the C. Crane Witness AM/FM MP3 Player, a basic radio cum MP3 player reminiscent of the Radio YourWay LX. Even with its throwback design and monochrome display, the Witness will cost you a pretty penny $229.95 for 2GB but AM radio fans have little other choice, and will likely be plenty pleased with the features on offer.

True to its AM radio roots, the CC Witness player has a simple, utilitarian design that feels sturdy in the hand. The case is matte black with a metallic sheen and silver trim wrapping around the edges. The right side offers up a dedicated volume rocker and hold switch, while a look at the left reveals a built in mic, a line in port, and an SD-card expansion slot a necessity, given the paltry 2GB on board storage.

Two external speakers live on either side of the device as well, while a boatload of shiny plastic buttons deck out the front of the device.

There are dedicated keys for accessing the menu, stepping back through functions, adjusting the play speed, setting A/B looping, recording, editing, and playing or pausing.

A four way control pad surrounding the play or pause button allows for hassle free navigation through the extremely basic menus.

There's not much to the CC Witness's screen. It's only 1.8 inches diagonally, which is small, given that the player measures nearly 4 inches tall, 2.2 inches wide, and over half an inch thick.

It's also monochrome, so you won't be seeing any album art or photos here. On the plus side, you can see the font quite clearly without the back light engaged, and the menu options are simple AM, FM, Files, Settings, and Timers. Music accepted in MP3 format only is organized into folders under the File menu. There's also a Playlist folder here, although even after reading the manual, it is unclear what it is for M3U playlists transferred through drag and drop or Windows Media Player did not appear on the device.

Also odd You have to switch views in the settings menu depending on how you want to listen to music. The folder view lets you listen to albums in a folder, while the file view will allow you to play all your music straight through (there is a random option, also). It's definitely not the most intuitive way to listen to MP3s.

Archos 5 (250GB)

Archos is promoting the Archos 5 as a Wi-Fi Internet tablet, but its chromed plastic enclosure and 5 inch touch screen look more like a luxury GPS unit. In fact, for an extra $129 you actually can use the Archos 5 as a relatively sophisticated in car GPS system. Unlike its predecessor, the 605 WiFi, the Archos 5 is controlled almost entirely by its touch screen, with the exception of a power button and volume rocker on the top edge of the device.

A 3.5mm headphone output is located midway up on the left edge, making the gadget more awkward to hold than the 605 WiFi. Thankfully, a built in kickstand folds out from the back of the Archos 5 for hands free viewing. The Archos 5 measures 5 inches wide, 3 inches tall, and 0.5 inch thick (or 0.75 inch thick for the 120GB and 250GB versions), making it not much bigger than the 605 WiFi.

Despite its similar size, Archos was able to squeeze an extra half inch of screen onto the Archos 5 by removing the redundant physical controls found on the company's previous players and placing the integrated speaker on the right edge of the device instead of the front. Another surprising design change from Archos is the use of a glossy coated screen instead of the matte, antiglare screens that have been a hallmark of its previous products.

Combined with the Archos 5's glossy, reflective enclosure, Archos has created an ideal breeding ground for fingerprints and smudges. Another small, but significant design feature that distinguishes the Archos 5 from previous Archos PVPs is the use of new proprietary dock connection. We've given Archos some flack before on its use of a nonstandard connector for its USB cable, but the upshot of the unique dock connection has been its compatibility with Archos accessories such as battery packs, FM tuners, video cameras, and AV docks.

The introduction of a new dock connection on the Archos 5 has severed its compatibility with existing Archos accessories, with the exception of the in car GPS cradle. Archos is busy making new accessories for the Archos 5 (including the new Archos 5 DVR Station) however, early adopters have only a few options currently and users looking to upgrade from older models may feel some resentment over replacing their existing accessories.

