'iPod: Hot Accessories!' Confirmed. [Archive]

billyboy

Oct 16, 2003, 02:09 AM

Originally posted by bidge
When it says records your voice I hope that means its good quality I would take that as being low quality for personal notes, like a budget dicataphone....

Obviously I dont know, but reading the advert cold, to me, a digital dictaphone included on a £249 audio gadget like the iPod doesnt smack of possible poor quality.

IMO it´s a good move though including this option, because I for one have never given an iPod a second glance because I just couldnt justify the expense of a glorified Walkman, however fantastic it might be. I have also been in the market for a digital dictaphone to use at University, but again not been prepared to shell out £150 for a recorder with a decent recording time. Sounds like my wallets going to be dusted off now, and with a clear conscience I'll find out all about Apple's best selling iPod.

Squire

Oct 16, 2003, 02:11 AM

Wow! This thread got going in a hurry. It said "1 comment" when I clicked.

Is the microphone internal or external? I think external would be better. Maybe you could get one of those lapel-clip mics for giving presentations/lectures, etc.

Squire

edit: Stupid question. I guess if it's an "accessory" then it would be external. Weren't they boasting about the quality of the mic in iSight?

Yudha

Oct 16, 2003, 02:12 AM

Since it's mentioned as an "Accessory", I don't imagine how it could be internal.

shecky

Oct 16, 2003, 02:13 AM

i would guess that the Microphone is a redesigned iPod remote with the mic built into it.

Yudha

Oct 16, 2003, 02:15 AM

Well, while having both remote and mic in one unit would be convenient... I don't like the idea of exposing the mic to excessive wear and tear alongside the remote if not necessary. I guess I wouldn't particularly mind either way.

Squire

Oct 16, 2003, 02:17 AM

Originally posted by Yudha
Since it's mentioned as an "Accessory", I don't imagine how it could be internal.

I was typing my edit as you were typing your reply. Looks like I'll need to take a typing course. ;)
What about the ability to talk into the earphones? We've heard that before.

Squire

billyboy

Oct 16, 2003, 02:21 AM

Originally posted by shecky
i would guess that the Microphone is a redesigned iPod remote with the mic built into it.

Could be, but what about going a lateral stage further - the microphone is an iSight without the camera.:) Then at a later date you can slot in a unit to upgrade your microphone to a firewire webcam enabling you to also save video and photo images direct on your iPod.

edit: whatever it is, I dont have any worries about the quality of a mic on an Apple product. The internal mic on my Powerbook is absolutely good, and the iSight one is supposed to be very clever too.

Squire

Oct 16, 2003, 02:22 AM

Originally posted by shecky
i would guess that the Microphone is a redesigned iPod remote with the mic built into it.

Wasn't there a thread describing exactly that a few months ago? I seem to recall a description of the remote connection having X-number of pins and hearing a rumor that the extra pin was for a mic.

Anyone else remember that?

Squire

mac15

Oct 16, 2003, 02:23 AM

oh comon apple, your webmasters sucks ass. Even Microsoft have better, wait no they tell you 7 years in advance what there doing. :)

DangerDiabolik

Oct 16, 2003, 02:31 AM

I HOPE its better then a few minutes of messages.

I want a line in !

Something i can sneak into concerts !

Yudha

Oct 16, 2003, 02:33 AM

I second that... recording voice memos is something I can already do on my cell. Lecture notes, sure... I might use it that way. But Line In recording had better be offered, lest I break down into tears.

evilfunkgenius

Oct 16, 2003, 02:34 AM

if they are going for a "notes" microphone or lecture-style mic, then they would be good to mount it in the remote so it pins close to you. Hopefully, they open the spec up so that outside manufacturers can fill the void with additional line-in recording options.

Sidenote: I wonder how you will physically record something, as there is no "record" button on the iPod!? This lends more weight to the "on the remote" theory... unless the new mic has a record button on it seperate from the iPod.

