A new iPod Touch commercial aired during American Idol on fox last night. It is the second ad of the device, which is more than all of the other iPods have had. This is said to be because it is not just an iPod but a portable WiFi Device.

The ad shows many iPod Touches on a table showcasing all the many features they have. The main purpose of the ad is to show the new apps that were ported form the iPhone to the iPod Touch last month.

You can watch the ad here in Quicktime or here on YouTube. Be sure to state in the comments what you think about the ad.

via http://www.apple-touch.com/new-ipod-touch-ad-28542.php

The iPod can supercharge your learning. But it’s often a matter of finding the right software and content. Below, we’ve listed several new pieces of software that will let you suck more educational media (DVDs, web videos, audio files, etc.) into your iPod. And we’ve also listed some important pieces of content that will make your iPod a better learning gadget. So here it goes and be sure to see our related piece 10 Signs of Intelligent Life at YouTube:

1) Put Wikipedia on Your Ipod: Encyclopodia is a free piece of software that brings Wikipedia to the iPod. Encyclopodia can be installed on iPod generations 1 through 4, as well as iPod Minis. Definitely worth a try.

2) Watch DVDs on Your iPod: This free, open source software works on MacOS X, Linux and Windows, and makes it simple to load and watch DVDs on your video iPod. Here are some helpful instructions to get you started.

3) Load YouTube Videos to Your iPod: ConvertTube allows you to take any YouTube video and convert it to a format that works on your iPod. It’s as simple as entering a url and clicking “convert and download.” If you want to give the software a test run, try converting these UC Berkeley courses that were recently launched on YouTube. Or these Nobel Prize speeches.

4) Make Other Video Formats iPod-Ready: Lifehacker recently mentioned three other pieces of software that will make a variety of other video formats iPod-ready. For Windows, see Videora; for Mac, see iSquint. Or more generally see Zamzar. In a nutshell, these items will turn a wide range of video formats into the one video format (MPEG-4) that your iPod likes.

5) Convert MP3 files into One Big iPod Audiobook File: Downloading free audiobooks can often require you to work with a series of separate mp3 files, which can make things rather cumbersome. This software does you a favor and mashes the files into one manageable file. And it has a feature that will let your Ipod remember where you stopped if you decide to take a break. (If this one appeals to you, be sure to see item # 10.)

6) Create eBooks for the iPod: This bit of software turns text files into ebooks that you can read on your iPod. After you load a text file, it will make the text readable through iPod Notes (which you can find under “Extra Setttings”). Then, voila, a portable text. Thanks to Pachecus.com for pointing this one out.

7) Record Web Audio and Move it To Your iPod: Designed for Macs, iRecordMusic enables you to easily record audio from web pages and Internet radio streams. So if you’re surfing the web and find a good piece of streamed audio, it lets you record it and then transfer the media to your iPod. The only downside is that the software isn’t free. It will run you $24.95, but it may well be worth it. You can download a trial version here.

Get a Civic Education on Your Ipod: This site allows you to download to your iPod ten important documents that any educated American should be familiar with. The texts include: The Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, Bill of Rights, Louisiana Purchase Treaty, Emancipation Proclamation, Gettysburg Address, Civil Rights Act, and several others. (Note: You can also download here an iPod version of Merriam-Webster’s Pocket Dictionary for $9.95.)

9) Load Maps onto Your iPod: If you travel to New York City, Paris, Berlin or Moscow, how will you find your way to the museums? iSubwayMaps is the answer. It lets you download subway maps from 24 major cities across the globe. You’ll only need an iPod with photo capability and you’ll be good to go. (By the way, if you want to load Google Maps to your iPod, here is a tutorial that will explain how.)

10) Study Foreign Languages, Take University Courses, and Listen to AudioBooks on Your iPod - All for Free: Ok, so this is a cheap but worthwhile plug for some of our richest podcast collections. Our Foreign Language Podcast Collection lets your learn over 25 different foreign languages. Our AudioBook podcast collection will give you portable access to 100+ classic works of literature and nonfiction. And this university podcast collection provides access to over 85 courses recorded at leading American universities. Not bad, if I say so myself. For our complete podcast library, click here.

