::: bisonium.com :::

Posting has been slow around these parts hasn't it?  It's been over 2 weeks and Bellsouth STILL doesn't have a clue how to fix the problem with my DSL line.  Surprising isn't it?  Every time I call I get someone in India who is clearly having to call back to the states to actually get a real Bellsouth employee to tell them what to do.  I have had it, I am sooo over Bellsouth.

There is light over the horizon though.  By the time I get home tonight, I should have a brand spankin new 6Mbps connection through Adelphia.  I originally thought Comcast serviced my area, errr - technically I guess they do since they bought Adelphia, but for now everything is branded Adelphia.

I had the cable tv installed this weekend and got 2 Motorola HD / PVR receivers to boot.  I can't begin to express how absolutely AMAZING the HD picture is from regular cable or Satellite.  Watching Discovery HD Theater has just become my favorite past-time.  DirecTV, you lost.  If you offered me the upgrade at no cost, you would have most likely kept me as a customer.  So sad, too bad.  If the cable modem is anywhere near as fast as I am thinking it will be during those heavy peak hours, I will be one happy camper.  Next step - order up Supra telecom and completely dump Bellsouth services and related affiliates.  Unfortunately I am stuck on Cingular for another year, but rest assured - their days are numbered too.

For now, you can get your bisonium fix over at Gear Live with the following posts:

Sony Ericsson P990: The Ultimate Mobile Phone

Put Some DICE In Your Ride

VMware Server Released for Free

Major Nelson Giving Away Xbox 360 for Dummies

Adobe On Mactel: An FAQ

Posted by Frank Bisono at 4:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bring it on Apple - we race fans are ready!

[ via iPod Observer ]

NHL and NASCAR Working on iTunes Music Store Deals:

The NHL and NASCAR are both within weeks of signing deals to provide content to the iTunes Music Store (iTMS), according to the Sports Business Journal (subscription required). Apple has already signed deals with ESPN and ABC Sports, and is close to a deal with MLB Advanced Media, too.

The extent of the NHL's and NASCAR content is not yet clear, but it looks like a deal may be struck in time for the Daytona 500 in February.

Video downloads at the iTMS and other legal Internet video content provider sites are proving successful for the broadcasters that have already jumped on board. The NFL and NBA are both looking for deals, although neither have committed to a specific provider yet.

Brenda Spoonemore, senior vice president of interactive services for NBA Entertainment commented "The iPod is a great device and it's exciting to see what's happening. Apple, however, is only one piece of a much larger distribution model. The key thing is having the best available content in the most convenient manner for fans."

Posted by Frank Bisono at 5:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Now THAT's what I'm talkin about!

[ via Gizmodo ]

Live at Macworld: Finally, True iPod Car Integration:

You've seen products like Ten Technology's FlexibleDock, and Belkin's TuneBase FM, or even Harman Kardon's Drive + Play Kit, but you've never seen true, or at least easy streamlined iPod car integration until you've seen 2point5's spec.dock. The thing that's different about the spec.dock is that it's the only iPod solution that actually blends in with your car. It's makes it look as though your car was built with this thing. And because the spec.dock benefits off of your car's cigarette lighter, you have two options — you can either blow off your tunes, or rock out till you need a hearing aid.  What more could you ask for?

Posted by Frank Bisono at 1:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

[ via Engadget ]

The KNG iPod DJ dock:

Filed under: Peripherals, Portable Audio

Read

Posted by Frank Bisono at 2:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This is definitely one of the smartest things that an auto manufacturer can do these days.  My next vehicle MUST HAVE iPod integration.  The iPod is now a permanent fixture in my vehicle and I couldn't imagine driving without it.  The other thing these auto manufacturers seriously need to consider doing is creating a dedicated docking station for the iPod in the vehicle.  Whether that be a hidden compartment with the cable or a dedicated mount that is visible on the dash, I don't want my iPod just floating around the car, It's gotta look good and be protected!  :-)

[ via Leftlane News ]

Detroit 2006: Apple, Chrysler announce iPod integration

The Chrysler Group today announced that it will be the first American automaker to provide full iPod integration as an option in most of its 2006 models, with over three million 2006 Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge models offering seamless iPod integration beginning this spring. The optional iPod Integration Kit for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge model lines will be available to customers for the MSRP of $175 (US) plus installation from authorized dealerships, and will debut this spring. In addition, the solution can be retrofit to many model year 2005 vehicles.

