Thursday, September 11, 2008

Apple release New iPod Shuffles


iPod shuffle, “the world’s most wearable music player,” is now available in new vibrant blue, green, pink, and red color versions. Apple decided to put the old color models behind it, as they were starting to look a little pale, what with “nano-chromatic” out in the wild.

Wear up to 500 songs on your sleeve. Or your belt. Or your gym shorts. iPod shuffle is a badge of musical devotion. Now in new, more brilliant colors. Intensely colorful anodized aluminum complements the simple design of iPod shuffle. Now in blue, green, pink, red, and original silver.

Battery life is no problem for the shuffle, as it sports a built-in rechargeable lithium polymer battery that can hold up to 12 hours (when fully charged). The device charges fully in about four hours via the included USB dock. If you're planning to get one, note that, as a Mac user, you will need an USB 2.0-enabled computer, Mac OS X v10.4.10 or later, and iTunes 7.7 or later.

Windows system requirements include a PC with USB 2.0 port, Windows Vista or Windows XP Home, or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later, and iTunes 7.7 or later (for Windows).

You can get the 1GB model for $49 and a 2 GB shuffle for just $69.


Technical Specification

Size and weight

  • Height : 1.07 inches (27.3 mm)
  • Width : 1.62 inches (41.2 mm)
  • Depth : 0.41 inch (10.5 mm) including clip
  • Weight : 0.55 ounce (15.6 grams)

Capacity

  • 1GB or 2GB flash drive2
  • Holds up to 240 or 500 songs in 128-Kbps AAC format3
  • Stores data via USB flash drive

Audio

  • Skip-free playback
  • Frequency response: 20Hz to 20,000Hz
  • Audio formats supported: AAC (8 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), MP3 (8 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4), WAV, and AIFF

Battery and power

  • Built-in rechargeable lithium polymer battery
  • Playtime: Up to 12 hours when fully charged
  • Charging via included USB dock
  • Full-charge time: about 4 hours

Now Nokia Maps and N-Gage in Canada

Nokia announced today that Rogers Wireless, Canada's largest mobile carrier, is the first to offer the Nokia Maps and N-Gage services to Canadian customers. Both services are available for some time now in Europe, the US and on other markets, but Canada just did not get the chance to have them.

When using Nokia Maps, you can enjoy an advanced car navigation system that features turn-by-turn, voice and visual guidance. Also, paired with GPS and Location Based Services, Nokia Maps allows users to easily navigate around the world as well as in their home city. The Maps cover more than 160 countries as well as millions of POIs (points of interest).

Nokia's N-Gage, on the other hand, is all about fun. The N-Gage platform lets you easily browse, find and play a wide range of mobile games. You can connect to other players (via N-Gage Arena), meet new people, chat, participate in exciting tournaments and so on.

Talking about the new services, Richard White, general manager and head of country operations for Nokia Canada, said, "The Canadian telecom market is going through tremendous change and consumers are increasingly demanding advanced multimedia devices and services. Through this agreement with Rogers we are excited to deliver on that need, offering consumers compelling experiences on Nokia's devices delivered over Rogers' wireless high-speed network".

John Boynton, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Rogers Wireless, added, "This agreement with Nokia gives Rogers customers a rich mobile gaming experience that is unique in the marketplace and an unparalleled mobile mapping application. It makes tremendous business sense for Rogers because these are two of the most in-demand applications for mobile devices.

Nokia Maps and N-Gage are currently offered in Canada only via Nokia N95 8GB, the high-end Symbian S60 smartphone. Available in Canada exclusively from Rogers, the N95 8GB is offered for as low as 199.99 CAD (187 USD), together with a contract agreement for three years.

Belkin Offers New Cases for iPod nano 4G and iPod touch 2G



Belkin comes back with new cases for iPod nano 4G and iPod touch 2G. The cases are include a sport armband, an eco-conscious case, clear acrylic case, and leather sleeve. You can match your personality and style with Belkin’s new protective cases. These new iPod accessories will be released later this month in the US, Europe, Asia, and Australia at the affordable price tags.