Microsoft Zune (third generation, 16GB)

The design of the flash memory Zune models offered in 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB capacities at $129.99, $149.99, and $199.99 respectively is almost entirely unchanged from the Zunes we reviewed last year. The face of the player is now covered with a glossy plastic that, although pretty, is more prone to smudges and scratches than the matte finish on last year's model. The flash based Zune measures the same 3.6 inches by 1.6 inches by 0.33 inch as last year's. Also, no changes have been made to the Zune's navigation controls, headphone jack, hold switch, dock connection, or 1.8 inch glass covered LCD.

Considering Apple's strategy of altering its iPod design every fall (for better or for worse), it's a little unnerving to see the Zune's hardware design at a standstill. The upshot of the Zune's lack of design tinkering is that it maintains the product's compatibility with the handful of accessories designed for the player. The Zune comes packaged with a proprietary USB cable and a pair of earbuds with three sets of replaceable foam pads.

Features
The bulk of the third generation Zune's improvements are found by flicking through its main menu. New menu items for Games and Marketplace have been added alongside existing selections for Music, Videos, Pictures, Social, Radio, Podcasts, and Settings. The Zune's primary purpose as a high quality portable music player hasn't changed.

If anything, the enhancements offered by the third generation firmware have bolstered the unique music discovery and sharing features that have differentiated the Zune from the very beginning.

One of the more notable new features on the Zune is a Marketplace selection in the main menu that allows you to browse, preview, and download music directly from Microsoft's Zune Marketplace online store. Within the Marketplace submenu you can choose between browsing Top Songs, Top Albums, and New Releases, or search for specific music by keying in a few letters. Songs can be previewed for 30 seconds with the option to add them to your virtual cart or purchase and download immediately.

By signing up for Microsoft's Zune Pass music subscription service (a free 14 day trial is available), you can download unlimited music to your Zune for a flat fee of $15 a month. Otherwise, you'll need to purchase songs a la carte by setting up a payment account in the Zune desktop software.

Apple iPod Shuffle (third generation, 2GB)

The third generation iPod Shuffle (1GB) is the lowest profile MP3 player we've laid eyes on. Apple may have been slow out of the gate, but the company has succeeded in launching perhaps the tiniest and simplest player on the market and it sports a price tag to match $79. The new Shuffle is appealing in its elementariness, too, but the itty bitty device is far from perfect.

Its screen less design means you get few navigational options and no extra features. And how small is too small? At 1.6x1x0.4 inches and 0.6 ounce, the iPod Shuffle is one minuscule music player.

In fact, it's so inconspicuous that we have trouble keeping track of it if you're constantly misplacing your keys, this player probably isn't your best option.

If you just can't help yourself, go for one of the brighter color options. The red, green, purple, and blue models will probably be easier to spot on a cluttered desk than the muted silver one is.

That said, the integrated belt clip on the back of the Shuffle helps keep the player within easy reaching distance. Some users have complained that the clip isn't very durable, but it seemed fairly sturdy during our testing.

Apple iPod Shuffle (third generation, 1GB)

The third generation iPod Shuffle (1GB) is the lowest profile MP3 player we've laid eyes on. Apple may have been slow out of the gate, but the company has succeeded in launching perhaps the tiniest and simplest player on the market and it sports a price tag to match $79. The new Shuffle is appealing in its elementariness, too, but the itty bitty device is far from perfect.

Its screen less design means you get few navigational options and no extra features. And how small is too small? At 1.6x1x0.4 inches and 0.6 ounce, the iPod Shuffle is one minuscule music player. In fact, it's so inconspicuous that we have trouble keeping track of it if you're constantly misplacing your keys, this player probably isn't your best option.

If you just can't help yourself, go for one of the brighter color options. The red, green, purple, and blue models will probably be easier to spot on a cluttered desk than the muted silver one is. That said, the integrated belt clip on the back of the Shuffle helps keep the player within easy reaching distance. Some users have complained that the clip isn't very durable, but it seemed fairly sturdy during our testing.

