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iLounge Pavilion at CES 2010 to House iPod and iPhone Product Vendors

Aviv — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:29:52 +0000

For the first time at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the dedicated iLounge Pavilion will give iPod and iPhone third-part manufacturers a chance to showcase their products within the exhibit.

“Debuting at the 2010 CES, this pavilion will for the first time give iPod and iPhone vendors their own dedicated, prominent stage at the world’s largest trade show for consumer technology,” iLounge’s Charles Starrett explains.

“We are excited to announce that iLounge and CEA are partnering on this dynamic new CES pavilion,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. “The accessories market, driven by the popularity of iPods, iPhones, and other MP3 and smartphone technologies, will grow this year to a nearly $15 billion market. This new pavilion is one more innovative way the 2010 CES will be the epicenter of consumer technology.”

“iLounge is proud to be working with CEA and the world’s leading iPod and iPhone developers to fulfill a common goal,” said Jeremy Horwitz, editor-in-chief, iLounge, “to give these exciting companies and products a prominent stage at the center of the industry’s most important technology trade show. We are especially glad that readers, exhibitors, and retailers will finally be able to find all of the best new iPod and iPhone products of 2010 in one excellent place.”

“The space has been established and the wait/priority list for the pavilion is now open,” said Karen Chupka, senior vice president, events and conferences, CEA. “We believe that CES attendees will make this pavilion a ‘must-see,’ and based on early inquiries we think this area, already set for thousands of square feet, will very rapidly sell out.”

While it had been rumored by a few sites that Apple themselves would be making an appearance at CES 2010, this goes against their own reports that trade shows are not in their best interest.

As Macworld 2009 wrapped up, whispers of an “Apple lounge” were beginning to appear, which later got published as near certainties that Apple would be exhibiting at the event. We remain scepticle that Apple will show up, however the newly announced iLounge Pavilion does fall in line with what we heard a few weeks back. It is entirely possible that the murmurings of an Apple Lounge led to some confusion in thinking Apple would be there. Either way, the iLoung Pavilion will be a welcome addition to CES. Seeing as how Apple announced its last year at Macworld, unless a major attraction draws consumers back, we imagine a hefty amount of goers will try and make their way to CES instead.

Note: The above image is not the actual space that will be used.

Functional iControlPad Gaming Prototype In Action (Video)

Aviv — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 01:04:12 +0000

The first prototype of the iControlPad gaming pad definitely looked promising. Bringing extrenal input buttons and a directional pad to Apple’s purely touch interface handhelds is seen by many people as a must. For gaming, we definitely agree.

A developer that goes by ZodTTD has posted the above video of him using the iControlPad to play quake4iphone on a jailbroken iPhone. As Engadget notes, there’s still no word on availability or pricing.

As we’ve previously covered, Apple definitely touts the iPod touch as a gaming device, but the fundamental lack of controls still hinder a vast majority of the gaming experience. Whether Apple opens up and embraces add-ons like the iControlPad has yet to be determined. But with out at least some support from Apple, additions like the iControlPad may never flourish due to lack of official acceptance.

New Headphones’ Volume Control Not Compatible With iPhone

Aviv — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:24:57 +0000

iLounge points out that Apple’s new premium, in-ear headphones will not be as compatible with the iPhone and iPhone 3G as we all thought.

According to a support document found on Apple.com, the new in-ear headphones will not support the volume controls for iPhone and iPhone 3G models.

“[the support document] explains that while the remote, microphone, and volume control features of the new headphones are compatible with the 120GB iPod classic, iPod nano 4G, and iPod touch 2G, the volume controls will not work with iPhone or iPhone 3G — only the playback remote and microphone. In addition, the article states that earlier iPod models will be compatible with audio only.”

After some long delays, Apple’s headphones have finally received a shipping date of 7-10 days. They can be found at Apple’s online store here.

No App Store Submissions on Christmas, Headphones Finally Shipping

Aviv — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:43:04 +0000

Apple’s App Store will not be accepting new submissions between December 24th through the 27th. Additionally, Apple’s in-ear premium headphones have finally begun shipping after some lengthy delays.

MacMegasite posts an excerpt from an email sent by Apple to iPhone developers:

Dear iPhone Developer,

iTunes Connect, the tool you use to manage your applications and access your reports, will be unavailable from December 24 through December 27, 2008.
Access to iTunes Connect is scheduled to resume on Sunday, December 28.
Best regards,

iPhone Developer Program

While this may not come as a surprise to many, Apple’s App Store will simply be taking a break for the holidays. No technical reasoning is behind Apple closing the submissions in late December.

In other news, Apple’s long delayed premium, in-ear headphones have received some shipping dates after some longer than expected delays. The online Apple Store now points to a 7-10 day delivery time. However, the description page still says “coming soon.”