Drivers will be able to listen to their iPod through the car’s audio system, select their music by artist, album or playlist with radio or steering wheel controls and view selections on the radio’s display.

“Customers have been asking for iPod connectivity and we’re excited to make it available to so many of our vehicles in 2006,” said Randy Ewers, director, Mopar Accessories Portfolio Team. “We’re providing the largest number and range of automobiles with iPod support of any automaker, allowing Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge owners to bring and listen to their entire music collections.”

“We’re thrilled that over three million Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge automobiles will offer great iPod connectivity in 2006,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPod Product Marketing. “Over 40 percent of all cars sold in the US in 2006 will offer iPod connectivity.”

Posted by Frank Bisono at 11:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

[ via O'Grady's Power Page ]

Leak is in the Air: Bluetooth Headphones?:

The Apple Japan Web site has a little teaser for their New Year's Special t-shirt design that depicts an iPod nano dandelion with iPod earbuds as the wishes.

The caption reads "Luck is in the Air" and a pair of the headphones are suspiciously detaching from the rest.

Could this be a hint of an upcoming wireless Bluetooth headphones for the iPod? Or even an iPod with Bluetooth built-in? Tough to say, but it's great fodder in the build up to Macworld, no?

The t-shirts will be given out to the first 1000 visitor of each Apple store on January 2nd.

[ UPDATE ]

Totally bogus rumor!  After going to the Apple store, there were no special t-shirts to be given out, at least not in the USA.  Must be a Japan only thing.  Oh well, it was a good trip to the Apple store anyways!  ;-)

Posted by Frank Bisono at 10:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sena makes some of the sexiest cases for your digital gadgets on the market.  This one is no exception.  I have the exact same case for my Treo 650 and couldn't be happier.  The quality is superb and the case has help up well over the past year.  I am sure this case for the iPod will be no exception.  You can pre-order your now on their website.

Pre-order Special

Sena Cases is happy to give an opportunity to its customers who have been anxiously waiting to order a new Sena case for their PDAs. Customers who place an order before their cases are ready for distribution, will be able to receive a discount and will receive their cases relatively earlier than other customers.  Please read the details of the offer carefully:

Sena Cases plans to start shipping pre-ordered cases on December 15th, 2005. Although, it is our intention to continue 'pre-order special period' until this date, Sena Cases reserves the right to end this offer any time.  Customers who place an order during the 'pre-order special period' will receive a 20% discount from the original purchase price of the product.  The credit card accounts will be charged automatically for the discounted amount, shipping costs, and the applicable tax when the pre-order is placed, NOT when the product is shipped. 

These products will be shipped in the order we receive pre-orders unless there is a problem in our stocks of a certain model.

Posted by Frank Bisono at 8:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

[ via Macworld ]

Flixpo.com offers video clips for iPod, PSP:

Flixpo.com is a new service that provides iPod and PSP-ready video clips for free.

Posted by Frank Bisono at 2:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In true typical ExtremeMac fashion, they have released another kick-ass case for their iPod lineup.  This thing is beautiful!  If I ever upgrade my iPod to the new video, this is the case I am buying.  Nicely done!

"XtremeMac announced its first accessory for iPod with video today, a clear protective case called MicroShield. This two-piece case snaps onto the front and back of the iPod, providing the body and screen with protection from scratches while highlighting its sleek design.