Apple iPod Classic (second generation, 120GB)

The second generation iPod Classic is indistinguishable from 2007's original model, except that the thicker 160GB version is no longer available. An anodized aluminum faceplate covers the front of the Classic in either black or silver, while the back of the iPod is covered in the same scratch showing, smudge loving chromed steel found on most iPods.

The second generation iPod Classic fits a whopping 120GB hard drive into the same enclosure as its 80GB predecessor, coming in at pocket size 2.4 inches by 4.1 inches by 0.41 inch.

The screen is still made from plastic, making it the only remaining iPod that hasn't yet switched to a scratch resistant glass screen.

The second generation iPod Classic is also now one of the only iPods to use a split screen main menu layout, displaying menu items on the left half of the screen and a picture related to the selection on the right.

For example, highlighting Music on the main menu causes the right half of the screen to display a drifting close up of cover artwork from your music library. This split screen effect is more beautiful than it is distracting, and applies to menu items such as movies, podcasts, and photos, as well.

You also have the option to browse your music using the Cover Flow view made popular by the iPhone, however, the novelty of Cover Flow wears thin without a touch screen display. Users with large music collections to sort through will prefer browsing using the list mode or search function.

Apple iPod Touch (second generation, 8GB)

Priced at $229 (8GB), $299 (16GB), and $399 (32GB), the second generation iPod Touch still commands a fairly high price compared with other MP3 players with similar capacities. When you weigh the price of the iPod Touch against its features, however, the device becomes much more attractive.

Out of the box, the second generation iPod Touch includes an amazing music player, podcast support, video playback (including iTunes rentals and a YouTube player), a Safari Web browser, photo viewer, an email reader (compatible with Outlook, Exchange, MobileMe, Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, or any POP email service), an integrated Wi-Fi music store, and a host of smaller utilities (weather, calendar, maps, stocks, notes, clock, contacts, and calculator).

Provided you can become proficient with its touch screen keyboard, the iPod Touch is more pocket PC than MP3 player. As of version 2.0 of Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch firmware, the device's stock features are just the beginning.

The new iTunes App Store, accessible from your computer or directly from the iPod Touch, lets users download and install thousands of applications, including Internet radio players, games, voice recorders, and social networking tools.

You can also extend the capabilities of the iPod Touch using third party "Made for iPod" hardware accessories such as Bluetooth transmitters, audio or video docks, external battery packs, and speaker systems.

The second generation of the iPod Touch also introduces Apple's new Genius feature, which lets you create an instant 25 song playlists based on the musical characteristics of a single song. The Genius feature is easy to use, and the results are fun, provided your music collection holds enough songs to make interesting connections. You can create and save Genius playlists directly onto your iPod Touch, and with automatic syncing enabled in iTunes you can also transfer them back to your computer.

Oddly, the Touch's Genius feature won't work if you haven't enabled Genius on your computer's iTunes software. If you find iTunes' Genius feature too demanding on your computer's resources or too invasive of your privacy (the feature reports your listening habits to Apple), then you'll need to live without the feature on your iPod as well.

Apple iPod Nano Fourth Generation

The Nano 4G feels impossibly light and thin, with a seamless metal construction that prevents it from snapping like a twig. A slightly curved design gives the Nano 4G the essence of an airplane wing, repeating the rounded design themes of Apple's iPhone 3G and second generation iPod Touch. Compared with the short, squarish design of last year's Nano, the long, tapered body of the fourth generation Nano is more comfortable to grasp.

Curved glass now covers the iPod Nano's screen, giving it better resilience against scratches in theory. The curve of the glass screen lies flush with the slight curve of the Nano's body, and although the glass is inherently glossy and reflective, we didn't notice a diminished viewing quality compared with last year's Nano.