Apple Licensing Out Mini DisplayPort Spec For Free

Aviv — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:35:59 +0000

Apple is offering free licenses to third parties interested in using and adapting the Mini DisplayPort spec into their future products. By doing so, they are hoping to open the doors for Apple product compatibility even more.

The Mini DisplayPort is a smaller version of the DisplayPort. Apple has officially announced that all of their future products will use the Mini DisplayPort spec. “Apple has already designed and shipped the 24″ LED Cinema Display that uses Mini DisplayPort as its sole connection, and Apple is hoping that other display, graphics card, and computer vendors will adopt Mini DisplayPort, making it a de facto standard, unlike Mini-VGA and Mini-DVI, which were essentially Apple-only,” Ars explains.

Apple explains: The Mini DisplayPort Connector is a small form factor connector designed to fully support the VESA DisplayPort protocol. It is particularly useful on systems where space is at a premium, such as portable computers or to support multiple connectors on reduced height add-in cards. The dimensional specifications of the plug and receptacle mating interface and a recommended PCB landing pad are available for download under the Mini DisplayPort Evaluation License. If you agree to the terms of the evaluation license, download the Mini DisplayPort Connector Dimensions.

Mini DisplayPort Connector Implementation License (No Fee)

If, after evaluation, you would like to obtain a license to develop or distribute plugs, receptacles or other devices implementing the Mini DisplayPort Connector, please download and print this Mini DisplayPort Implementation License, complete according to the attached checklist and mail two original signed Implementation License forms to the Software Licensing address on the checklist. Your license will become effective when signed by Apple.

Apple is hoping that by licensing out this spec for free, vendors will integrate it into their future products as well. This way, consumers will be able to hook up their Apple products to an HDTV made by Toshiba or Sony, given they used the Mini DisplayPort spec.

Apple Premium Headphones Delayed For Design Improvements, Holiday Hype [U]

Casey — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:18:44 +0000

Sources have informed Macblogz that design quality problems have pushed back the release date of Apple’s premium headphones, also initiating a marketing move to raise hype of the $79 audiophile headphones just before the holidays.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled premium in-ear headphones at the Let’s Rock media event on September 9th and said they would ship in October. It is December now and still no headphones. Apple’s webpage for the headphones continues to say they are “coming soon.”

The headphones described by Apple:

“The new Apple In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic are engineered for superior acoustic accuracy, balance, and clarity. So you hear details you’ve been missing with other, lesser headphones. And the biggest breakthrough? They’re just $79.”

It continues:

“Unlike many small headphones, each earpiece of the Apple In-Ear Headphones contains two separate high-performance drivers — a woofer to handle bass and mid-range sounds and a tweeter for high-frequency audio. These dedicated drivers help ensure accurate, detailed sound across the entire sonic spectrum. The result: You’re immersed in the music and hear details you never knew existed. Even when listening to an old favorite, you may feel like you’re hearing it for the first time.”

The new headphones will compete with high end audiophile headphones from makers like Shure and Klipsch. Apple currently sells 95 different headphone models online, so competition is high and the market is big.

Speculation was raised early in November regarding why the headphones were being delayed. Two separate MacBlogz sources have recently come forward with new information on the postponement.

One trusted source says Steve Jobs mandated that, in Apple style, “the new headphones should beat the sound and build quality of all other high end ear buds.” This high standard was not met and Apple engineers have had to revise the design. Apple’s overseas contractors, then had to retool their manufacturing process - moving the manufacturing lead time past November. Apple has been known to completely redevelop products the company deems not up to par, even near the ship date. They would rather move the shipping date back and rework the design rather than bring a sub-par product to market.

More information leads some to believe this is a pure marketing move intended to drive up hype and sales before the holidays. The headphones are believed to be a sure hit as they bring audiophile level sound, found currently only in $250+ headphones, for only $79 to millions of iPod owners and many other headphone users. With news of the innovative headphones finally hitting the market, a viral buzz is expected. This is sure to again give millions of dollars of free advertising to Apple around their biggest sales time of the year.

Updates: As we initially suspected, Apple is making the headphones available prior to the holidays. With shipping dates of 7-10 days at the online Apple Store, they will now be available before the holidays.

Apple DisplayPort to Dual Link DVI Adapter Delayed Until Late December

Aviv — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:44:46 +0000

9to5Mac points out that if you’ve been waiting for Apple’s DisplayPort to Dual Link DVI Adapter, it has been delayed until late December.

When Apple released the new unibody Macbooks, they explained that the ports had to be reconfigured and introduced the Mini DisplayPort which had been integrated into the notebooks. Unfortunately, the new proprietary port requires a Dual Link DVI Adapter in order to power an external 30″ monitor. For customers that are waiting for this cable, delays have pushed back shipping for another 4-5 weeks, to late December.

9to5Mac: Not only has Apple charged me $100 to use my 30 inch screen with my Unibody MacBook, but the adapter is huge and takes a USB port for power. Oh, and there was a one month wait for these parts initially. Also, the way this technology works, I can’t use a regular DVI adapter on a 30 inch monitor. If I try, I get the same resolution as on my MacBook’s built-in display, not normal 1920×1200 resolution that the normal DVI supports. WTF.

