Looking for constant news stories regarding Apple, the iPod and iPhone? Then you might want to check out DIGG. This social “news” website has user-submitted and voted on news stories to assure the freshest content:
Pretty cool huh? Trust me, you’ll never be bored again!
Sphere: Related ContentWho Invented the iPod?
Today’s question of the day has probably crossed all of our minds at some point. Who actually thought of inventing the iPod?
To answer this question there are really two parts… The simple part and the long explanation. We will give you both:
Simple Explanation:
Jonathan Ive, currently a senior VP at Apple, is widely regarded as the main person responsible with the industrial design behind the original iPod and other manifestations thereof.
You can read an article about him on Wikipedia or visit his fan website.
Long Story:
iPod came from Apple’s “digital hub” category,[5] when the company began creating software for the growing market of personal digital devices. Digital cameras, camcorders and organizers had well-established mainstream markets, but the company found existing digital music players “big and clunky or small and useless” with user interfaces that were “unbelievably awful,”[5] so Apple decided to develop its own. As ordered by CEO Steve Jobs, Apple’s hardware engineering chief Jon Rubinstein assembled a team of engineers to design the iPod line, including hardware engineers Tony Fadell and Michael Dhuey,[6] and design engineer Jonathan Ive.[5] The product was developed in less than one year and unveiled on October 23, 2001. Jobs announced it as a Mac-compatible product with a 5 GB hard drive that put “1,000 songs in your pocket.”
Uncharacteristically, Apple did not develop the iPod software entirely in-house, instead using PortalPlayer’s reference platform based on 2 ARM cores. The platform had rudimentary software running on a commercial microkernel embedded operating system. PortalPlayer had previously been working on an IBM-branded MP3 player with Bluetooth headphones.[5] Apple contracted another company, Pixo, to help design and implement the user interface under the direct supervision of Steve Jobs.[5] As development progressed, Apple continued to refine the software’s look and feel. Starting with the iPod Mini, the Chicago font was replaced with Espy Sans. Later iPods switched fonts again to Podium Sans — a font similar to Apple’s corporate font, Myriad. iPods with color displays then adopted some Mac OS X themes like Aqua progress bars, and brushed metal in the lock interface. In 2007, Apple modified the iPod interface again with the introduction of the sixth-generation iPod Classic and third-generation iPod Nano by changing the font to Helvetica and, in most cases, splitting the screen in half by displaying the menus on the left and album artwork, photos, or videos on the right (whichever was appropriate for the selected item).
(From Wikipedia)
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Apple iPod Video White 30 GB 30GB MP3 Player Sealed Box US $129.98 End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 14:40:35 PST Buy it now | Add to watch list |
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Apple iPod Video Black 30 GB 30GB MP3 Player Sealed Box US $132.98 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 14:40:37 PST Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list |
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Apple iPod nano chromatic Pink (8 GB, MB735LL/A) MP3... US $129.49 (26 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 14:42:22 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
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APPLE iPod 8gb Black Nano 4th Gen Video MP3 Grade A US $103.00 (23 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 14:46:00 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
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APPLE iPod 120gb Black Classic Video MP3 MB565L GradeA US $162.50 (21 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 14:47:00 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
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Apple iPod Touch 16GB iTouch mp3 video Brand New US $243.50 (39 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 14:47:34 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
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APPLE IPOD 4GB NANO BLUE MP3 PHOTO 2nd Gen NR US $78.77 (29 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 14:55:34 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
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Apple iPod nano Third Gen. Blue 8gb MP3 player US $83.51 (25 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 14:55:35 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
Sources:
Wikipedia
Tweak Expert
WikiAnswers
MacObserver
Definition of iPod
We thought we could follow-up last week’s question (What does iPod stand for?) with this stumper:
Define iPod
Dictionary.com has this to say:
iPod
noun
(trademark) a pocket-sized device used to play music files
Pretty vague yet almost sounds about right until they throw this in…
IPOD
International Program of Ocean Drilling
Well that’s no good! They are just taking us back to the acronym thing again. But, we want to know… What really does iPod mean?