Sport Armband Plus with FastFit for iPod nano 4G (F8Z376-NBY), iPod touch 2G (F8Z363-NBY), iPod classic 2G (F8Z388-NBY) - US: $29.99
  • Removable sleeve with low-profile belt clip and key pouch
  • Lightweight water-wicking materials
  • Includes Cable Capsule for added headphone-cord management
  • FastFit system for easy one-handed fastening
  • Compatible with Nike+
  • Clear screen protector allows for easy navigation
  • Hand-washable
Sports Armband for iPod nano 4G (F8Z377-KG), iPod touch 2G (F8Z384-KG) - US: $19.99; iPod classic 2G (F8Z389) - US: $24.99
  • Adjustable dual-fit system allows for best fit on any arm-maximizes sizing
  • Clear screen protector allows for easy navigation
  • Key pocket for convenient storage while at the gym or outdoors
  • Reflective material for use during nighttime
  • Compatible with Nike+
  • Hand-washable
Clear Acrylic Case for iPod nano 4G (F8Z381-CLR) - US: $24.99, iPod touch 2G (F8Z368) - US: $29.99, iPod classic 2G (F8Z393-CLR) - US: $29.99
  • iPod style and form shows through
  • Click-wheel protection
  • Sleek, form-fitting design minimizes bulk
Remix Metal for iPod nano 4G (F8Z381) - US: $24.99, iPod classic 2G (F8Z393) - US: $29.99
  • Metal faceplate
  • Slim design minimizes bulk
  • Click-wheel protection
  • Available in red, silver, pink, and black
Sonic Wave Two-Tone Silicone Sleeve for iPod nano 4G (F8Z379) - US: $19.99, iPod touch 2G (F8Z364) - US: $24.99, iPod classic 2G (F8Z391) - US: $29.99
  • Two-tone, laser-etched design
  • Form-fitting construction allows charging while in sleeve
  • Available in the following two-tone colors: black/infrared, cool gray/grapefruit, pink/translucent white, black/blue, black/green, black/white, blue/orange
Sonic Wave Silicone Sleeve, 2-pack for iPod nano 4G (F8Z380-BKW-2) - US: $19.99, iPod touch 2G (F8Z367-2) - US: $19.99, iPod classic 2G (F8Z392) - US: $19.99
  • Textured exterior provides better grip
  • Packs available in black/white, pink/purple, blue/orange
Simple Silicone Sleeve, 2-pack for iPod nano 4G (F8Z401-2) - US: $14.99, iPod touch 2G (F8Z400-2) - US: $19.99, iPod classic 2G (F8Z409) - US: $19.99
  • Form-fitted to minimize bulk
  • Available in black/black, black/blue, pink/translucent, red/gray
Leather Sleeve for iPod nano 4G (F8Z375) - US: $24.99, iPod touch 2G (F8Z372) - US: $29.99, iPod classic 2G (F8Z386) - US: $29.99
  • Sleek design allows for easy pocket-, bag-, or hand-carrying
  • Soft microfiber lining protects iPod from scratches
  • VELCRO®
  • brand closure keeps iPod secure
  • Available in black and pink
Leather Folio for iPod nano 4G (F8Z374) - US: $24.99, iPod touch 2G (F8Z373) - US: $29.99
  • Soft microfiber lining protects iPod from scratches
  • VELCRO®
  • brand closure keeps iPod secure
  • Available in black and pink
Leather Pull-Tab Holster for iPod touch 2G (F8Z362) - US: $29.99, iPod classic 2G (F8Z387) - US: $29.99
  • Elastic tab automatically retracts for quick and easy removal from case
  • Sleek design minimizes bulk
Eco-Conscious Folio for iPod nano 4G (F8Z395) - US: $24.99, iPod touch 2G (F8Z396) - US: $29.99
  • Form-fitting leather construction with natural felt interior
  • Vegetable-tanned rather than chemically stained
  • Available in black and walnut
Eco-Conscious Sleeve for iPod nano 4G (F8Z383) - US: $24.99, iPod touch 2G (F8Z369) - US: $29.99, iPod classic 2G (F8Z394) - US: $29.99
  • Form-fitting leather construction with natural felt interior
  • Vegetable-tanned rather than chemically stained
  • Available in black and walnut
Screen Overlay, 3-pack for iPod nano 4G (F8Z382) - US: $12.99, iPod touch 2G (F8Z371) - US: $14.99, iPod classic 2G (F8Z385) - US: $14.99

Microsoft Arc Mouse: New Wireless Mobile Mouse 3000 offers fun design and colorful hues.


