iTunes update for Windows Vista addresses BSOD

Apple on Friday issued an update for iTunes 8 that specifically addresses problems experienced by Windows Vista users, and issued general recommendations for Windows XP and Vista users experiencing sync issues with iPhone and iPod touch devices.

Since its release earlier in the week, iTunes 8 has bedeviled some Windows Vista users with the so-called blue screen of death, or BSOD, and other issues. Speculation has focused on an incompatibility with USB devices, such as Webcams and printers.

In a support post, Apple recommends that Windows Vista users experiencing difficulty should uninstall iTunes 8 and, after rebooting the computer, reinstall the updated application.

Also on Friday, Apple posted recommendations regarding problems experienced by Windows XP and Windows Vista users when syncing the iPhone or iPod touch devices containing saved photos. Apple says that "while any driver software could be a factor, updating the software drivers for Logitech QuickCam/Webcam products, Lexmark scanners, and some built-in media card reader drivers on the computer may solve this issue in a majority of cases".

Via CNET Blogs

Altec Lansing reveals new logo

In case you missed it, Altec Lansing has undergone a corporate makeover and is showing off a new logo along with several new products, including a pair of funky-looking PC speakers and a couple of sleek iPod speaker systems. We'll be getting review units in soon, and will actually have a full review of the new Orbit posting shortly.

Here's the rundown--and some links--for easy reading:

Two new inMotion iPod speakers from Altec Lansing

PC speaker-design alert: Altec Lansing goes mod with Expressionist Bass

Second Orbit: Altec Lansing's new iPod speaker

Via Crave CNET

iTunes 8 causes Windows Vista problems

Not everyone is rocking to the new iTunes 8 released Tuesday. An informal poll on ZDNet suggests that a problem with the latest edition of the Apple media player is affecting some, but not all, users of the software on Microsoft's Windows Vista. (You can download iTunes 8 for Windows here.)

Users on an Apple forum reported seeing the so-called blue screen of death (BSOD) on their desktops running Windows Vista with iTunes 8 installed. The BSOD problem occurs shortly after connecting their iPods and iPhones.

A second, more subtle effect is that their CD/DVD drives "disappear".

ZDNet's Ed Bott offers a look at the upgrades or changes in iTunes 8.

Removing other USB devices, such as Webcams and printers, appears to resolve the problem, for the moment. Users on the forum speculate that there is an incompatibility between Apple and USB products from LogicTech and HP, as well as disc-burning software from Roxio.

Via CNET Blogs

iPod touch 2.1 software update is live

iPod touch owners are getting an early look at the OS X 2.1 software update promised by Apple CEO Steve Jobs during Tuesday's music event.

Several blogs noted that the software update went live yesterday, but that appears to have been a premature release that was finalized this morning. The new software is supposed to fix a slew of bugs in the 2.0 software, such as frequent application crashes and backups that keep going, and going, and going.

iPhone owners will get their relief on Friday, with the additional fixes specific to that product such as a patch for the dropped-call issues. The software is free for iPhone users, but iPod touch users who have yet to install the 2.0 software will have to pay US$9.99 for the 2.1 release as a result of Apple's accounting policies for that device. If you already paid the US$10 to get the 2.0 software on your iPod touch, the 2.1 release is free.
Read more »

Altec Lansing goes mod with Expressionist Bass

When it comes to PC speakers these days, separate subwoofers that sit on the floor are out, built-in subs (or no sub whatsoever) are in. Altec Lansing's playing up the whole built-in sub theme with its modular FX3022 Expressionist Bass speakers, which come in a black and white and will carry an MSRP of US$129.95 when they're released in October.

The company's marketing material says the Expressionist Bass features twin-desktop speakers with 4-inch subwoofers built into the base of each speaker. There are separate 1.5-inch drivers for mid and high frequencies, along with an auxiliary input for connecting MP3 players. Power and volume controls are on top of the left speaker, and in case you're wondering about their size, they are 10-inches high and 5.25-inches wide at the base. I've seen them in person and they're definitely striking.

It's worth noting that these are not USB-powered speakers--they simply require too much power and so draw juice from your typical hefty AC adapter. But the good news is you don't have to worry about a subwoofer cluttering up the floor by your feet.

Via Crave CNET

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