| iPodObserver - Apple Unleashes iPhone Software Update 1.1.2
As promised, Apple delivered iPhone Software Update 1.1.2 on Friday. The update adds several new languages to the combination iPod and smart phone, fixes a security flaw in Mobile Safari involving specially crafted TIFF images, updates the modem's firmware, and includes several other bug fixes. iPhone users that have added additional applications through a "jailbreak" process will lose all of their extra programs, and the update also re-locks the phone preventing applications from being installed. It appears, however, that units that have been unlocked for use on alternate cell carrier networks remain functional. iPhone Software Update 1.1.2 is free and available through iTunes while your iPhone is connected to your computer, although some users are reporting that the update is not yet appearing for them.
iPod Inside: Standard features of Apple MP3 players
Munich - Mini, nano, or classic: no matter what the flavour, iPods are bestsellers. Many love the design Apple's portable music players while others swear by the simple controls. The database system, which prevents any software but iTunes from stocking the player, is not to everyone's taste, however. Adventurous types can try their luck with alternative software. They allow for individualization of the player and the installation of additional applications. iPod-Linux is free software that provides users with more than just another way to fill up the database: for friends of mobile gaming, for example, there is a Gameboy emulator called iBoy. The standard user interface for Linux is available in a palmtop format called podzilla. Users can then install things like music players, pocket calculators, calendar, file browser, picture viewer, painting, recording, text and video programs, as well as numerous games.
Beatport SYNC brings DJ-like playback
Native Instruments and Beatport have released a new, free music player, Beatport SYNC. The software is based on NI's TRAKTOR DJ program, but is in fact meant for more casual playback; the difference is that unlike iTunes, users have two playback decks and a simplified mixing board, which lets users crossfade or beatmatch tracks to create a smooth flow. More complex tasks such as beat detection, tempo sync and loudness control are handled automatically. The program is integrated with iTunes and iPod support, and can play or import music from virtually any connected device including flash sticks and cellphones. Much as iTunes incorporates access to Apple's music store, SYNC features access to the Beatport storefront, which concentrates on electronic dance music in various genres.
RealPlayer 11 brings iPod video, Mac beta
RealNetworks today ended its primary beta testing and released RealPlayer 11, the latest version of its audio and video playback software. The new version is designed to make web video usable elsewhere and lets users click a button to transfer many embedded videos on websites to an iPod; all fifth- and sixth-generation iPods as well as the latest iPod nano can immediately get unprotected videos in a compatible format. iPhone and iPod touch users will gain support early next year due to their software, RealNetworks says. Initially, Windows users can queue these downloads regardless of a video's progress, how many are already being downloaded, and share a direct link to the video through e-mail. Every version has an improved interface with a quicker install and optimized video playback. A standard, free version of RealPlayer is available now from the company's website for Windows users.
Internet pioneer launches Babel TV
UK internet pioneer Peter Dawe has announced the launch of Babel TV, a device combining a Freeview set-top box, digital TV recorder and broadband connection. "It's simple," said Dawe, who founded Pipex, one the UK's first internet service providers. "Anybody can plug a Babel TV box into a Freeview aerial and a broadband connection. That's all it takes to be all set to watch, record and pause Freeview TV. "You can watch TV programmes from the internet, surf the web and shop online. You can keep in touch with family and friends by email, write letters and use other office software. You can share and store photos, play and manage iPod or other MP3 player music, and you can make free or incredibly cheap internet phone calls." Dawe said Babel TV was better for the environment and household budgets than using conventional digital TV recorders and computers: typical power consumption is 15 watts for a Babel TV, compared with 150w for a typical computer and 60w for a digital TV recorder.
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