Walmart has started promoting Zunes in their online store. Why is this so disturbing to us? Walmart has already defiled iPods and all sorts of other PMPs. Is it that we wanted something better for our new baby? Is it that Walmart and Microsoft together is the scariest wetdream ever to even the Gordoniest of Gekkos? Does this sit poorly in anyone else’s tummy out there? – Mark Wilson
Thanks Ben!

Nintendo’s set to release an official MP3 player for the Nintendo DS, making it not only a game machine and a web browser, but a music playing device too. The above picture was seen in a brocure from the Leipzig Games Convention in Germany.

We suppose this is close enough to an official announcement, but there will probably be an even more official announcement from Nintendo soon. The specs:

• For Nintendo DS (to be inserted into slot 2) and Game Boy Advance hardware
• To store music you need SD cards. Up to 2 GB cards are supported, this equals to 500 songs (best sound quality)
• Choose between different skins (including one with Mario)
• The interface shows all important information
• The unit itself features another headphone port

The tentative price and release date are 29.99 Euros ($38) and October 8, respectively. – Jason Chen

Official Nintendo DS MP3 Player – Is There a Point? Homebrew Does it BETTER! [MaxConsole]
MP3-Player For The DS? Sounds Interesting… [Carpe DS Blog]

It seems service provider or cellphone maker these days is starting their own digital music store. Not one to be left out, Samsung’s announced that they will make their own line of digital music players that work with their own proprietary download service.

Samsung’s already got the digital music player side down, making swanky devices like the YP-K5, but will their agreement with MusicNet be enough to get them into third or fourth place behind iTunes and other already-established music services?

The music store is expected to launch later this year. – Jason Chen

Samsung to launch music download service [Reuters via Crunchgear]

Hot off the floors of IFA is the V-Mate memory card recorder from SanDisk. This device is really pretty simple and could be really practical for people who love getting their video fix on portable media players like the iPod, PSP, etc. The V-Mate connects to any analog video and audio output. It can then record video directly to a wide variety of portable media formats like SD, MMC, and all of the Sony varieties. It records the video at 640 x 480, therefore being perfect for any of the portable media players out there. The TV-based interface allows you to control and adjust all features of the V-Mate. This device will be available in October for $130 or so. – Travis Hudson

IFA 2006: SanDisk V-Mate memory card recorder [TechDigest]

Seiko Epson is commercializing a tiny 0.2mm fingerprint sensor that will allow manufacturers to secure any kind of mobile device. The sensor reads fingerprints by detecting the miniscule electric current from your finger when you touch the device.

Possible applications are self-identifying credit cards, cellphones, and MP3 players. When a wrong fingerprint is entered, that item is disabled, so your credit cards won’t be charged and your phones won’t be used to make strange calls. Unless they take out your SIM and stick it in another phone, that is. Then you’re screwed. – Jason Chen

Nikkei Net [via Pink Tentacle]

The last time we looked at MediaGear, they were hawking some USB drive card reader. They’ve stepped up their game a bit since then and are now hawking a portable media device, the HD2Go. While it may look like just about every other portable gadget on the market, the HD2Go’s 20GB hard drive and 3.6-inch color LCD try ever so hard to get you to notice it. With a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels, the screen is actually pretty decent for a portable device; on it you can view JPEGs and GIFs as well as video in the form of MPEG, VOB and AVI. Not even the iPod supports some of those formats natively.

As expected, the HD2Go also plays digital music in all the formats popular with the kids nowadays: MP3, Ogg Vorbis, WMA and AC3 make an appearance, but AAC is curiously absent. So if you’ve used iTunes to encode your library, tough luck.

The battery on the HD2Go supposedly lasts 4.5 hours while playing video and 15 while playing music. MediaGear will be selling it through its Web site soon enough for $295.95. – Nicholas Deleon

MediaGear Zooms In With HD2Go [Digital Trends]

MediaGear Home Page [MediaGear]

Damn, I haven’t even finished my morning coffee and toast and this is the second Zune post. I am really sick of this thing, but I will give in and show this teaser video that GenerationMP3 found. Nowhere in this mysterious commercial is Zune mentioned or directly shown, but at the end it does say “The Future of Entertainment” and “Summer 2006″ which leads to believe it is somewhat Zune related. Kind of neat, kind of stupid—just release the damn thing already. – Travis Hudson

Publicité pour le Zune de Microsoft ? [GenerationMP3]

The great Japanese company with the environmentally conscious name is at it again. Green House is just a few weeks away from launching the GH-KANA-GT series of MP3 players, which comes with 512MB of flash memory and support for both MP3 and WMA digital music files. Even better, the player incorporates an FM transmitter—the headphone cable functions as an antenna—so that you can host your own pirate radio station inside the house, car, space station, etc.