DangerDiabolik

Oct 16, 2003, 02:35 AM

even if its a buit in mic on a new ipod ...if its like the mic on my 17 inch imac i'd be happy...its a good mic.

but if you gonna have a mic, i bet it will be a line in.

hopefully.

i still say 199.99 10 gig ipods is the best thing they can do. People will line up.

eric67

Oct 16, 2003, 02:36 AM

Originally posted by Macrumors
New iPod Accessories.... confirmed by Apple Store UK (http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/ukstore/)

http://www.macrumors.com/downloads/macrumors_ipodacc.jpg

confirmed on Apple Store France and Germany , today 08h13 (Europe Time) by macbidouille.com
here is the link : http://www.macbidouille.com/niouzcontenu.php?date=2003-10-16#6904

mrpuffypants

Oct 16, 2003, 02:36 AM

Recording concerts will be so cool. Drop a good stereo Mic in there and hold it up on a pole: bring it back and sync it up, upload to .Mac and you're set!

Can't wait to see what functionality I'll get on my 30GB this afternoon :)

DangerDiabolik

Oct 16, 2003, 02:37 AM

whats the other graphic ? ...i dont speak french !

Yudha

Oct 16, 2003, 02:39 AM

Originally posted by DangerDiabolik
even if its a buit in mic on a new ipod ...if its like the mic on my 17 inch imac i'd be happy...its a good mic.

but if you gonna have a mic, i bet it will be a line in.

hopefully.

i still say 199.99 10 gig ipods is the best thing they can do. People will line up. However... the store update states 'Acessories', not new units. Plus, they were updated only a little over a month ago... I sincerely doubt they would roll out w/ a new model so soon.

I agree, though, that $200 10GB would sell like hotcakes.

DangerDiabolik

Oct 16, 2003, 02:39 AM

someoen translate :)

Merci à Frédéric pour l'info !
Voici une image trouvée sur l'Apple Store:

Il y a déjà un lien non fonctionnel vers de futurs accessoires iPod qui n'existent pas encore officiellement.

Xero

Oct 16, 2003, 02:40 AM

Originally posted by billyboy
Could be, but what about going a lateral stage further - the microphone is an iSight without the camera.:) Then at a later date you can slot in a unit to upgrade your microphone to a firewire webcam enabling you to also save video and photo images direct on your iPod.

edit: whatever it is, I dont have any worries about the quality of a mic on an Apple product. The internal mic on my Powerbook is absolutely good, and the iSight one is supposed to be very clever too.

as far as microphones go, both of the pickups you mentioned are crap if you plan on doing anything besides talking into them, for the sole reason to here it played back. thats what me and a few others that have posted here are concerned with, that this mic will infact just be a simple iSight type mic. these mics in powerbooks and iSights are NOT that great at all! a halfway decent stereo mic from sony, of all companies, is between $100-$300 its-self, and believe me, the mic in your (and my) powerbook is not worth over $15. :rolleyes:

Line-in...please? :D

Yudha

Oct 16, 2003, 02:41 AM

"Thank-you to Frédéric for info! Here a picture found on the apple Store:

There already is a non functional link towards of incidental futures iPod that do not exist again officially."

Basically, it says the same thing as the MacRumors main page... except in French.

eric67

Oct 16, 2003, 02:41 AM

Originally posted by Macrumors
New iPod Accessories.... confirmed by Apple Store UK (http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/ukstore/)

it is written "now record your voice and store more than tunes"
could it be than we get, in addition to the audio input, a firmware update which could allow to play something else than sounds???
now of course the problem for video is that iPod have a 2 colors LCD display...sorry I was dreaming awake

DangerDiabolik

Oct 16, 2003, 02:42 AM

well of course line in will be good.

where will it be if its not a new model / just use the headphone jack ?

Xero

Oct 16, 2003, 02:44 AM

Originally posted by DangerDiabolik
well of course line in will be good.

where will it be if its not a new model / just use the headphone jack ?

it would be an accessory plugged into the dock...

Yudha

Oct 16, 2003, 02:46 AM

Originally posted by Xero
it would be an accessory plugged into the dock... I doubt that... then you'd have to have the dock whenever you wanted to make a voice memo. Highly doubtful.

