Archive for the ‘Audio Gadgets’ Category
AVI is far better than MP4. Video content in AVI boasts better quality. This can be proven by viewing AVI files using most digital video players.
Unlike MP4, AVI isn’t readily supported by DVD players. Nevertheless, video content in MP4 is grainy at larger viewing resolutions, again making AVI a better choice.
MP4 format is Apple’s version of video encoding. This has only existed in the media world since 2000/2001, and it is included free with many systems. HD TV has used MP4 to broadcast its signals in order to make the transmissions easier and relatively inexpensive.
AVI, like MP4, is what you would call a “container” format. The nickname applies quite well to AVI because within this particular file format, you can encode both audio and video streams. These include other video stream formats such as MPEG4, MPEG version 2, and DIVX.
MP3s and audio MP4 work the same way by compressing large chunks of video into a smaller or more portable file. This makes the file much easier to work with. These files are compressed into smaller ones without loss of quality. The MP4 players that are used to view the MP4 format are fairly simple. The file is viewed in DVD quality. This also allows the fast and seamless streaming of video possible.
AVI doesn’t specify how it should be encoded. With this, you can encode the video streams of varying formats to AVI in order to be viewed across a wide array of players. Common formats nestled inside the AVI container include ASF, M-JPEG, and DivX. However, AVI files need the proper codec in order to be viewed.
You can also encode AVI files with user-defined passwords. This makes the format ideal for those who sell private content. However, the biggest annoyance of the AVI format is the fact that codecs are required to play the content. This means you have to download something else in order to view such AVI files unless you already have the appropriate codecs installed.
Creative was at the forefront of the MP3 player industry with its line of Zen players many years ago, and time has shown that it has the necessary elements to remain in the game. The company has just passed the 32GB threshold where flash-based MP3 players are concerned, featuring 32GB of internal memory as well as an SDHC memory card slot that could potentially bump up the total storage space to 64GB (assuming you throw in a 32GB SDHC card). In addition, this 32GB Zen also comes with a wallet-friendly price of $299.
This kit is the absolute thing that you’ll need to pull off the phone call pranks or unless you like to change your music. You only get the small board shown, but it offers speaker output with 1.5W at 4 ohms. You also get a line out that will make it easy to hook up to your phone or music equipment.
A 9V battery is all you need to power this handy voice-altering device, which makes it extremely portable.
Cost - $19.95
Another improvement.The iPhone gets a new 16GB version, which more than doubles the previous model’s storage capabilities. From the Apple press release (edited for only the iPhone information):
The revolutionary iPhone now comes in a new 16GB model for $499, joining the 8GB model for $399. “For some users, there’s never enough memory,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPod and iPhone Product Marketing. “Now people can enjoy even more of their music, photos and videos on the most revolutionary mobile phone and best Wi-Fi mobile device in the world.”
Both iPhone and iPod touch feature Apple’s revolutionary Multi-Touch(TM) user interface and pioneering software that allows users to find and enjoy all their music, videos, photos and more with just a touch of their finger. All iPhone and iPod touch models include the latest software enhancements announced last month including the ability to automatically find your location using the new Maps application*; create Web Clips for your favorite websites; customize your home screen and watch movies from the new iTunes(R) Movie Rentals. Both iPhone and iPod touch feature the world’s most advanced mobile web browser in the world with Safari(TM) and great mobile applications including Mail, Maps, Stocks, Weather and Notes.
Pricing & Availability
The new 16GB iPhone is available immediately for a suggested retail price of $499 (US) through the Apple Store, Apple’s retail stores and AT&T retail and online stores. iTunes Movie Rentals are available in the US only. iPhone and iPod touch require a Mac(R) with a USB 2.0 port, Mac OS(R) X 10.4.10 or later and iTunes 7.6; or a Windows PC with a USB 2.0 port and Windows Vista or Windows XP Home or Professional (Service Pack 2) or later and iTunes 7.6.
The iPod Touch gets a new 32GB version to go along with the 8GB and 16GB models. From the Apple press release (edited for only the iPod Touch information):
Apple today added new models of the iPhone and iPod Touch which have double the memory, doubling the amount of music, photos and videos that customers can carry with them wherever they go. iPod touch now comes in a 32GB model for $499, joining the 16GB model for $399 and the 8GB model for $299.
Both iPhone and iPod touch feature Apple’s revolutionary Multi-Touch user interface and pioneering software that allows users to find and enjoy all their music, videos, photos and more with just a touch of their finger. All iPhone and iPod touch models include the latest software enhancements announced last month including the ability to automatically find your location using the new Maps application; create Web Clips for your favorite websites; customize your home screen and watch movies from the new iTunes Movie Rentals. Both iPhone and iPod touch feature the world’s most advanced mobile web browser in the world with Safari and great mobile applications including Mail, Maps, Stocks, Weather and Notes.
