Chinon Corporation announces a complete music and TV solution today with the introduction of the AVi, the industry’s first portable iPod docking station with built-in LCD monitor and digital TV tuner. You’ll be able to view content, listen to music, and watch TV, all from a single docking station.

Features and specs include:

• Combines the look of a retro boom box with a modern rubberized black finish and silver trim
• 7 inch LCD monitor
• AUX input
• ATSC digital TV tuner with AV out
• Built-in telescopic radio antenna
• External telescopic TV antenna
• Digital FM and alarm clock
• Full-function remote
• Plays local TV channels, and content from iPod including music videos, pre-recorded movies, TV shows, and videos
• 3 hour battery life
• Plays and charges iPod at the same time

The AVi can be purchased for $199.99 only at www.chinonusa.com.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Chinon Corporation, AVi iPod docking station

Microsoft released version 4.3 of their Zune HD firmware today. The new update includes bug fixes, support for 3D games, and new applications to the Zune HD. The list of fixes (courtesy of Digital Trends) are as follows:

Interface Changes:

• Apps open and close faster
• Quicker startup time (it was up to 30 seconds or more before)
• Touchscreen is supposed to be more accurate

Music:

• More detailed artist bios with links to related songs, other artists and albums and other information
• On the radio you now have a choice of seek method in the settings

Keyboard:

• Keyboard option has been added in the settings menu
• larger landscale keyboard

Other:

• Faster web browsing
• Auto suggest feature for text input

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Zune HD firmware update 4.3

Elgato EyeTV users will be happy to hear that the company has released an EyeTV app for the Apple iPhone/iPod touch allowing users to watch live TV or recorded TV directly on their devices as well as browse the detailed program guide. Other features include:

• The ability to connect to any Mac running the latest EyeTV version (3.2)
• Automatically finds Macs on a network via Bonjour
• Remote access Macs running EyeTV using a free locator utility called “My EyeTV” also being introduced as part of EyeTV 3.2
• Support for Apple’s new HTTP streaming technology introduced with iPhone OS 3.0. Relies on Apple’s specs for adaptive streaming using H.264 video and AAC audio codecs. Also uses iPhone’s hardware acceleration for playback
• Once connected to a Mac, plays live TV, change channels, watch EyeTV recordings, browse the Program Guide, and start/schedule recordings
• Requires Wi-Fi connection (sorry no 3G support here)

EyeTV is available for a price of $4.99 at the iTunes Store. EyeTV 3.2 is a free update for EyeTV 3 users. Now if someone would only release a Windows Media Center compatible app for the iPhone…

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Elgato EyeTV, iPhone Application

DualFit for the Cure:

• 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
• Hand-washable
• MSRP of $29.99

Grip for the Cure:

• Textured exterior provides better grip
• Form-fitting construction allows charging while in sleeve and minimizes bulk
• MSRP of $29.99

Both cases will be available in the middle of October and are compatible with iPod touch 2nd generation models.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Belkin, Belkin DualFit for the Cure, Belkin Grip for the Cure, iPod touch cases

Tuffwrap:

• Form-fitting high-grade silicone cases for iPod touch and iPod nano
• Offers full access to all switches and jacks including the new video camera of the iPod nano
• Version for iPod touch comes with a screen shield

Tuffwrap for iPod touch is available in two assortments:

• Tuffwrap with colors including bright blue, pink and classic black
• Tuffwrap Tatu which features laser-etched designs and a viewing stand. Available in bright blue, pink and classic black two tone designs.)

Tuffwrap for iPod nano is available in three assortments:

• Tuffwrap – single translucent case
• Tuffwrap Plus – combination of silicone and hard plastic and includes 2 silicone cases and one hard plastic screen shield overlay. Also comes with carabineer
• Tuffwrap Tatu – available in black and white with a translucent etched pattern and includes a viewing stand

Prices range from $14.99 to $29.99

Microshield:

• Ultra-thin hard plastic case for the iPod nano
• Includes two backs, one with an integrated belt clip and one without a belt clip

Microshield Tatu features clear durable snap-on protection with integrated patterns including Flourish, Hex and Squares. It also comes with a viewing stand to watch movies

Prices range from $19.99 to $24.99

Sportwrap:

• Sport armband design
• Constructed with soft durable Lycra and neoprene
• Supports iPod touch or iPod nano
• Unique mask on the Sportwrap makes it easy to insert and remove the device
• Removable cord wrap and universal size
• Supports iPod touch and iPod nano

