Rumor: iPod touch to get 64GB, GPS

More Apple rumors, this time with the iPod touch getting some TLC worship. We already know, in the space of a few days, that an iPhone nano's in the pipes, that the iPod nano might get even slimmer and more colors, et al. Now, it appears the iPod touch will get bumped up to 64GB in storage size (present offerings are in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB capacities) and possibly even turn-by-turn GPS. All plausible hearsay if, going by iPhoneAtlas' observation, the beta 2.1 firmware contains references to an unreleased iPod touch hitherto known as "iPod2,1". The current player has the model designation "iPod1,1". But seriously, does anyone get the feeling Apple's really the one cranking the rumor mill and we're all unwitting players in the Great Apple Manipulation?

Via Macrumors

Report: iPhone nano to ring in the holidays

You can expect an iPhone nano to be on the shelves in time for the holiday shopping season, according to a report on the UK's Daily Mail Web site Sunday.

The report, which cited "an industry source", said the product will launch in the UK by mobile phone operator O2 for the pay-as-you-go market, but offered no clue when or if it would be launched in the US.

The report seems to indicate the iPhone nano would be a dumb-down version of the current iPhone 3G.

"The iPhone 3G has been the fastest-selling phone ever in the UK, but it is too expensive to be a realistic proposition in the pay-as-you-go market," the source told the newspaper. "However, a cut-down version, with the candybar shape of iPod nano music players, would be a huge hit as a Christmas gift."

The newspaper suggests that the new iPhone nano could have a touch wheel interface on one side and a screen on the other, meaning that calls would be dialed from behind and lack full Internet browsing functionality.

If this all sounds a bit familiar, it's because this rumor was floating around last year. Considering the wild success of the iPhone and Apple's plans for a family of iPhones, a move like this certainly makes sense. Whether Apple is ready to do it soon seems to be a bigger question.
Read more »

Sega Mega Drive Handheld: Nostalgia takes a price cut

Love handheld gaming but can't stand Nintendo? You're an idiot, but there's still hope for you. Blaze International is flogging a handheld version of the Sega Mega Drive console, complete with built-in games, for just £30 (US$59).

We've yet to play with one, but it looks like it could be fun. It includes 20 preinstalled games, including Sonic & Knuckles, Golden Axe, Shinobi, Ecco the Dolphin and, er, Dr Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine, or 'Tetris for losers' as we like to call it.

The handheld has a color LCD screen, built-in speakers, a TV out connection, and runs off three AAA batteries. There doesn't look like there's any way of adding more games--shame, we love a bit of Road Rash--but then it does cost the same as one new PSP game.

If you like old stuff, you can get involved by going to GameGadget.net. If not, get with the damn programme and buy a Nintendo DS.

Via Crave UK

Look out iPod, here comes Dell...again

That online music market must be awfully tempting catnip to Michael Dell.

The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that Dell for the last few months has been testing a digital music player that could go on sale as early as September. The story (which will surely serve as a nice trial balloon for Dell's marketers) says the music player could sell for less than US$100. It will use Wi-Fi to connect to third-party music services.

If that's deja vu you're feeling, you're not the only one. In 2003, Dell jumped into music biz with its own player. Three years later, it jumped out, with around a 3 percent share of the market. It was one of several disappointing and ultimately abandoned consumer efforts, including forays into televisions and handheld computing devices (though there are reports that Dell may get back into the mobile market).

Could it be different this time around? While it's hard to imagine Dell posing a real threat to the iPod's more than 70 percent share of the digital music player market, never say never. The software behind Dell's device came from Zing, a small company Dell acquired a year ago, according to the WSJ. Dell's music software could also come pre-installed on new Dell PCs. An excerpt from the story:
Read more »

Creative goes Mozaic with new Zen player

For the third week running, audio maker Creative has unveiled a new portable media device for its Zen player range. The latest offering, the Zen Mozaic, is apparently inspired by mosaic expressions. Unlike previous Zen models which typically come in simple one-tone hues, Creative breaks away from its conventional designs to give the Mozaic player a rather refreshing yet unique appearance.

The Mozaic will be available in vivid pink, chic black and cool silver, and will come in capacities ranging from 2GB to 16GB. As with most recent Creative portable players, it will also feature a built-in speaker, in addition to a 1.8-inch LCD display, FM radio and voice recording (with onboard microphone). Creative gives a music play time of 32 hours before the next recharge.

According to Creative's press release, the 2GB (S$99 (US$72.79)) and 4GB (S$129 (US$94.85)) models are available now, while the 8GB (S$169 (US$124.26)) and 16GB (S$249 (US$183.09)) offerings will be launched in August. We are still waiting for Creative to revert on the availability of the Mozaic player in other parts of Asia.

The audio maker will also be introducing several accessories for the Mozaic, including the TravelSound Zen Mozaic speaker system (S$79 (US$58.09)), carabiner case (S$24 (US$17.65)), armband and skin (S$29 (US$21.32)) as well as silicone skin pack (S$24 (US$17.65)). The TravelSound speaker (as shown on the left) docks and charges the player, and comes with its own built-in rechargeable battery (for extended use) and FM radio antenna.

Update: Creative has confirmed that the Zen Mozaic will be available in Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and Australia, followed by other Asian countries in the next few months.

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