iBlaster Clock Radio For The iPod

The iBlaster is an AM/FM alarm clock from Excalibur Electronics that integrates with the iPod. Also included in the package is an infrared remote control. It's compatible with all models of the iPod thanks to a series of different sized dock adapters. The back of the radio has a number of ports like S-Video and composite audio/video out so that you can connect it to external devices, like real speakers. (A fine idea for a clock radio, to be sure.)

iPodweek - The Best of iLounge

This week at iLounge: Two of Bose's most famous iPod-compatible products have been challenged by aggressive new alternatives. Still the top-selling iPod speaker dock despite its price, Bose's $300 all-in-one speaker system SoundDock has two new competitors, both of which we've reviewed. Altec Lansing's M602 is a bigger dock with bass and treble controls, plus all sorts of rear ports that were missing from Bose's design. And Sonic Impact's T24 delivers even warmer sound than the SoundDock, with noticeably deeper bass. Both systems are available now for $100 less than the SoundDock — which should you buy?

Hit the jump for all kinds of iGoodness.

YoTank Mililtary-Grade MP3 Player Cases

Surely everyone out there accidentally detonates their MP3 player from time to time, right? I know I do. The YoTank MP3 player cases are milled from solid blocks of aluminum and can stand a RPG or mortar shell explosion 85 percent of the time. Jokes aside this is actually a good invention for our troops serving overseas that treasure their MP3 players. They make cases for the iPod nano, video, mini and the Creative Zen Vision:M. Prices range from $35 to $75.

Product Page

Altec Lansing M602 iPod/MP3 Speakers

These Altec Lansing M602 iPod speakers look like they're much better than the little tiny iPod speakers we got off Woot one drunken night. The M602 has a wireless remote, wall-mount kit, universal iPod dock that can hook up to your computer, and composite video out for 5G iPod TV hookup. There's even a headphone jack for private listening, when you need to hide your Milli Vanilli shame.

Best yet, fans of anything-but-iPod MP3 players can place their player in the "Universal MP3 cradle". The speakers will cost you $199 and is available now.

EarMecca EP Series: Earphones and Earrings in One

The quest for de-uglification of earphones continues, and here's a pair cleverly disguised as earrings. From EarMecca of Korea, the EP Series Earphones might even appeal to persnickety types. The earrings are available in 10 different designs, are crafted in either gold or silver, and are adjustable even for those ears that hang low and wobble to and fro.

If they sound nearly as good as they look, these designers might be onto something. But then, these graphics we found don't show what happens to all those wires leading to the music player. Now if they could design these with Bluetooth in each ear ... well, we may have to wait a few years for that. Available now in Korea; no word if they will be available in the United States or at what price.

1984 Macintosh iPod Case

It must be vintage computing day around these parts because now we have another new product with a little old school feel. This iPod case has a vintage look and has none other than the original 1984 Macintosh plastered on the front. It will support all model of the iPod and includes foam padding in case you feel the need to throw a sledgehammer at it. The Computer Rock case is available for $35 over at Gerbera Designs.

Latest iPod remote accessory: an umbrella?

Those searching for something a little more unique in realm of iPod accessories need look no further than the iBrella, certainly one of the most ingenious iPod remotes I've ever seen. With the power of an accelerometer, a hall-effect sensor, a gyroscope and a PIC microcontroller, this clever iPod hacker was able to turn his umbrella (in stylish white, of course) into an iPod controller, complete with movements for volume adjustment, track selection, play/pause and even a mode switch. I wonder if Griffin is trying to get in touch with this guy as you read this.

Check out Proto-typen.org for more details on the what and how.

Get an iPod user's attention

I love my iPod, and you love yours. However, it's quite true that you can drift off to another planet while you're plugged into that thing (I sat right through my subway stop over the weekend because Gnarls Barkley was on). It's worse if you've got to somehow communicate with one of these plugged-in drones. What do you do?
Try waving one of Lot 49's PodSigns flash cards around. This printable PDF includes several cards designed to get your pal's attention (my favorite one is pictured above). Sure, it's silly, but funny.