Thankfully, the player comes with a rechargeable lithium ion batter that lasts for seven or four hours, depending on whether or not you’re using the FM functionality.

Look for the GH-KANA-GT this August in Japan for around $77. – Nicholas Deleon

Product Page (in Japanese) [Green House via Fareastgizmos.com]

Since Microsoft's official announcement in Billboard didn't tell us all that much new info, here's a little bit more on Zune's rumored capabilities from another tipster.

There's going to be an add-on game pad similar to the Sony Ericsson P800 Bluetooth game pad. However, this one is going to be magnetic (really?) so it can attach to the Zune. Isn't that bad for magnetic, hard-drive based storage? You'll be able to use this game pad for "classic gaming", probably somewhere around the mid-80s to early-90s, NES/SNES-level graphics.

They'll let you customize your own case when you buy the Zune, whose default case looks pretty much like the pictures we've been showing here. You can change the outside, add RAM (for gaming, or PDA features maybe?), reduce storage space, and change the colors of the finish. – Jason Chen

And here's the "viral" site that Microsoft set up for Zune: Coming Zune [comingzune]

Thanks Tipster!

Okay, first off. This thing is by no means a 4-in-1 iPod accessory. It does one thing, charge. Now hit the jump for my exciting Kensington iPod Car Charger adventure, starring Hannah—my black iPod nano (yes, I really named it Hannah, don’t ask). The Kensington 1-in-1 car charger is available for $30.

What’s this? My Civic has both a power adapter and an auxiliary audio adapter? Sound’s like a match made in heaven for Hannah the iPod. But if only I could keep her charging while I am driving…

Plug in the Kensington power adapter and I should be on my way to an iPod rockin’ good time, right?

Now, simply plug the Kensington dock adapter into Hannah. Almost there, I’m so excited!

Wait a silly gosh darn second here. The Kensington adapter covered up the audio jack on her! I don’t have a FM transmitter, either. What will I ever do?

Still saddened, our hero begins to turn on the FM radio, destined to listen to crap forever.

Wait! An idea is a brewing! Yes, I think it just might work! The Kensington power adapter simply has a USB port. So that means the Apple iPod connector should work!

Yes, it works! Hannah is happy to be charging and playing. All is well!

Stay tuned next week when our hero tries to discover the true meaning of life with the help of a fleshlight, rubber band and a crappy Korean cellphone. – Travis Hudson

Product Page [Kensington]

We got a peek at the Billboard Mag piece on the Zune, which for all the buzz that’s been going around, is fairly light on details. Microsoft says it’s a “brand” (probably in the way that iPod is a brand), and that Zune-branded devices are going to follow this first flagship model—portable video players and game devices.

Microsoft is thinking about “‘seven or eight’ wireless scenarios” that they could possibly enable on the Zune, some of which are browsing other users’ libraries, buying and downloading songs w/o a PC and viewing a “digital locker”. Like reports said earlier, MS is focusing on collabrative and sharing with the Zune, allowing users to “view each other’s playlists” and “recommend music and sample tracks”.

What’s also fairly surprising is that they say music will be the first content offered by their online service, with video coming later. That probably means no equivalent of the iTunes TV shows or Music Videos until later. The music service isn’t going to be related to MSN Music, which may wither and die with this Zune service taking its spotlight.

Here’s how the Zune fits into Microsoft’s big picture alongside devices like the Xbox 360 and Windows Media smartphones:

That scenario is to provide ubiquitous access to digital media from a wide range of Windows-powered devices in what ultimately aspires to be one part MySpace, one part iTunes and one part Xbox Live.

More news as we get it. – Jason Chen

Microsoft has a big interview in Billboard Magazine next week spilling the rice and beans on the Zune. The three bullet points we were able to get, since we’re too poor to buy T-Shirts without holes in them let alone subscribe to Billboard magazine:

• Microsoft officials for the first time have confirmed that the Redmond, Wash.-based company is readying a portable music player and integrated service, shedding new light on a topic that has fueled rampant speculation in news reports and blog postings for weeks.
• In an exclusive first interview with Billboard, Chris Stephenson, Microsoft’s new GM of marketing for MSN Entertainment Business, says the company will later this year launch Zune, an umbrella brand for what he says is “a family of hardware and software products” targeting various digital entertainment services.
• The first implementation of this will be the portable music player and digital music service, in what is the company’s strongest effort yet to rein in Apple Computer’s iTunes/iPod juggernaut, currently responsible for about 70% of the digital music market and 75% of the portable digital music player market.

There’s confirmation that it’s going to have portable gaming and portable video capabilities, with WiFi and an add-on game pad (aftermarket).

