Apple’s original iPod shuffle was easy to understand when it debuted in January 2005. Back then, Apple was on the cusp of becoming a mass-market retailer, and the least expensive model in its iPod lineup was the $249 iPod mini. Apple needed something really cheap for kids and grandparents, an iPod it could sell at Walmart and use to build market share in developing countries. So the original screenless, Click Wheel-less, fancy box-less $99 iPod…

In completing its teardown of the fourth-generation iPod shuffle, iFixit has indicated that the device is “extremely difficult’ to open, rendering it nearly unserviceable by end users. iFixit found that the device’s control wheel is attached to the logic board via a connector, making it easy to remove, while the battery is soldered to the logic board, making replacement difficult. In addition, access to the shuffle 4G’s internals…

Apple has confirmed via a graphic on its Game Center web page that the iPhone 3G will not support the upcoming social gaming network. The graphic indicates that Game Center will be supported on the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and second-, third-, and fourth-generation iPod touch. Mac Rumors notes that in its iOS 4.1 betas, Apple had initially offered support for Game Center on all iOS 4-capable devices, but removed support for the iPhone 3G and second-generation…

SpoonJuice has released a universal update to its Night Stand HD alarm clock app for the iPad, adding iPhone and iPod touch support. Night Stand HD 1.5 now includes high-resolution artwork for Retina Display devices and adds support for background alarms on multitasking-capable iOS 4 devices, allowing alarms to sound regardless of whether the app is running or not. Additional new features include a ninth clock theme for iPad users, a stopwatch with…

Apple Japan replaced around 5,000 iPod nano batteries over a three week period in August, according to the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. The Mainichi Daily News reports that Apple replaced 4,994 first-generation iPod nano units from August 11 to September 1, a substantial increase that can be attributed to the company’s posting of a statement on its website explaining how users of first-generation iPod nano units can receive…

Majic Jungle Software has released an update to Chopper 2 adding TV Out support for the iPhone 4 and several other improvements. Chopper 2 is a side scrolling action game where players fly a helicopter to undertake missions such as escorting vehicle convoys, rescuing civilians and attacking enemy vehicles and fortifications. A universal app for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, the game features HD graphics and gyroscope controls on supported devices and…

In addition to our earlier unboxing photos of the fourth-generation iPod shuffle, we’ve now posted several images comparing the colors of the fourth-generation iPod shuffle to those of past iPods, including the second- and third-generation iPod shuffle and the second-, third-, fourth-, and fifth-generation iPod nano. More photos are available on our Flickr photostream. ...

Apple has released a minor update to its Find My iPhone app for iOS devices, adding support for the new fourth-generation iPod touch and translation fixes for French, German and Japanese languages. Find My iPhone is a free app that allows MobileMe subscribers to access the Find My iPhone service directly from an iOS device. Users can log in to their own MobileMe account and locate, play a message, or remotely lock or wipe any devices that are registered…

Apple has released a minor update to its MobileMe iDisk application for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. MobileMe iDisk is a free application that allows iOS device users to open, view and share files from their online iDisk storage. The application also provides the ability to continue playing audio files in the background on multitasking-capable iOS 4 devices. Version 1.2.1 fixes an issue that prevented package files such as Keynote presentations…

Mophie has rolled out its new Juice Pack Air battery case for the iPhone 4. Like past Juice Pack Air models, the new iPhone 4 version integrates a rechargeable battery—1500 mAh, in this case—into a protective case with open access to the headphone port, camera + flash, volume buttons, ring/silent switch, and sleep/wake buttons. Mophie claims the new Juice Pack Air offers up to six hours of talk time over 3G, up to five hours of…

A number of iTunes 10 users are having issues importing CDs after installing the updated software. In a lengthy Apple Support Discussion thread, users are claiming that upon inserting a CD, it is recognized by the Finder—the problem appears to be unique to Mac OS X—and iTunes opens as usual, but then begins behaving strangely, rapidly moving between the CD and the Music section and refusing to respond to user input. The problematic behavior…

Apple has announced that its new Ping music-focused social network has reached the one million user mark, and did so in less than 48 hours after the service’s launch. Announced by Apple last week, Ping ties into the iTunes Store to let people follow favorite artists and share their musical tastes with friends. “One-third of the people who have downloaded iTunes 10 have joined Ping,“ said Eddy Cue, Apple’s vice president of Internet Services.…

Pianomedia has introduced its Padbook case for the Apple iPad. The Padbook is a folio-style case featuring two changeable surfaces, elastic holders on the corners, a fold-out stand, a loop closure, and a dedicated space for the Apple Bluetooth Keyboard. Available in three colors, Pianomedia’s Padbook case for the Apple iPad sells for $35 and up. ...

Apple has revealed its Fall 2010 iPod lineup at its recent media event, along with a new Apple TV, and a new version of iTunes—plus information on iOS versions 4.1 and 4.2. Here’s a quick summary of the key announcements, with a convenient gallery of photographs. Fourth-Generation iPod shuffle: Physical buttons return in this $49, 2GB screenless music player. Sixth-Generation iPod nano: The Click Wheel disappears, giving way to a touch-based…

iLounge has received its fourth-generation iPod shuffle shipment and has posted a gallery of unboxing photos to our Flickr account. Notably, the packaging for the new device is impressively small, occupying just enough space to hold the shuffle, a charging/sync cable, and a set of standard Apple earphones. The iPod itself is made from polished metal that is not as glossy as the fifth-generation iPod nano, but considerably shinier than past shuffles…

Nike has released Nike+ GPS, a new iPhone application that provides tracking of runs on the Nike+ service using the iPhone GPS and accelerometer. Similar in design to the integrated Nike+ app found on current iPhone and iPod touch devices, Nike+ GPS can track both indoor and outdoor workouts, recording pace, distance and run route without requiring the use of special shoes or the Nike+ sensor. The application also provides motivational messages from…

For a number of enterprise Wi-Fi connection types, IT administrators will deploy profiles they create with iPhone Configuration Utility to automate and/or restrict user Wi-Fi connections. Including the CA Certificate for these connections will remove the users' need to verify that they trust the Certificate(s) provided each time they reconnect to Wi-Fi. CA Certificates and Trust settings can be provided within configuration profiles.  

iLounge will be only modestly updated today as our editors celebrate Labor Day. We hope you, your family, and friends enjoy a relaxing holiday together.  iOS 4.1 will be released for the iPhone and iPod touch on September 8, 2010, according to a small banner on Apple’s United Kingdom website. The text, which has since reverted to ‘Coming Soon,’ did not appear on the United States Apple site, but is likely to be accurate. A subsequent…

When using an Exchange ActiveSync account, email attachments may not download. Tapping the attachment to start the download shows a spinning wheel which never stops.

If an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is not recognized in iTunes on Windows, the Apple Mobile Device Service (AMDS) may need to be restarted. Alternatively, you may see the following error when connecting your device: "This iPod cannot be used because the Apple Mobile Device Service is not started."