Next iPod an eBook reader?

Engadget is reporting that reliable sources claim that the next iPod will have plenty of screen real estate and have an eBook reading mode. It seems that a major publishing shop just sent Apple all of their archived manuscripts, so unless Steve has been jonesing for some reading material books might be coming to an iPod near you.

I, personally, can't wait for this since I'm a big reader and I would love eBooks to really take off and iPod involvement can't but help.

First pictures of Levi iPod enabled jeans

And now pictures have surfaced. As you can see these Levi Jeans feature iPod controls, an iPod pocket, and a red cable connector (for the controls I imagine). Pricing is not yet available, though we do know they'll be called the RedWire DLX.
Update: I only read English (I blame my parents) so I didn't notice that these jeans are available for 200 Euros in the Levis stores located in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Brussels, and Gent. So, get a plane ticket and get your hands on some 'smart jeans.'

Levi's announces iPod-ready jeans

If you love your Levi's as much as you love your iPod, you're gonna love this. Levi's has announced the launch of its new Redwire DLX Jeans, complete with features for carrying and controlling your iPod. The jeans will have:

A built-in iPod docking cradle in the side pocket. The company promises that the iPod bump will be hard to see.

A joystick remote control that fits in the watch pocket. The joystick will let you play/pause, move forward and back, and adjust volume without removing the iPod from your pocket.

A retractable headphone built into the jeans that's billed as a way to "prevent tangles and efficiently manage the iPod earphone wires."

Levis is planning to make the Redwire DLX Jeans available worldwide in the Fall of 2006. If you get your hands on a pair, just remember to take the iPod out of your pocket before you throw them in the wash.

Griffin releases TuneFlex for iPod

I use a Griffin RoadTrip as an iPod charger/FM transmitter in my car. It works wonderfully, but there is one thing I don't like about it. While it allows me to swivel the iPod up and down, I can't move it left to right. The power outlet in my car is situated so that the iPod is essentially facing the passenger's seat, making it very difficult for me to read its screen. This is aggravating and dangerous at 65 m.p.h. The TuneFlex looks like it addresses this issue.

It's a charger that mounts your iPod on a fully flexible arm that includes a line out port (if you have one of those cassette adapters) as well as room enough to attach an iTrip. Sure, you've got to buy two products to get auto charging and FM transmission, but that's much more desirable that hitting a telephone pole.

The TuneFlex ships with a wired cassette adapter and a trial version of iFill. Check it out for $49.99US.

Care to dock that iPod?

At the San Francisco International Gift Fair, held Aug. 5-8 at the city's Moscone Center, some vendors hawked inexpensive tech gifts for iPod enthusiasts amid the aisles of kitchen kitsch, candles, purses and heaping trays of jewelry.

Atech Flash Technology offered the KB-Reader keyboard, which comes with an iPod dock (left), and universal card reader. Available through the company's Web site for a retail price of $39.95, the KB-Reader is compatible with Windows 98 SE/2000/ME/XP or later and Mac OS 9.0 or later.

Mirage iPod Dock With Omnipolar Technology

Meu Deus, um novo iPod dock! Very little concrete information is known about this iPod dock from Mirage other than that it uses "omnipolar technology" to "break the sound barrier." Hot dog! Assuming this means that it uses some marketing speak to improve the sound eminating from the iPod, it's probably not too different from the myriad iPod speaker docks out there.

Additional, this dock features a screen where the iPod with video's images are projected. It's unknown whether or not the images are actually projected, but that's what the picture seems to indicate. That, or whether or not flaming, dancing people are included with the dock. That's still up in the air as well.

The dock isn't even on Mirage's Web site yet to give you an idea of just how shiny and new it is. Hopefully, more details will emerge in the near future.

Show Us Your 'Pod Giveaway

Belkin has put together a nice little iPod nano package that will be given away to one lucky winner.