Pricing & Availability
The 32GB iPod touch is available worldwide immediately for a suggested retail price of $499 (US) through the Apple Store, Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. iTunes Movie Rentals are available in the US only. iPhone and iPod touch require a Mac(R) with a USB 2.0 port, Mac OS(R) X 10.4.10 or later and iTunes 7.6; or a Windows PC with a USB 2.0 port and Windows Vista or Windows XP Home or Professional (Service Pack 2) or later and iTunes 7.6.
Now what’s stopping you from getting one? No more of the low memory space excuse.
The Cubit enhances audio from the computer without losing either style or functionality.It is also the first computer speaker with integrated USB hubs.
Its distinctive cube shape design with a gloss black finish is sure to complement any desk. Once on, the Cubite will radiate a subtle orange light highlighting key buttons and the four USB ports. This stereo PC speaker delivers an impressive 3 Watts (RMS) of crystal clear sound quality with separate bass and treble controls. The full range stereo speakers and hub are magnetically shielded, thus preventing any interference from the computer or other electrical equipment. The Cubite comes with two separate leads, the USB lead provides power to the speakers and hub and the 3.5mm stereo jack provides the sound, this increases flexibility, for example, it’s very easy to have a computer powering the speakers and a MP3 player supplying the sound. If that’s not enough, the Cubite also features the following :-
- Stereo computer speaker
- USB powered, no AC adaptor required
- Plug and play, no software required
- Treble and bass controls for optimal sound tuning
- On/off switch located at the centre of the item
- On/off is indicated by a subtle orange LED
- Total output is 3W RMS
Cost - $299.99. (sold in bulk only)
Page
Callpod’s Dragon Bluetooth headset is not only good for use with cell phones, but it works just fine with PDAs, VoIP devices as well as computers as long as they are all Bluetooth compatible. The Dragon Bluetooth headset works well only within a 100 meter range, which is by far and large already a vast improvement over the ordinary 10 meter range that standard Bluetooth headsets currently employ.
It is also capable of silencing ambient noise as well as annoying pops and clicks thanks to its proprietary Dual-Mic Noise Suppression technology which is capable of isolating the user’s voice by removing background noise. The Dragon also works great when connected to the PC whenever you want to chat up a friend over Skype while on a mobile call, letting you switch back and forth between the PC and cell phone at the touch of a button.
Ambient noise elimination is due to a new Bluetooth technology known as “enhanced audio channels”, or eSCO for short. ( present in an Iphone).
Fancy a MP3 player that keeps you connected no matter where you go? At least, in areas that have WiFi networks for you to stream songs, podcasts and videos. It also has a lot of skins so can try out a whole lot of designs. Why listen to the same old stuff when you can watch or listen to whats new and hip.
- Wireless MP3 player keeps you connected on the go
- 4GB hard drive; 2.5-inch color LCD; 15-plus hours of battery life
- Hot button for instant access to millions of songs, podcasts, and videos
- FM and Internet radio; 1,000 categorized podcasts; over-the-air updates
- Comes with free 30-day trial for Rhapsody To Go
Coming up at Amazon
The miShare is a simple little device with two 30-pin dock connectors that will work with most iPods 3G and up (unfortunately not the iPod Touch or iPhone). Connect both iPods and press the button to transfer the last song (or video) played. Hold down the button and your entire ‘On-The-Go’ playlist gets copied.
Strictly speaking, this is meant only for non-copyrighted materials.
Cost - $99
The Slacker WiFi portable radio acts like a cross between your iPod and the radio , letting you access radio stations (or create personalized ones) over the internet, in addition to playing music that you already own. The neat thing is that the Slacker will buffer your radio stations on its HD, so you don’t have to be connected to the internet all the time in order to be listening to new music.
As you might expect, there is a monthly subscription cost to take full advantage of the radio service. The basic radio is free, but includes a ‘limited number’ of ads, and you can only skip 6 songs per hour. The price for premium radio is $7.50 a month, and for that, there are no ads, you can skip all the songs you want, and if you like something, you can save it from the radio onto your player. The player features 10 hour battery life, a 4″ screen, 802.11 b/g WiFi, and weighs 5 oz. A 2gb model (with 500mb for personal music, 1.5gb for radio music) will cost you $200, or you can get a 4gb (1.5gb personal music) for $250 and an 8gb (4gb personal music) for $300. Think before paying for it though
