iPod News and Reviews

iPod nano Video and Music Player is FAT!

Finally, a fresh new design for the popular Apple iPod nano player. But that's not all, the new iPod nano now plays video on its two-inch display with 320x240 resolution. As usual, Steve Jobs and Apple come up with a product that will sell like crazy this holiday season. And yes, the iPod nano is fat, or wider than previous iPod nanos, but it should be great for watching movies, TV shows and music videos on-the-go.

The new iPod nano video and music player also features Apple's Cover Flow, which allows you to scroll through your entire music collection by album cover artwork using the Click Wheel.  For the casual gamer, iPod nano also includes three games - iQuiz, the entertainment trivia game, Vortex, a fast-paced 360 degree brick-bashing game, and Klondike, the popular solitaire card game, plus more games can be purchased from the online iTunes Store. You'll get up to an estimated 24 hours of audio playback or five hours of video playback on a single charge.

Nike + iPod Sport Kit and Nike Plus Gear

Nike and Apple have teamed to announced the launch of innovative Nike+iPod products, with the first product being the Nike+iPod Sport Kit, a wireless system that allows Nike+ footwear to talk with your iPod nano to connect you to the ultimate personal running and workout experience. The Nike + iPod Sport kit includes an in-shoe sensor and a receiver that attaches to iPod nano. A new Nike Sport Music section on the iTunes Music Store and a new nikeplus.com personal service site help maximize the Nike+iPod nano experience. Cool huh?

details | Nike Plus

Mickey Mouse iPod Nano Accessory Set

Mouseketeers unite! A special edition Mickey Mouse iPod nano accessory set with Mickey Mouse engraving on the back of the ipod nano, mickey mouse stickers, protective case, a lanyard to wear the thing around your neck, and a card showing your set’s ID number. Just 999 Mickey Mouse ipod nano sets are being produced, each at a cost of $114, ipod nano not included! The set was launched in Japan on May 22.

via | Gizmodo

Akihabara News

iSkin Slims and iSkin DuoBand iPod nano Accessories

Two new iPod nano accessories have been introduced by iSkin Inc. iSkin Slims and iSkin DuoBand combine to offer a stylish double layer of water, sweat and shock resistant protection for Apple’s iPod nano.

The iSkin slims and iSkin DuoBand are designed specifically for the new iPod nano, the two new products help to protect, transport, and accessorize Apple’s slim iPod nano digital music player during athletic activities.

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The iSkin DuoBand caters specifically to exercise enthusiasts, serving as a portable case for the iPod nano that can be worn stress-free during workouts. Protecting the device with a double layer of polycarbonate and silicone, the DuoBand is completely sweat resistant—perfect for high-intensity aerobic workouts. The one-size-fits-all armband is available in either black or pink, and features a reflective strip to offer protection to users who prefer to exercise outdoors during the evening. Finally, the DuoBand’s outer polycarbonate layer grants the user full access to both the device’s digital screen and click wheel, allowing users to easily change songs or scroll through their music library during workouts.

Available in either a clear or pink skin, the iSkin DuoBand’s inner protective layer is engineered using high-grade 100% silicone, offering an extra layer of shock-absorbing protection to the user’s iPod nano device. For users who want to make a stronger statement, iSkin slims silicone protective layers can be paired with the iSkin DuoBand, allowing individual users chose different color combinations to create customized looks that accentuate their active lifestyles.

Both the iSkin DuoBand and the iSkin slims are slim and lightweight so as to complement the unique aesthetics of the Apple iPod nano device. Additional information about either product is available online at www.iSkin.com for $29.99 each.

1 GB iPod Nano

Good news for those on a budget. You can buy a 1 GB iPod nano for $149 from Apple that has most of the same features as the 2GB and 4GB iPod nano models. The difference is the 1GB iPod nano holds up to 240 songs or 15,000 photos, less than the first two ipod nanos, but still pretty good for this new lower price.

The 1GB white and black models of iPod nano for Mac or Windows are available worldwide immediately for a suggested retail price of $149 (US), through the Apple Store, Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. All iPod nano models include earbud headphones, a USB 2.0 cable, case and a CD with iTunes for Mac and Windows computers.

Apple also announced a price drop for the iPod shuffle 512MB and 1GB models which will go for $69 and $99 respectively.

Apple Lanyard Headphones for iPod nano

You can now put your order in to buy Apple Lanyard Headphones for iPod nano on Amazon. In case you don't know, Lanyard Headphones are made special for iPod nano players to hang around your neck.

"Just plug the lanyard into the dock connector, put it around your neck and you're off. Its ingenious built-in earbuds conquer clutter by integrating the audio signal with the lanyard itself, so you get a streamlined look without all the extra wire. When you want to change songs or adjust volume, just look down: iPod nano is right there, always at the ready."

Hanging the iPod nano Lanyard Headphones around your neck is probably better than putting it in your pocket, and might limit scratches on the music player, but you should still consider other accessories like skins, cases, and covers for protection as well.

iTrip for iPod nano

Griffin Technology has announced the iTrip for iPod nano. The new FM tuner device uses the iPod’s high resolution LCD for the display of FM frequency information. The “sled” design lets you slide your iPod nano into the iTrip. The iTrip for iPod nano has Griffin’s SmartSound technology built-in which automatically adjusts the volume of the iPod over the iTrip for optimal listening.

Apple iPod nano Lanyard Headphones Review

iLounge has a review of the $39 Apple Lanyard Headphones for iPod nano, and though they found the headphones and "rope" design functional, they were not happy with the price tag. iLounge has some good photos of the Lanyard Headphones connected to the iPod nano as well.

Pros: A simple combination of standard Apple iPod earbuds with a white fabric lanyard necklace and a chrome attachment for the iPod nano. Easy to adjust, minimalist design will likely match all users’ fashion needs.

Cons: Surprisingly high price, even by Apple and standard iPod accessory standards. Nothing special about either the earphones or the lanyard.

read Apple Lanyard Headphones for iPod nano review

iWood Nano

The iPod nano accessories keep rolling in, and this time it's the unique iWood Nano, a luxury-line wooden case made just for the iPod nano. You can choose from five different wood grains; maple, mahogany, pear, wenge, and walnut. I really like the way this looks, but I've been hearing that the wood might scratch the iPod nano which defeats the purpose of having the case. We'll have to look for some first-hand reviews of the iWood Nano to see what the verdict is.

via | Gizmodo

more | iWood Nano

Iconz Cases for iPod nano

XtremeMac designs, makers of accessories for Apple Computer’s iPods specializes in delivering products that shield iPod nano from scratches. The new Iconz for iPod nano cases combine cool artwork with complete protection for the iPod nano. Part of an exclusive collector's series, these pop culture icons cover the entire face of the iPod nano. Iconz for Apple iPod nano offer play-through control for the Click Wheel and a built-in screen protection. As you can see, Iconz for ipodnano skins come in a variety of officially-licensed designs. 

Price: $24.99 USD
more | XtremeMac