Marware's Game Grip for iPhone 3G and iPod touch 2G

Marware is preparing its new Game Grip accessory for the iPhone 3G and iPod touch 2G. The Game Grip combines a high-grade silicone case with thick grip mount, letting users hold their iPhone or iPod touch like they would a more traditional game controller.

Other features include a a unique cord management system for routing both headphone and Dock Connector cables through the back of the grip and silicone grip covers. The Marware Game Grip for iPhone 3G and iPod touch 2G will sell for $50; a release date has yet to be announced.

FEATURES
-Unique cord management system provides the ultimate versatility
-Can be used with headphones/ear buds
-Can be charged while playing
-Silicone sleeves can be used as stand alone protection when not gaming
-Provides convenient, radically comfortable access to full face of touch or iPhone
-Enjoy hours of extreme game play

INCLUDES
-Game Grip Controller
-High grade silicone skin that fits iPhone 3G
-High grade silicone skin that fits iPod touch 2G with spacer insert
-Silicone grip covers and ergonomic design
-Lifetime guarantee

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The Wave iPod Touch 2G Case from Griffin

Griffin Technology has released a brand new case for the iPod touch 2G called the Wave.

"The distinctive wave shape on the case defines elegant styling as well as unique functionality. Wave's overlapping curves of the closure provide increased surface area to lock together with greater security for your iPod. Your iPod is enclosed at all corners in translucent, durable polycarbonate. Included screen protector guards your screen, but allows complete access to your iPod clickwheel. Wave for iPod touch (2nd generation) includes protection for your multi-touch display."

Review for the Griffin Wave Case:



The Griffin Wave iPod touch 2G case is available in 4 colors: pink, white, green, and black; and the price is $24.99. You could also get two-packs of the Wave (black & green or black & white) for $35. The product is now available on Griffin Technology.

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NeoTouch iPod Touch 2G Cases from SwitchEasy

For an ultra-revolutionary iPod such as iPod Touch 2G, you’ll need an ultra-revolutionary hard case to protect it. SwitchEasy has launched its new NeoTouch case for the second-generation (2G) iPod touch.

SwitchEasy's design goal is to make sure that absolutely no hard plastic touches your delicate iPod Touch 2G while the protection solution is installed. Therefore, any clip-on and so-called hybrid solution is out of the question. The clip-ons will fall apart during impact, and the sliders will scratch your case when installed.
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Therefore, they have specially developed a patent pending Lexan® polycarbonate framing system and a special silicone solution to solve these problems. They claim that this case is the best impact resistant hard case by far in the market.

TactileThin Membrane
Introducing the world’s first TactileThin Silicone Membrane. At just 0.6mm thin, the skin snuggles’s around your iPhone while also protrudes high in all crucial button areas to offer you the best tactile experience while being completely covered. The TactileThin membrane provides the foundation for all the protection goodness of Neo.

H-frame design
With their unique H-Frame design, the NeoTouch for iPod Touch 2G cases have achieved what any hard case cannot rival. In addition, unlike any full-enclosed hard case in the market, this case features unique 7-point locking mechanism offers the best impact resistant solution unrivaled amongst any cases in the market.

To start, the unique ultra tough GE Lexan polycarbonate H-Frame will lock the four corner points in place so your iPod Touch 2G is cuddled in security. Then, the unique slipfree polyurethane coated I-Clip will clip and lock the top and bottom portion of the H-frame in place so your iPod Touch 2G is secured like a rock. To top it off, both pieces are secured in place by the center lock which is where the SwitchEasy logo is located.

SwitchEasy’s NeoTouch case for the iPod touch 2G is available now in black and white and sells for $24.99 + $3s/h.

The Package
With the Neo package, you’ll get the following
-One NeoTouch™ unit
-(2) TactileThin Silicon Membrane
-(2) Two anti-static Screen Guards
-One Microfiber Wipe
-One Squeegee for your Screen Guard application
-One Universal Dock Adapter
-One Video Dock Stand
-One Power Jack Connector Protector

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Wave iPod Touch 2G Cases from Griffin

Griffin Technology has introduced its new Wave case for the second-generation (2G) iPod touch. Like its predecessors, the new Wave case features overlapping, interlocking wave-shaped contours that hold the case together.
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The distinctive wave shape on the case defines elegant styling as well as unique functionality. Wave's overlapping curves of the closure provide increased surface area to lock together with greater security for your iPod touch 2g.