MicroShield comes with one front and two rear panels: one with an integrated, low-profile belt clip, and one without. This design offers the flexibility of using the front and rear panels separately or together and provides users with the option of using a belt clip or not. When used together, the front and rear panels encase the iPod in a hard plastic shell that provides unobstructed access to the Click Wheel, Dock Connector, and earbud jack. In addition, the design of the rear panel accommodates the iPod with either end up—allowing users to position the earbud jack either at the top or bottom—a feature that will be appreciated by those who prefer to use the belt clip with this case.

"The design of the new iPod is so striking that we decided to build a protective case that truly showcases it," said Gary Bart, CEO of XtremeMac. "MicroShield has been our most popular case for the iPod nano, and looks to be just our leading case for the new iPod."

MicroShield is available in 30GB and 60GB models to accommodate both sizes of the new iPod with video. It retails for $24.95 and will be available in stores and online in one to two weeks. For more details and images of MicroShield, or to place an order, visit www.XtremeMac.com."

Posted by Frank Bisono at 10:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Not Sure how I missed this one, but here is a cool site that adds yet more value to that iPod of yours.  iPodiway allows you to enter a starting address and destination and will map your route with directions, and throw a .zip file your way with all the appropriate files to drop into your iPod.  All of that and FREE to boot.  Now THAT is cool.

Posted by Frank Bisono at 2:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Looking for some content for that shiny new iPod video?  Networks got ya down with their idiotic mentality and fear that the world is out to steal their content?  Well fear no more.  Enter Podtropolis.  This is the first known bit torrent tracker dedicated exclusively to the cataloging of content for your iPod.  All video is encoded in iPod compatible formats saving you the hassle of doing it yourself.  The site comes complete with tutorials for Mac and PC.  They are just getting started, so if you have some content to seed, Share The Wealth!

Posted by Frank Bisono at 2:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Killer find from our buds at The Unofficial Apple Weblog [ TUAW ] - Thanks guys!!!

Free Johnnie Walker iPod Cover:

Who doesn't like free stuff? Johnnie Walker is offering a free iPod cover while supplies last. Now your iPod can be striding man too.

Posted by Frank Bisono at 1:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Just when you think it's safe to buy a new iPod, Apple does it again.  Today Apple released yet another version of it's wildly popular iPod.  This is not your momma's iPod boys and girls, this bad boy now does video.  New flavors are 30GB and 60GB models, and yes, there is a new and sexy black one as well.  Quite frankly, I am over myself.  The only complaint I have is that it should have been an 80-100GB drive.  But all-in-all, I am quite pleased with the new goodies.  But wait, it doesn't stop there.  Other new announcements include a revamped and much nicer iMac G5, and after a mere 5 weeks on the charts, iTunes is now at version 6, including all new video goodies topping off with content from ABC / Disney for that shiny new iPod.  Exciting times we are living in...can't wait to see what's next.  For the full breakdown and specifics that you DO NOT want to miss, grab a cup of coffee and sit down to watch the special event on Quicktime.

Posted by Frank Bisono at 6:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This is quite the TIGHT case for a nano.  If I had one, this is what I would grab.  Nice find from our pals at:

[ The Unofficial Apple Weblog ]

PRIE Ambassador leather iPod nano case:

"If you fellow nano owners (or soon-to-be owners) are anything like me, you just might be thinking about getting a case for your new 2 or 4 GB baby. I haven't done the case thing in the past when I owned larger 4G and photo models, but with the minor scratches my black nano has already collected, I've been turned back onto the idea. Further, since the nano is so small, I think a case would almost add some functional girth. With that in mind: between a couple of other nano-owning bloggers and I, we'll be keeping our eyes out and posting cases of interest for you iPod nano protection enthusiasts out there. Cases like the Icewear silicon sleeve Dave Caolo found and the Tunewallet nano case I posted last week.


That said, I bring you the PRIE Ambassador leather case, available in October for the iPod nano as well as 4G's, photo's and mini's. The case, as you can see, comes with a handy hook for belt loops and straps, as well as a belt loop if that's more your thing. You can also remove both of these attachments to use this slick looking case in a pocket or bag just like any other standard case. Nice. The only thing that might be tough to swallow is its price: $49.99. Hopefully these cases show up in stores somewhere for that ultimate hands-on-before-buying experience."

