Geek In Me

by Robert Palmer via tuaw.com

In its “Let’s Rock” event today, Apple introduced three new iPod touch models, all of which are available today.
$229 will get you 8GB of storage, $299 will buy 16GB, and $399 scores 32GB. That’s knocking $70 to $100 off the price of each.
The form factor is very slightly thinner, and has a similar tapered back as the iPhone 3G, as rumors suggested. It will also include an exterior volume control and a built-in speaker for “casual listening.” There is no microphone built in, but the touch will work with new Apple headphones that include a microphone on the cord. The new headphones are sold separately for $79.
The new models all come with version 2.1 of the iPod touch firmware, which includes the Genius recommendation service mentioned earlier in the presentation. The software also comes with Nike+ built-in, so all you have to buy is the shoe sensor/transmitter. No more dongle.
For those with a current-model iPod touch, the software update is free for those updating from 2.x, and $10 for those upgrading from 1.x.
The new iPod touch models also are more environmentally-friendly, and are constructed with arsenic-free glass and BFR-free, mercury-free, PVC-free, and highly-recyclable components just like the new nano.





by Donald Melanson via engadget.com

It may not be ensconced in Swarovski crystals like some of its other fridges, but Gorenje seems to think it has a winner on its hands with its new Made for iPod fridge, which it says will conquer contemporary kitchens just as “iPod has conquered the world.”

Apparently designed specifically for what Gorenje describes as the “the cult iPod touch,” the fridge of course boasts the usual iPod dock, as well as pair of built-in speakers of unspecified kitchen-shaking ability.

Gorenje also takes things one step further with its iGorenje web portal, which is, you guessed it, optimized for the iPhone or iPod touch. It’ll not only give you the usual recipes and other information, but control over other household appliances that are connected via WiFi, although Gorenje is quick to point out that’s still only in a test version.

No word on a price or release date just, but given Gorenje’s penchant for pricey appliances, you can be sure it won’t come cheap.





by Darren Murph via engadget.com

For those of you (we know, pretty much everyone in existence) who already picked up a set of Pink Pig PC speakers a few years back, you can carry on with your daily routine. For everyone else that owns an iPod, hold it right there. Speakal is delivering the iPod docking iPig, a unique speaker system that packs five total drivers (including a 4-inch subwoofer), adjustable bass controls, 360-degree sound distribution and a very debatable design. You’ll also find a 3.5-millimeter auxiliary jack for hooking up every other source, and the bundled remote makes it easy to switch tracks and such from your sofa. The only problem? That $139.99 price tag.

via ubergizmo.com

I guess it was a matter of time before the brilliant minds behind the NES emulator for the iPhone/iPod touch managed to include an accelerometer control, letting you play Mario in a totally new way. Of course, platform gaming requires precise controls and accelerometers aren’t the best way to help Mario rescue Princess Peach from Bowser’s fiery castles. Still, this is a pretty interesting improvement to the emulator, and it will definitely introduce more wacky ways to relive old (illegal) classics on your device. I wonder what Nintendo’s lawyers have to say about this….desecration.

via ubergizmo.com

Could we actually see the introduction of a solar-powered iPod by Apple in the future? Apparently, that day is still possible as Apple has just filed a patent for an in-screen/device-covering solar film for its gadgets. After all, iPods are frequently used gadgets, so the chances of them running out of juice while being used is pretty high, and having solar film to charge itself is a pretty nifty idea especially since power outlets isn’t exactly that easy to find when you’re out of a building. Hopefully solar technology will be more efficient by then to make this a viable solution.

via dsfanboy.com

With the recent hubbub over Apple’s iPhone and iPod Touch, many are wondering if it will threaten the market dominance that Nintendo enjoys with their DS handheld. Even though Forbes thinks Apple has a chance at dethroning the DS, we’re realists and know that just isn’t possible. But, then the price point for iPhone games was revealed and we got a tad bit worried.

Sure, games sell the system, but the titles available on the iPhone and iPod Touch will go for 17-18 Euros (which comes to about $25-$28, less than Nintendo’s first-party titles), according to LemonQuest CEO Ignacio Cavero. It’s not much, but it’s something, and definitely a lot more noticeable when compared to Square Enix games, which often debut at a $34.99 price point. But, we could also see even cheaper stuff, because Apple is leaving the final pricing up to the publishers.