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Black Friday 2009: Target ad

Target Black Friday Ad

Continuing on with our coverage of sales leaks, we’ve got the details on what Target is going to be doing to get you out of bed early for their 5:00am doorbusters. Wondering if they’ll have any great deals on gadgets and tech? How does a 1TB hard drive for under $60 sound? Check out the full list after the jump.

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Zune HD size comparison gallery

Zune HD vs. iPod touch screen comparison 2

The launches today, and we know a bunch of you are considering picking one up, but want to know how it stacks up agains other items like the , and even the older hard drive based (since they’re all on clearance now.) We’ve taken the liberty of putting together a size comparison gallery that puts the Zune HD up against those very items. Yup, check out our Zune HD size comparison gallery for all the goods.

Read More | Zune HD size comparison gallery

Gallery:


Microsoft’s take on today’s Apple announcements

Zune logo

One things we’ve been wondering today, admidst all of the Apple event news, is how Microsoft was feeling, especially as it pertains to their business, which is set for a major overhaul in six days. We got in contact with a Microsoft spokesperson, and asked them about what they thought of the new iPod and iTunes announcements. Here’s what they had to say:

Since our debut, Zune has offered a different kind of end-to-end digital entertainment experience that includes wireless MP3 players, a robust online store, music community and innovative software features that help users easily find the music and videos they love.

The entertainment experience for consumers hasn’t changed that much after Apple’s announcement today.  Our point of view has always been that people want to be entertained, and they want a better way to watch and listen to the digital entertainment they love.  We’re interested in getting you your content where you want it in rich, exciting ways.  We look forward to sharing more on September 15th.

Okay, so Zune is all about music and videos - not games, video recording, and all that other stuff. We get it, and we like the focus. What we don’t like, though, is how Microsoft allowed Apple to steal their thunder by announcing the new line-up way after Microsoft announced the , followed up by Apple launching the new iPods a week before the Zune HD hits stores.

In the meantime, if you’re a music fan looking for a new music player, we say wait until the fifteenth. What you see come out of the Zune camp may surprise you. All of you. I’ve already said too much.


iPod nano 5G: Shoots video, FM tuner with Live Pause, Pedometer (with videos!)

iPod nano shoots video

The got a very welcome upgrade today, with Apple integrating a camera into the device, making it the first (and only - sorry iPod touch) iPod with a built-in camera. On the lower left on back of the iPod nano sits the camera, along with speaker and microphone. The iPod nano only records video, so it doesn’t take still images, and those videos are recorded at 640x480 in H.264 up to 30fps with AAC audio. There are also 15 video effects you can apply, like Black and White, Film Grain, Thermal, X-Ray, and more.

Also making the iPod nano unique is the addition of an FM tuner, again, a first for the iPod line. Apple has even included a feature they call Live Pause, which lets you pause radio, and continue listening later. It holds a buffer of up to 15 minutes. You’ll also find a pedometer in the new nano, which works together with the built-in Nike+ integration, and a new, larger 2.2-inch screen - up from 2-inch on the previous model. We’ve got videos after the break that show off the iPod nano video camera, Genius Mix, and FM radio features.

The fifth generation iPod nano is available now at $149 for the 8GB model, and $179 for the 16GB version, and they come in nine new colors.

Click to continue reading iPod nano 5G: Shoots video, FM tuner with Live Pause, Pedometer (with videos!)

Read More | iPod nano

Apple confirms September 9th rock and roll themed music and iPod event

Apple Rock and Roll iPod music event

Yup, we’ve suspected that September 9th was going to be the day that we’d see a bunch of new hotness from as it pertains to music, namely and -related announcements. Well, it’s been confirmed, as Apple has started sending out invitations to a rock and roll themed event on the 9th, to be held at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater. Expect the entire iPod line to be refreshed, with the exception of the shuffle, and with the focus being on the and iTunes 9.

What do you hope we see next Wednesday?


Klipsch Image S4i earbuds with iPhone and iPod controls

Klipsch s4iIt has been a while since we covered a product, but the company just announced the new Image S4i, “an in-ear headset that combines the company’s acclaimed sound performance and amazing comfort value with a unique in-line microphone and remote.” 

It’s designed for and iPod users, and features Apple’s advanced three-button microphone and remote system that can handle voice and/or music controls.  By the way, the Image S4i works seamlessly with the iPhone 3GS, and the latest releases of iPods.  It is also compatible with the Apple VoiceOver feature on the 3rd gen iPod Shufle, so you can hear the name of the playlist, song, or artist. 

The Klipsch Image S4i is planned for release in August, at a price of $99.99. 

Read More | Klipsch Press Release

Apple putting cameras in iPod touch, iPod nano?

iPod touch 3G camera

It looks like cameras may be coming to the and lines, if these case designs are any indication. Manufacturers over in Asia are starting to leak case designs for the next refresh of the iPod line-up, which will happen in September more than likely. As you can see, the iPod touch case design includes a hole for a camera that would be at the top-center of the device, right next to the Wi-Fi antenna. On the iPod nano case, which you can see after the break, you’ve got a space for a camera on the top corner.

According to TechCrunch:

One of our sources in Asia say that Apple has placed an order for a massive number of camera modules of the type that they include in the iPhone. These are inexpensive cameras, in the $10 range. And the size of the order, our source says, means they can only be used for one thing - the iPods.

Could be making a play to become to top mobile photo and video recording device manufacturer with the next refresh of the iPod? That just may be the case, and it would be a smart move. With the huge numbers that the iPhone and iPod lines sell, Apple would shoot to the top of services like YouTube and Flickr in terms of which device was used to shoot the media that is uploaded.

As an aside, last year, case designs were leaked that gave away the new form factor of the iPod nano, weeks before it was officially announced by Apple. We can still take this story with a grain of salt, but I think all signs point to “Yes” on this one.

Click to continue reading Apple putting cameras in iPod touch, iPod nano?

Read More | TechCrunch

Blue Mikey iPod Recorder

MikeyBlue has introduced its latest iPod recorder that they have dubbed Mikey, meant for those who would rather not take notes when attending lectures or business meetings. Compatible with iPod nano 2/3/4G; classic and 5G, and most iPod cases, the head contains stereo condenser capsules, can swivel up to 180º and can be tuned with 3-position gain settings. Mikey needs no software to run, can hold up to 4 hours of content and comes with a price of $79.99.

Read More | Blue Microphones

Creative Travelsound Speaker/FM Tuner for Ipod nano 4G

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Music, Portable Audio / Video,

DescriptionCreative has a new speaker and FM tuner for iPod nano 4G. The Travelsound has 4 microdrives, a digital amplifier and can go for 15 hours with its built-in Li-Po rechargeable battery. Slide your nano in and tune to your fave stations with the control buttons. The device also has a USB port for syncing to iTunes as well as recharging both the player and speaker. The model i85 comes with a handy stand and is available now for a price of $99.99.

Read More | Creative

Apple to Settle nano Class-Action Suit

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Apple, Portable Audio / Video,

oPod nanosIt looks like there will be a settlement in the ongoing 4 year, $22 million class-action suit against Apple. The company must set aside that amount for first-gen nano owners with scratched screens. According to the suit, many of them weren’t “coated” and were subject to “excessive scratching.” Those who received a slip case with their iPod may be entitled to $15.00, while those who did not can get $25.00. A judge still needs to sign off on the suit and a hearing will take place April 28. More information is available here.

Read More | CNBC

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