DangerDiabolik

Oct 16, 2003, 02:48 AM

yeah, if its for the dock, thats silly. the point of an ipod is portability.

walkingmac

Oct 16, 2003, 02:49 AM

I for one would also love to see a line in. I have been looking into mini-discs for a long time to use as a secondary audio source for semi-pro audio recording in a live situations. As long as the quality is good, my reason for an iPod just doubled, and it was already huge!

toughboy

Oct 16, 2003, 02:51 AM

card reader and mic.. the two that I was waiting for!..

two big thumbs UP!

walkingmac

Oct 16, 2003, 02:51 AM

not the dock.... the firewire connection. simular to the portable battery charger connection, just a line-in adaption or a iPod designed mic

reyesmac

Oct 16, 2003, 02:52 AM

I love it when Apple goofs up like this. It makes staying up late more fun!

pjtro2

Oct 16, 2003, 02:56 AM

I daresay someone will be minus a job in Euro Apple right about now (or at least when Steve wakes up). It's now 9am in London, so some efficient <ahem> little employee has hopped to it bright and early... perhaps they haven't heard of time zones..

walkingmac

Oct 16, 2003, 02:59 AM

does anyone else see it that way?

Or is there a physical barrier there that I am missing that makes this not an option?

doc_99

Oct 16, 2003, 03:01 AM

Personally... i think any attempt to record audio into a portable device is a hack job. Nothing beats a real mic with preamps.

The media card reader does have me interested though as I have a Canon G5. It'll save me lugging around my laptop to flush my memory cards.

I'm surprised not many people know about the audio recording capability. The 3rd Gen iPod since the 30GB models has a builtin AD audio converter in the headphone jack. Anandtech did a comprehensive review on the new iPod a couple months ago and commented on it when they disected it.

DangerDiabolik

Oct 16, 2003, 03:01 AM

Firewire line in mic sound like the way to do it...and if all is well you can have an option to record at different bitrates.

Whats with the cardreader dealy ?

Xero

Oct 16, 2003, 03:11 AM

Originally posted by walkingmac
not the dock.... the firewire connection. simular to the portable battery charger connection, just a line-in adaption or a iPod designed mic

meh.

thats what i meant, the dock port on the iPod, not the actual dock... that would be completely pointless! My bad, but... you all shoulda assumed i meant the iPods dock port! ;)

aafuss1

Oct 16, 2003, 03:14 AM

The image is still up there at the UK Apple Store-but it does not appear at the Apple Australia Store, it seems

doc_99

Oct 16, 2003, 03:15 AM

Originally posted by doc_99
Personally... i think any attempt to record audio into a portable device is a hack job. Nothing beats a real mic with preamps.

The media card reader does have me interested though as I have a Canon G5. It'll save me lugging around my laptop to flush my memory cards.

I'm surprised not many people know about the audio recording capability. The 3rd Gen iPod since the 30GB models has a builtin AD audio converter in the headphone jack. Anandtech did a comprehensive review on the new iPod a couple months ago and commented on it when they disected it.

correction... it was actually a Cnet review.

http://www.google.ca/search?q=cache:nOJG9HhYCowJ:reviews.zdnet.co.uk/hardware/audio/0,39023770,10004138,00.htm+ipod+review+headphone+jack+record+seconds&hl=en&ie=UTF-8

Although Apple makes no mention of it, the new iPod can record line-in audio -- in mono via the headphone jack, and in stereo via the jack on the cradle. However, you can record for only 6 seconds at a time. Apple might add this recording feature in earnest later with a firmware update, but could not comment on that possibility.

Squire

Oct 16, 2003, 03:16 AM

LoopHoles

Oct 16, 2003, 03:21 AM

my guess is recording will be very compressed and record to the 32 MB buffer (~ 1-2 hrs?), then transfer to HD when buffer fills up, or it will drain the battery too fast in one or more of the following ways:

1) too much processing power used to encode recording real-time
2) hard drive spinning up and down constantly
3) hard drive spinning continuously during recording

sorry if i burst any bubbles (i don't think i did, did i?). of course apple will likely have some audio recording and real-time encoding tricks up their sleeves and this post will die in a faded lack of glory.

none of the announcements by apple tomorrow should excite me much. i have a 2nd gen 20 GB iPod -- no complaints and no plans to buy another music player for another 2-4 yrs; i haven't used a windows computer for my own good in the last 2 years, so i can't foresee how long it'll be before i use iTunes for windows. maybe that's why i posted killjoy. ;)

walkingmac

Oct 16, 2003, 03:21 AM

... The 3rd Gen iPod since the 30GB models has a builtin AD audio converter in the headphone jack. Anandtech did a comprehensive review on the new iPod a couple months ago and commented on it when they disected it....

can't find that.... went to Anandtech site and they don't have many articles about the iPod (one that was from Jun the other Jan), and there was nothing about that in that article

