Apple acknowledges iPod nano overheating in support doc

Update: Apparently, this support document is not new today, but rather an update of a document issued in August 2008 (Google cache), at which point Apple released the same information in a statement. Somehow, that slipped through my net. Apologies.

Stories of iPod batteries catching on fire are sadly nothing new—we’ve been hearing about them for over a year. But on Friday, Apple published a knowledge base document publicly acknowledging the problem—and that may be a first.

The article, Rare cases of battery overheating, specifically references first-generation iPod nanos that were sold between September 2005 and December 2006, which appears to be in line with the models investigated by the Japanese government in 2008. Apple says the problem is very rare and attributes it to batteries provided by a single supplier.

In these rare cases, the battery may overheat, causing the iPod's case to become distorted and the iPod to stop functioning. If you notice those symptoms or other signs of the battery overheating, such as discoloration, Apple suggests you stop using the iPod immediately and contact AppleCare. In addition, if you are concerned about the battery in your iPod nano, you can also contact AppleCare for a battery replacement.

The iPod nano isn’t the only Apple product that’s been dogged by reports of battery problems, however. Earlier this year, a U.K. man said his daughter’s iPod touch overheated and exploded and an Ohio woman filed suit against Apple, claiming her son’s iPod touch exploded in his pants and caught on fire. Apple has not to date issued any specific warning about iPod touch models.


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Four killer iPhone applications for runners

I used to run without music. Then I started bringing along an MP3 player. And finally I caved in to strapping my iPhone to my arm.

Sure, it's a little unwieldy, but it's comforting to have a phone with you just in case you need a sag wagon.

And don't forget the apps. Your iPhone can double not only as an iPod, but also a GPS watch, a route map, and a personal trainer. Here's my list of must-have apps for new and seasoned runners alike.

FlickTunes If your iPhone is coming along solely for iPod duty, check out FlickTunes. This 99-cent app turns the entire screen into a playback control: flick left for the next song, right for the previous one, up to pause, and so on. Sure beats trying to futz with the standard controls while you're running.

Get Running New to running? This 99-cent app guides you from couch to 5K over the course of nine weeks. It's a complete training program, with audio prompts that let you know when to run, when to walk, and so on.

RunKeeper Pro As I discussed last month, I think RunKeeper's a better system than Nike + iPod. The latest update, released yesterday, can automatically start a selected playlist when you start your run--very handy. It also adds real-time route tracking and support for geo-tagged status updates/photos. Worth every penny of the $9.99 price tag. (But the free version's still awesome, too.)

WalkJogRun Routes Looking for a good route to run while on vacation? Or a new one near home? This $2.99 app taps a library of over 400,000 user-created routes. A newly added city-search feature lets you plan ahead, and you can create your own routes on the WalkJogRun site.

OK, race fans: your turn. What apps do you take on the run? And what's your preferred method of carrying your iPhone? Armband case? If so, which one? Hit the comments to talk apps, gear, and, if you want, running in general!


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iPods may help Asperger's kids navigate life

With the advent of new technology nowadays, mankind has made life much easier. Technology that can help solve problems or reduce the obstacles in ahcieving it. Talking about technology, one item w/c basically is used for as a form of entertainment might be of big help with people who has Asperger's Syndrome.

Read for the full story, here.