More info in about 5 minutes.

Image courtesy Zune Nation

Mr Panbo does a side by side comparo of both XM and Sirius’s ability to track weather in real time. He’s using them in a marine capacity, but there’s no reason why that info couldn’t be used to help landlubbers on their morning commutes sometime soon. The Verdict: Sirius didn’t see some storms, but accurately predicted drizzle. XM saw dark clouds and wind direction/speed, but wasn’t any more reliable than your average weather man. – Brian Lam

Live Satellite Weather Monitoring [ Panbo's Marine Electronics and Communication Weblog ]

Just when you thought the iPod couldn't get any bigger. Bob Borchers, the senior director of iPod worldwide product marketing, recently told CNET UK's Crave that Apple wants more consumers using iPod-enabled automobiles rather than the plethora of third-party accessories. Borchers also said that Apple has no interest in producing their own car stereo, but they will be working with other companies to improve iPod integration in new cars. So I guess buying a new $20,000 will be the new hot iPod accessory this year.

I personally think this iPod integration is a bunch of rubbish. I recently purchased a new Honda Civic and I was given the option of iPod integration. It is essentially a iPod dock connector that comes out of the glove box, whoop de doo. I'll take my $350 that I would have spent on this iPod accessory and spend it on Taiwanese hookers and have a way better time, especially because the new Civics already come loaded with auxiliary inputs for the stereo. Hey car manufacturers, ditch the iPod connection and just start including auxiliary inputs in all vehicles. It is cheaper, will make the FCC more happy—no FM transmission—and can work with the iPod and more.

Still confused about the Civic iPod integration? Check out video review here of the on-board iPod integration from Gizmodo's own, Charlie. Image via CNET – Travis Hudson

Apple iPod exec discusses iPod car integration [iLounge]

Daewoo Lucoms apparently decided to get into the ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) game, shipping its handsomely-styled Solo M1 which has a 7-inch touchscreen, 1.3-megapixel video camera and a DMB TV tuner for those Asians fortunate enough to have access to such signals. It’s powered by an Intel Celeron 900 processor.

It looks like the Korean company has attempted to make the small Microsoft Tablet PC a little more versatile by adding a cradle station to its bag of tricks. But if it’s anything like its Korean competitor, the Samsung Q1, it’s just another pretty face which is awkward to use and doesn’t do much of anything very well. We are quite fond of its red trim, however. But red trim and style over substance is not going to get work (or play) done. – Charlie White

Solo M1 the new Made in Korea UMPC [Akihabara News, via Mobility Site]

This Kiss KS200 looks quite similar to the Datasafe oomi we posted about the other day. So similar, in fact, we wonder if one isn’t an OEM of the other.

The KS200 comes in 512MB and 1GB versions, which have a playback time of 15 hours and takes about 2 hours to charge. The player only weighs 24 grams and retails for $600 HKD and $900 HKD ($77, $115). – Jason Chen

Product Page [Kiss via Pop Gadget]

It may not be Twofer Tuesday, but all of you XM fans up in Canadaland are getting a twofer of a post, care of me. Here’s the dealio: first, the Pioneer Inno XM2go is now Canada ready. Canada is still getting its satellite feet wet, but this is a pretty big step, given that every Canadian rides a horse everywhere. The Inno might be the perfect device to keep you entertained while harvesting maple syrup. The Inno will retail for $500 Canadian bucks.

Next, XM and Suzuki Canada have sealed a deal to begin incorporating XM radios in select 2007 models. The 2007 XL-7 JLX will have a factory installed player. And the 2007 Grand Vitara and SX4 will offer a deal-installed option. Included with the purchase of a new Suzuki is free activation and three free months of all of the Canadian pop music that you can handle.

Pioneer Inno Press Release [Via Orbicast]
Suzuki Press Release [Also Via Orbicast]

The iPod slips right into the hole in the iSkin silicone layer, which then in turns goes into the hard shell by way sliding down and removing the front of the case. Drop the iPod in there and slide the case back on for a tight fit. The case feels really solid and looks like it can take some abuse. The kickstand on the back of the case extends out for video playback, and the click wheel is still accessible even with both “layers” on there.

So we decided to test out the “ClaroCoat” on the outer casing to see if it really protects the iPod from scratches. Other than being smudged by my greasy paws, there wasn’t a scratch to be found on the case. You won’t have to worry about the screen portion of the case being opaque with scratches after throwing it into your bag with your keys. – Jason Chen

Product Page [iSkin]

The preparations are complete, and the Nike+iPod sport kit is now available in Apple stores.

Apple sent out emails today to users advising them that you can now head to stores to pick up the Nike+ shoes at Nike stores today, July 13th. In case you forgot how it works, here's the video.

