Wize Blog

Apple Releases A Brand New iPod Shuffe

 

What do you think of the new iPod Shuffle? I'm a fan of "The Apple Experience" and just like all of their previous releases, this one is full of all the great PR, display ads, commercials, etc., but this release also has some interesting aspects to it.

First of all the size of the iPod has shrunk even more than the previous ones and is smaller than the size of an average house key! The access controls are now located on the right ear bud headphone cord, which is probably going to be the reason for contention. Let me explain. For now at least, you have to use Apple's own headphones in order to control this device. Oh, but did you just shell out $300 for Beats by Dre? Well as Engadget has pointed out, you'd need to get another $20-$30 adapter to make that work!

I've already spoken to a few people and over and over I keep hearing:

"Sure, but what is apple thinking? It may look super sexy, but where's the usability? You can't just pick it up and start listening to music on it. Also, I doubt people want to pay $20-30 for an adapter to use their existing in-ear or wireless headphones. Two years ago, when people had more expendable income, they could get away with it, but I don't think now.

The one cool feature that has promise is the new VoiceOver feature they've introduced. It's easy to read online reviews about it and to read Apple's own description of the technology, but this to me is just one of those things where you have to try it out yourself. The best way to test this feature and figure out if it's as good as it seems is to get out on a treadmill and determine for yourself whether it's really going to keep the Shuffle as one of the best MP3 players for working out.

Brookstone Inflatable Travel U-Pillow

Do you love listening to music while swimming? Are you afraid of ruining the radio if it gets wet? Do you have the radio on near the house and get tired of getting in and out of the pool to change the channel or volume, just to drag dirt and grass into the pool? These are problems that many people have experienced in the past. There is now a product that will solve all of these problems. Brookstone has developed an inflatable radio pillow for the pool!

Now you will be able to listen to the radio right there in the pool thanks to this inflatable, water-resistant pillow. These pillows are made by Brookstone. You will be able to pick up AM/FM transmissions, so you will be able to catch whatever type of music you love to listen to. The pillow combines technology with something that is comfortable at the same time. With just a simple touch of a button, you can change the channel or volume. These pillows are great for the beach or any pool. It can make your aquatic experience a happy and relaxing one. So lay back, relax and let the music take you to paradise!

This post was written by Devicepedia, guest author of the Wize Blog

Trekstor i.Beat Organix Limited Edition Gold MP3 Player

Music is something that is universally known and shared. The way we listen to music has changed from something big as a way of listening to something that can fit in your hand. We first only had big and bulky stereos but now technology has advanced to being able to listen to music on devices that can fit anywhere. MP3 players are widely found because they are small and can be taken anywhere. If you are one of the lucky few, you can order custom MP3 players that can be tailored to anything you desire. The Trekstor i.Beat Organix Limited Edition Gold MP3 player is an example of a custom order.

It was custom ordered by a Russian-Canadian billionaire. The MP3 player has 63 diamonds and covered in 18-karat gold. It is a 1 GB memory, can play multiple forms of music files (including MP3, WMA, WAV, ASF and OGG files), has two headphone jacks, a radio, alarm clock, stopwatch and a voice recorder. It is being sold on Amazon but does come with a hefty price tag. This MP3 player is considered the world’s most expensive MP3 player. They are a limited edition so if you want one, you must act now before they are all gone!

This post was written by Devicepedia, guest author of the Wize Blog

Record Media onto your iPhone, iPod with iRecord

You can get media onto your iPhone, iPod and other USB devices, including your laptop by using the new device, iRecord.

iRecord was introduced at MacWorld Expo in January, 2008. 

Essentially, it  is a RCA or SVIDEO to USB converter. It allows you to record music, movies, TV shows directly to your iPod®, PSP®, iPhone/iTouch (via iTunes) and other USB based devices.

To operate iRecord, you connect the iRecord device to any analog video (for example, TV set) or audio source with RCA or SVIDEO cables. Then you connect a USB cable from iRecord to your iPod®, PSP®, iPhone/iTouch (via iTunes) and other USB based devices to record video or audio contents.

The digitally recorded files can be immediately played back on your iPod, PSP® or any other USB mass storage device that plays audio files as MP3 or video files as MP4.

XBox 360 TO Offer ESPN Programming Through Download Service

People who have Microsoft XBox 360 delivered through their cable company have enjoyed on-demand, pay-per-view movie and television service for about a year now.

