Things aren’t looking too good for Apple in Japan today after it was reported that first-gen nanos have been smoking and/or sparking causing minor burns. And now Apple will gladly replace your first-gen Nano if it’s been smoking or sparking. They should replace them all regardless, IMO. Might as well contact AppleCare like they say to find out.
“Apple has determined that in very rare cases batteries in first generation iPod nanos sold between September 2005 and December 2006 can overheat causing failure and deformation of the iPod nano. Apple has received very few reports of such incidents (less than 0.001 percent of first generation iPod nano units), which have been traced back to a single battery supplier. There have been no reports of serious injuries or property damage, and no reports of incidents for any other iPod nano model.
Any first generation iPod nano customers who have experienced their battery overheating should contact AppleCare for a replacement. Any other customers who have concerns about their first generation iPod nano battery should also contact AppleCare.”
Japanese media are reporting today the government is investigating a possible battery defect in the iPod Nano, sold by Apple Japan.
Apparently, one iPod Nano (model MA005) scorched a Japanese traditional “tatami” mat (made of woven soft rush straw) in January. Another model, the MA099, singed nearby paper in August. Both incidents took place in Tokyo but even though the devices were destroyed, the fires didn’t cause any further damages or injuries.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is currently in contact with Apple Japan to find out the reasons for the defects, suspecting problems with the Nano’s lithium-ion battery. According to various reports, the iPods began to overheat while they were being charged.
Apple was instructed to report back to the Japanese government as soon as possible. A similar case was investigated in Japan in March, when an iPod Nano began shooting sparks.
iPods are Japan’s most popular portable music players and these incidents might lead to trouble for Apple Japan, given Japanese customers always expect to get absolutely flawless products.
It’s unclear whether the batteries, which caused the accidents in Tokyo, are used in iPod Nanos outside Japan, too.
We know Apple recently warned their resellers to stock up on certain items, in expectation of an inventory and manufacturing crunch. As the supply chain stabilizes itself, rumors abound about what it all means.
Most tend to believe that the upcoming iPods will feature larger storage and at cheaper prices. Considering the success of the iPhone 3G, that should be a given. The iPod touch, features a similar styling to the iPhone, but at a higher price point. With the 8GB iPod touch currently shipping for $299, (rumors say) expect to see at least a $50 price cut.
It’s not outside the realm of expectation to think that a new 64 GB iPod touch model might be hitting the shelves. Increased capacity certainly would be a selling point. As for feature upgrades? MacRumors speculates that the iPod touch also could be getting GPS capability.
Look for the iPod nano to also get an upgrade with larger capacity, said to double from their current 8 GB to 16 GB. Rumors about a new form-factor have been flying about regarding a change from the current 1.33:1 aspect ratio to the iPhone’s 1.5:1 ratio. Also, multi-colored bodies are said to be in the mix.
Same story goes with the iPod shuffle. Cheaper and larger. We could be seeing a new 4 GB model, with entry point prices hovering around $49.
Is this what the new iPod nano will look like? So says iLounge, a site that doesn’t really deal in nonsense rumors.
Apple is keen to incorporate a larger screen in this year’s nano, but the only way to do that is by using a form factor like the one pictured here. Sorta reminds you of the old iPod mini, right?
The screen would have the same 1.5:1 aspect ratio as the iPhone and iPod touch, which is slightly bigger than the 1.33:1 found in the current nano and iPod classic.
Seems plausible. I’m more interested in seeing what Apple does with the iPod touch, though.
Like years past, Apple is offering a deal for incoming college students, and it’s more or less the same one it has offered in the past.
Students who buy a Mac (which includes the MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air and iMac) will get a free iPod touch or iPod nano. My advice: go with the MacBook+iPod touch combo. You can’t bring an iMac to class, and an iPod touch can do so much more than a nano.
Keep in mind that you’re actually getting a $299 rebate and not an iPod touch or nano, but the idea is that you’ll use the rebate to buy an iPod.
Like it says, enjoy your time at school.
These waterproof speakers seem to hit a pretty good combination of price, looks, and functionality — assuming they sound good. The set can hang by a strap for the shower, or you can use the built-in stand to put it in the soap dish if you’re the bath type. It’s only for iPod Nanos, but there are plenty of you with those out there. The touch wheel area has a little membrane you can control the thing through.
At £50, or a bit less than $100, they’re slightly expensive, but not extravagant. And since the screen is fully visible, the shower might be a good place to practice your Rick Astley moves, although you won’t be able to wear that beige trench coat.
Apple Canada Inc. is offering $45 credits to Canadians who own the first-third generation iPods purchased before June 24th, 2004. This settlement is a result of two iPod owners suing when their one-year-old iPods died after 3 hours of use, not 8 like the packaging claims prompting to subvert the standard image of “nice” Canadians and encouraging them to file a class-action suit stained with bacon grease and Molson.
The deal should be finalized in court May 26th in Montreal and June 20th in Toronto. At that time 80,000 Canadians could be eligible for the credit.
This is not the only suite filed against Apple Canada Inc. The new iPod Nano has prompted one as well. Their claim is, it only has 7.45 gigabytes, not the 8 gigabytes stated on the box. At this time; Apple has not offered a settlement for this case.
Wolfson Microelectronics has apparently been shafted by Apple and will not supply parts for the next refresh of iPods. An individual close to the matter has revealed to Reuters that a new iPod Nano and iPod Touch are slated for a Q3 release. This falls in line with historical iPod refreshes/introductions as they typically come out in September or October. There’s no word on whether they’ll see a bump in storage or a complete overhaul. I’m banking on the former.