Show us your 'pod. Easy as that. Taken your iPod with you to the top of Mt. Everest? Show us the picture proof. Have an extremely elaborate iPod docking system for your ride? Prove it. Have an alternate use for your iPod, like a door stop or puppy killer? Show us. Built a shrine for your iPod? We want to see what you have done with your treasured white (or black) baby. This is a pretty open contest, but whatever you show us must be in picture format, and no bigger than 520 pixels wide. Bonus points are awarded for creativity and cool-ness. Once you are ready, shoot the picture over to gizmodobox@gmail.com with SHOW US YOUR 'POD in the subject. You may include a brief back-story to your picture, if need be. The contest will end next Friday, August 11 at noon eastern.

Oh, you want to know what is in the iPod nano package from Belkin? Belkin will be giving one winner a TuneBase FM, Folio Case (winners choice of color) and a TuneCommand AV. The retail value of this package is $190. Big props to Belkin for sponsoring this contest and providing the prizes. The usual Gawker Contest Rules apply.

Griffin PowerJolt iPod Auto Charger

Those of you with cars, you'll be glad to know Griffin's finally gotten around to redesigning and updating their PowerJolt iPod Auto Charger. Not only is it not completely butt ugly now, but they include a second cable, for connecting to the iTrip or another mini-USB port device.

The new and imrpoved PowerJolt works with the 5G iPod (video), Nano, Shuffle, iPod Photo, and 4th Gen iPod (click wheel); MSRP is $19.99.

Griffin PowerJolt iPod Auto Charger

We can't imagine this working very well, but Princeton Japan will soon be shipping its PCK-UAV video transmitter, letting you plug in any device with audio and composite video outputs using an RCA jack, whose signal is then transmitted to any TV receiver tuned to the UHF band.

Targeted at iPods, it's designed to eliminate the need to deal with cables and plugs into your television set. But then, you'll need to deal with cables and plugs with your iPod. If this works like FM transmitters for iPods to car radios, this is not going to be worth the $70 tariff for owning one.

And please, do the rest of us motorists a favor and don't use it as indicated in the illustration above to watch videos while you're driving.

‘Johnny Bravo’ Comes to The iPod

Turner Broadcasting System and Apple have announced that hit programming from CNN, Adult Swim and Cartoon Network is now available for purchase and download on the iTunes Music Store (www.itunes.com). The new content features such favorites as Cartoon Network’s “Johnny Bravo,” Adult Swim’s “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” and original episodes of “CNN Presents,” all available for viewing on a computer or iPod.

For the last three months, Adult Swim has been offering free video podcasts via iTunes, ranking among the most popular television podcasts on the service. In addition to this new effort, CNN has been offering original podcasts, as well as “Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer” and “Reliable Sources” to iTunes users for free for just over a month.

CNN will provide original episodes of “CNN Presents,” including “Taming the Beast: Inside the War on Cancer,” “The Fight Over Faith” and “Captured: Inside the Army’s Secret School.” Drawing from the world’s largest cartoon library, Cartoon Network will provide episodes from the network’s series “Johnny Bravo” (season one). Adult Swim, Cartoon Network’s late night sister service dedicated to edgy animated comedy and action series, will provide episodes from original productions, including “Aqua Teen Hunger Force,” “The Venture Bros.,” and “Sealab 2021″ (season three).

The iTunes Music Store features a selection of over 9,000 music videos, Pixar and Disney short films, a variety of hit TV shows, and more than three million songs from the major music companies and over 1,000 independent labels.

Touchscreen iPod Due This November Says Our Secret Source

Apple's upcoming iPod will make its debut this November and will definitely feature a touchscreen, Gizmodo has learned. Let's just say that we have a couple of people fairly high up the Apple food chain who have made it known that the iPod's touchscreen is truly the bee's knees. Apple is also apparently working its tail off to make sure that the planned November launch of the new iPod will still happen.

Our super secret sources didn't reveal any information regarding the iPod's rumored wireless capabilities, however.

Oh, and those pictures? Those were supplied by a fine reader of ours, Samuel Mularczyk. Supposedly, they were found on Apple's Web site. Granted, they pictures do read "iPhone," but no one ever said that the iPod and iPhone won't be one in the same, right? (But yes, it could just be another silly mock up.)