Price is $29.99

Tuffshield:

• Protects iPod touch screen against scratches, dust, and dirt
• Available in clear-gloss and anti-glare version
• Static cling adhesion for easy application and removal
• Each Tuffshield comes with three screen protectors and a cleaning cloth for the iPod touch
• Price is $14.99

Technorati Tags: XtremeMac, Tuffwrap, Microshield, Sportswrap, Tuffshield

The ASD-51W looks as follows:

The ASD-51N looks as follows:

Both docks support:

• Apple iPod command and control with support for iPhone, iPod or nano (audio and video)
• Stereo audio outputs, S-video output to display iPod pictures and videos on TV
• Offer IP Control (AMX/Crestron), Web Remote Control, and iPod audio streaming to new Denon networked products
• “Party Mode” feature for use with new 10 series Networked Denon A/V receivers which allows users to enjoy music throughout the home played simultaneously in up to five Denon devices on the network
• Stream audio files, pictures, Internet radio stations and more through connected devices
• Supports WMA, MP3, WAV, FLAC, and non-DRM AAC audio files, JPEG files
• Lets users stream music from Internet Radio sources (supports connections to Rhapsody and Napster music services)
• Windows 7 connectivity
• Dolby Coaxial Output and Last Function Memory
• IR pass-through
• Connects to almost any Denon receiver using dock control port
• Screen saver and newly designed GUI for displaying meta-information, full color album artwork, and user photos
• Includes remote control

The ASD-51W adds 802.11b/g connectivity and WPS compatibility.

The Denon ASD-51W is priced at $299.00 while the ASD-51N is priced at $249.00

Technorati Tags: Denon, Denon ASD-51W Network-Enabled iPod dock, Denon ASD-51N Network-enabled iPod dock

The new Bose SoundDock 10 digital music system is the latest iPod one-piece speaker system to come from Bose – joining the ranks of the SoundDock Series II and the SoundDock Portable system. Features of the SoundDock 10 include:

• Incorporates the latest version of Bose’s proprietary waveguide technology – developed specifically for the SoundDock 10
• New waveguide reduced from 75 inches to 52 inches without compromising audio performance
• Newly designed Bose woofer which delivers four times the efficiency of a conventional woofer
• Two proprietary Bose Twiddler transducers optimally positioned in front of the system to complete full range of music reproduction
• Proprietary digital signal processing algorithms improves sound reproduction
• Internal switching power supply eliminates the need for external transformer
• Proprietary vibration isolation structure used to maintain iPod and iPhone performance
• Made for iPod and Works with iPhone certified
• Compatible with any click-wheel iPod or iPod touch and iPhone 3GS, 3G and original iPhone
• Optional Bluetooth dock allows you to stream music wirelessly from a stereo Bluetooth music phone. New docks will be made available to support new devices over time
• Auxiliary input
• Video output
• Infrared remote control
• Measures 9 x 17 x 10 inches

The Bose SoundDock 10 is available from Bose for a suggested price of $599. The optional Bluetooth interchangeable dock is available for $149. Both products will be available starting on September 21st.

Technorati Tags: Bose SoundDock 10 Digital Music System

Yes, Steve Jobs took the stage and had this to say: “”As you may know I had a liver transplant. I have the liver of a mid-20s person who died in a car crash. Without that, I wouldn’t be here without that person’s generosity.”. He encourages everyone to consider being an organ donor. Kudos to that thought!

iPhone OS 3.1 is available as of today. It will be free for iPhone and iPod touch users who have the OS 3. 3.1 will include bug fixes, some new features such as Genius playlist which will now work with apps from the App Store.

Next up, we have iTunes 9 with new features such as iTunes LP, Home Sharing, and Genius Mixes. The app also features a redesigned store and improved syncing. Here’s a rundown of the features of iTunes 9:

• iTunes LP is a new way for artists to share their creativity with fans by allowing them to be “immersed in an entire album with art, lyrics, liner notes, photos, and videos.”
• Debuts today with albums including Bob Dylan’s “Highway 61 Revisited,” Norah Jones’ “Come Away With Me,” The Grateful Dead’s “American Beauty” and Dave Matthews Band’s “Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King: iTunes Pass.”