The shape may have softened, but the dimensions of the fourth generation Nano are nearly identical to the second generation version, measuring 3.5 inches tall by 1.6 inches wide by 0.25 inch thick at its center the thinnest iPod yet. The Nano's 2 inch screen size remains unchanged from the previous model, as well as its 1 inch wide scroll wheel control.

Headphone and dock connections are located on the bottom of the 4G Nano, and a sliding hold switch makes a reappearance on top of the player (another throwback to the second generation design). Because Apple has flipped the Nano's screen on its side, menus and user interface get a dramatic overhaul from last year's model. Menu text size has increased slightly and album cover art takes up less real estate on the main menu.

In a bid to increase the accessibility of the Nano for people with impaired vision, Apple has included a font size setting on the fourth generation Nano that makes its menus more legible a nice feature even if you have 20/20 vision. The Nano's music playback screen now presents full screen album art by default, and Cover Flow view is zippier than before, offering alphabetization letters below the covers when you quickly flip through your collection.

Apple New iPod Touch

The new iPod Touch that come in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB memory capacities are now available for $229, $299 and $399, respectively. iPod owners can choose from a vast ecosystem of accessories with over 5,000 products made specifically for the iPod including speaker systems, fitness accessories, fashionable cases and iPod connectivity available in over 90 percent of new car models sold in the US.”

According to the release, “The iPod is the world’s most popular family of digital music players with over 160 million sold. Apple’s incredible new lineup includes the iPod shuffle in four vivid new colors starting at just $49; the iPod classic in one slimline model with 50 percent more capacity for the same great price—120GB of storage for just $249; the fourth generation iPod nano featuring a gorgeous curved metal and curved glass enclosure, in nine vibrant colors starting at $149; and the second generation iPod touch now starting at just $229.

Its new second generation iPod touch, which features sleek new design, integrated volume control buttons, built-in speaker for casual listening, built-in wireless support for Nike + iPod, Apple’s revolutionary Multi-Touch user interface, built-in accelerometer as well as other advanced sensors, working with new iTunes 8, genius feature that allows consumers to create playlists automatically while on the go.

The owners of new iPod touch can select hundreds of exciting game titles on iTunes or directly through revolutionary App Store application on iPod touch, including ‘Spore Origins’ and ‘Scrabble’ from Electronic Arts, and ‘Real Football 2009′ from Gameloft.

SanDisk Sansa e280

The Sansa e200 Series MP3 players are the flagship products of SanDisks audio line. Created by the leaders in flash memory, this flash based player provides everything you need for music, photo, and video clip playback.

The very attractive, sleek design includes a 1.8 TFT color screen with advanced navigational features and an easy to use interface. You can also avoid scratches and cracks with the durable metal backing.

The Sansa e200 provides superior sound playback and supports Microsoft PlaysForSure subscription music. The SanDisk Media Converter supports most image formats to enjoy photos and small personal videos.

Key Features

• Product Line : Sansa
• Storage Capacity : 8 GB
• Key Functions : Audio Player, Photo Viewer, Radio
• Screen Size : 1.8 in.
• Supported Memory : MicroSD, Integrated
• Storage Type : Flash
• Supported Media Format : Protected WMA (DRM), WMA, MP3, AVI, MOV, MPEG-4, WMV, ASF, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, VOB, BMP, GIF, JPEG, PNG, TIFF, WMA, MP3
• Compatible OS : Microsoft Windows XP or later, MS Windows XP
• Average Battery Life : 20 hrs.
• Max Battery Life : 20 hrs.
• Connector Types : USB, Headphones, Headphones
  

Memory

• Installed Memory : 8 GB

Audio Format

• Audio Format : Protected WMA (DRM), WMA, MP3

Connectors

• Interface Provided : USB, Headphones
• Connectors : 1 x headphones ( mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm ), 1 x USB
• Slot Types Provided : MicroSD
  