Pod Cowboy iBass iPod Speaker

If you're looking for an iPod dock/speaker system, preferably one that looks like a bandaid and has a silly name, the Pod Cowboy iBass is available in white and black (with matching remote) and will set you back ¥9,000 in Japan or $99 from AudioCubes.

Pod Cowboy iBass
CowBoy iP200 Pod COWBOY iBass iPod Speaker

Umundo offers cell-to-iPod sharing

Umundo today introduced a free service allowing video iPod users to view, publish, and share video clips taken with camera-enabled phones or mobile devices. The free service requires no registration or subscription, and users can transfer video clips as well as pictures directly via multimedia messaging service (MMS) or email. Umundo utilizes its own RSS Syndication Engine, a patent pending technology that enables tagging, filtering, media format conversion, and bittorrent P2P distribution. "We have included viewing on a Video iPod as an option to offer more choice to the consumer; we convert the files produced by phones (3GPP and 3GPP2) to the format accepted by the iPod device (H.264), to bring a high quality video," said Prashant Parekh, founder and CEO of Umundo.

iBikeMount

Urban riders listen to music instead of the traffic sounds around them at their own peril, but if you ride somewhere safe like paths or tracks maybe you'll be interested in the iBikeMount, which lets you attach your iPod Nano to your bike's handlebars. It's a little pricey for what it is at $29.99, but you can use it on exercise bikes, baby strollers and even lawnmowers if you want to.

iVideoToGo copies DVDs to iPod video

InterVideo recently introduced InterVideo iVideoToGo, a Microsoft Windows-only application that copies personal videos for playback on Apple's video iPod. Much like DVD to iPod Converter for Mac users, the software allows users to quickly convert existing DVDs and video files to an iPod-compatible format for playback on the portable device. Claiming to be one of the fastest conversion tools on the market, iVideoToGo boasts a simple easy-to-use interface that utilizes a single window for all tasks. Three steps are required to complete the copy process, allowing beginners to successfully use the software immediately. The application supports MPEG 4, H.264, DVD videos, AVI, MPEG , WMV, MOV, MP4, DivX, ASF, DVR-MS, 3GP and other formats. InterVideo iVideoToGo is available for $30, and requires Microsoft Windows 2000/XP.

iDocker iPod Speakers

If you're looking for an iPod charging dock and speaker system that won't break the bank, these iDocker iPod Speakers are only $29.90 and come with a remote control. We can't imagine the sound quality is going to be spectacular, but if the price is right, hey. It's not like they could possibly sound worse than speakers made out of cardboard, right?

XtremeMac MicroMemo to Ship This Summer

When it was first told you about the XtremeMac MicroMemo, it was due to ship in this Spring for $79.95, but now the company tells us it be shipping "this summer" for $59.95. It's designed for the iPod with video and lets you record 16-bit audio and 22kHz or 44kHz using its flexible mic.

There's a built-in speaker for instant playback and it's powered by the iPod itself. If you don't like that attached microphone, the MicroMemo will also let you plug in your own external mic, as long as it has a 3.5mm plug. MicroMemo is now available for pre-order on the XtremeMac website.

Make New iFriends With the iBag Turntable

With the iBag turntable, you could conceivably annoy the living daylights out of your fellow citizens this holiday weekend. Sure, it may look like a child's toy bag that probably costs $2 to make, but it's actually a clever, multi-talented iPod-integrated bag (that probably costs $2 to make).

Stereo speakers on the outside of the bag play either your iPod's tunes or your local FM rock station's 4th of July Countdown. (I wonder if "Stairway" wins again this year?) There's a pouch on the inside to hold your cellphone or iPod, since just leaving them in the bag proper is 2s9d7d silly.