• iTunes Extra is similar to iTunes LP except its for movies. You’ll be able to experience documentaries, deleted scenes, interviews, and interactive galleries. Select movies available with iTunes Extras include “Twilight,” “Batman Begins,” “WALL-E,” “Iron Man” and “The Da Vinci Code.”
• Home Sharing allows you to easily transfer music, movies, and TV shows with up to five authorized computers in your home. Family members will be able to view up to five iTunes libraries on their home network; see only the portion of the libraries that don’t already have; import their favorite content directly to their own libraries; and automatically add new purchases from other computers into their own library
• Genius Mixes is a new feature which is the end result of over 27 million music libraries with over 54 billion songs that have been submitted and analyzed by Genius.It’s like having a “Genius” DJ that automatically mixes up to 12 endless mixes of songs from your iTunes library
• Improved syncing in iTunes 9 allows you to organize your iPhone Apps in iTunes and have them appear the same way on your iPhone.
• iTunes Store on iPhone now features precut ringtone downloads with over 20,000 ringtones priced at $1.29 a ringtone.

OK.. so let’s talk about music players shall we? First up, Apple announces major price changes to the iPod touch product lineup. The 8GB iPod touch will now be available for $199. The 32GB model will be available for $299, and the 64GB model available for $399. No doubt some of these price changes were spurred on by the upcoming release of the new Microsoft Zune HD which will feature a 32GB model for $289. At $299, the 32GB iPod touch becomes a much more appealing player for the masses – especially with its support for the 75,000 app-large App Store.

It should be noted that the 32GB and 64GB models will offer up to 50 % faster performance and support Open GL ES 2.0 – basically bringing the specs in line with the latest iPhone 3GS. The 8GB iPod touch will remain the same as the previous specs.

Next up – price and model changes to the iPod shuffle. Apple will now offer a new 2GB iPod shuffle model for a starting price of $59 dollars. The 4GB iPod shuffle will go for $79 dollars with both models available in five colors – silver, black, pink, blue and green.

There will also be a 4GB special edition polished stainless steel model available for $99 dollars through the Apple Store and Apple retail stores.

Have a need for much more storage? The iPod classic gets a bump up in storage – with a new 160GB model available for a $249.

And finally, Apple introduced a whole new iPod nano player today with features such as a 2.2 inch color display, a built in video camera, built-in microphone, built-in speakers, a polished aluminum and glass enclosure, built-in FM radio with live pause, iTunes Tagging support, and a built-in pedometer.

The built-in video camera is perhaps the most interesting new feature of the nano. You’ll be able to capture H.264 VGA video (640 x 480) at up to 30 fps along with AAC audio. The new nano comes with 15 real-time special effects including Sepia, Black and White, X-Ray, Film Grain, Thermal, Security Cam, Cyborg, Bulge, Kaleido, Motion Blur, Mirror, Light Tunnel, Dent, Stretch, and Twirl. The built-in video camera on the nano puts other companies that sell portable video camcorders on notice – who needs to buy a Flip Video if they’ve got a video recorder in their iPod nano? About the only thing missing now is HD video capture and video capture on higher end iPods including the iPod classic and the iPod touch. It’s only a matter of time folks.

The other notable feature is the built-in FM radio (about time Apple) with Live Pause – allowing you to pause live FM radio and then resuming it later on.

Oh yes – wonder how far you walk in a given day? The new nano comes with a pedometer which uses the built-in accelerometer to keep track of the steps that you take. You can also couple the nano with Nike+ shoes, and the Nike + iPod Sport Kit (which is sold separately) for a complete training experience.

The 8GB iPod nano will be available for $149 while the 16GB iPod nano will be available for $179. Both nanos will be available in nine colors including silver, black, purple, blue, green, orange, pink, yellow, and (PRODUCT) RED.

Is this a groundbreaking day in the Apple music business? In truth.. no. Apple made small incremental changes to the entire iPod product lineup – just enough to keep the lineup fresh and ahead of the competition. To me – the most important change came with the nano’s new video camera which makes the nano a very appealing device to take with you wherever you go. If only the iPod touch had a camera built into the device…

Technorati Tags: Apple, iPod nano, iPod touch, iPod shuffle, iPod classic, iTunes 9

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Apple, Music Event, Steve Jobs

• 2 inch QVGA display
• Support for MP3, WMA(DRM), AAC(non DRM) and Linear PCM for audio and WMV(DRM) for video
• 30 hour music playback battery life and 4 hour video playback battery life

As for the price, the 8GB E Series will be available for around $80 dollars while the 16GB model will be available for around $100 dollars. Both will be available in red or black.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony, E Series Walkman Video MP3 player

Sony one-ups the competition today with the announcement of the new Sony S Series Walkman Video MP3 player which now features “high quality built-in stereo speakers”.  Yup.. that’s right folks – this new media player has built-in stereo speakers which according to Katie O’Brien, manager of the Walkman business unit at Sony adds “a new social element to the world of digital music and video.”.  Don’t you love it? Add a pair of speakers and your device is now “social”. 

