Apple introduced an extensively updated iPod line today including:
The first day of summer is upon us, and you know what that means -- we're just days away from the release of Apple's iPhone! (Wait, what? That's not what it means? Oh. Well, anyway...)
I think it's safe to say that no techie gadget (certainly no cell phone) has ever seen so much anticipation, so much pressure, to be the end-all and be-all of everything cool in this world than the iPhone does at this moment. Yes, it will be released, and there will be those folks that will buy one on the first day, the first minute, the first second that it's available. Heck, there's probably people camped out at Apple Stores right now. So what is it about this gadget? Apple says it's the best iPod they've ever made, that, oh, by the way, happens to also be an internet appliance and, oh yeah, the best phone ever. I'd love to say that I will personally test all these features myself and report here, but it's just a wee too steep for my budget at the moment. But hey, we should be able to play with one at the Apple Store once they become available (at least I hope so.)
However, until it launches, I say enjoy the hype. I know of no other company that inspires such brand loyalty and can whip the fan base into a lather than Apple, Inc can. After its release, there will almost undoubtedly be some bell or whistle that doesn't work exactly as advertised, or was left off completely. But until then, we have the image of a perfect product, and Apple can do no wrong.
Here's some links to sites blogging about the iPhone, courtesy of the gettrio.com newsletter I receive:
iPhoneFreak
theiPhoneBlog
TalkiPhone
Steve Jobs was interviewed by Walt Mossberg of the Wall Street Journal yesterday at the D: All Things Digital Executive Conference. Amongst the topics were the upcoming iPhone release (Steve coyly confirming that it would ship in June, even if it was the last day in June), iPod/iTunes, and AppleTV.
Engadget.com has excellent coverage of the event, with a transcript, on their webpage. I also have here a link to the edited interview. Excellent reading and viewing.
Engadget: Steve Jobs Live from D 2007
Link to Steve Jobs interview
Article excerpt courtesy of ipodnn.com. Read the full article here.
Microsoft issues final Vista iPod Update
Microsoft has finally released an update for Windows Vista that fixes the lingering compatibility issues with Apple's iPod. Available first in late March, the final version of the free update is for users worldwide and works with the latest version of Apple iTunes to correct an issue that caused some iPods to become corrupted when ejecting them using Windows Explorer or the "Safely Remove Hardware" function in the System Tray, the company said.
Tired of seeing everyone with an iPod these days? Think they're just a little too ubiquitous, a little too trendy? I bet this guy has a different story...via Flickr.
iPod Saves Soldier's Life
Yes, it was 5 years ago today that the original Apple iPod burst onto the scene, and helped the turn-around of Apple Computer into the media darling that it is today. It's amazing, looking back at the original model, to see how far the design of the case and click-wheel have come. C|net has a good story on the anniversary, plus I'm sure you'll be inundated with more news as the week progresses. Party on, iPod!
Apple iPod Turns 5: The Little Gadget That Could via C|net
Apple Computer iPod Website
I've linked to great articles in the Small Dog Electronics newsletters that I receive, so rather than explain who they are again, I'll just let you know that today's snippet deals with customers who bring in supposedly "dead" iPods, only to have Small Dog techs discover that what they really needed was a good, long, charging. I'll let Matt from Small Dog take it from here:
In processing iPod returns, many times the problem is simply a fully
depleted battery. Customers report that the iPod does not respond
when plugged into a wall charger or the computer, but instead
displays a battery icon with one bar that does not flash. In most
cases, leaving the iPod to charge for 30-60 minutes will revive it.
If this doesn't help, though, Apple outlines five steps to take (the
five Rs):
1. Reset your iPod.
2. Retry with a different USB port.
3. Restart your computer.
4. Reinstall iPod and iTunes software.
5. Restore you iPod.
While we're talking about batteries, it never hurts to emphasize
calibration. After using your battery for a while, it's possible
you'll notice reduced capacity. Calibration restores the battery to
its full functionality. For iBooks, PowerBook G4, and iPod, plug the
machine in and wait for it to fully charge. On laptops, wait for the
ring on the power adapter to turn green; on iPods, wait until the
screen indicates "Charged." Now, disconnect the battery and run your
computer or iPod until it goes to sleep. Finally, plug it back in
and fully charge again.
The procedure is slightly different for the very last generation
PowerBook G4 (with the dual-layer SuperDrive and high-res screen),
MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Pro (17-inch). First, fully charge
the machine. Once fully charged, allow the battery to "rest" for at
least two hours, then disconnect the power and run it until the
machine goes to sleep. Turn the computer off, or let it sleep, for
at least five hours, then fully recharge.
Along these lines, iPod batteries tend not to last as long as laptop
batteries. If your iPod is more than a year old, Apple will not
cover replacement of the battery...but Small Dog can help. You can
order replacement batteries for every kind of iPod for self-
installation (we'll send you instructions and an envelope to send us
the old battery for proper disposal) or mail your iPod to us for
professional installation.
Apple's battery calibration page: http://docs.info.apple.com/
article.html?artnum=86284
The Five Rs: http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/