So, if you have any interest in carrying around a $60 bag that looks like it was beat up by a box of crayons, the iBag looks like an iDeal.

iSoundCap: iPod and Cables, Tucked Away Up Top

Getting fed up with all those wires hanging off your iPod shuffle or nano? Now you can hold that player in a perfectly-sized compartment stitched into the iSoundCap. The hat also has a sleeve that stores all the wires leading to and from that iPod, leaving only your earbuds dangling down to your ears in just the right position.
Looks like the iSoundCap places your iPod in just the right spot, even if you get really sweaty. But if you soak through your hat on a day like those we've had this summer with temperatures well into the 90s, that iPod might get short-circuited. Versions for shuffle or nano are available now for $29.95, with 10% off if you enter the coupon code listed on the company's website.

iPod accessories

Elecom Ear Drops Earphones: Cheap Hookers Listen to Music, Too

These Ear Drops Earphones from Elecom are sure to delight that young lady in somebody else's life; they're spangled with crystals and fully decorated with that certain esthetic that's so appropriate for that dime-store Cleopatra who lives next door. And no, we're not going to use the word "bling."

Cheapness aside, we're all for putting yet another decoration on the female form of which we are all so fond. Why didn't anyone think of this before (or maybe they did): instead of earrings, tricked-out earbuds? Nice idea. Pricing wasn't announced, but they'll soon be available on geekstuff4u.com.

Gyanze Kata Mali 01 Aluminum Speaker Set: Gorgeous

And now for the mother of all iPod speakers, and no, this isn't just a design concept. Japan's Gyanze Corporation announced its Kata Mali 01 Aluminum speaker set, more than just a pretty design with 15 watts per channel emanating from its built-in digital amplifier and auto-on when it detects input from an audio source. It's built like a truck, too, weighing in at a hefty 12.5 pounds.

Don't worry about it getting too scuffed up, either, because it has a special wax coating to keep it scratch-free. Why didn't Apple think of that with its iPods? Beautiful design. The only bad news is its price: $1300.

Apple Simplifies iPod & iPod photo Lines

Apple has announced that the iPod and iPod photo lines are merging, creating a single line of white iPods that all feature color displays with the ability to view album artwork, photos and play slideshows in stunning color.

The simplified iPod lineup features a 20GB model, holding up to 5,000 songs priced at just $299 and a 60GB model, holding up to 15,000 songs priced at $399. Also starting today, iPods will offer an easy to use Podcast menu, including bookmarking within a Podcast and the ability to display Podcast artwork in color.
“iPod customers love to enhance their listening experience with color,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of iPod Product Marketing. “By simplifying our iPod lineup to include 20GB and 60GB models with color screens and the new Podcast menu, iPod and iTunes provide the world’s easiest and appealing way to discover, subscribe, manage and listen to Podcasts.”

iPod’s color display provides a full color experience for users to take their entire photo library with them or for viewing album artwork, calendars, contacts and games. The 60GB iPod holds up to 25,000 digital photos, and the 20GB iPod holds up to 20,000 digital photos. Both models feature the ability to import photos from a digital camera with the optional iPod Camera Connector and let users combine their favorite music and photos to create slideshows for viewing right on their iPod or for sharing with family and friends on a big screen TV.

The new version of iTunes enables anyone to quickly and easily find and subscribe to their favorite Podcasts so that every time there’s a new episode, it’s automatically downloaded to their Mac or PC and Auto-Synced to their iPod. iTunes also makes it easy to manage multiple Podcast subscriptions with simple organization and display by episode and date.

ANYCOM Announces Bluetooth Adapter For iPod nano

ANYCOM Technologies, a provider or wireless data communication and Bluetooth technology, introduced what it's hailing as the first Bluetooth adapter designed especially for the iPod nano.

The BluNa is designed to transmit music wirelessly from the iPod nano to any Bluetooth receiver, including speakers, headphones, computers and stereo systems. By plugging the BluNa into a nano, users are supposed to receive automatic playability with the paired device. With no pairing button, pairing will be done automatically and stored for future connections, according to ANYCOM.

