Music

Touch-screen iPod in December?

I know, I know. We are all getting sick of this "the real video iPod is coming" rumor. To reiterate, this much-rumored iPod is supposed to be a touch-screen model with a design-dominating wide screen much better suited to the videos now sold on iTunes. But I find myself compelled to pass on that TrustedReviews is reporting that a "well-informed exec" has the inside scoop on the 6G iPod. The source purportedly works for a third-party vendor that makes products with the "Made for iPod" logo, and he claims to have access to this … Read more

Yikes--a Windows virus on your iPod?

Beware: Your new iPod may have shipped carrying the RavMonE virus.

Apple has released info on its Web site that describes the discovery of a Windows-based virus, traced back to its contract manufacturer. Fewer than 1 percent of iPods with video (5.5G) sold after the September 12 launch could be carrying the worm, which can affect only Windows machines. Neither the new iPod Nano nor the iPod Shuffle (not yet released) are affected.

In addition to an apology, Apple has posted a tutorial on how to get rid of the virus. The statement adds: "Because this Windows virus … Read more

The Cadillac of digital lounge recliners

For some reason, we're always drawn to items that involve reclining. Yesterday, for example, we posted an item on an "action" lounge mat (an oxymoron?) that allows you to play games and such while lying down.

Today, we're happy to follow up with the RelaX-I rocker, which Gizmag points out is an extension of Ace Bayou's line of musical rocking chairs released earlier this year. This new model is the Cadillac of entertainment laziness--a leather recliner that comes with "an optional built-in massage feature and a built-in, high-quality sound system which connects to a … Read more

Liftoff for portable XM receiver

Delphi has officially launched the portable XM receiver it quietly announced last month. Marketed as "the first Micro SD Compatible MP3 Satellite Radio" the SkyFi3 is a lightweight unit (65 percent smaller than the SkyFi2) with a built-in receiver that can be used in concert with the Live Wearable "antenna" headphones (a $49 accessory) for true portability. It's near impossible to track down a photo of these 'phones (I've tried here and here), (probably because they're big and dorky).

However, the SkyFi3, with its big-buttoned interface, big and bright 9-line 2.8-inch display, … Read more

Top 5 uses for the Lightcast

Meet the Lightcast, the LED projector that hooks up to your iPod (or other digital audio player) and projects a light show to the beat of the music.

Now, there are some obvious uses for this gadget: saving on the cost of a DJ for parties, or adding a visual element to that "mood music" for impressing your latest romantic interest. But here at Crave we like to be creative. So here are, in my educated opinion, five more reasons why you'll totally want a Lightcast in your life.

Can you think of any additions to the … Read more

Where art thou, iPod Shuffle?

The retooled second-gen iPod Shuffle looks like a nice impulse buy at $79. That is, when it actually ships. Apple's press release (and Web store) states that the "world's smallest" MP3 player will ship in October. Pretty vague, especially if you're a fanboy/girl who can't wait to clip that thing on. To me, "October" defaults to midmonth, so if we don't see a Shuffle soon, might it be delayed? Or will we see a strategic late-October ship date to kick-start the holiday season? Our latest call in to the San … Read more

Is it a sleeping bag or a game station?

We've long thought that laziness was a much understood trait. Contrary to popular belief, for example, one can be quite productive while lounging around in one's PJs. To wit: The Yamada Action Lounge SR4 is a multimedia mat that allows you to spend "hours and hours of gaming, movie and music entertainment" in supine comfort, with stereo speakers and subwoofers built into the headrest.

And lest you think the Action Lounge encourages anti-social behavior, be aware that up to eight mats can be connected to the audio output. We think of it as sort of a … Read more

No need to unzip for your iPod

Form follows function in fashion, too, not just architecture. Or, more likely in this case, form follows the money that a function like this will rake in.

Designer extraordinaire Ermenegildo Zegna has announced the Zegna iJacket as part of its Spring 2007 ZegnaSport line. (The collection is not yet on the Zegna Web site.) The lightweight windbreaker, which will come in bomber or three-quarter length, has an inside breast pocket, connection for an iPod, and buttons on the left sleeve to let you control it without having to unzip the jacket.

The sleeve buttons feature play/pause, volume, off/on … Read more

How to make your LPs hot again

Come on, admit it: You just can't bring yourself to get rid of those old vinyl relics stashed away in the closet. So we say liberate your LPs in style with a world-class turntable--that way, maybe your friends will look past the fact that it's playing Duran Duran. Or not.

No matter what your taste in music, Vestax's Guber Cube will be sure to score at least some points in the aesthetics department. There are just a couple of obstacles, as in location and price. Available only on the Japanese market after its debut in 2004, this … Read more

Zen without the (FM) harmony

Despite the cheerful existence of VCRs, DVRs, and DVD recorders, apparently the music industry still doesn't buy the whole "recording broadcasts is fair use" argument. And since they tend to have a lot of influence (if not friends), the RIAA has succeeded in getting Creative to disable an advertised feature of the Creative Zen Vision:M--namely, FM recording. The latest firmware update to the Zen Vision:M removes the FM recording feature of the device, and according to some forum users, tech support has responded thusly: "With regards to your enquiry, you may like to know … Read more