OK, whatever. I am over it. It should come any day now right? Wrong! In a letter that could have been worded by the Grinch, Apple wrote to tell me and probably many others (below) that my Dual Link DVI Adapter wouldn’t be shipping until Dec 23. That is over two months past when the MacBooks were shipped! Great news, we’ll all be on Christmas vacation by then.

Future iPod Connectors to Inherit Magsafe Design Cues [U]

Casey — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:24:48 +0000

Apple has used the same 30-pin dock connector since the ~~first iPod in 2001~~ third generation iPod. With the 10x faster USB 3.0 coming in 2009, it is rumored that Apple’s iPod connection ports may be updated to the faster connection, while inheriting a few design cues from Apple’s smaller form factor adapters.

Introduced with the first iPod in 2001 to sync with Firewire, then later with USB 2.0, the 30 pin dock connector on all iPods and iPhones has remained unchanged for 7 years. As iPods have grown more compact, the 30 pin connector has become an industrial design sore spot. Aside from being a major entry point for water damage, iPhone users find it collects dust and lint when carried in a pocket and often has to be cleaned out before functioning properly. Fortunately, Apple his its eyes set on changing this, while inheriting a safer design, and boosting data transfer speeds between devices.

As we’ve previously explained, USB 3.0 promises speeds up to 600 MB/s — a 10x increase over the current USB 2.0 rate. A 25gb music library that takes 13 minutes to transfer over USB 2.0 will take only 70 seconds with the new standard. The final protocol specification for USB 3.0 is being released today at the SuperSpeed USB Developer Conference in San Jose, CA. Analysts expect USB 3.0 devices to start arriving next year.

Even though a switch such as this may seem drastic, Apple has always been on the forefront of innovation. A lot of the time, while other companies and competitors are adapting a technology, Apple is shifting away from, or working towards a new solution. The third party accessory market would thrive from such a transition, and Apple is aware that an entire industry of accessory makers rely on the company’s innovation. Rather than stay sedentary, and keep releasing new iPods and iPhones with the standard 30 pin connector, Apple may be making a shift in the near future.

Apple officially made the shift to the Mini DisplayPort in the latest notebook line overhaul unveiled in October. This new proprietary video port is a miniaturization of the DisplayPort and requires an adapter to connect to the DVI port on most monitors. It is expected Apple will move to a new and smaller proprietary connector for the next generation of iPods and iPhones, and has been waiting for the arrival of the USB 3.0 standard to do so. An adapter will likely be made available to connect the new port to the many accessories made for the 30 pin dock connector. Design cues from Apple’s MagSafe power adapter are also expected, using magnets to hold it the adapter in place and having the ability to safely separate if accidentally pulled apart.

As data transfer needs have greatly increased – from backing up large hard drives to downloading video from hi-def digital video cameras – USB 3.0 is expected to be quickly and widely adopted throughout the industry. USB 3.0 also carries more voltage to charge multiple devises and is backwards compatible to earlier USB versions 2.0 and 1.0. It is believed the shift to the faster USB 3.0 is the opportune time for Apple to update the long used iPod connector, and is far enough in development to appear in the next revision of iPods and iPhones.

Update: Thank you to MacBlogz reader dejo for the correction.e. As you can see, it was phrased right in the second paragraph

Apple Ends 23″ Cinema Display and Old Headphone Shipments

Aviv — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:06:21 +0000

MacRumors reports that Apple is finally ready to ship the new In-Ear Headphones, and 24″ LED Cinema Display that were announced at September’s Let’s Rock event.

According to sources, Apple has just today end-of-life’d the old Apple 23″ Cinema Display and old In-Ear headphones. This means that Apple will no longer be supplying these products to resellers. This is generally considered a sign that the new products will be shipping soon, MacRumors explains.

The information makes sense, and those waiting for their LED Displays may soon get rewarded. The in-ear headphones that Apple promised us in October however, are late. The Apple Store has them listed simply as “Coming Soon.”

Are You Waiting For Apple’s New Premium Headphones?

Aviv — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 04:22:48 +0000

Back on September 9th, alongside a brand new line of multi-colored nanos, Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled a pair of premium, in-ear headphones that he said would be available in October.

At the Apple Let’s Rock event on September 9th, Jobs told the media that these new headphones would be available “next month,” which at the time was October. Now that October has come and gone, and we’re nearly a fortnight into November, it would be safe to assume we’ll see these headphones within the next two weeks, hopefully by the end of the month. It has been exactly 61 days since Jobs made the announcement, so they’re already late, by Apple’s own standards. Has everyone gotten sick of waiting and already bought V-Moda’s? Or is anybody else waiting to try these out?

Read – Apple Premium Headphones “Coming Soon”
Read – Apple Store, Premium Headhones