It is currently available at a $119 suggested retail and includes an AC power supply to charge the nano without a USB connection.

iDJ iPod Mixing Console

Numark, the leading name in the world of DJ products and accessories, proudly announces the iDJ Mixing Console for iPod portable music players. The iDJ enables mobile DJs and iPod enthusiasts to seamlessly integrate their portable music libraries with other music and sound reinforcement systems—transforming the iPod from a personal music player into a source playback device. With its compact form factor, comprehensive feature set, and a blue on white aesthetic appeal that blends perfectly with the iPod, Numark’s iDJ makes the music more accessible and the party better than ever.

The iDJ features extruded, anodized aluminum panels, zero tolerance precision switches and knobs for a tight, precise feel, and a soft touch edge bumper that both protects and visually enhances the unit. This full-featured mixer with dual iPod docking stations incorporates a microphone input plus both quarter- and eighth-inch headphone outputs to complete the mixing experience. With USB connectivity to both PC and Macintosh computers, the iDJ functions as a music-loading base as well. Further, the iDJ supports the limited recording capabilities of the iPod—enabling the recording of voice notes for memos, etc. Combine all this with the thoughtful turntable spindle receptacle that enables placement of the iDJ on a turntable when space is limited, and the iDJ is ready to rock.

Numark’s iDJ features two universal iPod docking stations that accept all model iPods with the bottom connector. Featuring large iPod navigation controls, this two-channel mixer provides 3-band EQ with gain control for each channel and a dedicated microphone input with tone and level control. Each channel also provides phono/line inputs for adding additional devices such as CD players and samplers into the mix. With large knobs that are pleasing to the touch, the iDJ provides just the right feel for play control.

On the output side, the iDJ incorporates a master output LED meter for visual confirmation of one’s audio signals and a professional quality crossfader with fader start control for blending and alternating between the two channel’s audio signals. Additionally, the iDJ provides a cue tone and cue source selector for managing music sources. With both quarter- and eighth-inch headphone outputs, the iDJ is able to accommodate both consumer style headphones with minijack connectors as well as professional grade headphones with the larger connector type. To connect to sound systems and external recorders, the iDJ provides Master and Record outputs.

For computer connectivity, Numark’s iDJ is right on the money. This feature-packed mixer provides USB connectivity to both PC and Macintosh computers, facilitating convenient iPod docking to one’s personal computer. With the iDJ’s USB capabilities, music enthusiasts can mix music to their heart’s content while still having full interoperability with their computer for modifying/expanding their music libraries. And with an S-Video output (for iPod Photo model players only), the iDJ is ready to patch into video displays for complete multimedia.

Numark CEO Jack O’Donnell offered the following thoughts on the company’s new iDJ, “Most every DJ carries an iPod as both a backup tool and as a source of personal music enjoyment. The new iDJ makes it easy to integrate the iPod into a working environment while circumventing the ‘band-aid’ approach of using multiple audio adapters. For college students and other iPod enthusiasts, this compact mixer is a natural extension of the iPod platform that makes enjoying music with others that much easier.”

Apple responds to iPod volume fears

You can now set a volume limit

Apple has introduced volume controls for iPods following increased fears about links between personal music players and hearing loss.

The company has made available a free download update allowing users to set a personal maximum volume limit.

Parents will also be able to set a locked limit on their child's players, reports the BBC.

Health experts want more studies into the effect on hearing of earphones, and Apple is facing a US legal action claiming the iPod can damage hearing.

Greg Joswiak, Apple's iPod marketing vice president, said it was responding to "increased attention in this area".

He added: "We want to offer customers an easy to use option to set their own personal volume limit."

The update is available for the iPod Nano and models with video playback capabilities. It lets parents set a maximum volume limit on a child's iPod and lock it with a combination code.

Earlier this month, the US National Institutes of Health said new studies were needed into the effects of in-ear headphones. It was responding to calls by a US congressman into the possible long-term effects of loud music on hearing.

John Kiel Patterson, of Louisiana, is suing Apple in the US District Court in San Jose, California.

He says his iPod is capable of generating more than 115 decibels, a dangerous noise level, and is not safe for prolonged use.

