Interesting news/reviews/deals from the portable audio market
There are some reports that Apple may not be using SigmaTel’s audio chipset for the upcoming Shuffle replacement (whenever that comes). AppleInsider reports:
In a research note released on Tuesday, American Technology Research analyst Shaw Wu said there is “potential risk” that Apple’s yet-to-be announced new and improved entry-level iPod will not incorporate components from semiconductor [...]
Guess those rumors were true. Yesterday Apple introduced the 1GB Nano; same features as its brethren, for $149—available immediately. Also announced, price cuts for the Shuffle—you can now get the 512MB model for $69 and the 1GB Shuffle for $99.
While I’m not so keen on paying 150 bucks for 1 gig of storage—yes, even if [...]
1GB iPod shuffle returns: “out of stock” no more for Apple’s screenless little player. So much for that “new iPod shuffles are coming on January” rumor we’ve been hyping too. Argh, better lack next time.
iPod shuffle (1GB): sold out: Apple’s online store says it won’t be back till mid-January. Whether it’ll come in the form of a new, improved model is not yet known, but we’re betting on it.
Remember those reports about iTunes 6.01 not playing nice with the iPod Shuffle? iPod Updater 2005-11-17 claims to fix that. [via]
Green House’s portable speaker for the iPod shuffle: you just attach the GH-SP-125W to your Shuffle and wear it around your neck, letting the world know how much you love those bass-heavy tunes. 2AAA batteries power the 2.5W speaker for 12 hours. Expected in December (Japan only? simultaneous US release?), ~$25.
Apparently, the 6.01 update to iTunes doesn’t work with the iPod shuffle.
You know, always take an analyst’s words with a big grain of salt, but American Technology Research analyst Shaw Wu has a point: the recent contract with Hynix Semiconductor for flash memory chips could be related with a new iPod shuffle.
A smaller form factor (well, duh), introduction of new colors (black anyone?), same capacities/prices [...]
The story of Shufflicious—making an iPod case to sell: a fantastic behind-the-scenes look on what it takes to build a case for a portable audio player. You don’t have to be a case manufacturer wannabe. This is the case in question—I like the fact it costs $5 with shipping included, wherever you are. It’s a [...]
iPod shuffle still selling well?: we can’t say for sure since this is based just on Asustek’s (Apple’s manufacturing partner for the Shuffle) climbing revenue reports, but it makes sense. You can get these now for very competitive prices, and for many people it’s the easiest (read: most inexpensive) way to hop on the iPod [...]