This year Microsoft teamed up with Disney to offer movies with the Xbox's download service.

Today, ESPN joins the service, offering their programs through the Xbox. Viewers are offered NCAA football and basketball games and other sports related programming.

Miscrosoft offers the downloadable conent through its Xbox 360 Marketplace. It had previously teamed with six content partners for a wide choice of programming options.

Movies can be downloaded in standard-definition or in high-definition.

The service also permits viewers to much of the content from the television networks.

Last March, Microsoft introduced Xbox 360 Elite, which, according to their Web site has the following features:

Xbox 360™ Elite, a new model of the video game and entertainment system includes a 120GB hard drive, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port, a high-definition cable, and a premium black finish for the console, wireless controller and Xbox LIVE® headset. Xbox 360 Elite has enough space for a library of Xbox LIVE Arcade games and thousands of songs, as well as downloadable high-definition TV shows and movies available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. The new 120GB hard drive also will be sold as a stand-alone accessory to give current Xbox 360 owners greater choice and flexibility in their games and entertainment experience. Additional Xbox 360 Elite accessories, such as the black Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, Xbox 360 Play & Charge kit and the Xbox 360 rechargeable battery, will be available separately.

Sony Walkman NWZ-S610 Reviews Roll In

Well, the reviews are beginning to flow in from sources like CNET, PC Mag, and Skatter Tech, which signal that this new Sony Walkman NWZ-S610 release is not so bad. 

The consensus so far seems to state that the UI, quality of sound, and price point indicate more positive reviews will come in time. 

Want to read the early scoop yourself, try these first reviews that came in:

CNET - 7.7/10

PC Mag - 3.5/5

Skatter Tech - Thumbs up

To see similar products on Wize.com, try these Sony Products.

Sennheiser's Four New Headphones Focus on Quality

The CX 400, CX 500, CX 55 Street, and CX 95 Style earphones are about to join Sennheiser's line of products.  Like their predecessors, these headphones are focused on eliminating distracting noise which improves overall sound quality.  All feature interchangeable adapter rings to provide a better fit within ones ear canal. 

The CX 500 is a higher end model with a a wider frequency response and special flange ear adapters. The CX 55 is targeted towards bass lovers and the stylish CX 95 offer what is described as enhanced comfort and a metallic look. 

With the newly released Apple Ipod Touch hitting stores, it only makes sense to think about headphone enhancements which can improve the sound of your new toy.  And, with price points of $80 to $140 this could be the perfect addition to any of the mp3 players you may already have, like the ones below:

Headphones on Wize.com

The Nostalgia of Summer Ending

Perhaps it's simply the cloud cover that surrounds us today that reminds me that summer is rapidly coming to a close, and Autumn is right at our doorstep.  Perhaps its football peering it's head into our lives on Sunday's and Monday's.  Or perhaps it is the ever present reality that in most places in the country leaves are just beginning to fall. 

This leads me to one realization, that we must hold onto summer for as long as we possible can (okay, well two realizations) and grasp Fall with both hands.  One way to do that is to be fully prepared.  In order to do so, I have concocted a short list of must-have items that will make you feel like you are fully ready for this new season.  Here are today's Wize Five.

I will start with the most obvious item first, the grill.  Football isn't the same without some burgers and dogs, and according to Wize.com, the Webber 847001Grill, with a WizeRank of 94 is a sure bet according to the dozens and dozens of reviews gathered. 

In case you are too busy to BBQ and still want to watch your fantasy football players time off the bench, the Tivo TCD648250B is your best bet.  90% of reviews are positive, and this is the highest ranked DVR according to Wize.com.

Yes, we have a theme... finally in order to really experience the game a top notch home entertainment system is a must.  This fall, maybe you deserve the Onkyo HT-5894 5.1 Channel Home Theater System.  Amazingly, 100% of reviews from users and experts are positive.  All are gathered on Wize.com at the link above.

Yes, not all of us can be rabid football fans, so for those who are looking for some great fall necessities the West Bend 84755 Slow Cooker is a good bet for quick and easy meals.  With an average price of $32, it is hard to go wrong, especially with 95% of reviews across the web being positive.   

Warm homemade bread is always great when the days are cooling off, and now it has never been easier.  The West Bend 41077 Just for Dinner Bread Maker produces the easiest loafs, to a wide variety gourmet breads, and for those who can not consume huge quantities this is the machine to get. 

And with that, the seasons begin to change.