Your iPod touch 2g is enclosed at all corners in translucent, durable polycarbonate. Included screen protector guards your screen, but allows complete access to your multi-touch display.

Features
-Elegant wave-shaped closures grip with maximum surface area
-Durable, beautiful polycarbonate protection
-Included screen protectors allow complete iPod control
-Full access to clickwheel, ports and controls

Griffin’s Wave iPod Touch 2G case sells for $24.99 and is available in white, black, or pink colors. In addition, Griffin is offering two-packs of the Wave iPod Touch 2G in black & green or black & white for $34.99.

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iPod Touch 2G Leather Case from Noreve

Noreve has introduced its new Tradition Leather Case for the second-generation (2g) iPod touch. Made from handcrafted leather, the case feature a flip-down integrated screen cover with snap closure, a padded design, open access to all ports and controls, and a removable swiveling metal belt clip.

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In addition, the case also offers one interior business or credit card slot. Noreve’s Tradition Leather Cases for the iPod touch 2G are available now and sell for $40 and $49.99.

Characteristics

- Elegant case conceived in top quality handcrafted leather

- Compatible with Apple iPod touch 2G 8, 16 & 32Gb

- Access to basic functions (multiples openings in the leather)

- Slim and padded design

- Practical thanks to its snap closure
- Protects the device in an optimal manner
- One business or credit card slot
- Headphone access
- An opening for recharge
- Beautiful interior lining embossed with the Noreve logo
- Completely removable sturdy metal belt clip (swivels 360 degrees)

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Check-in to the Hotel and get an iPod Touch

It's true! But only for as long as you stay in the hotel. Runtriz, a software firm out of Hollywood, CA, after a series of quiet test runs at other LA hotels, has debuted a product called “Hotel Evolution” at the Malibu Beach Inn in Malibu, CA.

When you check-in to the hotel, you are asked if you own an iPhone. If you have one the Runtriz Hotel web application is loaded to the device. If you don't have an iPhone, a 16GB iPod Touch that already has the web application pre-loaded is given to you for the duration of your stay.

Once you’ve punched in your room number and security code, all of the hotel’s service offerings are but a tap away. Straight from the device’s screen, you can order room service, set a wake up call, request your luggage, dry cleaning, or car (or if you’re going all out, a limo), request linens or toiletries, check your messages, or set your room to “Do Not Disturb”. They also provide information about nearby nightlife, attractions, and shopping.

The cost of getting such a system up and running varies on a hotel-by-hotel basis. According to Matt Allard, president of Runtriz, the cost of the first month is generally about double that of the standard monthly fee of $10 per room.

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iPod Touch named gadget of the year

Griffiths reports for Reuters that Apple has swept the board at Britain's T3 technology magazine's annual awards, winning four top prizes, including gadget of the year for its iPod Touch.

"The touch-screen music and video player beat the Asus Eee Pc budget laptop, TomTom's GO 920 car navigation system, Sony's HDR-TG3 compact camcorder and six other devices.", Griffiths reports.

T3 Editor Michael Brook said Apple had "nailed the mix of style and usability" with its latest crop of gadgets.

"The iPod wasn't the first MP3 player, but it was, and is, by far the best," he said. "The iPhone clearly wasn't the first smartphone, but it was the first one that every man, his dog and his dog's ticks would sell limbs to own."

Apple won three other awards: best commuter gadget (iPhone); best music gadget (iPod Touch 32GB) and a prize given by the magazine's blog, Gadget Candy (MacBook Air).

The magazine's second annual awards ceremony was held in Park Lane, central London, on Thursday evening and was hosted by "Cold Feet" actor James Nesbitt.

Readers cast more than 54,000 votes to pick 11 of the prizes, including the gadget of the year award. The others were chosen by T3. Details are on their website, www.t3.com/.