According to iProng, NIKETOWN stores are going to have live product demonstrations and a chance for you to try the system for yourself. Pre-orders shipped yesterday and people should be getting theirs soon.

Click on the image for a bigger version. – Jason Chen

Nike to launch Nike+iPod at retail stores today [iProng]

Our inboxes are on fire with brand new information about the new Microsoft MP3 player. We thought the player was code-named “Argo”, but we now got word that the final product name that’s been flying around is the “Zune”!

The pic on the right seems to be the final design, which makes the player very clean—a definite departure from Microsoft’s other endeavors. You all remember the video Microsoft’s own people made to illustrate their packaging shortcomings? Well, it seems like they haven’t learned much, as our tipster tells us the packaging itself is pretty ugly.

More info after the jump!

Our mole also says there’s no game menu to be seen on the device, putting those rumors of portable gaming from Xbox branding in possible jeopardy. More game options possibly coming in the 2nd iteration.

There’s also mention of a black version of the Zune, being shown on a music video for the band CSS, and the brown version on the cover for “Band of Horses”. You can display Album covers for the song you’re listening to on the screen, which is “big enough” and looks “pretty good”. Paul Oakenfold also has a tie-in deal.

From the looks of things, the Zune will definitely be ready for a Xmas release.

We’ll have more information plus possibly the logo and/or UI Shots tomorrow. Stay tuned! – Jason Chen

Thanks Tipster!

Apple’s not talking, but the company has filed a patent that shows a next-gen iPod with speech capability, telling you what song will play next in a variety of celebrity voices.

This won’t be your run-of-the-mill robot voice, either. Apple is reportedly working on a system that uses famous actors’ voices to perfectly pronounce even the weirdest song titles and band names. Imagine, fanboys, having the voice of your god Steve Jobs telling you which song will play next.

The heavy lifting for this voice work is done using the computer’s processor, which then creates audio files that are also loaded onto the iPod. Then when you use the clickwheel, you’ll hear the titles and artists of each song without needing to look at the iPod’s screen. Neat. – Charlie White

Apple pips its rivals with the iPod that talks [News.Scotsman]

Really love playing Pokemon Gold and Pokemon Diamond? Now you can Catch Them All on an actual 18K Gold and Diamond covered Original Game boy. Granted, it’ll cost you $25,000, but if you’re an adult and you’re still playing Pokemon, we think you’ve got a little savings stashed away from NOT going out on the weekends. – Jason Chen

Original Nintendo Game Boy [Swisssupply - Thanks Daniel!]

Not everyone’s willing to shell out $399 for a video iPod—they’re just not that into music. For those readers, CNET’s compiled a list of their top 10 favorite MP3 players under $100.

Most of these have itty-bitty screens with only 512MB of RAM to back it up, save for the Sansa m250 with 2GB. Notably absent is the iPod Shuffle. Probably due to the lack of screen. – Jason Chen

Top 10 MP3 players under $100 [CNET]

Archos launched its 404, 504 and 604 players a month ago, and now here’s a bit of information about its upcoming 700 TV model, a fine-looking porto-player that promises over-the-air digital television using the Freeview format. It’s equipped with a 4.3-inch screen, WiFi, GPS and a cellular modem. Maybe all that connectivity is why the thing needs four ugly antennas sticking out the back; we’re hoping that’s just a preproduction model.

In the company’s “Investor Kit”, there are some intriguing technologies, including a digital video recording docking station into which you can place this 700 TV player, resulting in an MPEG-4 TV recorder for your time shifting enjoyment. The docking station can also record video from a satellite-based PVR-equipped set-top box. However, talk is cheap. These products aren’t available yet, and the company didn’t say when they would be. – Charlie White

Q2 Investor Kit [Archos]

It’s a parade of endless portable audio accessories and Altec Lansing is the latest company hoping you spend your hard earned money on their useful products. The iM9 promises to deliver “concert hall acoustics” in small spaces, like dorm rooms or Manhattan apartments. Since it’s designed for the iPod, expect a whole host of iPod-centric features, including its ability to charge the iPod and transfer data to and from a PC when its docked.

Whether or not it actually sounds like the Boston Pops is debatable, but Altec Lansing tried its darndest to make sure it doesn’t sound like a dictaphone. MaxxBass (note the two X’s: that means quality) attempts to simulate the skull-rattling low frequencies produced by subwoofers. Also appreciated is the inclusion of a second input jack for connecting other devices.

Weighing only four pounds, it’s not too heavy for you to haul around town. It’s available now for $199. – Nicholas Deleon

Product Page [Altec Lansing via The Red Ferret Journal]

 
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