Recent Articles
SigmaTel Offers VFIR Infrared Companion Chip
May 25, 2005 Industry News View Comments
With initial applications targeted for implementation within SigmaTel STMP35xx MP3 player solutions, the STIR4230 will also be available for non-music applications including cell phones, digital still cameras, in-store kiosks and printers.
SigmaTel is continuing to build upon its core technologies to bring to market products that will provide portable applications with wireless transfer methods for large files such as digital music and photos. This latest offering expands the company’s range and allows our customers to easily implement wireless, secure functionality within their devices.
The STIR4230 differs from previous SigmaTel IrDA devices in that it is designed for use in portable and other embedded applications and not only as a PC peripheral. The product, with VFIR speeds, is the ideal method of transferring digital music and photos between portable devices.
{ via SigmaTel Press Release }
Popularity: 11% [?]
iPod Plug-In Sets Music Free
May 25, 2005 Apple, Digital Music, Software View Comments
The plug-in, called ml_iPod, allows iPod users to bypass iTunes and manage music collections in Winamp instead. The iPod is supposed to work with iTunes only. A new version of the software was released Monday. Justin Frankel, creator of Winamp and the open-source peer-to-peer software Gnutella, initially developed ml_iPod, but programming was taken over by Will Fisher, a computer science student in the U.K. Fisher and other developers programmed a slew of features, including the ability to synch multiple iPods with Winamp, create smart playlists and — the most useful option — the ability to copy songs from an iPod onto a hard drive.
{ via Wired News }
Popularity: 12% [?]
Bluetooth audio connection for Apple iPod
May 24, 2005 Accessories, Apple, MP3 Players View Comments
With a transmitter connected to the iPod and a receiver hooked up via RCA or 3.5mm to a stereo system, TuneStage offers high-quality sound without cables. The TuneStage fits all-size iPod devices with a dock connector. It will begin shipping in North America in late July 2005 for US$179.99. Using Bluetooth v1.2 technology, TuneStage can transmit from up to 33 feet away from a stereo system. The package includes 7 ft. gold series RCA stereo cable and requires no batteries.
{ via Geekzone }
It would be like an AirPort Express with iTunes, except all your songs would be on the iPod, and you wouldn’t have to go back to your computer every time you wanted to change a song. If you are a lazy person and don’t to pay a little extra money, this stuff suits you!
Popularity: 12% [?]
MobiBlu DAH-1500 on Sale as JNC SSF-8100
May 24, 2005 JNC, MP3 Players View Comments
How cute is this MP3 player cube? The new MobiBlu DAH-1500 is a tiny, tiny MP3 Player measuring only 24x24x24mm.
The MobiBlu DAH-1500 has a OLED display and sports a 20 hours playback time. It features a FM tuner and the headset plug is also the data connector. This cube style player is smaller than the iPod shuffle in Volume.
Popularity: 11% [?]
Low Power Solution for HDD Players
May 24, 2005 Industry News View Comments
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 
Popularity: 3% [?]