Someone’s feeling like a jilted lover, though. Can’t really blame them. I’d probably reveal secrets, too. You know you would.
I see myself as slightly less corrupt Krusty the Clown. I won’t put my name on just any product, no sir. There won’t be any Deleon Brand Grade F Meat Substitute nor will you see my name on books I don’t approve of. So when I endorse a product, rest assured that you can say to yourself, “Hey man, if Deleon’s down with that, I need to be down with that.” Then we can throw our hands in the air and party like it…
Anyhow, today I throw my good name behind the iPod nano. I know, it’s not exactly breaking news for someone to speak highly of the iPod nano, but as the weeks go by, this column will probably become Dennis Miller-like in its obscurity, so best to start as simply as possible.
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According to the mystical Fat Nano Fairy, the following are facts about the upcoming Fat Nano:
1. The new, fat iPod Nano will likely come in 8GB and 16GB versions.
2. It will have video playback.
3. It will not be called “Nano” anymore. There will be a new product name.
The Fat Nano Fairy isn’t sure what it’ll be called, though “Flower” is something to consider. What do you think it should be called? That’s what the comments are for, friends. We’re hoping they actually call it the Fat Nano, because that would rule so hard.
That is all.
Following the success of the Nike+iPod Sport Kit that’s taken the running world by storm is the Amp+ watch that commandeers your iPod nano while you’re jogging off that flab. It even has a fancy scrolling LED giving you updates on your workout. We’re still unsure of the official release, but you can check out the manual and test results in the mean time. Now get up and run, fatty.
FCC Filing
Hot on the heels of Proporta’s new Wireless FM Transmitter comes Griffin’s updated version of the iTrip. Designed to work with the 2G iPod Nano, the iTrip is looking smaller than ever and features a mini USB port for charging the iPod without having to remove the iTrip itself.
Updates also include the ability to choose which station you’d like to use on-screen and automatic volume adjustment so you don’t blow your car speakers out by accident. The new updated iTrip is on sale now and is going for around $50.
Product Page [Griffin]
If you’re a total klutz like yours truly, then you know the importance of a good case for your personal electronics. Proporta has just released its new Splash Proof Sports Kit for the iPod Nano 2G. Ready to take a beating, it comes equipped with dual skin silicone casing, a protective clear screen, adjustable armband, a lanyard, and a belt clip in case you need to look like you’re 43.
This splash-proof beauty is available now and will set you back about $40. Sailors rejoice!
Official Site
You may have a hard time scoring an iPod Nano if you live near Boulder, Colorado. Earlier this month, a small plexiglass display case was snatched from an Apple store on 29th Street. The thieves made off with 42 iPod nanos by simply grabbing the case and walking out it, as the display stand wasn’t bolted down in any way.
Police say employees failed to notice any suspicious activity on the day of the theft, which makes one wonder if this was an inside job or not. Only time and a thorough investigation will tell.
Case of iPods stolen from Colorado Apple Store [iLounge]
If you’re the kind of guy or gal who likes to hit the trails instead of the pavement and has a boatload of chest-hair to show off that Brawniness inside you, then there is an iPod case for you. H2O Audio makes some decent cases for protecting your valuable electronics and the Outdoor Case for the iPod Nano is no exception. Though a bit costly at $40, this clear plastic case comes with an armband, removable belt clip, and is shock resistant.
Unfortunately and ironically though, the case is not waterproof. Kind of takes away from the $40 you have to shell out for it. If you want one badly though, they’re available now in most stores.
H2O Audio Ships Outdoor Case For iPod Nanos [iLounge]
iLounge is reporting that a new, red iPod nano will be announced tomorrow on the Oprah Winfrey show by Bono himself. The red iPod will be a part of the Product RED program that is currently literally painting cities red to battle AIDS. The episode was apparently taped earlier this week and featured Bono and a 4GB “iPod nano RED.” It’s supposed to cost the same $199, with $10 going to the Global Fund. I don’t doubt this rumor’s true, because why wouldn’t this happen?
[iLounge]
Ever have experience that problem of having six iPods at your house and you want to be able to control them all at the same time? I know, me too, it’s a bloody menace, really.
Luckily, there is now a solution. In-wall speaker specialists SpeakerCraft have introduced the MODE Keypad. Essentially, it’s a wall-mounted LCD screen with a scroll-wheel, a volume knob and a few buttons. The LCD screen displays song titles, album names, artists, play lists and genres from your iPod. You can also use it to control MODEs own Jukebox music server, AM/FM preset stations and XM radio. It also has a remote for controlling it “from a position on the bed or while reclining on the couch.” No price yet.
MODE Networks Up To 6 iPods Around Your Home [Automated Home via Slashgear]
Kensington has released two new iPod speaker sets (becayse we totally needed more), one of which allows you to play FM radio. The two new models are the FX 300 Speaker To Go and the SX 3000R Speaker With Radio for iPod. The FX 300 Speaker To Go is a protective case, which has an integrated speaker allowing you to protect your iPod and listen to music on the go. The case is water-resistant, works with all MP3 players (through a headphone jack, not a dock) and has an external volume dial. The FX 300 sells for $29.99.
The SX 3000R Speaker With Radio only works with iPods and features a flat-panel design and a remote control for the iPod and onboard FM tuner. The dock on the SX 3000R works with all iPods, including the new iPod Nano and iPod video. The SX 3000R sells for a whopping $179.99.
Kensington’s New Speakers [Playlist Mag]
iDisguise [via 
SLE Snoopy Nano [AVING]
