The worst thing about DRM? The things it makes people do. Take the iPodhash project, a group of coders dedicated to reverse-engineering Apple’s database files on the iPod classic and iPod touch. Doing so allows for third-party utilities to access information on the iPod, which is particularly useful for those who want to use their iPods on Linux, since there’s no version of iTunes available for that platform.
Unfortunately, Apple didn’t take too kindly to a bunch of people picking apart its tech, and it’s called up its crack legal team to remove the offending information, which it claims violates the DMCA’s circumvention clauses. As the site administrator, Sam Odio, wrote:
A lawyer claiming to represent Apple, Inc has asked that we remove all content on this page (see email). We’re currently investigating the issue, and determining what our rights are. We’re not quite sure how the DMCA pertains to us, and where we fall within the law. We’re talking to a lawyer about whether we’re considered a “service provider” and what we’re legally obligated to do if that is the case.
The lawyer’s correspondence suggests that reverse-engineering the iPod database file violates Apple’s FairPlay DRM, which could conceivaably mean that said information could be used to figure out away to remove the DRM on files purchased from the iTunes Store (not that such methods don’t already exist).
Of course, you know how it goes: once the cat’s out of the bag, it’s sure to convince him to go back in.
As we enter into the holiday shopping season, Apple’s making a blitz into the world of gaming. We’ve all seen the commercials for the funnest iPod ever and have probably experienced the deluge of iPhone and iPod touch games first-hand. But Apple VP of iPod and iPhone product marketing Greg Joswiak has gone on a spree talking to the press about games—and he’s been talking smack.
“The PSP and DS represent the old school of gaming: big bulky devices with an old-fashioned distribution model.”
Them’s fightin’ words! And that was to the BBC, no less. Joz also spoke with British tech pub T3 along similar lines—he’s certainly not pulling punches.
Because again the computer power and the 3D graphic power here [iPod Touch] is significantly greater than what you have here [picks up Nintendo DS]. So this allows people to do significantly higher quality games. And the Touch is always in your pocket, whereas you can’t always carry some other games consoles.
The Wall Street Journal also has an interesting article up about the competition, with a particularly insightful quote from Nintendo USA’s President and COO Reggie Fils-Aimé: “Whether you chose to play on your DS or listen to music on your iPod, we’re already in the same competitive space for time.”
It’s kind of fascinating to watch the push into the gaming space, especially from Apple, who has not traditionally “gotten” gaming. Given the advertising angle that the company’s been taking with the iPod, it seems clear that they’re aiming directly at the likes of the PSP and DS. While they might not pick up much of the hardcore gaming market, there’s definitely room to convert more casual gamers, especially when considering the proposition of a device that also does email, web-surfing, and media playing.
And you can bet that there are a number of parents who see it as an attractive option for kids clamoring for high-tech gadgetry as well.
So let's say that you have, say, $300k just burning a hole in your pocket. And let's just say that you're in the market for a new ride--something along the lines of the Scuderia Spider 16M, Ferrari's opentop version of the F430 Scuderia. Well, you're in luck, because Ferrari has just announced a limited edition (just 499 cars) of the this new set of hot wheels.
And why, pray tell, is this on MacUser? Because, my rich friends, it comes with an optional iPod touch integrated right into the dash.
Sadly, while Ferrari happily announced all the specs on the car itself (Naturally aspirated mid-rear 90° V8, 4308 cc ; Maximum power output 375.4 kW (510 hp) at 8500 rpm; Maximum torque 470 Nm (47.7 Kgm) at 5250 rpm; Max engine speed 8640 rpm (at limiter) it neglected to tell us how much extra the iPod touch will run you. But compared with the loads of cash you'll have to throw down for this to begin with, you'll likely spring for the touch, too.
[via Engadget]
The world may be in economic free fall, but look at the bright side: some prices are going down too. Gas prices are getting back to reasonable levels (and netting us free software), now the fluctuations in the market are also encheapening iPods.
Well, to some places. And I guess “cheaper” is relative. According to the AFP, Australia is now the place to go if you’re looking to snag the cheapest iPods around. You might recall the iPod standard established by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia about a year ago. Well, Australia’s now jumped to the top of that list, thanks to the world’s economic woes. An 8GB iPod nano runs about US$131.95 in Oz, topping former champ Hong Kong (just in case you’re wondering, the most expensive place to grab an iPod is Argentina, where it runs a whopping US$353.20).
Of course, that’s somewhat offset for U.S. citizens looking to snag cheap iPods, as it requires travel or shipping halfway around the world. And that’s not even counting the myriad dangers of Down Under. Just pony up the extra $20 and buy one here, ‘kay?
I like iPods as much as the next guy, but I wish that they were more widely available. Imagine if you could walk into any department store, airport, electronics store, or toy store and get yourself an iPod.