Other features of the S Series Walkman (which are arguably much more respectable) include:

• Bright high contrast 2.4 inch QVGA LCD display with fast response time
• Clear Audio and Digital Linear Phase Speaker System for high quality sound
• Built-in FM tuner
• Headphones, mini USB cable, and hands-free stand included
• Voice and FM recording function
• Built-in alarm clock with sleep timer
• Supports wide variety of codecs including MP3, WMA (DRM), AAC (nonDRM), and Linear PCM.
• Video codec support includes AVC (H.264/AVC) Baseline Profle, MPEG-4 and WMV(DRM)
• Long lasting battery – 42 hours of music or 6.5 hours of video
• Available in 8 or 16GB capacities

The S Series Walkman will be available in several colors including black, red, violet and pink. AND OK.. if there’s one nice thing about the new S Series, it would have to be the pricing. The 8GB capacity will be available for around $110 while the 16GB model will be available for $130 dollars. Pre-ordering is available now at SonyStyle.com

Technorati Tags: Sony S Series Walkman Video MP3 player

OK.. so we have utterly no idea of these pictures are real or not.. but we’ll let all of you decide. The folks at the “Covino and Rich Show” blog have posted up pictures of what they claim are prototypes to the 3rd generation iPod touch. The site owner claims:

“I acquired this from a guy that I buy parts phones and iPods from. I believe he’s a recycler in ***********, so what most likely happened is that Apple threw this away and he some how got it and sold it for parts.”

Now keep in mind – we’re only talking about the iPod touch here. It’s not like we’re looking at the fourth generation iPod or something. Whether you should believe these images is entirely up to you. Quite honestly, we’re more excited with the Zune HD than with these pictures thus far…

[Check it out via Boy Genius Report]

Technorati Tags: Apple iPod touch 3rd generation

Zune HD pricing is now official. Microsoft announced today that you can begin pre-ordering the 16GB and 32GB Zune at various locations such as Amazon.com, Best Buy, Walmart, and the Microsoft Store. Prices were originally leaked courtesy of Amazon.com earlier this week and guess what? Those prices were indeed correct (I know.. shocking). So here are the details.

As most of you know, the Zune HD will be available in two storage capacities – a 16GB model and a 32GB model. The 16GB Zune HD will be available for a mere $219.99 while the 32GB model will be available for a low price of $289.99.

AND in case you’ve been under a rock for the last six months or so, the Zune HD will feature a built-in HD radio receiver, support for HD video playback, multi-touch navigation, a beautiful OLED display, support for games, a built-in web browser, and of course Wi-Fi connectivity. The unit measures 52.7 x 102.1 x 8.9mm and weighs approximately 2.6 oz.

I absolutely love the pricing of the Zune HD. Microsoft’s gone ahead and done the right thing for once with the Zune – price it BELOW competing Apple iPod products. Let’s face it, if the 32GB Zune HD was priced at the same price point as the 32GB iPod touch, then folks will flock to the iPod touch if only for one reason – the App Store support. At $289.99, the 32GB Zune HD is $110 dollars less than a comparable 32GB iPod touch – a bargain for the flash storage capacity, touch screen display, and a friggin HD receiver!!! OK.. so with that I can probably live without the App store support (tho Microsoft, it would be cool if we could download third party apps for the Zune!!!).

OK.. so when is this all coming out? Pre-order is NOW and units will become available starting on Sept. 15th. Go get em!

[Pre-order the 16GB model at the Microsoft Store]

[Pre-order the 32GB model at the Microsoft Store]

Technorati Tags: Zune HD, Zune HD Price

Although Microsoft has yet to release the official price points for the upcoming Zune HD media player, this hasn’t stopped the folks over at Amazon from doing so.

According to this Amazon webpage, the 16GB Zune HD will be priced at $219.99 while the 32GB Zune HD will be priced at $289.99. These price points are unconfirmed of course – especially when you consider that clicking on the links will get you nowhere on the Amazon website for now. So yes – don’t believe the text that says “Available for Pre-order” because they are not at this time.

Here’s hoping the 32GB model is indeed under $300 dollars tho!

