MP3 Insider (MP3)

MP3 Insider 167: The munchies take over

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:38:00 PST

This week, Donald and Jasmine talk up the new iAudio players from Cowon and how they're going to have Apple shaking in its boots (not), and also take an inordinate amount of time to espouse upon something that has very little to do with digital music: a possible monthly subscription plan for online video from iTunes. Plus, some very unsubtle earbuds from Stonedcandy--er, Skullcandy--and some listener feedback on iPod usage.

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EPISODE 167

New Cowon players hit retail:
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12519_7-10388888-49.html?tag=mncol;title
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12519_7-10389728-49.html?tag=mncol;title

Apple to offer $30 iTunes video subscription plan?

Skullcandy gets subtle...not

More from Skullcandy (since people insist on buying them)

------VOICEMAIL------

------EMAIL-------

Hi guys, I love ya show to bits!!!!

What in your opinion is the best sounding audio player I could buy at the moment. I've been a musician all my life and I'm overjoyed by FLAC but discovered my iPod Nano (4th Gen) is not willing to play these files. Is there a way to hack my iPod? I'm thinking of upgrading to the iPod Touch, would you recommend this for better sounding audio?

I'd love to hear your thoughts & ideas

Your long term fan of the show

Paul

MP3 Insider 166: It's all digital

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:41:00 PDT

Donald and Jasmine discuss some iPod numbers as well as a troubling issue with the Zune HD that Microsoft appears to be ignoring, at least for the time being. Also on deck is a new music service from Google that's aiming to make your music hunting experience a little easier, and some first impressions on the DoubleTwist software, which has been making waves among Palm Pre and other music phone users. Plus, we have some listener curiosity and hit on the fact that we're not tech support for Dell.

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EPISODE 166

iPod Stats: New Customers Keep A-comin'

Zune Issues

Google Music Service

DoubleTwist First Impressions

New How Tos:
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12519_7-10382466-49.html
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12519_7-10378074-49.html

-------READER EMAIL & CALL-------

Hey, I have a question on a new ipod touch dock that came out. Have you guys of a new dock for the ipod touch that you can use in your car from XM Satellite radio called the skydock, which enables your ipod touch or an iphone to be an XM satellite receiver. It's available at best buy or from Amazon, and from XM directly as well. supposedly it uses this new technology that helps improve FM transmissions into your car from the dock that's plugged into your car outlet. As a satellite radio subscriber, it would help to have less equipment in the car to reduce the crazy thieves that run rampid in large cities. Supposedly this also would work as a regular ipod dock for broadcasting audio from your touch or iphone, or I guess even other ipods minus the shuffle since it doesn't have the apple connector on them. It also will charge the ipod as well. what's your thoughts on an item like this? Do you think combining satellite radio and ipod touches & iphones will make a good market?

James, Flora Illinois

NOTE: WE ARE NOT CUSTOMER SERVICE

MP3 Insider 165: Ears for music

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:56:00 PDT

Donald and Jasmine discuss potential issues with the Android-based Archos 5...namely, why does the sucker keep crashing on everyone? Also, a look at the freshly posted reviews for the Monster Turbine Pro and JayBird Tiger Eyes earphones, as well as the old-school appealing Altec Lansing inMotion Classic. Finally, big ups to SanDisk for its straightforward approach to an audio issue with the Clip.

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EPISODE 165

Cowon iAudio E2

Monster Turbine Pro earphones

JayBird Tiger Eyes earphones

Altec Lansing inMotion Classic

SanDisk puts value over sound

MP3 Insider 164: Opinionation

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:09:00 PDT

Jasmine's back, and she and Donald tackle the Android-based Archos 5 Internet Media Tablet that just landed in the office--with plenty of unboxing goodness. Also, a new Cowon player is teased in Asia, and Jasmine rants uncontrollably about the sweet new Japan-only Walkmans that she's dying to get her hands on. Finally, no MP3 Insider would be complete without a sojourn into iPod Touch/Zune HD territory, which is exactly where the updated CNET Prizefight comes into play.

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EPISODE 164

Archos 5 Internet Media Tablet in the house

Cowon teases iAudio 9

Sony lets down U.S.

Prizefight: iPod Touch vs. Zune HD

-----------READER EMAIL----------

I'm bummed out that the Zune HD's browser apparently doesn't support flash video play, and I've rejected the new iPod Touch because of the awful user experience on iTunes.

I'm waiting for you guys to review the Archos Android Tablet (or have I missed it?)

a few things I'd like to know:

What do you think of its audio quality?
Does the internet browser support playing flash videos (ala youtube)?
What is battery life on the hard drive version?
Any "show stoppers" that I should know about?

-Rob from Sedona

MP3 Insider 163: Numbers don't lie (or matter)

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:46:00 PDT

With Jasmine out on vacation, Donald brings CNET Labs' Eric Franklin into the studio for an epic nerd session on audio quality measurements, including recent test data from the Zune HD and iPod Touch. We've got charts, folks!

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EPISODE 163

Audio Precision testing equipment

Audio system measurement

Inside CNET Labs

MP3 Insider 162: The Burnout

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:25:00 PDT

Jasmine and Donald are terribly tired of the Zune HD and iPod Touch, but there's nothing else to talk about (besides the wonders of fried food), so consider yourself warned. On the plus side, a cranky Jasmine is an entertaining one as she expounds upon the objectivity of spec-to-spec comparisons. Also up: Donald calls out some worthy Zune HD accessories, and several loyal listeners get to hear their musings read on the air.