Microsoft Corp. today raised the style stakes with the unveiling of a revolutionary crescent-moon-shaped mouse designed to be just as fashionable as it is functional — the Arc Mouse. With its unique foldable design, Arc reduces by almost half for portability when it is snapped shut, but provides complete comfort when opened to its full size.

Microsoft today also introduced the Wireless Mobile Mouse 3000, a notebook mouse with stunning color offerings at an affordable price, based on the design of the No. 1 best-selling notebook mouse in the U.S.

Fashion Meets PC
The Arc Mouse allows consumers to flaunt their personal style with its sleek, thin crescent shape and two color options — black and red. It is truly an accessory, adding to the fashion PC trend that is taking the technology industry by storm. In a June 2007 report, “The Age of Style in Consumer PCs,” Forrester Research Inc. predicted that between now and 2012 will be the “age of style” with consumer choice and personalization becoming an important factor in a purchase decision. With a high demand for style, consumers value look and feel more than any other product features.

“Style isn’t just about the clothes you put on your back,” said Clinton Kelly, fashion expert and host of TLC’s hit show “What Not to Wear.” “You have the option to express your personal sense of style in practically every aspect of your life, from home décor to your tech accessories. The Arc Mouse definitely tells the world you’re ahead of the curve, so to speak, and that you want to be surrounded by beautiful things all the time.”

High Performance and Style in a Snap
The Arc Mouse’s elegant, foldable shape allows it to easily slip into any bag while on the go, and expand to a comfortable full size while in use. Its micro transceiver quickly snaps into the bottom of the mouse using a magnet, and is so small it sticks out less than 1 centimeter while plugged in — there is no need to remove it from a laptop while traveling.
The Arc Mouse features high-end details in every aspect of its design — its strong metal hinge can be opened and closed with confidence, and testing shows that its sturdy shape can hold more than 25 pounds. With the following performance features, Arc Mouse is top in its class:

  • Battery life indicator shows two colors: green when the batteries have sufficient power and red when the batteries are running low.
  • 2.4GHz wireless technology gives consumers a confident wireless connection and a range of up to 30 feet, even in crowded wireless environments.
  • Carrying case is included and uses a magnetic flap to easily snap shut and protect the mouse
  • while on the go.
  • High-performance laser tracking offers smooth tracking and excellent responsiveness and precision.
The Wireless Mobile Mouse 3000 delivers comfort on the go with an ambidextrous shape designed by Microsoft’s in-house ergonomist for comfort in either hand, and a snap-in receiver so consumers can take the mouse anywhere. This modern mouse is based on the design of the No. 1 best-selling notebook mouse in the U.S.1 and includes stylish color offerings so consumers can pick their favorite between black and white, or choose from sophisticated special edition colors:

  • Blue sapphire
  • Red garnet
  • Pink topaz
  • Purple amethyst
  • Green emerald

These glimmering mice also come equipped with High Definition Optical Technology and a snap-in receiver that helps conserve battery life as it turns off the power when snapped into the bottom of the mouse. Delivering an average of more than six months of battery life3 with one AA battery, this mouse reduces inconvenient work stoppages required to replace batteries or recharge. In addition, the mouse features a two-color battery life indicator: green when the batteries have sufficient power and red when the batteries are running low — all this and no software needed. With all these features wrapped into a sleek design with fun color choices.

The Arc Mouse in black and red and the Wireless Mobile Mouse 3000 in black and white will be widely available in September 2008 for an estimated retail price of $59.95 (U.S) and $29.95 (U.S), respectively.4 The Wireless Mobile Mouse 3000 in the following special edition colors will be available in September 2008 at Target stores: blue sapphire, red garnet, pink topaz and purple amethyst. All colors will be available later this fall. The Arc Mouse and the black and white Wireless Mobile Mouse 3000 are available now for pre-sale on Amazon.com and will ship later this month when they are widely released. The products will be backed by a worldwide three-year limited hardware warranty from Microsoft Corp. More information about these and other Microsoft Hardware products can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware.