May 24th, 2005 by Chi An
The PNX0106 is the latest addition to Philip’s Nexperia Personal family of ICs for portable audio and multimedia players. The chip is a low-power solution for optimal battery life and it includes additional features like advanced user interfaces, interconnectivity and multimedia functions.
It also includes features such as the 32-bit ARM926EJ-S processor, dedicated DSP for audio processing, IDE interface and USB connectivity.
{ via Techtree.com }
Well, sound quality of Philip’s IC always better than those Sigmatel that used in low, mid level of MP players. Moreover, it’s featured with DSP audio processing. But, the drawback is its higher price. As I know, the flash MP3 players made with Philip’s IC generally will cost about USD10 - USD 15 higher than those with Sigmatel’s IC. Nevertheless, it’s worth for the sound quality 
May 24th, 2005 by Chi An
Chairman Steve Jobs said Sunday night that support for the radio-like programs downloaded from the Internet will be included in the next version of the iPod software, iTunes, due within 60 days.
Jobs made his announcement at “D3: All Things Digital,” a technology conference sponsored by the Wall Street Journal in San Diego. His remarks were reported by several technology journalists in the audience.
The Apple chairman was “slightly dismissive of populist programming,” said Tim O’Reilly, founder and CEO of O’Reilly Media Inc., a technology publishing company.
“Current plans call for podcasts to be free downloads,” wrote Mena Trott, co-founder of Six Apart Inc., and also in the audience. “Users will submit their podcasts and Apple will be hand picking the content it makes available to iTunes users.”
Before his speech, Jobs also met with Adam Curry, the former MTV disc jockey who has tirelessly promoted creation of radio-like programs for download. Later in his own podcast, Curry reported he was “able to provide a lot of input,” and told Jobs the iPod hardware should also record. “I can guarantee you this is going to happen,” Curry said.
{ via MarketWatch }
May 24th, 2005 by Chi An
But we were further amazed by MP3 -FM transmitter that works the same as iTrip for the iPod. Mp3 songs stored on the internal or expandable memory can be streamed to your car’s FM tuner by using the any unused frequency band.
{via Sounds & Pictures Magazine, Malaysia}
Wow, now a mobile phone not just play MP3, but works as a FM transmitter also 
May 24th, 2005 by Chi An
Growth of electricals range adds to pressure on rivals. Tesco is raising the competitive stakes once again as it expands its electricals range to include products such as iPods.
In a move which will increase the pressure on rivals such as Dixons, an increased range of digital products will be introduced into 200 Tesco stores over the next week, with MP3 players available in 69 stores.
Digital music players will start at £24.97 for an Inovix 128MB player. Players on offer will include the Apple iPod Shuffle and the Creative Zen Micro. Sales of MP3 players grew by 400 per cent in the UK last year, with the market expected to double again in 2005, as the price of players drops and downloads become more accessible. Tesco offers a download service via its Tesco.com website.
via [The Retail Bulletin ]
May 21st, 2005 by Chi An
SLAPPA is currently accepting pre-orders for their new ShockShell ($35) case for iPod mini. The ShockShell mini is available in 6 different designs, each with a variety of color choices.
Total Impact Industrial Ltd, a leading manufacturer of storage units for digital products, today announced the release of their newest storage product, the SLAPPA® ShockShell™ Case for the iPod mini.
The SLAPPA ShockShell Case for the iPod mini is expanding SLAPPA’s current line of iPod storage products. Similar to SLAPPA’s other award-winning products in it’s attention to detail and high-quality craftsmanship.
The SLAPPA ShockShell is offered in 6 different designs, each offered in a variety of colors to suit the diverse personalities of SLAPPA’s customers. Each design has been incorporated into the PVC outer body, ensuring it can never rub off and its appearance will remain as sharp as the day it was purchased.
{ Source }
