Apple warns of static shock from iPhone, iPod

iPhone and iPod users may experience a "small and quick" shock via their earbuds due to a buildup of static electricity, Apple warned Monday.

People listening to one of the devices in extremely dry air are most at risk of receiving a static electricity shock through the ear buds, according to a warning posted on Apple's Web site. The post likened the condition to the discharge that occurs when a person drags his or her feet across a carpet then gets a shock by touching a door knob.

However, Apple asserted that this condition did not necessarily indicate that Apple's equipment was malfunctioning.

"This condition is not limited to Apple hardware and static can potentially build up on almost any hardware and could be discharged using any brand of earbuds," Apple said.
Read more »

Creative Aurvana Air Review

Creative's latest product surprised us. It is not a new MP3 player, nor is it a sound card that the company is well-known for. Instead, it's a new pair of earphones, the S$299 (US$214.72) Aurvana Air.

Interestingly, this is also Creative's first earbud in its Aurvana range, which consists of high-end headphones and earphones, including the Aurvana In-Ear in 2006. Speaking from past experience with this in-ear canalphone, the Singapore-based company seems serious about taking on more established headphone brands with its Aurvana label.
Read more »

Tony Hawk gets a new skateboard

The last Tony Hawk game I played was Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 on the Dreamcast. Getting good enough to pull off trick after trick in succession in that game was close to gaming nirvana for me.

Since then, the series has had its ups and downs and with strong competition from EA's Skate series, and Activision--publisher of all things Tony Hawk--needs to find new ways to get players excited again about the once dominant Tony Hawk brand.

Hopefully for them, they've succeeded. Tony Hawk Ride, the latest entry in the franchise, will be available for the 2009 holiday season for the Wii, Xbox 360, and PS3.

Also being released is a unique controller for the game that comes in the shape of an actual skateboard deck. According to Gamespot, the board peripheral will use "a combination of accelerometers and motion sensors" and will require no other controller.
Read more »

More X-Series Walkman info--Ask the Editors

Q: I have a question about the new Walkman or really any MP3 player. How do I know the Walkman or the Creative Zen will work with iTunes? The rest of my family already have iPods, and I want something different but my concern is all the music I have tied up in iTunes, how do I know what MP3 players will work with that music?--Marty, via email

A: The short answer is: it depends. First off, if we're taking about working with iTunes the software, the answer is no...unless you want to use a "hack" such as iTunes agent. Now, when it comes to iTunes, the music store, things get a bit more complicated. If the music was purchased in iTunes at 99 cents a pop before the DRM restrictions lifted (which happened on April 7 of this year), then it will only be compatible with the iPod, since that is the only MP3 player that supports protected AAC. However, if the files are unprotected AAC--purchased after the date above or as AAC+ tracks at US$1.29 per--they will play on the most recent Walkmans and the most recent Zens (as well as other players, such as the Sansa Clip).
Read more »

Rumor: Next-gen Apple iPods with cameras

Is the Cupertino company running out of ideas? If you're expecting something more for the next-generation of digital music players this September, the rumor mills are abuzz with hearsay of a camera-enabled iPod hybrid. Do we need more cameras when most phones today come standard with an onboard shooter? No matter. We're sure Apple's Midas touch will survive intact despite Steve Job's physical absence, and in spite of what would probably end up being a mediocre sensor with bare photo-taking essentials onboard.

Via Likecool.com

Crave is...

The name says it all. Crave is our blog about cool gadgets and other crushworthy stuff.

Drop us an email if you have tips or suggestions.

Crave for...

» Mobile Phones (2226)

» Digital Cameras (978)

» Notebooks (1233)

» PC & Peripherals (1309)

» Handhelds (584)

» Printers (82)

» Home AV (1144)

» Music & Play (892)

» Gadgets (1480)

» Future Tech (393)

» Green Tech (172)

» Lifestyle (157)

» Luxury (22)

» Home Appliances (57)

» Cars (99)

» Games and Gear (247)

» Software (94)

» Web (115)

Previously...

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Hot Topics

Subscribe to
Crave

What's Hot

apple apple inc. apple iphone apple ipod asia battery camera game google inc. iphone microsoft corp. microsoft windows mobile phone photograph singapore smart phone software sony corp. video

Today on CNET |  Reviews |  Crave |  Blogs |  CNET TV |  Digital Living |  Downloads