Ok, so you can pretty much do that now, but just in case you were counting the days until you could plunk down your hard earned cash for an iPod at Toys "R" Us, your wait is over. Beginning this month, Toys "R" Us will be stocking iPods, as well as some Windows XP computers, in their stores because the kids, they like consumer electronics.
*[Kids like Windows XP? Maybe that's why Vista hasn't caught on... -DM]*
[via CrunchGear]
Do you remember where you were on the morning of October 23rd, 2001? I’m not sure I can tell you where I was at the very moment that Apple announced the original iPod, but I remember exactly where I was when I first saw a picture of it: in the Uris Library fishbowl, hitting up Apple.com on my trusty PowerBook G3.
The idea of a 5GB music player the size of a deck of cards was unbelievable—after all, that PowerBook G3 only had a 6GB hard drive in it. One of my buddies had an original Diamond Rio that I borrowed from time to time, but you could only store a handful of songs on it, so mostly I relied on a portable CD player when I wanted to listen to music.
Upon hearing that Apple was planning a special announcement, my thoughts—like most people’s of that era—probably turned to Macs. I’d like to say that I had the sense then that the iPod was something different, something important, but I’m sure I didn’t have any idea of just how big it would become. Part of me figured that it would go the way of Apple’s other attempts at consumer electronics, like the Pippin or the QuickTake.
And yet here we are, seven years later, and the iPod is still going strong: Apple announced on Tuesday that it sold 11 million of the devices last quarter—the most ever for a non-holiday quarter. I’ve now owned six iPods (not including an original iPhone and an iPhone 3G), ranging from the original 5GB model to a 3G nano (with a 4G on its way in the near future). I only wish my 1G iPod were still around to see it, but he’s gone to the great recycling pool in the sky.
So where does the future of the iPod lie seven years from now? With the stunning sales results of the iPhone in the past quarter, I think it’s safe to say that the iPhone is on the ascent, and is in many ways becoming to the iPod what the iPod once was to the Mac. It seems likely the iPod classic will disappear in the next year, with the nano becoming the primary music device, and the iPod touch taking over the high-end.
I suspect that the iPod of seven years hence will be something beyond our imagination, but I lay my money down that come 2015, there will still be something called an iPod. How many product lines can you say that about?
No, it’s not the mythical Yellow Submarine edition that we once longed for; no, The Beatles still aren’t on the iTunes Store; and no, Apple’s not involved with it in anyway. Now with that out of the way, here’s what does exist.
Bloomingdales is selling a special Limited Edition Ultimate Colector’s Box Beatles iPod Set. Included in the package, of which there are just 2500, are all 13 original Beatles albums on CD, plus the Love album, two masters, an engraved guitar pick, and a 120GB black iPod classic with a Beatles logo on the front and Abbey Road (the album cover, we presume?) on the back. Plus, you still have to rip all of the CDs into iTunes. And what might you expect to pay for this magical mystery box? $795.
Maybe you don’t care too much for money, but consider this: you can get an 120GB iPod classic for $249, and CDs run, what, about $15 on average? That’s another $240. And you can pick up a guitar pick for about $2. So, you’re paying an extra $250 for a swank carrying case and some stickers on your iPod. Just think for yourself, okay?
[via Engadget]
Not content to having first lost against Apple last year, then winning against Apple in Taiwanese court, this Taiwanese ripoff artist yesterday filed suit against Apple again, this time in Arkansas (WTF?).
Luxpro alleges that Apple is a monopoly in the music industry, arguing that the California company has 90 percent of the market share of hard drive-based music players and 70 percent when flash-based players are included. The Taiwanese company essentially portrays itself in its massive legal filing that its products are "progressive and unique." Um, ok.
The company continues with its sob story, saying that it's spent "several million dollars in research and development." Boo-freaking-hoo.
Ok, but see, that's not really Apple's fault that your products suck.
Guys, your publicity stunt didn't really work the first time, and it almost certainly won't work now. Get over it and move on, 'k?
In my car back home in California, my radio faceplate has an auxiliary input, where I can jack in my iPhone via a cable to my car stereo. Not exactly elegant, but plenty functional. My other friends have radio transmitters, cassette tape converters, and other ways to get their tunes pumping through their respective jalopies.
However, a new study by iSuppli, an analysis firm, says that by next year, 58 percent of new American cars--that's luxury and low-end alike--are expected to have iPod integration. That means that probably by the time I buy a new car (maybe in the next 5-10 years) it's pretty much guaranteed that I'll be able to dock my iPhone (or whatever the future version will be) directly into my car without having to futz around with a cable.
In a further surprising move, 82 percent of the same model year cars will have Bluetooth support (likely for voice calls), according to the same study. Here's to hoping that my next ride will easily play both my voice calls and music from my 6th generation iPhone without a hitch?
[via Engadget]
