iLounge

Massive Flickr photoset from Macworld Expo 2009 posted

• January 6, 2009
• Apple
• digg this

iLounge has just posted a massive photo gallery from Macworld Expo 2009. We’re in the process of sifting through all of the products we’ve been looking through during the day, but it suffices to say that there isn’t a huge amount to get excited about here. Photos show both major booths with handfuls of cool products, and many minor booths. We’ll have more to come later today.

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Full transcript of 2009 MWSF Keynote Address

• January 6, 2009
• Apple
• digg this

Continue reading a full play-by-play transcript of the keynote address from the 2009 Macworld Conference and Expo, presented by Phil Schiller, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing for Apple, Inc. Note that events are presented in reverse chronological order. Most of the announcements found in this transcript are explained in further detail in separate news articles; photos from the event can be found here.

10:33 AM: This most likely signals the end of the presentation. Sorry, iPod + iPhone fans - we were hoping for more today, too. But there has been a little good news, especially for iPhone users. Lots of applause for Bennett. He’s doing another song. Left my Heart in San Francisco. A melancholy way to close this all out. The 3G iTunes music downloading is working _RIGHT NOW_, Jesse Hollington confirms. Standing O for Tony Bennett. We’ll be updating iLounge with all the news from the show, stay tuned, guys! Thanks for tuning in.

10:29 AM: iTunes. iPhone 3G downloading of music starts today. Since they’re ending on music, they have a musical performer… Grammy winner… 15 Grammies, 2 Emmys, Tony Bennett. Song that is “very appropriate to this last Macworld,” Schiller says. Bennett slides out on a platform with a band. The Best is Yet to Come is the song.

10:27 AM: iTunes. DRM-free, 256k encoding in AAC, one-click upgrades from iTunes. All the majors, starting today, 8 million songs are DRM-free. By the end of this quarter, 2 million more - all 10m songs will be DRM-free. In AAC format. It’s easy to upgrade library to DRM free for a fee. Third new thing: iPhone/iTunes. Wi-Fi Music Store. You’ll be able to buy music over 3G network. So it’s no longer Wi-Fi Music Store. Same price. Same selection. Same quality. Anytime, anywhere, you can get music on your iPhone. …

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Apple: No new iPod, iPhone announcements for MW Expo

• January 6, 2009
• Apple
• digg this

iLounge editors have been able to confirm with Apple representatives that there are no new developments for the company’s iPod, iPhone, or Apple TV products planned for announcement at Macworld Expo beyond what was mentioned in the keynote. While only a few small iPhone/iPod related items were mentioned during the address, Apple has in the past released small updates to product lines, such as capacity bumps, on an under-the-radar basis directly after keynotes and other events.

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iTunes goes DRM-free with variable pricing, OTA downloads for iPhone

• January 6, 2009
• iTunes
• digg this

Apple today announced that it has signed agreements with all the major music labels to offer their music in a DRM-free format on the iTunes Store. Like prior iTunes Plus tracks, all music will now be sold in DRM-free, 256kbps AAC format. Starting today, eight million songs are available; all ten million songs are expected to be available DRM-free by the end of the quarter. iTunes will offer customers a simple, one-click option to easily upgrade their entire library of previously purchased songs to the higher quality DRM-free iTunes Plus format for 30 cents per song or 30 percent of the album price. Beginning in April, and based on what the music labels charge Apple, songs will now be priced at one of three price points—$0.69, $0.99, and $1.29, with most albums still priced at $9.99. Finally, users are now able to download music from the iTunes Store on their iPhone 3G over the 3G network, removing the need for a Wi-Fi connection.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer our iTunes customers DRM-free iTunes Plus songs in high quality audio and our iPhone 3G customers the ability to download music from iTunes anytime, anywhere over their 3G network at the same price as downloading to your computer or via Wi-Fi,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “And in April, based on what the music labels charge Apple, songs on iTunes will be available at one of three price points—69 cents, 99 cents and $1.29—with many more songs priced at 69 cents than $1.29.”

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iLife ‘09 brings new features for iPhone, iPod touch

• January 6, 2009
• iPhone
• digg this

Apple today announced iLife ‘09, the newest edition of its digital media management and creation suite. Introduced in iPhoto ‘09 is the ability to sync slideshows to the iPhone or iPod touch, complete with transitions, many of which are exclusive to the latest version of the program. The program also adds a “Places” feature that automatically imports photo location data from iPhone pictures. In addition, Garageband ‘09 adds a new dedicated section for iPhone ringtones. iLife ‘09 includes iPhoto, iMovie, iWeb, iDVD, and Garageband, and will be available late this month for $79.