[Check it out via ZuneSphere, PC Magazine]

Technorati Tags: Zune HD Price, Amazon

There are iPod docks… and then there are iPod DOCKS and my friends – the newly announced Onkyo ND-S1 certainly classifies in my book as an iPod DOCK. The sexy silver ND-S1 connects directly to your A/V receiver either via an digital optical or coaxial connection. There’s a USB port allowing you to connect the ND-S1 to your PC and sync with iTunes. Other features include a bundled remote control and 16 bit audio playback. Here’s the bummer – no iPhone support – now that’s just silly!

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Onkyo ND-S1 iPod dock

Want to use a headphone other than the one Apple provides for the current iPod shuffle? Now you can with the new Belkin Headphone Adapter for iPod shuffle. Not only can you use any headphone with the new adapter, you’ll also be able to control the functions of the shuffle since the player doesn’t come with any controls itself.

The Headphone Adapter will allow you to:

• Adjust volume
• Skip tracks
• Toggle between playlists
• Hear a song title

Belkin’s Headphone Adapter will be available at the end of July in North America and in the middle of August in Europe, Asia, and Australia for $19.99.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Belkin Headphone Adapter iPod shuffle

Not so fast folks. According to TechCrunch sources, Apple has placed an order for a “massive number of camera modules” and based on the size of the order, it can really mean only one thing. A camera is coming to the iPod touch.

Imagine for a second – a camera found on every single new iPod touch sold around the world – each capable of taking respectable stills and video clips. Yes.. who would need a Flip Video or Kodak Pocket Camcorder after an iPod touch is in your pocket? It’s a small subtle enhancement but one that could easily spell trouble to the low-end camcorder industry.

Evil.. (and delicious at the same time).

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Apple, ipod touch, camera

Sony Europe introduces two new compact home audio systems – the NAS-Z200iR and the CMT-Z100iR – both of which feature a built-in iPod dock, a slot-loading CD player, a USB port, and PC streaming capabilities. Here’s the low down on the two new compact, minimalistic systems.

NAS-Z200iR:

• DLNA certified
• Wi-Fi networking
• Access your music library on your PC
• Internet Radio support
• Remote control with 3.5 inch LCD color display, friendly user interface, and rechargeable battery
• Integrated CD player with support for audio CD and CD-R/RW discs with MP3 tracks
• USB connectivity for digital music player
• Audio-in port
• AM/FM tuner
• Two independent speaker enclosures rated at 20 watts apiece
• Wall mountable

CMT-Z100iR:

• Available in glossy black or white
• iPod dock
• Integrated CD player
• USB connectivity for digital music player
• AM/FM tuner
• Audio-in port
• Two speakers rated at 20 watts apiece
• Remote control
• Large display which shows the time and selected function
• Wall mountable

The CMT-Z100iR will be available in Europe starting in July while the NAS-Z200iR will be available in mid-September. No word on pricing.

[Check it out via Ubergizmo]

Technorati Tags: Sony, CMT-Z100iR, NAS-Z200iR, Audio System, iPod docking station

• 3 inch OLED display with 432 x 240 resolution
• Touch-screen navigation – access your music, videos, and photos through simple flicks of your finger
• Wi-Fi
• Podcast support
• Slacker Radio support
• Digital Clear audio technologies including S-Master digital amplifier and digital noise canceling functions
• Premium EX noise canceling headphones
• 33 hours of music playback or 9 hours of video
• Measures 2-1/8 x  3-7/8 x  13/32 inches
• Weighs 3.5 oz
• 5 band equalizer
• Audio support for MP3/WMA/AAC/L-PCM
• Video support for AVC(H.264/AVC)/MPEG-4/WMV DRM
• FM tuner

The 16GB X Series (model NWZ-X1051FBSMP) is available for $299.99 while the 32 GB X Series (model NWZ-X1061FBSMP) is available for $399.99.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony X Series Walkman Video MP3 player

ARCHOS has quietly introduced a new media player on their website called the ARCHOS 3. Detailed specs and feature lists are extremely scarce at this time but here’s what we do know about the device:

• 3 inch “tactile screen”. This could infer the display is a haptics-enabled touch-display
• Virtual Wheel Selector provides a unique way of navigating through content
• Lightweight design
• 8GB of storage space
• Plays back music and photos
• Voice and audio recorder
• Stopwatch and calendar

No word on pricing or availability at this time.

[Check it out via Crave]

Technorati Tags: ARCHOS 3, media player