P.S. We initially posted this item back in December when many people were tuning out for the holidays. So it seemed worth reposting. Hope you agree.

via http://www.oculture.com/2008/02/10_ways_to_make_your_ipod_a_better_learning_gadget-2.html

Your iPod is probably one of your most frequently used personal gadgets. It keeps you company at work, at the gym, in the car, and on trips. It plays your favorite music, videos, and podcasts, but did you know that your iPod is actually capable of much more?

iPod enthusiasts from around the world have dedicated their time and effort to bring you the following modifications, hacks, tips, tricks, and alternative uses to help you get more from your iPod. So here we have it. The top 10 interesting and creative ways to get more out of your iPod:

1 How to create a fully immersive VR iPod

Difficulty Level: Medium

If you love watching your video iPod during trips, but hate the tiny screen and having to hold it the entire time, this hack is for you. Phillip Torrone over at blog.makezine.com has managed to connect a VR headset to his video iPod with impressive results. All you need to recreate this impressive modification are:

2 How to play your iPod videos on your TV

Difficulty Level: Easy

If you don’t have the money to buy VR goggles, or aren’t traveling, this iPod tip is a great way for you to view your iPod videos on a larger screen. It works great for meetings and presentations, in hotel rooms, or even during family get-togethers. In order to connect your video iPod to your television, you will need the following:

1. A video iPod.
2. An iPod compatible video loaded onto your iPod via iTunes.
3. An A/V Cable like the one below. It is an 1/8inch to RCA.

Your iPod has two video settings. In order to watch video on an external source like a television, you must change the iPod settings. To open these settings, choose Videos -> Video Settings from your main iPod menu. This screen offers three settings: TV Out, TV Signal and Widescreen. Adjust to produce the video playback style you need. It should look like this:

Now hook it up to your television, press play, and enjoy!

3 How to use your iPod as the ultimate remote control

Difficulty Level: Hard

We all know how frustrating it can be to fumble around with a million different remote controls. An elegant solution is to make your iPod the ultimate universal remote control, capable of controlling nearly every remote controlled device in your home.
You will need the following:

1. An iPod.
2. A Mac or PC with recording software.
3. A Pocket PC (any Pocket PC 2002/2003 should work).
4. Griffin’s    Total Remote software and IR device ($24.99)

This hack works by using Griffin’s Total Remote software to record the infrared signals from your current remote controls. It turns the infrared signals into actual Mp3 sound files that can be played on your iPod. Those Mp3 files are then translated back into infrared via the Total Remote IR Device. For a full tutorial, check out the guide here.

4 How to run Linux on your iPod

Difficulty Level: Hard

Aside from feeling proud of yourself for expanding your iPod’s brain, here are some ways you benefit from loading Linux on your iPod:

1. Play Linux based games.
2. Word processing.
3. Advanced Calculator.
4. File Viewer.
5. Image Editing.
6. Much More. 

5 How to play more advanced games on a Linux modded iPod

Difficulty Level: Hard If you have been successful in loading Linux onto your iPod, then you should definitely take advantage of the ability to play games via Linux on your iPod. Many Linux iPod modders love to play games emulated from other systems. The following are links to the different emulators that you can download and load onto your Linux modded iPod along with installation instructions.

1. Game Boy.
2. Game Boy Advance.
3. Game Gear.
4. Nintendo.
5. Sega Genesis .

Screen Shots from modded iPods:

6 How to turn Your iPod Touch into a VoIP telephone

Difficulty Level: Hard If you already have an iPod Touch and are thinking about getting an iPhone, why waste the money? You can transform your iPod Touch into a fully functioning iPhone with a little bit of time and patience. To go about learning how to execute this on your iPod touch, follow these steps:

1. Get your iPod Touch handy.
2. Visit http://blog.tmcnet.com/blog/tom-keating/voip/voip-on-iPod-touch.asp .
3. Purchase required materials referred to in the aforementioned link.
4. Execute objectives listed above.

Download this video by PQ FLV Downloader

7 How to turn your iPod Touch into a phone message box

Difficulty Level: Hard

This could come in handy for those who would like to keep their messages for an unlimited amount of time and listen to them at their leisure. You will also have a lot more space on your iPod to store your messages than with a regular telephone message box. What you will need:

1. An iPod.
2. VoIP service via Vonage or other.
3. Ability to follow the directions found at  http://www.macmerc.com/articles/Pro_Pod_Power_Tips/365.

8 How to use your iPod while exercising (and not just for music)

Difficulty Level: Easy

Nike and Apple have recently partnered in an effort to give you more while exercising. Your iPod turns into a portable personal trainer that tracks your time, distance, pace, and calories burned. How do you get your iPod to do this?

1. Make sure you have the iPod ready
2. Visit: http://www.apple.com/iPod/nike/run.html.
3. Get a pair of Nike+ shoes from nikeplus.nike.com.
4. Begin to track your workouts!

9 How to use your iPod for directions

Difficulty Level: Medium

If you have an iPod Photo and want to save directions for a trip on your iPod, now you can! It works great with Google Maps, Mapquest, or any other online mapping service. Here is how you do it:

1. Get out the iPod photo you wish to save the directions to
2. Visit: http://homepage.mac.com/ianmeyer/PhotoAlbum17.html
3. Follow the step-by-step instructions
4. Access the directions on your iPod whenever you need them!