Posted by Frank Bisono at 10:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Great find from Gizmodo...

iPod nano in Any Color You Want:

I'm sure you're all sick of iPod nano this and iPod nano that by now, but we figured this looked cool enough that it merited us talking about it. Colorware, as you all may remember, is that company that custom colors all your favorite Apple products, along with other things like game consoles. Well now they're going for the iPod nano too. Want your nano in Ferrari red? No problem. Cotton Candy pink? Sure. A mixture of both? They'll do it. Buying a new nano from 'em will cost you $265 for the 2GB and $315 for the 4GB, and sending your own nano for color work will most likely be around $65. Kinda pricey, but it'll definitely stand out from the crowd.

Colorware [Colorware]

Posted by Frank Bisono at 1:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Yes, I dropped off the planet for a week again, work has been insane.  You all know about the Nano and iTunes 5, iTunes Phone, etc...so no need to rehash old news.  Onward.  I had to post this link though..this is too damn funny.  John Gruber is a sick pup...I LOVE IT!  :-)

Daring Fireball: The iTunes 5 Announcement From the Perspective of an Anthropomorphized Brushed Metal User Interface Theme:

Posted by Frank Bisono at 12:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

What a great find by Jeff Nolan!  This is some serious stuff...it is both disturbing, but strangely intriguing.  Given the circumstances of Hurricane Katrina, if there was some kind of GPS and satellite based transmission system in place, the ideas presented here (using the wifi iPod) would have been invaluable.  I think our federal government should very seriously consider opening those satellites to communications services like this that are not land based and depend on something so archaic as an antenna or tower.  Googlezon, iPod and GPS will rule the world!!!  :-) 

Hang on to your eyeballs! Epic 2015:

this video clip is disturbing.

Link: Hang on to your eyeballs! Epic 2015.

Here is a must-see video clip called Epic 2015 that extrapolates current events and practices forward into a disturbing identity future.  I doubt many will be able to stop themselves from laughing while they watch this, but not many will walk away …

Posted by Frank Bisono at 12:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

What some people will do to protect their goodies.  Apparently some enterprising whipper snapper got his beloved iPod crushed against a handrail in a crowded Japanese subway and vowed to never have it happen again.  The solution, the Fort Knox of all iPod cases.  Check it out here.

Posted by Frank Bisono at 9:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Not sure if am quite ready to sell my F-150 for this Herman Munster looking ride, but I will most certainly be looking at GM much harder for my next vehicle! Ford and other manufacturers better get on the bandwagon quick! 2 things my next vehicle WILL have are satellite radio and an interface for my iPod. Miss either one, and you are out of the running in my book. I am just not into the custom radio thing anymore and don't have the time, money or inclination to deal with after-market radios and junk. I want it ALL straight from the factory with a warranty...

Chevy HHR (among others) to be iPod-ready:

iPod users will find it easier to take their favorite tunes on the road thanks to a new family of radios that will debut on the Chevy HHR and other GM vehicles starting later this year. The new radios will include an auxiliary channel and front mounted auxiliary input jack, so that an iPod or other audio source can be easily plugged in and played through the vehicle audio system.

Radios featuring the new auxiliary input jack will debut starting in late spring. They will be standard equipment on 2006 models of the Chevy HHR, Impala and Monte Carlo; Saturn VUE and ION; Pontiac Solstice; Buick Lucerne; and Cadillac DTS. The radios will be fitted to other new GM models over the next several years.

Posted by Frank Bisono at 6:12 PM | Permalink

Here is a great site for any of you with an iPod. You can take any text file and turn it into an eBook with a few clicks. Check it out:

iPod eBook Creator

Free ebooks (electronic texts) for download

Don't have any ebooks in plain text format at your computer? Nevermind. Just browse through Project Gutenberg's online library of free books (download uncompressed books in Plain text format (iso-8859-1 encoding preferred)).