I know I have heard that in the past in another forum, that the feature is lieing dormant and that we have been waiting on proper iPod software and such to debut it..... just trying to see whats a few steps ahead

walkingmac

Oct 16, 2003, 03:27 AM

thanx doc_99 for the correction

sorry Xero, should have assumed that javascript:smilie(':)')

punter

Oct 16, 2003, 03:32 AM

i think someone else in website design is going to get fired!

i refuse to believe it's a marketing ploy.

youngr40

Oct 16, 2003, 03:32 AM

I am in the UK and noticed it been on for a few days now, but never really taken much notice.

gotohamish

Oct 16, 2003, 03:38 AM

Originally posted by Macrumors
New iPod Accessories.... confirmed by Apple Store UK (http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/ukstore/)

http://www.macrumors.com/downloads/macrumors_ipodacc.jpg

Interesting! The Apple Store UK are usually behind the US store!!!

Dahl

Oct 16, 2003, 03:40 AM

Originally posted by gotohamish
Interesting! The Apple Store UK are usually behind the US store!!!
Time difference ?

el gringo

Oct 16, 2003, 04:02 AM

but - I only have 8MB CF-card :(

;)

Originally posted by max11
bring on the compactflash reader!

those lucky enough to have ipods will never need anything but a 16mb card and their trusty ipod.

zonino!

edit: this also smacks of the G5 'accidently' leaked specs...

iMeowbot

Oct 16, 2003, 04:05 AM

Don't get your hopes up too much on this one. Technical considerations aside, there are legal reasons for restricting the recording capabilities. At least for the US market, computer peripherals are exempt from some DRM requirements that apply to standalone digital music recorders (in AHRA, the law that crippled consumer DAT).

Apple aren't likely to want to push this end of the envelope too far, especially seeing how they now have fairly close dealings with the recording industry.

Yudha

Oct 16, 2003, 04:07 AM

Whoops... looks like someone took it down.

d_jk

Oct 16, 2003, 04:07 AM

I know the Archos Jukebox recorder is bigger, heavier and uglier than the iPod but it has a stereo line in and can record to hard disk at 160k.

Surely Apple can match or better that, even if the iPod has to be plugged in to overcome the high power requirement issues!

I don't want to get an Archos, I want an iPod but the inability to record live sets on an iPod is holding me back.

Yudha

Oct 16, 2003, 04:09 AM

Originally posted by d_jk
I know the Archos Jukebox recorder is bigger, heavier and uglier than the iPod but it has a stereo line in and can record to hard disk at 160k.

Surely Apple can match or better that, even if the iPod has to be plugged in to overcome the high power requirement issues!

I don't want to get an Archos, I want an iPod but the inability to record live sets on an iPod is holding me back. I can sympathize... my friend has a 20GB Archos and has been lording over me w/ it for quite some time, bragging about its ability to record.

jrober

Oct 16, 2003, 04:10 AM

Maybe the early appearence of the graphic is done deliberately. Either to excite the likes of us so we spread the word twice in one day to the unconverted (Accessories and iTunes). Or to make it more exciting for those of us in Europe who don't get ITunes today.

rdowns

Oct 16, 2003, 04:16 AM

Originally posted by DangerDiabolik
whats the other graphic ? ...i dont speak french !

My Franch is a little rusty but here goes...

"Inroducing the iPod G5, the world's fastest MP3 player"

lucasraggers

Oct 16, 2003, 04:21 AM

Originally posted by punter
i think someone else in website design is going to get fired!
i refuse to believe it's a marketing ploy.

It's also on the dutch Apple site. So no webmasters are getting fired:
http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/248/8352/180/store.apple.com/Catalog/nl/Images/cp_promo_eight.gif

NicoMan

Oct 16, 2003, 04:49 AM

Originally posted by rdowns
My Franch is a little rusty but here goes...

"Inroducing the iPod G5, the world's fastest MP3 player"
I'd say your Franch (???) is WELL rusty...

:D

NicoMan

Oct 16, 2003, 04:52 AM

Originally posted by lucasraggers
It's also on the dutch Apple site. So no webmasters are getting fired:
http://a248.e.akamai.net/7/248/8352/180/store.apple.com/Catalog/nl/Images/cp_promo_eight.gif
Well all the rumour sites have been abuzz for a couple of days, and it's not as if it's going to take sales away from existing products... I don't think they are really bothered about that...

jorgenah

Oct 16, 2003, 05:21 AM

Would be cool if the iPod got a CF reader, and a external color LCD the same size as the iPod itself. That way you could download you'r pictures to the iPod, and brows them, offcause, you could also put movies on you'r iPod, and watch them :) But I dare not hope...

