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 [...]
According to the Sunday Herald, Edinburgh-based Wolfson Microelectronics is set to release its latest audio chip, the WM8985, this week. What makes this chipset important is the fact that, according to the company’s statements, it increases power efficiency by 70%. It’s worth noting that Wolfson’s chipsets are used in the iPod (all generations so far, [...]
The rating sounds right; “A-” for first-time iPod buyers, “B+” for current owners and power users. The “Audio Quality” section is where it’s at: hard drive stastic—fixed, bass deficiency—slightly improved, piano distortion—fixed. iLounge’s and Ars Technica [via] are the only iPod Video reviews you’ll want to read. Also: our presentation on the iPod with video.
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