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EPISODE 162

Zune HD accessories

Use Zune HD with a Mac

Zune HD versus iPod Touch

--------LISTENER E-MAILS--------

I have a question... WHY IS THERE NO CAMERA ON THE IPOD TOUCH? that was the reason i waited for 3 months after my birthday to wait for the 3g instead of the 2g.

I am so angry!

And the most annoying thing is that they put it on the nano!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FAIL!

why would they put it oin the nano witch doesn't have wi-fi or support for apps that can actually do stuff with the video? I want you guys to go up to Steve Jobs and ask him.

---Dina

What happened to the claim that the Zune HD was going to do 28 days of straight battery life? Was this a joke?

---Joseph

I'm debating between the ipod toutch 64 gig, a zune hd 32 gig or a zune 120. I would like to purchas a touch screen device because to me they are much easier to use and i like the features but i have alot of music so i need capacity. I want a zune hd because the device looks amazing, its cheaper than a touch and its not as bulky as a touch but it doesnt have the capacity i need. I was wondering if Zune was planing on releasing a 64 gig any time soon. Also i would like to know your opinion on if a touch would be worth the price or if i should just settle for a zune 120. My last question is if the zune hd's internet supports flash video or java.

---Eric

[Looking for headphones at Goodwill].. all of sudden I looked down on a shelf and all by themselves were an old pair of 1980's or early1990's Walkman type headphones. The type with the small chrome band that you pull on to adjust. The headphones looked so pathetic just sitting there no players no other headphones nothing but picture frames and old random items. The cord of the headphones were tied up by a rubber band I just couldn't imagine these things working much less blowing my mind...

...I went home plugged in my new headphones and listened to hours and hours of music. Old school meets new school, no one's going to believe me when I say how good these headphones sound and how I found them. If you come by a set of Aiwa HP-M16 headphones don't just walk by: stop, listen and enjoy. I listened for hours, these headphones fit perfectly sounded great and were in flawless condition. Next time you see an old set of headphones don't just dismiss them they may just blow you away!

---Jimmie

MP3 Insider 161: Zune-a-thon

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:32:00 PDT

On this, the day of the Zune HD, Donald and Jasmine naturally talk about the now-available player and its updated Zune Software and Marketplace. But the day would not be complete without some love for the next-generation Archos 5, a super sweet Internet media tablet that includes everything but the kitchen sink.

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EPISODE 161

CNET Zune Central

Zune 4.0 software

Zune HD Originals designs

Archos 5 Android tablet

MP3 Insider 160: Appleocalypse--2009 edition

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:12:00 PDT

Apple's dropping bombs all over CNET in the form of brand-new iPods and a freshly updated iTunes. You know what that means: harried editors scrambling to get you all the freshest details. This week's podcast has all you want to know about iTunes 9 and the updates to the iPod Shuffle, Nano, Classic, and Touch. Plus, we have plenty of video demonstrating the fifth-generation Nano's many new features.

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EPISODE 160

Check out everything iPod (and iTunes)

Editors' take: iPod Nano (5th-generation)

MP3 Insider 159: The simply superb Sansa Clip+

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:52:00 PDT

Once again, Donald and Jasmine promise a "short one" and fail to deliver. How is it that just us talking about two devices manage to stretch on for the standard 30 minutes? We'll tell you: one of them inspires a lovefest that's saccharine enough to make your teeth throb, while the other throws Jasmine into a tizzy dripping with disappointment. This discussion on two new players--the Sansa Clip+ and the S-Series Walkman--is not to be missed. Also, the MP3 Insiders touch once again on the possibility of subscription music on the iPhone and iPod Touch.

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Episode 159

Sansa Clip+ wins Editors' Choice
S-Series Walkman pisses Jasmine off
Spotify app for iPhone approved

------LISTENER MAIL-------

I heard you guys kvetching about the serious lack of a Lala app for iPhone on ep. 158. I am a regular user of the service and took a survey a few weeks back dealing primarily with a hypothetical Lala app for the iPhone, asking how much I would pay for an app, would I be willing to pay a monthly fee, what features would be most important to me, etc. One would think the company would not waste time and effort on creating a survey for something they didn't intend to develop. I, for one, hope they do come out with one soon because I quite like Lala and find it annoying that I can't take advantage of it on my iPod touch.

Love the show!

Jackie

MP3 Insider 158: What about the rest?

mp3insider@cnet.com (CNET.com) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:49:00 PDT

This week, Donald and Jasmine can't resist taunting the naysayers with yet more Zune and iPod talk, but we think you'll be interested to know that the Zune HD popped up with an app submenu during weekend demos at Best Buys across the country. And what does Microsoft have to say about that? We'll give you one guess. Also, Rhapsody gets down with the iPhone with a brand-new app that is yet-to-be-approved by Apple. Plus, we take a look at the upcoming E- and S-Series Walkmans from Sony and ponder the slow death of the Bluetooth MP3 player.

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Episode 158

Microsoft coy on apps for Zune HD
Sony S- and E-Series Walkmans get U.S. official
Rhapsody app for the iPhone
MP3 players with Bluetooth

--------READER E-MAILS---------

I have a Zune 8GB (blue) and want to get the new Zune HD. I have a Zune subscription and was wondering if I will be able to have both Zunes on my one account? So, can I transfer songs that are Zune Pass songs (note mine to keep,) onto both Zunes?

-- Dance

Hi, I'm looking at getting a 3G iPod Shuffle 1GB in the near future. I noticed a sale on them at my local Future Shop (the Canadian Best Buy) and it got me wondering whether Apple is looking to get rid of this iPod model at their big "get together" in September. Just looking for your thoughts on this.

-- Jordan from Ottawa