/Jørgen Adam

pjtro2

Oct 16, 2003, 06:21 AM

Well they've all been taken down now.. If anyone wants to keep an eye on the link page, url is below:

http://promo.euro.apple.com/promo/ipod_accessories/uk/

I daresay we wont be seeing anything up there until the announcement now.. but if the last leak was a testament to Apple's internal control.. then hey, anything is possible...

tonydolan

Oct 16, 2003, 06:30 AM

Its all hype, the marketing wheel is turning. Apple, masters of self promotion.

johnnowak

Oct 16, 2003, 06:33 AM

Originally posted by doc_99
Personally... i think any attempt to record audio into a portable device is a hack job. Nothing beats a real mic with preamps.

You do realize that there's still a "real" mic and a preamp, right? If it has a mic port, it has a preamp of some sort.

backspinner

Oct 16, 2003, 06:34 AM

Recording music would require a very broad frequency spectrum and therefore would be problematic to compress and fit in the small memory buffer and consume a lot of energy. Keep in mind that classical music won't sound very good in low bitrate compression for example. And running the harddrive all the time will drain the battery very fast.

johnnowak

Oct 16, 2003, 06:35 AM

Originally posted by backspinner
Recording music would require a very broad frequency spectrum and therefore would be problematic to compress and fit in the small memory buffer and consume a lot of energy. Keep in mind that classical music won't sound very good in low bitrate compression for example. And running the harddrive all the time will drain the battery very fast.

My mididisc recorder which I got for field recordings can record full spectrum sound for about 10 hours on the battery. The recorder cost me 170 on ebay.. still way cheaper than an iPod fortunately.

Of course it only can record for 74 minutes before I have to switch discs...

pjtro2

Oct 16, 2003, 06:40 AM

Originally posted by tonydolan
Its all hype, the marketing wheel is turning. Apple, masters of self promotion.

Or so they'd like us to think..
Even if it's not, and it is a genuine mistake, it's all win win for Apple... They claim to hate leaks, but for us who feed like sharks on any scrap of information thrown our way, it's all publicity in one form or another..

tonydolan

Oct 16, 2003, 06:43 AM

i dont think the ipod could possible match the recording powers of mini disc. I cant see too many professionals selling their DATS and MD's to purchase an mp3 recorder. But its nice for us ipod owners to have some extra functionality added that we didnt originally buy into.

windwaves

Oct 16, 2003, 07:08 AM

Could someone please explain to me the excitment about a stupid voice recorder, I just don't get it !

Zech Marquis

Oct 16, 2003, 07:09 AM

that would be nice, or an iPod trade in program--have your original 5 gb iod still working, trade for a current version. If not, I'll buy a new one for Christmas. Ican still use the first one for my backup stuff.

iElvis

Oct 16, 2003, 07:10 AM

Another leak?

iElvis

Oct 16, 2003, 07:11 AM

and...

diniscorreia

Oct 16, 2003, 07:15 AM

Originally posted by iElvis
Another leak?

I believe that's a third-party product...

pjtro2

Oct 16, 2003, 07:18 AM

Originally posted by windwaves
Could someone please explain to me the excitment about a stupid voice recorder, I just don't get it !

I'm a full time student, with a memory like a sieve. The idea of being able to record a lecture to revise over it later is a god-send. I have enough to carry around as it is to even consider a dictaphone etc..

I think as a feature, it will mainly appeal only to students, (quality depending), but if the amount of people at my uni who have one/or crave one is anything to go by, Apple are right on the target.

mxpiazza

Oct 16, 2003, 07:19 AM

Originally posted by iElvis
Another leak?
This has been a released 3rd party product for months.

nice try though :D

rickey939

Oct 16, 2003, 07:19 AM

Originally posted by iElvis
Another leak?