Let it be known, we checked every official source and got majority bullshit response. The best possible definition we got for what iPod means, is from a random website called mariosalexandrou.com this is it…
iPod Definition
An iPod is a palm-sized, electronic device primarily created to play music. Unlike a traditional Walkman or portable CD-player, the iPod is capable of storing a large number of tracks and playing for many, many hours on a single battery charge.
The iPod owes much of its success not in what it does, but in how it does it. Apple, the creator of the iPod, seems to have found the perfect combination of simplicity and functionality. Plus, a clever
marketing campaign and Apple’s ongoing efforts to remain relevant, resulted in the iPod striking a chord with the right demographic in a way that no other portable music player has in recent times.
Bravo Mario, you’ve done it yet again! Check back next week for another iPod mystery question solved.
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Apple iPod Touch 16GB iTouch mp3 video Brand New US $238.49 (38 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 14:47:34 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
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Gently used apple ipod touch US $150.00 (8 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 14:53:34 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
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iPod Touch 8GB US $126.00 (5 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 14:56:46 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
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IPod Touch 16GB Free Shipping US $172.50 (2 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 14:58:34 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
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APPLE iPod 8gb TOUCH WiFi MP3 Video 2nd Gen Grade A US $202.50 (37 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 15:08:00 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
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iPod Touch (8 GB) & Protective Case-Good Condition US $137.50 (5 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 15:11:30 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
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BRAND NEW 8GB Apple iPod Touch US $215.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 15:12:37 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
iPod Nano Cases
Looking to wrap up your new iPod nano in a flashy new case? Then you have come to the right place. Here are our top (3) recommendations for what you should do for an iPod nano case:
1. eBay: This cheap yet effective method works almost every time. You can buy a cover here at nearly 1/10th the price of a retail store. They have all the latest styles and trends. Available on auctions or buy-it-now style this method makes dirt cheap shopping for all 3 generations of nano. In fact you could probably buy all three for the price you pay for one case in-store.
Click Here to eBay Search: Cheap iPod Nano Cases.
2.Make it yourself. Feeling crafty? Good well then hit-up Wired.com to find out how you can make a high-quality iPod Nano case yourself from a used bicycle inner tube.
3. Go InCase If your a billionaire like me then you might want to go with the pros. The pros being InCase. These stylish case-makers put out some of the sexiest covers we have ever seen. They don’t even pay us to say this stuff. Honestly if you’ve got the dough - buy one of these. You probably won’t regret it . And hey, if you do you can always go back to eBay…
Sphere: Related ContentWhat does iPod stand for?
Today’s question of the day is one shrouded in mystery and debate. There are several conflicting sources on this question however, the general consensus is that it stands for:
“iPod” = for “i” for Internet and “Pod” for “Portable Open Database”
Explanation: The “i” is the same as it is in iBook and iMac, it stands for “internet”. POD is from the internal prototypes Apple used to create the software, it stands for Portable Open Database which is essentially the software that runs an iPod.
Alternate answers include:
Interface Protocol Option Devices
Wikipedia offers this insight to the matter:
The name iPod was proposed by Vinnie Chieco, a freelance copywriter, who (with others) was called by Apple to figure out how to introduce the new player to the public. After Chieco saw a prototype, he thought of the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey and the phrase “Open the pod bay door, Hal!”, which refers to the white EVA Pods of the Discovery One spaceship.[5] Apple researched the trademark and found that it was already in use. Joseph N. Grasso of New Jersey had originally listed an “iPod” trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in July 2000 for Internet kiosks. The first iPod kiosks had been demonstrated to the public in New Jersey in March 1998, and commercial use began in January 2000, but had apparently been discontinued by 2001. The trademark was registered by the USPTO in November 2003, and Grasso assigned it to Apple Computer, Inc. in 2005.
Well, there you have it folks. There is still no clear answer for what the iPod stands for. Perhaps it’s an acronym or maybe just brand name. You be the judge!
