World of Apple

In a statement to the press this week Apple confirmed that a issue where first-generation iPod nanos’ short circuit and overheat causing a device-killing fire.

Image courtesy of The Consumerist

Apple has explained that it will replace for free any affected iPod nanos.

Apple today responded to statements reported by Japan’s METI regarding batteries in the first-generation iPod nanos. Apple has determined that in very rare cases, batteries in first-generation iPod nanos sold between Sept. 2005 and Dec. 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.

Apple has released the latest minor firmware update for the iPhone and iPod touch.

Apple has today quietly released firmware version 1.1.5 for iPod touch users who have opted not to pay for firmware version 2.0.

Although Apple has offered little information as to what is included with the firmware update, reports suggest that no new features are added, which means that 1.1.5 is likely just a bug fix and stability update.

According to Craig Berger analyst for FBR Capital Markets, Apple has revised both its third and fourth calendar quarter iPhone build numbers “significantly higher” to more than 15 million units. The company also placed orders for an additional 2 million 2G iPhones.

“With about seven million incremental units being built in [the third quarter] versus [the second quarter], this data clearly has positive implications for iPhone chip suppliers,” Berger said. ‘[Second quarter] build volumes fell by 25 percent versus prior checks in mid-May (now up only 80 percent quarter-over-quater) as Apple pushes production out a bit into [the third quarter].

Q3 iPod build volumes have reportedly been revised by up to 15% since the analysts last checks.

The analyst added that, “Greater Classic and Nano builds are partially offset by fewer Touch builds,” but, “[Second quarter] build volumes remain largely unchanged, growing 35 percent quarter-over-quarter.”

Mac orders have also apparently shot up, research by Berger suggests anywhere from a 10 to 20 percent increase in Mac system builds.

“These checks also suggest Apple continues to knock the cover off the ball, that its product cycle momentum is ramping, and that any consumer spending malaise in the U.S. or Europe has yet to impact Apple-related product demand,” Berger stated in his report to clients on Thursday.

Billboard reports that Spanish consumers will soon have to pay an anti-piracy tax on media devices such as the iPod which are capable of storing, recording or playing sounds or images.

The tax aims to raise €117.8 million from iPod, mobile phone and other sales this year. MP3 players will see a €3.15 per unit levy, while devices such as printers, ink cartridges and printers will also be taxed under the new law.

Manufacturers can choose to pay the tax from their profits, or to pass the additional costs onto their customers.

Analyst Ben Reitzes of Lehman Brothers noted to clients this week that the 8GB iPod touch is currently showing a shipping delay of 1-2 days on orders made on the online Apple store.

The analyst suggests that supplies are likely to be strained due to the current back-to-school promotion, which gives iPod touches away to students for free when buying a Mac.

The analyst also reports that Best Buy has seen reduced supplies of 16GB models, Reitzes offers no explanation to why this could be but does suggest that Apple needs to take action on iPod prices to realign with the iPhone 3G.

“We believe Apple will need to reposition the iPod touch product by September now that the iPhone acquisition price is lower,” the analyst notes in the report. “We expect the iPod touch to experience significant cannibalization from lower-priced iPhones.”

According to Reitzes Apple’s wider iPod sales are faring better than expected, and current data suggests that iPod sales could climb by two percent year over year through early June where they were estimated to have dropped by the same amount.

He adds that his previous estimates of 9.5 million iPods sold in the quarter could be “conservative”.

Apple has aired a new iPod advert on US television. The ad is a return to the famous silhouette style dancers that have featured in past iPod adverts.

The new advert is viewable on Apple’s website (direct download link).

High definition (720p) version available on behalf of World of Apple here.

The song featured in the advert is Shut Up and Let Me Go by The Ting Tings.

iPod shuffle Reset Utility 1.0.3 - Mac (3.6MB) - Windows (4.9MB)

Use iPod Reset Utility to restore the following iPod models back to their factory settings, when iTunes is unable to do so:

The restore process completely erases all music and data on your iPod, and installs current iPod software on it.

Plugin Manager 1.7.3 - 864KB

This update improves reliability for Apple’s professional applications and is recommended for all users of Final Cut Studio, Final Cut Express, Aperture, Logic Studio and related SDKs.

In a press release Nike and Apple announced upcoming plans for the Nike + iPod partnership. Both Nike and Apple will work with several gym equipment manufacturers such as Life Fitness, Precor, Star Trac and Technogym to make their cardio equipment Nike + iPod compatible so health club members can easily track workouts on cardio equipment like treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes and stair climbers. Nike + iPod users will simply plug in their iPod nano into the equipment at the start of their workout to automatically record their progress. Users can then connect their iPod with their computer to upload the workout to www.nikeplus.com.

“The Nike + iPod experience revolutionized running. Now we’re revolutionizing the gym cardio experience,” said Trevor Edwards, Nike’s Vice President of Global Brand and Category Management. “We’re enabling people who go to the gym an opportunity to set goals, track progress, and compete in challenges with their friends and with other members of www.nikeplus.com. It’s a groundbreaking tool for people who want to maximize their workouts.”

“The iPod is an essential part of millions of people’s workouts and now users can easily set goals and track their progress with Nike + iPod,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing for iPod. “We’re excited to be working with Nike and leading equipment manufacturers to bring the Nike + iPod experience to the gym.”

At participating gyms, including 24 Hour Fitness nationwide and Virgin Active Health Clubs internationally, members will soon be able to use Nike + iPod to track their workout and log their data on www.nikeplus.com.

Apple has begun airing an advert for the iPod touch, the advert first showed during last nights American Idol.

The advert cleverly shows off almost every aspect of the iPod touch, finishing with the phrase “Everybody touch.”

The advert can be viewed via Apple’s website or on YouTube.