Umm, that's from Dr. Bott and came out for both 3G and Original iPods weeks ago...

wjdennen

Oct 16, 2003, 07:26 AM

Cool. Apple and Pepsi:

The Cupertino, Calif., company, which reported fiscal fourth-quarter earnings Wednesday that beat analysts' expectations, is expected to announce today a promotion deal that would give Pepsi buyers free songs from Apple's fledgling online music service.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-apple16oct16,1,3276726.story

balconycollapse

Oct 16, 2003, 07:39 AM

pjtro ya beat me too it! but your soooooo right!

edit: wjdennen!!! crazy, i was joking about the pepsi thing and you posted legitimate info while i was typing this!!! insane!!! well maybe this could be a reality :) when pepsi promotes something they crush the competition...i wonder if we will see brittany spears or bobdole with an ipod now...back to my original just woke up silly post...

"just one look" starts playing (like in that pepsi commercial with cindy crawford in daisy dukes)

picture the "cool" guy/girl walking into class with a pair of mysterious white headphones on. Sits down at his/her desk. Said member of the opposite sex eyes the white player, makes goo goo eyes. The guy/girl thinks its them and not the ipod. They unsheath the accesory and record the entire lecture. Everyone in class is salivating. Professor even has to stop talking for a second so distracted at the cool gadget. Thinking of ways to divert 400 dollars from his checking without to much wife hassle. The "i missed the lecture wanna study together" channel is opened up. The guy/girl wins! The smitten party gets to hang out with an ipod, and they win too!

Bandit

Oct 16, 2003, 07:39 AM

What about cost. How much will this accessory cost. Media readers are around $30 so I'm guessing $49 for the device.

Will it download pics from a card at firewire speed? I have a USB reader and it is slow. Plus firewire readers are more like $60.

What about functionality in iPhoto. Will you iPod show up like an album with all your pics instantly. Will plugging it in launch iPhoto automatically like a camera does?

mum

Oct 16, 2003, 07:40 AM

Originally posted by Dahl
Time difference ?

No, can't be that - Europe's about six to eight hours ahead, so if Apple announces something, we get to know it that much earlier.

Errr.....

caveman_uk

Oct 16, 2003, 07:47 AM

Originally posted by gotohamish
Interesting! The Apple Store UK are usually behind the US store!!!
Yeah, that'd be a first. The UK to get something before the US. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

eric67

Oct 16, 2003, 07:55 AM

Originally posted by iElvis
and...

I am sure this is iTrip, it already exists

crees!

Oct 16, 2003, 08:23 AM

Originally posted by Jesus on OSX
I'm unimpressed. ... Who the hell wants to carry around an accessory just to have recording functionality. Blah.

I do. Especially when going to shows and recording bands. If it's a high fidelity mic then hell.. this would be a great alternative to using a cassette recorder.

Plus I could fall asleep in class and not miss anything ;)

chorizo

Oct 16, 2003, 08:32 AM

"This graphic appeared half-way down the right column on Apple's UK Store, but lead to a dead link." In a discussion of function and quality, it would be nice to know the difference between "lead" and "led".

sfhc21

Oct 16, 2003, 09:41 AM

Any chance the iPod is on its way to jumping into the video realm? With the RCA RD2780 LYRA on its way and the Archos AV300 already here, Apple needs to get going on its own version. Pictures, Video, Recording, Radio and Music - thats what Im waiting for.

pianojoe

Oct 16, 2003, 09:47 AM

Originally posted by billyboy

IMO it´s a good move though including this option, because I for one have never given an iPod a second glance because I just couldnt justify the expense of a glorified Walkman, however fantastic it might be. I have also been in the market for a digital dictaphone to use at University, but again not been prepared to shell out £150 for a recorder with a decent recording time.

Actually, I got me an iPod when they were brand new (yes, 5GB), but I sold it, and got me an Archos Jukebox instead because I needed recording so badly, and I hate MiniDisc. The moment they bring HQ MP3 recording to the iPod, I'll buy one.
My Archos does what it says it does, but it's badly assembled, it's ugly, and the UI is a nightmare. And then, with my 12" PB I can't use USB 2.0, so data transfer is darn slow, too.

Le Big Mac

Oct 16, 2003, 10:12 AM

Originally posted by iElvis
and...

I noticed that too. It's in the US store as well if you scroll down the accessories list after selecting an ipod.

Le Big Mac

Oct 16, 2003, 10:15 AM

Originally posted by doc_99

The media card reader does have me interested though as I have a Canon G5. It'll save me lugging around my laptop to flush my memory cards.