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iPod support in 58% of U.S.Car Models in 2009

iSuppli reports that more than half of the car models in US to be realeased in 2009 will have at least optional iPod surport built-in.

The report says that this is due to continued demand from US consumers for the past few years to provide improved iPod Support in their vehicles audio/video systems.
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Automakers seem to have responded to that demand in a big way with 39 percent of vehicle models in the United States in 2008 expected to offer iPod integration options. And in 2009, that number is expected to go up to 58 percent marking it the first time that more than half of the new car-models will be having this feature.

"The automotive industry is at the point where in-vehicle technologies-or the lack of them-are influencing sales," said Phil Magney, vice president of automotive research for iSuppli.

"The charge toward greater technological integration has been led by car OEMs like Hyundai and Honda, which are making USB/iPod combination interfaces standard on many of their vehicles. It's also been spurred by OEMs like Audi and Mercedes, which offer integrated Media Device Gateways that allow any device imaginable to integrate with a vehicle."

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Ipod Touch Wireless Troubleshooting Mistakes

So far I received over 450 emails to help people troubleshooting Ipod Touch Wifi. And most common mistake was the WEP key mismatch. Itouch users instead of placing 26 character (128bit) long key they put windows-mac user password, email passwords, and passphrase.

Another most common mistake was connecting to some WiFi Router that isn't theirs. On many occasions I asked "Is the router you are connecting to, yours or your neighbours?"

Always check broadcast SSID (in router configuration page) before connecting to wifi via Itouch.

I totally understand that some or most people do not know much about WEP keys and I don't blame them! I blame Apple for putting so little information on how to use Ipod Touch or connect via WiFi.

Again if you need any help with your Ipod Touch , don't hassitate to email me

ilovetoargue at gmail dot com (by the way i do not love to argue)

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Take a "Field Trip to the Apple Store"

Apple continues to come up with innovative ways to introduce younger generations to its family of products, the latest of which invites teachers to book a field trip to a local Apple retail store ahead of the holiday shopping season.

Apple says on their new Field Trip web page to take students on a Field Trip to an Apple Store for an unforgettable learning experience. On their Field Trip, students can create something amazing right on the spot. Or they can bring in a project they’ve already created and turn our store into a theater, sharing their achievements with parents, teachers, and friends. No matter which option you choose, everyone will have a great time.
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Create amazing projects.
Your students can use the Mac computers in our store to create photo albums in iPhoto, edit video in iMovie, build websites in iWeb, make Keynote presentations, or even compose their own songs in GarageBand.

Showcase their work.
If your students have already created amazing projects on Macs or PCs in school or at home, they can share them with others in our store and get the recognition they deserve for their talented work.

The goal is to introduce K-12 students in the US and Canada to the world of Apple products right before they'll be filling out their holiday wish lists. As such, the company said it will be taking reservations from teachers from now through November 21st. Teachers can request up to three date options and an Apple Store specialist will contact them by telephone within 48 hours to seal the deal.

Apple Store Trainers and Specialists will be on-hand to answer questions and give expert, on-the-spot advice, the company said. Every participating student will also leave clad in a free Apple T-Shirt.

Apple also asks that teacher name a "School Champion" who can gather and present their school’s content, help distribute invitations to the event, and act as the key contact for the Apple Retail Store hosting their Field Trip. In return, the company will provide the School Champion with a complimentary one-year One to One personal training membership.

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Apple co-founder thinks iPod has about run its course. No way Jose!

Appleinsider has posted an article with the headline "Apple co-founder believes iPod has about run its course". The article says that Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak said "The iPod has sort of lived a long life at number one,". Steve Wozniak also said "Things like that, if you look back to transistor radios and Walkmans, they kind of die out after a while."
". He said this in a interview to The Telegraph.

Can anybody believe that? This man WOZ with all due respect has completely gone out of touch with the industry specifically the MP3 players market. The iPod Touch is the 3 best selling top rated MP3 and all are completely sold out.