Posted by Frank Bisono at 11:25 PM | Permalink

Now here's to having double vision!

The iPod photo stereoscope:

There has got to be a cheaper and easier way to create a digital stereoscope, right?

[Via The Cult of Mac]

Posted by Frank Bisono at 12:32 AM | Permalink

Report: Apple iPod holds 92.1 percent of hard drive-based music player market:

"Despite increasing competition, Apple's iPod still rules the digital-music world, according to new reports from market researchers," David Becker reports for CNET News.

"Research company The NPD Group said in a report released Tuesday that various versions of the iPod accounted for 92.1 percent of the market for hard drive-based music players, up from 82.2 percent a year ago. Players from Creative Technology and Digital Networks North America's Rio were a distant second...

Posted by Frank Bisono at 10:03 PM | Permalink

Griffin ships PodPod auto cradle for iPod:

Griffin Technology said today that it is now shipping PodPod, its soft foam iPod cradle that slips into any auto cup holder...

Posted by Frank Bisono at 5:43 PM | Permalink

Podcasts: New Twist on Net Audio:

A technology that delivers internet audio programs directly to iPods and other MP3 players, podcasting is gaining a following among people who can't listen to their favorite shows when they're live. By Daniel Terdiman.

Posted by Frank Bisono at 8:17 AM | Permalink

iPod dominates teenage mindshare, market share:

by Larry Angell - Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster said today that based on a survey of 600 teenagers, Apple's iPod is dominating "mindshare and market share."...

Posted by Frank Bisono at 10:28 PM | Permalink

Incase Charger keeps your iPod juiced at home or in your VW:

It’s not the first time we’ve seen a multi-purpose adapter/charger, but Incase’s new charger will power any iPod with a dock connector at home or in the car, which is kind of nice. But for the $50 they want for it, why couldn’t they be kind enough to include an FM transmitter while they were at it? Because this thing is going to take up the car lighter port you’d probably otherwise use for the transmitter, so come on, little help? Jeez.

[Via iPodlounge]

Posted by Frank Bisono at 10:03 AM | Permalink

Alpine KCA-420i iPod Interface Reviewed:

Lots of people have been looking forward to Alpine's KCA-420i iPod interface unit for the Ai-NET head units (which is to say, a nice way to hook up an iPod to your Alpine car stereo). Playlist Magazine got a hold of review unit and took it out for a spin, but I can't say I'm exactly happy with the results. They say it's the best iPod car interface they've used, but it definitely seems that the KCA-420i unit was an afterthought. Alpine blames the wonky interface on head units not exactly designed to handle the thousands of songs that can exist in an iPod's catalog, but that's no excuse for the odd choices they made in some of the button-combination choices.

There's hope, though. Alpine plans on tweaking for the 2005 models. Perhaps they'll even make a head unit with enough oomph to handle the iPod as a proper input source.

Review: Alpine KCA-420i iPod Interface [PlaylistMag]

Related
iPod Archives [Gizmodo]

Posted by Frank Bisono at 10:00 PM | Permalink

HP's iPod tattoos sometimes leave a little something behind:

So one of the big selling points of those new iPod “tattoos” from HP is that you can trick out your iPod without risking any permanent damage to it (or looking really behind the times—that Hives tattoo is already starting to look very five minutes ago). We had no problem peeling the tattoo off the iPod we we were playing with at HP’s booth at that media event we hit last week, but there’ve been a few complaints here and there of them leaving a sticky residue on some people’s iPods, and Jillian Myers has blogged the entire saga she went through to try and get to the bottom of why the tattoo she put on her iPod left behind an unwelcome reminder of its existence.

Posted by Frank Bisono at 9:26 PM | Permalink

Bose SoundDock for iPod:

There is a certain poetry when Apple and Bose team up in offering the new SoundDock digital music system. It's basically yet another dock with a pair of speakers attached to it, something we're not in the least opposed to, but it does set one to wonder what happens when blowhards like Bose work with blowhards like Apple to "elevate your iPod listening to a whole new level."

