Alpine is releasing their first touch-screen receiver.  The IXA-W404 will only fit in a 2-din compatible car, but offers a QVGA touch-screen which is fully compatible with iPhone and iPod Touch.  The reciver can also play video files from the iPhone or iPod using a USB interface.  See the press release below:

Alpine iXA-W404 2-DIN Digital Media Receiver

The iXA-W404 is Alpine’s first touch-screen digital media receiver. Designed to deliver a
fully integrated iPod®/iPhone® experience in the car, the receiver has no CD
mechanism. The iXA-W404 meets Apple Inc.’s specifications for the “Made for iPod” and
“Works with iPhone” designations, and features a dedicated USB input for optimal
iPod/iPhone connection and superior digital sound quality. The USB input also enables
connection to USB memory devices. The iXA-W404 can also play iPod/iPhone video
files.

The 2-DIN iXA-W404 gives users two ways to navigate and access their iPod music via
their in-dash head unit: the double-encoder knob and the vibrant 4.3-inch QVGA color
touch-screen monitor. The unit’s intuitive user interface and search menu are very
similar to the iPhone/iPod Touch interface, so that users can continue the familiar iPod
experience in the car. The unit’s ultra-responsive touch-screen lets users quickly browse
through their file collection by lightly dragging the on-screen album covers with their
finger. The current album is shown in the center of the screen, with the previous two
albums/songs and next two album/songs on either side of the current selection. Users
can also navigate through files alphabetically via an alphabet bar shown on the right side
of the screen.

For those who want more from their aftermarket head unit, the iXA-W404 delivers. It is
enabled for integrated Bluetooth connectivity so that users can conduct hands-free
phone conversations through the car’s sound system. (Separate Bluetooth module
required.) The iXA-W404 can also connect to a variety of additional sources, such as HD
Radio™ with iTunes® Tagging and multicasting, satellite radio, navigation and more.
(Additional products and subscriptions required.) Discerning audio enthusiasts can enjoy
custom sound processing with the addition of a separate Alpine IMPRINT Audio
Processor.

The iXA-W404’s suggested retail index is $TBD.

Alpine iDA-X305 Digital Media Receiver

The iDA-X305 represents Alpine’s third generation of mech-less Digital Media Receivers. It
has “Made for iPod” and “Works with iPhone” connectivity and is designed to deliver a fully
integrated iPod/iPhone experience in the car. It features a dedicated USB input for optimal
iPod/iPhone connection and premium digital sound quality.

The iDA-X305’s crisp 2.2-inch color TFT screen displays artist, album and song
information, as well as album art. The unit’s double-action encoder knob enables maximum
control over all iPod/iPhone music search functions, including search by playlist, artist,
album, song, genre, podcasts, audiobooks and composer. Quick Search and Alphabet
Search make it fast and easy to navigate the largest of music libraries.

Built on Alpine’s proprietary Ai-NET platform, the iDA-X305 can connect to a wide variety of
digital entertainment options for a more enjoyable driving experience, including hands-free
Bluetooth; HD Radio with iTunes Tagging and multicasting; and satellite radio. (Separate
tuners, adapters, subscriptions and cables required.) The head unit’s dedicated USB input
also allows connection of USB MP3/WMA players and USB mass storage devices.
Discerning audio enthusiasts may enjoy customized, superior quality IMPRINT sound with
the addition of the PXA-H100 Audio Processor (sold separately).

The iDA-X305 features a built-in 18W RMS x 4 amplifier, three pairs of pre-outs and a 24-bit
DAC. Users can also choose blue or red illumination.

The iDA-X305’s suggested retail index is $TBD.

Alpine CDE-102 CD Receiver

The CDE-102 head unit features a front panel USB port for memory sticks and portable hard
drives, as well as a front panel auxiliary input. It is ideal for consumers looking for an
integrated solution for music playback from a memory stick, portable hard drive or portable
music player.

The CDE-102 also has “Made for iPod” and “Works with iPhone” connectivity, which is
available through the KCE-433iV Full Speed Connection for iPod/iPhone cable (sold
separately). Both offer fast access to music files from the head unit and on-screen display of
song information. The Percentage Search feature divides music libraries into six sections
that can be accessed via six preset buttons on the head unit, making file navigation quick
and easy.
When used with the KCE-400BT Bluetooth module (sold separately), the CDE-102 allows for
hands-free mobile phone use with full phone book access, as well as calling information
displayed on the head unit’s screen. The built-in “Phone” button on the head unit offers easy
one-touch access to a paired Bluetooth phone. Users can also enjoy streaming music from a
Bluetooth device equipped with A2DP or AVRCP protocol.

With a built-in 18W RMS x 4 amplifier (at CEA-2006 power ratings), HP crossover and two
sets of pre-outs, the CDE-102 offers flexible opportunities to build a complete Alpine sound
system.

The CDE-102’s suggested retail index is $TBD.

  Via an email Apple has sent out, they will be traveling the globe to bring iPhone application development expertise to a city near you.  Since Apple has recently lifted their NDA, they have obviously seen the importance in committing to the ever growing iPhone App Community.  The email provides you with a link to register for a developer session with Apple insiders.

This is good news for those nervous to develop apps when not knowing what is acceptable and what is not.  This should help developers get their answers and help them create better apps.  The sessions are free and have limited availability, so if this is for you, get on it.

Via the email:

Apple technology evangelists will soon be traveling the globe to bring iPhone application development expertise to a city near you.

Learn about the tools and technologies you’ll use to create great iPhone applications, then work with the experts to optimize your code, refine your user interface, and apply the knowledge you gain from the sessions.

Whether you’re new to iPhone development, a seasoned professional, or an IT pro, you’ll find a session designed just for you. Plus, learn how to get your application in front of millions of users on the App Store.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity. The event is free, but space is limited. Register for an iPhone Tech Talk today.

[Register]

  Windows 7 is just about to hit beta and be released to some people who attend WinHec or at least that is what we hear.  The new update to the interface is now being called "Windows Scenic"" and is based on the Office 2007 Ribbon interface.  This is a good thing considering the "Ribbon" was quite a nice surprise to the Office user and is well thought out.  The new interface of each window will present you with a few icons which are smartly grouped into categories and removes the clutter of the current user interface.  

Not much more information at this point, but if this is the direction of Windows 7, Microsoft is clearly making sure "7" is not met with the same negative press that Vista received. 

[via istartedsomething]

  Flickr, Yahoo’s photo upload and sharing site has been aware that its user interface can be sometimes unfriendly.  In an attempt to cure the unproductiveness, they have given the interface a much needed facelift.  The homepage now shows more information such as friends, your photostream and your friends photostream and also shows your blog.  The change is definitely an improvement and makes the usability more simple.

[via cnet]

  Microsoft is hiring once again and this time it is for a passionate person looking to help create a user interface(UI), similar or close to the UI of Apple’s Time Machine.  The team wants someone to make backing up as simple as Time Machine,  but also incorporate Live Mesh into it as well.  Home Server could arguably be one of the best operating systems and interfaces it has ever made and it is nice to see them continuing to progress in the right direction,  Although Time Machine has been referred to as some of the worst UI for Apple.

[istartedsomething]