Next iPod touch may be extremely wireless

As programmers continue to pick apart the code underlying Apple's iPhone OS 3.0, details are surfacing that point to possible new hardware features for both the iPhone and iPod touch. One of the first details unearthed from the code is the addition of stereo Bluetooth-audio streaming--a feature that current (second-generation) iPhone and iPod touch owners will be able to take advantage of once the new OS is available this summer.

Of course, some new features will be available on the next generation of the iPod and iPhone hardware only (ain't that always the way?). Case in point: rumors of high-speed 802.11n Wi-Fi capabilities, as well as FM radio transmission. The combination of stereo Bluetooth, improved Wi-Fi speeds, and short-range FM transmission, are compelling and competitive features on a phone, but they'll really put the iPod touch in a class of its own when it comes to portable media players.

Not everyone will be thrilled with the changes. Accessory manufacturers such as Belkin, Griffin, and DLO, have been churning out iPod-compatible FM transmitters for years.
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Archos 2 MP3 player outed on Amazon

Details on a forthcoming MP3 player from Archos named the Archos 2 have been revealed on Amazon.com.

Though there's nothing revolutionary about the specs of the Archos 2, the US$59 price tag (8GB) may be enough to have you overlooking its mediocrity.

Basically, this is a budget MP3 player that emulates the candy bar designs and portrait-style screen orientations of the Apple iPod nano and Microsoft Zune.

The Archos 2 features a 1.8-inch color screen, and includes music playback (MP3, WMA), a photo viewer, video playback (AVI), and voice-recording capabilities. There's no FM radio, however, which is a little odd considering most iPod alternatives have one.

Amazon is showing both black and white versions of the Archos 2, but so far, we're only seeing one capacity (8GB), priced at an affordable US$59. There's no word on a release date.
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Amazon finds niche in iTunes-dominant market

The NPD Group just sent out some interesting statistics, based on a study conducted by its music-tracking service.

"In 2008, 87 percent of digital-music buyers in the US used iTunes to download music, versus just 16 percent who used Amazon MP3," according to a spokesman for the research group. (Those surveyed could list more than one store.)

On the face of it, the study's numbers don't sound so bad.

Russ Crupnick, an NPD analyst agreed that they should encourage Amazon. For one, the online retailer's music store is in second place only 18 months after opening. Amazon's digital-music store is also faring better than most of Apple's previous challengers, Crupnick said.

"It used to be that iTunes was first, and second was practically nobody," Crupnick said.
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Stanton's intros two DJ-worthy USB turntables

Turntables with USB output offer an easy way to rip your records to MP3s, but most models can't hold up to DJ abuse. If you need a USB-equipped deck that's tough enough to tumble in the DJ coffin, Stanton's latest t.55 and t.92 turntables may be the answer.

Both of these turntables take their cue from the Stanton t.90 turntable we reviewed back in 2007, but the pricing is more more palatable ($299 for the t.92 and $199 for the t.55). On the Stanton t.92, you'll find a direct drive motor, analog and S/PDIF output, DSP key lock, and an S-shaped tone arm, while the more affordable t.55 keeps it simple with a straight arm and a belt drive. Both decks include a Stanton 500.v3 cartridge and come bundled with Cakewalk Pyro Audio Creator.

Via Crave CNET

Sony X-series, Samsung P3 and Apple iPod touch compared

Can't get enough of the upcoming Sony X-series Walkman? Well, we've more pictures of the touchscreen and Wi-Fi-equipped media player, alongside the Samsung YP-P3 and Apple iPod touch, to whet your appetite. Click through for two more snaps after the break.
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