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Apple iPod Video White 30 GB 30GB MP3 Player Sealed Box US $129.98 End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 14:40:35 PST Buy it now | Add to watch list |
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Apple iPod Video Black 30 GB 30GB MP3 Player Sealed Box US $132.98 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 14:40:37 PST Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list |
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Apple iPod nano chromatic Pink (8 GB, MB735LL/A) MP3... US $129.49 (26 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 14:42:22 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
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APPLE iPod 8gb Black Nano 4th Gen Video MP3 Grade A US $103.00 (23 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 14:46:00 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
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APPLE iPod 120gb Black Classic Video MP3 MB565L GradeA US $162.50 (21 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 14:47:00 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
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Apple iPod Touch 16GB iTouch mp3 video Brand New US $243.50 (39 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 14:47:34 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
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APPLE IPOD 4GB NANO BLUE MP3 PHOTO 2nd Gen NR US $78.77 (29 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 14:55:34 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
Sources:
Wikipedia
Yahoo
Acronyms Dictionary
iLounge
Top 5 Best Sites for iPod Games.
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APPLE iPod 120gb Black Classic Video MP3 MB565L GradeA US $177.50 (23 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 14:47:00 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
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Apple iPod mini Second Gen. Blue (6 GB, M9803LL/A) M... US $51.50 (8 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 14:47:03 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
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Apple iPod Photo Fourth Gen 60 GB with Car extras US $91.67 (20 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 14:47:17 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
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Apple iPod Touch 16GB iTouch mp3 video Brand New US $238.49 (38 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 14:47:34 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
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New Ipod Nano 8GB 4th Gen US $112.50 (17 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Jan-06-2009 14:47:48 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
Check out what we dugg up from SlashDot…
Tue Oct 23, 2001 02:20 PM
Link to the original SlashDot article entitled, “Apple releases iPod”
The BrownFury writes
“At an invitation only event Apple has released their new MP3 player called the iPod. iPod is the size of a deck of cards. 2.4″ wide by 4″ tall by .78″ thick 6.5 ounces. 5 GB HDD, 10 hr battery life, charged via FireWire. Works as a firewire drive as well. Works in conjunctions with iTunes 2. Here are Live updates”
. No wireless. Less space than a nomad. Lame.
Not only did SlashDot insult the iPod it filed this article in the “well-thats-not-very-exciting dept.” We guess iPod had the last laugh here. SlashDot didn’t have it all wrong though. The original iPod wasn’t the most exciting multimedia player in the world, it just did what other gadgets did already - better. And it still does!
Slashdot is still an amazing website and continues to make good and bad predictions of the future 
iPod Touch Interface on a hacked iPod 5.5gen
This guy hacked his 5th generation iPod to display the iPod Touch interface. Pretty cool if you ask me and amazing how fluid it actually looks/works. The author of the video points you to this website : www.ipodwizard.com if you are interested in doing that yourself. We don’t encourage that you hack or mess with your iPod, all we are interested in is getting you one for cheap. Good luck and don’t blow up your baby.
Looking for general news about your iPod/iPhone? Then you might try TUAW or Mac Rumors but, if your looking for slightly outdated news mixed in with tons of useful hacks and articles then iPodHacks might be your cup of tea.
This website is one of the hottest resources for iTunes mods / plug-ins. In the general area they have iPod Games & Applications as well as tips, tricks and hacks. Overall this website is definitely worth checking out and while your at it you might want to bookmark it!
Sphere: Related ContentYouTube video on your iPod
Ever watched YouTube and thought to yourself, gee I’d love to have this video on my iPod to watch over and over again! That is if you are one of the unlucky ones who don’t have an iPod Touch/iPhone with YouTube. Or if you do have an iPhone or Touch you can now save these awesome vid’s on your media player…
Well now you can, with this oft overlooked secrets:
Option #1 (Windows):
Download iTube from here. Then it will easily download and convert the files for you. From there simply import them into iTunes. Bing, bang, boom you’ll be watching Criss crocker and Tron man before you know it.
Option #2 (Mac):
Get PodTube and rock out similarly. However, with most things Mac there is a fee associated with it of $4.99 good luck with that.
Option #3 (Free for everyone!):
Go to ZamZar plop in the URL, pick to convert it to .MOV .M4V or any iTunes friendly format. Have them send the converted file to your SPAM e-mail address (Please don’t have them send it to your real e-mail!!!!). Rinse, repeat and enjoy.
Now you can enjoy the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony over and over on your iPod classic or nano. Hope we helped you out and come back and visit us again soon!
(TechCrunch was used as a reference.)
Sphere: Related Content