This article triggered off some interesting comments from the forum users:

alpha10711 says "The iPod market may be "mature" but it is far from over.... Each day there are thousands of kids reaching the age where they want to download and carry music around. Then there are international markets to be reached. Then there are the existing iPod owners who need to replace their units or want the new, improved model. So the iPod market isn't going away anytime soon. This almost sounds like sour grapes from Woz."

anantksundaram says "There is no way that the iPod will 'run its course' -- just as television sets or automobiles or sunglasses will not -- but rather, it'll evolve, get better, and perhaps be integrated with a whole lot of things that we use..."

fraklinc notes, "I like Woz but come on does he always got to throw something negative about Apple everytime he talks about it, sure the original ipods will die out but the touch will take it's place, just look at best buy.com for example, the 3 best selling MP3s are all iPod touch and are all sold out"

Matthew Yohe says, "Sure, as a music player, many many people do have a flavor of iPod. But the market is wide open again for the Touch/iPhone platform. Getting a Touch in everyone's hands will send a lot more business Apple's way than music ever did."

What are you views on this? Leave a comment.

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iPhone, iPod touch OS 2.2 beta: Google Street View maps, ability to turn off text auto-correction

"Last week AppleInsider reported that the first private beta of iPhone Software 2.2 included a redesigned Safari address bar, as well as a new version of the App Store application with interface tweaks and a new bug report feature," AI reports.

"While those changes are visible to developers testing the software, a post at MacRumors details support for a few other features that have thus far remain inaccessible to developers, as they're not yet fully activated in the betas," AI reports.

"Among them is a preference to turn off the iPhone's text auto-correction. A request for this functionality was recently the subject of an online petition that has since received over 20,000 signatures," AI reports. "Another feature is support for Google Street View in the iPhone's Maps application."

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transfer music from ipod to mac computer

The most common issue for ipod is to transfer music from ipod to itunes or on a mac computer.
Here are the steps for transfer music from ipod to mac computer.
Apple and itunes are designed in such a way that music transfer one way from pc to ipod. This will force ipod owner to buy registered music. If you click on mounted ipod inside your computer u will not find anything in it.

here is the way to transfer music from ipod to itunes on a mac computer.

First you need to download 3rd party software. Most common are senuti and podworks. Keep in mind itunes is just a ipod manager software.
Install above utility on your computer. This software would help you to transfer music from ipod to itunes. Here is another post that will help you to transfer music from ipod to itunes without using 3rd party software.
Open the installed software. This will allow you to copy song directly from ipod and put them on your selected location. It also allw to copy library, playlists and albums from your ipod

You can also search on internet for software according to your requirement for mac computer.
Note: You can also do some research on the internet and search for some 3rd party programs for Macs which would suit your needs.

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how to transfer music from ipod to itunes

Transfer music from ipod to itunes

Here are the steps for transfer music from ipod to itunes or computer.
Make sure your computer is installed with itunes.
Step 1
Now connect your ipod to computer via USB cable.
Computer may open itunes and ask you that you want to sync your ipod.
Click on NO.

2)
Your ipod is detected as a one of the drive may be as a G: drive on your computer. Open my computer.

3)
You need to unhide file and folder. Here are the steps for windows vista and xp.

In windows XP
Open ipod drive
Click on tools folder options
View tabs and select show hidden files and folders.
Apply ok.


In windows vista:
Open the ipod drive and click on organize
folder and search options
View show hidden files and folders.


Step4
In ipod drive you will find a folder called ipod_control. Open ipod_control folder and you will see : 1. calendars 2. contacts 3. ipod_control 4. notes 5. photos


5)
Open the ipod_control folder Then open the music folder > Copy entire folders (it should like these: F00, F01 ...) onto your computer. Paste it to somewhere on desktop. This is the music that you want to transfer from ipod to itunes or computer.

6)
Open itunes and insert desktop folder into: library Music

7)
Now sync your ipod with this computer you will not lose any of your music.

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13 Great iTunes Add-ons for Free

iTunes 8 may be great, but it isn't perfect. Here is a list of 13 Free iTunes software add-ons and accessories that will greatly enhance your iTunes experience.