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Sling shows SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone, coming Q1

• January 6, 2009
• iPhone Applications
• digg this

Sling Media is demonstrating a version of its SlingPlayer Mobile application for the iPhone at Macworld Expo, and has said the application will be submitted for App Store approval in the first quarter. The application allows users to stream video from any Slingbox directly to the device, and can also control their home digital video recorder to watch recorded shows, pause, rewind, and fast forward live TV, or queue new recordings while away from home. “SlingPlayer Mobile is ideally suited for the iPhone’s large touch screen display and I know iPhone users are eagerly anticipating the application’s availability,” said Blake Krikorian, co-founder and CEO of Sling Media. Pricing for SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone has yet to be determined.

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Best Buy now offering refurbished iPhone 3G

• January 6, 2009
• iPhone
• digg this

Electronics retailer Best Buy is now offering refurbished iPhone 3G units in its stores. Like the refurbished iPhones available from AT&T, Best Buy is offering 8GB refurbs for $149, and 16GB units for $249; a two-year service contract is required. “This is focusing on customers’ needs, trying to provide as wide a range of products and networks for our consumers,” said Scott Moore, vice president of marketing for Best Buy Mobile. Apple has yet to offer refurbished iPhone 3G units directly from its retail or online stores.

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Logitech to trim workforce by 15 percent

• January 6, 2009
• iPod Accessories
• digg this

Logitech has announced that it plans to cut approximately 15% of its salaried workforce due to the current economic situation. “During the December quarter, the retail environment deteriorated significantly,” Logitech Chief Executive Gerald Quindlen said. “We experienced varying degrees of weakness across all geographies and channels, as our customers reduced inventory levels in the face of weaker consumer demand. Moreover, we expect the economic environment to worsen in the coming months, and we are therefore taking significant actions to align our cost structure with what is likely to be an extended downturn.” The company is expected to give details of the job cuts with its third-quarter results on January 20; it is currently unclear whether the cuts will affect the iPod accessory or Ultimate Ears product teams.

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Contour Design intros Bolt Armband for iPod nano 4G

• January 6, 2009
• iPod Accessories
• digg this

Contour Design has introduced its new Bolt Armband for the fourth-generation iPod nano. Made from a flexible, breathable lycra and spandex fabric, the Bolt features a sweat-resistant back, a reflective design, an anti-static screen guard, an adjustable strap, velcro closure, and compatibility with the Nike+iPod Sport Kit. It will sell for $30. In addition, the company is set to release its reCharge combination home and car charger. First shown at Macworld Expo in early 2008, it offers two USB charging ports, a blue LED power indicator, an included carrying case, and more. It will sell for $50.

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Boston Acoustics unveils Horizon iDS3 iPod Speaker System

• January 6, 2009
• iPod Accessories
• digg this

Boston Acoustics has announced its new Horizon iDS3 Flagship iPod Speaker System. The iDS3 features 100 Watts of total system power, an integrated iPod dock, a wireless six-inch woofer that connects to the main unit via a 2.4GHz signal, two 1/2” tweeters, two three-inch mid-range drivers, DSP processing and EQ, and the ability to charge all dock-connecting iPods. Available in high gloss white or black with matching grilles, the Boston Acoustics iDS3 Flagship iPod Speaker System will sell for $500 and is expected to ship later this year.

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Fastmac announces nV case for nano 4G, U-Jam speaker case

• January 6, 2009
• iPod Accessories
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Fastmac has announced its first ever iPod case, the nV for the fourth-generation iPod nano, and the U-Jam Portable Speakers and Carrying Case. The nV is made from clear hard plastic less than 1mm thick, and features an extruded aluminum clip that serves as a money/belt clip, lanyard holder, and video stand. Offering integrated screen protection, it will include a protective strip for the Click Wheel and center button, as well as a matching lanyard. The U-Jam is a large fabric carrying case for the iPod, iPhone, or other portable devices, offering a zippered closure, built-in flat panel speaker and room for extra cords or cables. It connects to the device via a 3.5mm plug, and runs for up to 15 hours on two AA batteries. Both the nV and the U-Jam will sell for $20.

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iVoice intros Diamond-X Dual Mic Bluetooth Headset

• January 6, 2009
• iPhone Accessories
• digg this

iVoice has introduced its Diamond-X Dual Mic Bluetooth Headset, described by the company as the world’s first Bluetooth headset to report the name of the caller from the user’s phonebook. In addition to the name reporting, it features automatic volume control depending on environmental conditions, up to 5.5 hours of talk time and 200 hours of standby time, dual microphones for noise cancellation, an in-ear design with three sizes of rubber ear gels, and an included mini-USB power adapter, car charger, and wall charger. It will be available later this month and is priced at $100.

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