Operating System

• System Compatibility : PC
• Required OS : Microsoft Windows XP or later
  

Features

• Equalizer : Yes
• Tuner Bands : FM
• Included Components : Lanyard
  

Power

• Power Source : Player battery, rechargeable, lithium ion

General Product Info

• Base Warranty : 1 year warranty
• Warranty Information : 1 year warranty
• Weight : 2.6 oz.
• Also known as : SanDisk SDMX4-8192-A70, SanDisk E280, SanDisk Sansa, SanDisk Sansa E280
• Manufacturer Part No. : SDMX4-8192-A70
• Dimension : 0.5 in. x 1.7 in. x 3.5 in.(HxWxD)

Samsung neXus 50

Samsung and XM now offer a portable line of XMP3 digital audio players that receive live XM Radio reception when connected to a home docking station or car dock. The Samsung NeXus 50 player can store XM content, MP3's, and WMAs for portable listening. The Samsung NeXus 50 can store 50 hours of XM content.

Key Features

• Storage Capacity : 1 GB
• Screen Size : 1.5 in.
• Supported Memory : Integrated
• Storage Type : Flash
• Supported Media Format : Protected WMA (DRM), WMA, MP3
• Compatible OS : Microsoft Windows 2000 / XP
• Max Battery Life : 8 hrs.
• Connector Types : Headphones
  

Memory

• Installed Memory : 1 GB

Audio Format

• Audio Format : Protected WMA (DRM), WMA, MP3

Connectors

• Interface Provided : Headphones
• Connectors : 1 x headphones ( mini phone stereo 3.5 mm )
  

Operating System

• System Compatibility : PC
• Required OS : Microsoft Windows 2000 / XP
  

Features

• Equalizer : Yes
• Included Components : XM antenna, Cradle, Carrying case
  

Power

• Power Source : Player battery, rechargeable, lithium ion
• Battery Life : 8 hour(s)
  

General Product Info

• Weight : 3.5 oz.
• Also known as : Samsung 50, Samsung neXus, Samsung neXus 50, Samsung YP-X5Z
• Manufacturer Part No. : YP-X5Z
• Dimension : 3.4 in. x 1.9 in. x 0.7 in.(HxWxD)

COBY MP-C7095

Coby Electronics is a manufacturer of quality consumer electronics products designed to deliver outstanding performance for value conscious consumers who do not compromise on product performance.

Coby incorporates new designs with innovative technologies to produce great looking and great performing consumer electronics products.

Product Features

• 1.66" TFT LCD full color display
• Elegant touchpad interface control
• Plays music, video, photos, and text
• Plays digital music from most online stores and subscription services
• ID3 and LRC support for song and synchronized lyric information display
• Integrated FM radio and recorder
• Integrated microphone for digital voice recording
• USB 2.0 for ultra fast file transfers.

Multi chat application for iPhone and iPod touch.

Every one is eager to get their hand on chatting as it’s a way to pass time with your friends via chat. But if you’re out and you have a iPhone then that is all you need to start chat with your friend. But what if you wanted to chat via yahoo, jabber, googletalk, aol, msn or even icq. There’s a function in iPohone and also for iPod touch which enables user to use multi-chat option.

Well there a trick that that you may perform with your iPhone or iPod touch. Watch the video below and turn on your chatting experience in a new way.

Riding bike with in style.

Listening to the iPod while taking a ride on a bike is now safer, the newly launch iHome iPod speaker case (iH85B).

Slip in the iPod unit into the water resistant polycarbonate shiny black casing, clamp it to the bicycle frame and off you go. The case is fully protected and water proof you can use it at the beach or poolside areas without worrying about ipod been drenched.



A remote wireless control is also included in the package it can be installed and controlled in the rider helmet, allowing to have the full control of the iPod Function remotely and safely while taking for a ride.

The speakers on the case utilize iHome Reson8 technology to produce full and rich flavor of sounds. The unit even charges your iPod when connected to the AC adaptor and it works with all models.

For modetails visit iHome