Last.fm (Mac and PC)
Last.fm analyses the music in your iTunes library and finds similar music from other artists that you might like and / or shares your musical tastes with other Last.fm members. Key features include the ability to create custom radio stations and playlists. Different versions of the app are available for iPhone and iPod Touch users too.

The Filter (Mac and PC)
Just like the new Genius feature in iTunes 8 and Last.fm, The Filter serves up music recommendations based on your musical tastes - but can also serve up TV programmes, movies and web video too.
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When The Filter runs for the first time it will scan your music library and send back the data to The Filter servers. This will mean that we don’t recommend you music that you already own and will also result in The Filter giving you more accurate daily recommendations.

The Filter will then sit in your task bar and can display notifications when you start playing a new song. The Filter also has a social networking element - which is great if you're struggling to find fellow enjoyers online.

Magnetosphere (Mac and PC)
The best ever visualiser for iTunes is now included with iTunes 8, but if you don't like the changes Apple has made, we have good news - you can still download the original version from the Barbarian Group's website. Just scroll down the Software page to find some carefully buried links hidden in replies to customer questions.

MetaX (Mac only)
If your iTunes library is stuffed with music videos, TV shows and movies, you'll be familiar with one of the most frustrating aspects of iTunes - its wilful tendency to classify everything as a 'movie', while also leaving out most of the metadata (artist, album, etc). MetaX solves all these problems and more.

AutoRate (Mac only)
This plug-in automates the tedious task of rating iTunes tracks. Getting the most from Smart Playlists in iTunes depends to a certain extent on the star ratings you give to your content. AutoRate analyses your entire library and then rates your songs according to how often you've played or skipped them.

iTunes Library Manager (Mac only)
Although you can create multiple libraries in iTunes, Apple's solution doesn't work particularly well. This app enables you to create separate libraries with accompanying Preferences files for each. The free version enables you to create two different libraries, stumping up the $10 shareware fee enables you to create many more.

Remote (Mac and PC)
If you're lucky enough to own an iPhone or iPod Touch, this little app gives you playback control over your entire iTunes library using both devices' built-in Wi-Fi connection. Artist, album and track info is displayed right on your iPhone or iPod Touch, along with cover art.

Senuti (Mac only)
One of the worst things about iTunes is that you can't easily transfer content from your iPod into it - which you might need to do if your iTunes library goes 'phut' for some reason. Senuti's solution makes iPod to iTunes transfers a breeze, enabling you to synchronise individual tracks, playlists and metadata.

iConcertCal (Mac and PC)
This visualiser plug-in doesn't dazzle you with hyperactive visual effects, but rather serves up a list of upcoming concerts and album releases in your area. Clicking a link kicks you over to Amazon.com (where iConcertCal's creators get a cut if you buy something), or to a suitable concert promo site. UK integration is limited, but it's a great idea that works well.

iGenres (Mac only)
iTunes 8 now lets you view your music and movie library by genre, complete with artwork for each one. The problem is iTunes genres are pretty broad, which can be frustrating if your tastes are more specialised. iGenres gets around that problem by serving up artwork for a wide variety of sub-genres using user-generated content.

WhiteCap iTunes Visualiser (Mac and PC)
Another great alternative to the visualisers found in iTunes. This one uses wire-frame animation to create amazing 3D visuals - and even works well on a flat panel TV. It includes a wide-range of customisation options and a screensaver.

iTuny (PC only)
Launchy is the nearest thing Windows has to QuickSilver - an app that enables you to fire up applications using a few simple keystrokes. iTuny integrates iTunes control into Launchy, letting you play, pause, skip tracks and so on without having to resort to iTunes.

FoxyTunes (Windows only)
If you like to listen to music while you surf, this plug-in for Firefox and Internet Explorer could be just what you need. It offers basic playback controls for iTunes, as well as a wide variety of other media players. It even enables you to get access to related web content simply by using the right-click menu.

Do you know any other cool iTunes addons that are free? Drop a comment and let us all know!

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iTunes won't close down! Music royalty hike turned down by CRB

The planned royalty increase for CD and digital music downloads was slapped down by the Copyright Royalty Board, according to MarketWatch.