I agree. It's great for digital photographers. I don't care if you can't view the photos on the screen. Just the ability to use the ipod as a portable harddrive/image tank is tremendous, and means no need for any more memory cards.

It really shouldn't be too difficult. All it needs to do is download the images to a photos folder on the ipod, and then have those upload the next time you sync with a mac.

Good stuff if true!

TMay

Oct 16, 2003, 10:29 AM

Useful, but awesome would be a speech to text package that would work with a strangers voice, not just mine. ViaVoice might be a start though, if by typing corrections to the text, speech could be learned after the fact. This would then be useful for recording classes.

Another option would be for each instructor to provide his ViaVoice speech profile.

The best way to aquire this speech would be via the iSight, which could then (selectively) capture images. A quick organization, and, lecture notes are created.

Food for thought.

fpnc

Oct 16, 2003, 10:30 AM

I've already posted my opinions (and analysis) on all these iPod-based image card reader and camera rumors over on the "iPod Peripherals - Mic and Image Card Reader?" thread. But let me say it once more, IMO there will not be any card reader or camera functions announced at today's event. However, Apple will introduce an audio record feature with some new iPod firmware features and (of course) they'll intro the iTunes Music Store for Windows products. So, no card reader, no image display, no camera features.

Flowbee

Oct 16, 2003, 10:56 AM

Originally posted by chorizo
In a discussion of function and quality, it would be nice to know the difference between "lead" and "led".

Good one! Now everyone here knows how smart you are.:rolleyes:

From Win to Mac

Oct 16, 2003, 11:25 AM

They created the iPod, as well as 2 new Generations of it.

But they didn't include everything... until all the other companies had created pretty good copies (DELL !!).

Now, they'll release new additions to it that the other players don'T have. I mean, which kid won't want an iPod so that he can sleep in class and record the lesson !!!

And now with the iTMS for Win, they have a really really good offer for everyone... including Canada!

pjtro2

Oct 17, 2003, 12:52 AM

Originally posted by fpnc
I've already posted my opinions (and analysis) on all these iPod-based image card reader and camera rumors over on the "iPod Peripherals - Mic and Image Card Reader?" thread. But let me say it once more, IMO there will not be any card reader or camera functions announced at today's event. However, Apple will introduce an audio record feature with some new iPod firmware features and (of course) they'll intro the iTunes Music Store for Windows products. So, no card reader, no image display, no camera features.

Hooray for the misinformation of others!
Bring on the card reader thankyouverymuch!

fpnc

Oct 18, 2003, 02:41 PM

Originally posted by pjtro2
Hooray for the misinformation of others!
Bring on the card reader thankyouverymuch!

As for my comments about no image card reader. I think I was partially correct. This wasn't an Apple product, it's a third-party offering (Belkin). What I was talking about were Apple-designed products, not some third-party accessory that seems somewhat clunky and not at all in step with the iPod's elegant industrial design.

You can call me guilty of revisionist thinking, but if it had been revealed that this would be a third-party product I would have expressed a different opinion.

As for the accessories that were introduced by Belkin, I can appreciate Apple's desire to encourage third-party products for the iPod, but frankly I was hugely disappointed that these weren't Apple-labeled products.

Squire

Oct 18, 2003, 07:08 PM

Originally posted by fpnc
As for my comments about no image card reader. I think I was partially correct. This wasn't an Apple product, it's a third-party offering (Belkin). What I was talking about were Apple-designed products, not some third-party accessory that seems somewhat clunky and not at all in step with the iPod's elegant industrial design.

You can call me guilty of revisionist thinking, but if it had been revealed that this would be a third-party product I would have expressed a different opinion.

As for the accessories that were introduced by Belkin, I can appreciate Apple's desire to encourage third-party products for the iPod, but frankly I was hugely disappointed that these weren't Apple-labeled products.

Come on, now! That's a bit lame. A card reader was announced and you predicted that one wouldn't be announced. I don't get the "partially right" part. I guess I'm accusing you of revisionist thinking. ;)

However, I do agree that it's disappointing in that Apple didn't brand it themselves. I think Steve said that they "developed it together" or something. Even more so, I find it confusing that Apple didn't make it. Why not? That's going to be a huge seller.

