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Ten years of iPods: A look back in photos

On October 23, a full 10 years will have transpired since the very first iPod was announced in 2001.

The original iPod earned mixed reactions after its debut, but it rapidly gained ground to steal popularity from other MP3 players. Some only saw the iPod as a me-too device, while others, such as CNET's Eliot Van Buskirk, foresaw it as the precursor to a new future of handheld computing. Ten years later, the iPod brand covers a whole family of products, each its own designs and functions. Click below for a look back at the iPod's biggest moments and its evolutionary transformations, some more successful than others. … Read more

Wondershare's ultimate video converter

Wondershare's Video Converter Ultimate is, as its name suggests, the ultimate video utility for Windows users. But more than just a file converter, the program is a DVD ripper, DVD burner, Web video downloader, 2D-to-3D converter, audio ripper, and even a bare-bones video editor.

It's interface is simple and straightforward, as it has all the major functions laid out as icons along the top of the window. All of the controls are intuitive, and it even lets you drag-and-drop video files.

For the most part, Video Converter Ultimate performs exceptionally well. Exactly as advertised, it lets you quickly … Read more

iPod Touch 2011 review: Still the best

This was probably the easiest review of my life.

I mean, sure I was disappointed that Apple's new iPod Touch for 2011 is just last year's model with a new coat of paint and some new software. But let's be honest. At just $199, there's nothing else out there that even comes close to what the iPod Touch offers. The competition literally gave up.

The closest competitor to the iPod Touch is a product that isn't even out yet--Amazon's Kindle Fire tablet. But even if we assume the Kindle Fire is a perfect 10, it's ultimately a different class of product. If nothing else, it's around three times the size of the iPod Touch. Let's also not forget that the iPod includes Bluetooth, AirPlay, FaceTime, an HD video camera, a gigantic app store, up to 64GB of storage, iMessages, maps, and dozens of other worthwhile features that seemingly aren't included on the Kindle. … Read more

Motorola introduces Motoactv music player

NEW YORK--Motorola is taking on Apple's iPod Nano with the Motoactv, an Android-based media player designed specifically for people who work out.

The company announced the new device at a press conference here Tuesday. Like the iPod Nano, the Motoactv has a touch screen roughly about 1 square inch. It has an FM radio. But it offers much more than music and radio.

It is also loaded with software that enables people to measure their heart rates and how many calories they're burning. People can map their workouts, and when they sync the device at home, the workout … Read more

Google Music wants to open MP3 store (report)

Google has been pretty quiet about music since unveiling a cloud service in May, but now the search company reportedly wants to launch an MP3 store.

Google could launch the music store in the next several weeks, according to the New York Times, which said the search giant has held talks with top record labels.

The MP3 store would likely be connected to Google's cloud music service, the Times reported. In addition, one source with knowledge of the talks told CNET today that Google has also looked into the possibility of obtaining worldwide music rights. Apple has also sought similar music rightsRead more

Rip your LPs! Get a USB turntable for $32.99

Are you sitting on a stack of LP and/or 45 records? Or maybe you've gotten swept up in vinyl's resurgence, and you're looking for a way to convert some new platters to a more mobile format. Whatever the case, you need a USB turntable.

In other words, a record player that feeds audio not just to your stereo, but also to your PC. In the past (and, in some cases, the present), these gizmos sold for around $100, but Geeks.com has the Vibe Sound VS-2002-SPK USB turntable for $32.99. Shipping adds around $8.… Read more

Apple iPod Nano (2011) First Take

Apple's latest iPod Nano goes on sale today with a new, lower price $129 (8GB), $149 (8GB), and a few extra software tweaks. Nothing about the iPod's design or hardware features has changed from last year's model, including the seven available colors.

Really, the difference comes down to the software, which is available as a free update to anyone who purchased the 2010 iPod Nano. The new touch-screen software offers 16 new clock face designs, improving its appeal as a high-tech timepiece, as well as a new navigation interface with larger touch-screen icons. Those who prefer the … Read more

iPod Classic gets stay of execution

This month marks the 10-year anniversary of the hard drive-based iPod that started it all. During today's iPhone press event, Apple mentioned the iPod milestone, but neglected to say a single thing about its direct descendent, the iPod Classic. The omission led to speculation that the age of the hard-drive iPod was finally at an end.

Related stories • Apple's iPhone event (live blog) • Apple unveils iPhone 4S • iPhone 4S First Take • Apple's iPod lineup (2011) • Full coverage: Apple's iPhone event

Not so. After Apple's iPhone 4S event, CNET's Josh Lowensohn confirmed with Apple representatives … Read more

Meet the 2011 Apple iPod Touch

On October 12, Apple will have a new version of the iPod Touch to sell, priced at $199 (8GB), $299 (32GB), and $399 (64GB).

The bad news is that the 2011 hardware is seemingly identical to last year's iPod Touch. You get the same front (VGA) and rear (720p) camera, same processor, and same 3.5-inch Retina display. Aside from a new white color option, the iPod Touch hardware is essentially unchanged.

The good news? Well, the iPod Touch is the least expensive (contract-free) way to get iOS 5. The base iPod Touch model (8GB) has dropped from $229 down to $199. … Read more

Apple's iPod lineup (2011)

Apple has announced its 2011 line of updated iPods, including updated versions of the iPod Touch and iPod Nano. The updated iPod Nano goes on sale today; the new iPod Touch goes on sale October 12. The iPod Classic and iPod Shuffle will remain unchanged.

iPod Touch

The 2011 iPod Touch design is seemingly unchanged from last year, but will now be available in white in addition to black. Pricing for the base model has dropped from $229 to $199 (8GB), but higher capacity models are still priced at $299 (32GB), and $399 (64GB).

The iPod Touch retains all of … Read more