10 How to use your iPod while navigating the subway

Difficulty Level: Easy

For all of you city dwellers and travelers, this one is for you! No more hassle looking for the maps located at different locations at each stop. This tip will help you navigate the city  like a pro. To begin using your iPod for navigation on city subways follow these simple steps:

1. Download your desired map from http://isubwaymaps.com/.
2. Follow instructions found here in order to load the map on your iPod.
3. Navigate the city like an expert!

via http://www.quamut.com/sa/ipod_hacks.html

Further confirmation was published today that Microsoft is designing a new product that will combine video games, music and video in one handheld device.

The Mercury News reports: “The Microsoft product would compete with Sony, Nintendo and Apple Computer’s products, including the iPod. And Microsoft has some of its most seasoned talent from the division that created its popular Xbox 360 working on it. Game executive J Allard leads the project, and its director is Greg Gibson, who was the system designer on the Xbox 360 video game console. Bryan Lee, the finance chief on the Xbox business, is leading the business side of the project.

By anchoring its entertainment device as a handheld game player, Microsoft is starting from its position of strength in the entertainment business that it hopes Apple cannot match, even with its iPod. The game press has dubbed it an ‘iPod killer,’ but its functions would likely more closely resemble Sony’s PlayStation Portable multimedia gaming device.”

Via http://www.pspworld.com/sony-psp/news/report-microsoft-readying-psp-ipod-killer-003567.php

Linkin Park band member Mike Shinoda posted yesterday  that the band would be participating in “a special show that we’re doing in NYC in conjunction with apple.”

Apple has been rumored to be planning a press event to take place within the next week or so that will likely focus on the iPhone and iPod Touch’s SDK.

Apple often invites performers to play at its launch events, however Shinoda does not give much information as to what the event entails so there is a possibility that the booking may be totally unrelated to the rumored press event.

via http://www.macrumors.com/2008/02/19/linkin-park-to-participate-in-upcoming-new-york-apple-event/

Abilene Christian University (ACU) announced yesterday that they would be issuing iPhones or iPod Touches to incoming freshman for use in their college courses and day to day lives.

At ACU - the first university in the nation to provide these cutting-edge media devices to its incoming class - freshmen will use the iPhones or iPod Touches to receive homework alerts, answer in-class surveys and quizzes, get directions to their professors’ offices, and check their meal and account balances - among more than 15 other useful web applications already developed, said ACU Chief Information Officer Kevin Roberts.

They specifically mention the use of web applications that they’ve developed, but extend this concept in a demonstration movie (Youtube link) called Connected. The movie shows how a fully deployed mobile learning environment might look, with mocked up examples of true iPhone applications:

The movie details a fully integrated iPhone and college experience, with integration into coursework, class participation, payment system, directory and 3d mapping. They caution that the movie is entirely speculative, of course. Some demos of their iPhone web apps are available at http://acu.mobi/.

This news, by itself, would only so interesting if the university was acting on its own, but MacRumors has heard that Apple is taking an active role in deploying the iPhone in university settings to try to regain some of their historic educational marketshare. Besides ACU, pilot projects are expected at universities such as Harvard, MIT and Stanford in the near future. The new iPhone SDK is expected to also play a role in future iPhone/University integration, though it appears that ACU does not yet have access to it.

In 2004, Duke University had a program in which they issued iPods to incoming Freshman to allow them to listen to lecture materials. Similarly, the iPhone will have tight audio/video integration with each school’s iTunes University content.

via http://www.macrumors.com/2008/02/26/apple-working-to-deploy-iphones-at-universities/

YamiPod v1.7 available

YamiPod is a freeware application to efficiently manage your iPod under Mac OS X, Windows and Linux. It can be run directly from your iPod and needs no installation. Take a look at the feature list to find out what it can do and feel free to suggest anything that might be missing.

Via  http://www.yamipod.com/main/modules/home/

ANTIOCH - Two young girls were robbed at gunpoint of a cell phone and iPod Monday night as they left an Antioch restaurant, police said.The sisters had just left a McDonald’s restaurant on the 1000 block of Prewett Ranch Drive when four men wearing masks jumped out of an SUV and robbed them of a cell phone, iPod and cash, Antioch police Lt. Pat Welch said.

The four men’s vehicle was described as a black Ford Expedition, Welch said.

via http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_8369243

A real-estate agent, for example, could whip out an iPod to show a prospective client a narrated tour of a luxury property.

Video tours of luxury Arizona homes are now available on iPods.

VisitMyLuxuryHome.com, a new Mesa-based company that shoots videos of luxury homes for sale, announced Tuesday that its online open-house video service is included on Apple’s iTunes Music Store.

It enables buyers and real-estate agents to have narrated video tours of homes delivered to their computers or iPods, a free service that makes the advertisements much more portable.

The video tours are different from virtual tours. Instead of showing a room or property from just one spot, the videos show multiple views and include a narrator pointing out features. The company’s studio is in Gilbert, and its sales office is in Scottsdale.

The videos generally cost $500 to $1,500 for the sellers or agents, depending on the size of the house.

via http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/0226biz-talker0227.html