A three-judge panel oversaw the decision, declining a raise from 9.1 cents per song to 15 cents. The royalty increase faced stiff opposition from music stores, with Apple threatening that, should the royalty hike go through, it would cease operations of the iTunes music store. iTunes is currently the largest music retailer in the US, having recently pulled ahead of Walmart.

After hearing of the planned royalty hike, iTunes VP Eddy Cue suggested that iTunes would close, since they could offer no mutually beneficial alternative. iTunes would either run at a loss, or they would have to charge more for music, which would infuriate customers.

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Apple iTunes 8.0.1 is available

Apple released iTunes version 8.0.1 earlier today. This update is 58.8MB in size, and features the following changes:

-Seamlessly plays the current song when creating a new Genius playlist.
-Improves syncing spoken menus to iPod nano.
-Addresses an issue of deleting HD TV episodes when downloading.
-Improves checking for updates from the App Store
-Improves accessibility with VoiceOver.
-Addresses problems syncing Genius results to iPod.

That's quite a detailed release note from Apple! You can get your copy now via Software Update.

Drop a comment if you experience any trouble.

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iTunes may close down. Can you believe that?

A ruling this week could force online music sellers to pay publishers more money - as an Apple threat to close iTunes looms

For five years, Apple's iTunes Music Store has been the Internet's most successful music store. But as music publishers have sought a higher share of its proceeds, Apple has threatened to shutter iTunes.

The Copyright Royalty Board in Washington, D.C. is expected to rule Thursday on a request by the National Music Publishers' Association to increase royalty rates paid to its members on songs purchased from online music stores like iTunes. The publishers association wants rates raised from 9 cents to 15 cents a track - a 66% hike.
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Apple declined to discuss the board's pending decision or its previous threat to shut down iTunes. But it adamantly opposes the publishers' request. In a statement submitted to the board last year, iTunes vice president Eddy Cue said Apple might close its download store rather than raise its 99 cents a song price or absorb the higher royalty costs.

"If the [iTunes music store] was forced to absorb any increase in the ... royalty rate, the result would be to significantly increase the likelihood of the store operating at a financial loss - which is no alternative at all," Cue wrote. "Apple has repeatedly made it clear that it is in this business to make money, and most likely would not continue to operate [the iTunes music store] if it were no longer possible to do so profitably."

The Copyright Royalty Board is a three-judge panel that oversees statutory licenses granted under federal copyright law. That includes setting royalty rates for music sales. The current proceeding followed the expiration last year of a 1997 decision that had governed sales of so-called physical music products like CDs for a decade. The board's forthcoming decision, its first affecting digital sales, will set royalty rates for the next five years.

It's hard to believe that Apple will actually shut down iTunes if it doesn't get its way. Apple has shrewdly used the store to help sell iPods, its most popular product.

A fee hike nobody wants to pay
Piper Jaffray estimates that Apple will sell 2.4 billion songs this year, giving it an 85% share of the digital music market. But Apple's rhetoric illustrates the challenges that the nascent digital music industry faces.

The Recording Industry Association of America says sales of digital songs and albums rose 46% last year, to $1.2 billion. But as Cue notes in his statement, Apple's profits from iTunes remain slim. This is because Apple doesn't think the market is strong enough for it to raise its 99-cents-a-song price.

"I have no doubt that an increase in the per track price would lower total music purchases at the store," the Apple executive said in his statement.

Apple pays an estimated 70 cents of every dollar it collects per song to the record companies responsible for each track. The record companies turn over nine cents to the music publishers who control the copyrights to these tunes.

The record companies are in no mood to pay the proposed royalty increase out of their pockets. Not when CD sales, their one-time cash cow, fell last year by 20%, to $7.4 billion. They are asking the Copyright Royalty Board to abandon the fixed per-song payment in favor of 8% of wholesales revenues.

The Digital Media Association, which represents Apple and other online music services, is seeking an even lower rate of 4.8 cents a track, or 6% of "applicable revenues."

The music publishers are unmoved. They argue that the digital music market is growing and that they should get a higher rate because all parties in this squabble will ultimately prosper.

What is your take on this story?

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