Do both Reality Distortion Fields cancel each other out? Is it possible this $300 set of speakers is actually a good product? I'm not sure I'm man enough to find out.

Product Page [Bose]

Posted by Frank Bisono at 7:44 PM | Permalink

ColorWare offers 4G iPods in 20 different colors:

If you buy your iPod from Apple, you have your one color--white. But if you order your iPod from ColorWare, you have your choice of several colors including Carbon, Blaze, Techno and Ferrari.

If you already have an iPod, ColorWare also offers a service where you can mail it to them and they will "Pimp your 'Pod".

Posted by Frank Bisono at 7:43 AM | Permalink

Laser beams and flashlights for your iPod:

Griffin hasn’t posted this to their main site yet— but we saw it in the product section, whoopsie! We were going to do a How-To on adding a laser beam and flashlight to your iPod, and today we get link slapped with Griffin announcing the iBeam. Damn you Griffin (we mean that in the kindest way possible, of course)! The Griffin iBeam set consists of a flashlight and a class IIIA laser pointer, each with a protective cap that can be attached to a keychain.

We have a laser and flashlight for a Sony Ericsson P900, and it’s been more than handy when trying to plug stuff in and needing illumination behind computers and TVs and such—and as always lasers are a lot of fun to mess around with your house pets (real).

Posted by Frank Bisono at 12:14 PM | Permalink

TiVo offers limited edition iPod :

As part of its TiVo Rewards program, TiVo is offering customers the chance to snag a limited edition iPod with the company's logo engraved on the back...

Posted by Frank Bisono at 9:39 AM | Permalink

Report: Apple, HP plan to ship 1 million iPods a month

Research firm says that Apple and HP will team up to sell a million iPods a month as the holiday buy...
[AppleInsider]

Posted by Frank Bisono at 9:07 AM | Permalink

Black 4G iPod

We wouldn’t have really seriously considered it before, but Colorware’s blackened version of the fourth-gen iPod actually looks pretty good. Or at least better than we thought it would. Or maybe it just wasn’t such a great move for Apple to decide to make the click-wheel a different color than the rest of the iPod.

[Engadget]

Posted by Frank Bisono at 11:15 PM | Permalink

Bose launches SoundDock for the iPod

Adding to the vast amounts of speaker-docks already available for the iPod, Bose steps up to the plate with their SoundDock system. So if you’re the type who likes to put some speaker magnets right next to your precious iPod, the SoundDock has an IR remote, and, you know, a dock that plays audio. No official word on size or other specs, but we expect it’ll be pretty decent and pretty high-priced.

[Engadget]

Posted by Frank Bisono at 1:46 AM | Permalink

Bose debuts SoundDock for iPod

Bose has introduced the SoundDock digital music system, specifically designed for Apple Computer Inc.'s third and fourth-generation iPods and its iPod mini. A dock cradles the iPod or iPod mini while keeping controls accessible and charging the battery. The new speaker system sports an infrared remote control that operates both the SoundDock and the iPod, and features what Bose describes as "a proprietary acoustic design that delivers clear, full sound across the entire musical spectrum." The SoundDock measures 6 5/8 x 11 7/8 x 6 1/2 inches. It will be available directly from Bose and through Apple retail stores for US$299.
[MacCentral]

Posted by Frank Bisono at 8:17 PM | Permalink

PlaylistMag.com iTunes, iPod Web site launches

PlaylistMag.com launched this week as a resource for digital music enthusisasts using a Mac or Windows operating systems. Edited by Christopher Breen, a Macworld columnist and author of the popular book Secrets of the iPod, PlaylistMag.com will feature free music downloads, playlists from musicians and celebrities, and a community forum where users can share their tips, tricks and even their own playlists with other digital music fans.
[MacCentral]

Posted by Frank Bisono at 8:40 PM | Permalink