Squire

pjtro2

Oct 18, 2003, 08:16 PM

Originally posted by fpnc
As for the accessories that were introduced by Belkin, I can appreciate Apple's desire to encourage third-party products for the iPod, but frankly I was hugely disappointed that these weren't Apple-labeled products.

I do agree with you there (partially ;) ) .. I think everyone would prefer apple's carefully considered aesthetic. How could you not?
As a designer myself, the thought of pairing up a pretty little iPod with 'Ugly Bob' isn't hugely appealing, BUT... regardless of the new peripherals apparent clunkiness & bulk, they are going to suit my purpose & be a welcome addition.
My gripe, however, is the fact the card reader doesn't support Memory Stick Pro. It supports the old blue Memory Stick which Sony are phasing out. I recently purchased a Sony Digital still camera - which thankfully is backward compatible with the blue cards, But I basically have to fork out for a previous release memory stick to make it compatible with the reader.
I hope Belkin offer support for it in the near future. Anyone else faced with this problem?

fpnc

Oct 19, 2003, 01:29 AM

Originally posted by Squire
Come on, now! That's a bit lame. A card reader was announced and you predicted that one wouldn't be announced. I don't get the "partially right" part. I guess I'm accusing you of revisionist thinking. ;)
....Squire

If you read all of my posts that occurred before the announcement I think you'll see that my observation was that I could see no way that Apple could design a card reader that would be consistent with the elegant design of the iPod. Basically, what Belkin introduced just confirmed my fears and I think this is one reason why the product that was introduced was not produced by Apple. AFAIK, there were no rumors suggesting that this would be a non-Apple product. Thus, I think it is fair to say that Apple did not introduce an image card reader for the iPod, Belkin did.

In that same fashion I was wrong about the microphone attachment. Frankly, I'm confused as to why Apple didn't offer their own audio input device. Maybe (hopefully) Apple has a better product under development (something allowing stereo, high-quality recording).

Squire

Oct 20, 2003, 09:45 AM

Originally posted by fpnc
If you read all of my posts that occurred before the announcement I think you'll see that my observation was that I could see no way that Apple could design a card reader that would be consistent with the elegant design of the iPod. Basically, what Belkin introduced just confirmed my fears and I think this is one reason why the product that was introduced was not produced by Apple. AFAIK, there were no rumors suggesting that this would be a non-Apple product. Thus, I think it is fair to say that Apple did not introduce an image card reader for the iPod, Belkin did.

I read through the earlier posts related to the card-reader. I'm glad I did; you brought up a lot of interesting points. (For example, I didn't know that Apple was involved with early digital cameras.) The one to which you refer, I believe, is below. In it, you mention technical not aesthetic reasons for your reluctance to believe in the card-reader rumors. In your defense, you do say that you "...don't think we'll see any device from Apple in the near future." However, I believe that's the only place you where make that distinction.

Here's where you make your case...

Originally posted by fpnc
As for the multi-media card reader idea (off-loading photos from you digital camera), yes that would be a very nice trick. However, I think there may be technical reasons why that might not be possible. USB, for example, is not a symmetrical hardware interconnect. That is, there is a difference between being a USB host and a USB peripheral and up until now the iPod has only acted as a peripheral (and it may only be able to act in that mode, the hardware might not support being a USB host). Firewire is more capable in this regard but I've heard nothing about the iPod being able to act as a Firewire host (it's possible, but not certain). So, perhaps the iPod could host a Firewire-based card reader. But it would require software support from Apple (significant effort?) and there might also be copy-protection issues so I don't think we'll see any such device from Apple in the near future.

...and again...

Originally posted by fpnc
Just so my earlier predictions don't get lost in the recent "crush" of expectations, here is what I expect -- audio recording yes, but no image card reader or camera features.

...and again, except that you mention the word "announced" here.

Originally posted by fpnc
I've already posted my opinions (and analysis) on all these iPod-based image card reader and camera rumors over on the "iPod Peripherals - Mic and Image Card Reader?" thread. But let me say it once more, IMO there will not be any card reader or camera functions announced at today's event. However, Apple will introduce an audio record feature with some new iPod firmware features and (of course) they'll intro the iTunes Music Store for Windows products. So, no card reader, no image display, no camera features.

Judging by what you wrote, I'd say that it's pretty evident that you were not expecting an announcement of an image card reader from Apple or, for that matter, any other manufacturer.

Squire

Note: I normally wouldn't make a response this long but I'm on vacation ;)