Phone and iPod integrated into Motorola/Burton jacket

Yes, it's another piece of clothing with ideas above itself. This winter jacket, designed by Burton for Motorola, is an attempt to hide away your mobile phone and iPod whilst still giving you access to them, via an electronic pad on the sleeve.

We've seen plenty of this type of clothing before, marketed at different people, from snowboarders to commuters, and the reception they've been given (no pun intended) hasn't been great.

This jacket's got all the specs you'd need from - a jacket: caller ID, bluetooth, speakers in the hood (great, more teenage fun) and earphones. It'll come in a stunning range of colours (well... black, brown or pink)

Comments on similar garments have included: "If you buy this jacket, God is telling you that you have too much money. See you in hell." and "If u buy this, you are most definitely stupid." so I'm not holding out much hope for this.

Availability in the next couple of months - no price announced yet. Anyone actually want one of these?

Intempo has a ball with iPod speakers

Intempo is launching a speaker designed for iPods called the iDS-02.

It’s shaped like a big ball, and comes in either white or black to match your iPod.

Features include two 7.5 watt stereo speakers and a 15 watt subwoofer, a USB mini B and Firewire for connectivity with a PC, and 3.5mm stereo line in for connecting to audio devices other than iPods.

It functions as a dock connector to charge and sinc your iPod (although not the Shuffle), and comes with a remote control.

The Intempo iDS-02 is available for around $129.

The next great iPod vibrator?

It's not the Audi-Oh. It's not the iBuzz. And I'm afraid it's probably not the spanking new Ohmibod (that's it on the left), either, though this new version of a vibrator that plugs into your iPod and buzzes along with the beats and swoops and clicks of whatever music is playing on your 'Pod is, to be sure, a keen and relatively pretty addition to the array.

But as any woman worth her Hitachi Magic Wand will tell you, long skinny hard-plastic vibes are so very 1987. So very tacky cheapy Doc Johnson $8.95 plain and uninventive and not really the thing that is most needed. It's a global tragedy, is what it is.

I am not complaining too loudly. I am not here to discourage any curious gadgetheaded seeker of vibratory joys his or her divine buzzy explorations. But much as I'd like to gush over the Ohmibod, it's basically just a hard skinny plastic vibe, which, when it comes to organic and sensual vibe design, remains the lowest tier on the evolutionary sex-toy ladder. I'm just sayin'.

So, the world waits. Your girlfriend waits. We all wait for an iPod vibrator attachment that is at once sensual and functional and a completely appropriate match for the greatest fetish object of this decade. Perhaps it will look something like the gorgeous Lelo Lily. Perhaps it will have multiple attachments like the intense, solid-metal series from Elemental Pleasures. Perhaps it will be gold-plated and come with multiple inlaid gemstones and cost more than your Lexus payment. One thing we do know is that it will surely make the conservative right recoil in abject horror even as they don't understand what the hell it's for.

Which, as any sexually attuned gadgethead knows, is about as good as it gets.

Bottega Veneta iPod Nano Case

Bottega Veneta has recently introduced an iPod Nano case as part of its fall accessories line. It is great that more designers are taking note of the fact that people have more to carry than just a wallet or a cell phone these days, and this case is a perfect example of how to carry the delicate music player with style. The supple leather case comes in multiple colors, including the burnt orange shown here, and has a removable strap that can be used at need, if you prefer to loop you player around your neck than tuck it into a purse or carry it in-hand. Price: $390.

Personalise Your iPod

The Digital Home website is the first retailer in Australia to offer the ifrogz personalized iPod service.
The new service allows iPod owners to personalize the cover colours of their iPod Nano, Mini, iPod Video 30GB, 60GB and iPod Photo as well as pick a logo for their device.

Uniqe to the service is that online visitors can build a virtual iPod cover on the website prior to making a purchase. This way, you can mix and match a number of colours and screenz to get the one you want.

Ifrogz has a three component system which allows you to select a wrap, band and screen for your iPod case. The cases themselves are made from polished silicone and claim "no lint pick up."

RRP: approximately $30

Spectone Retro iPod Speaker

Oh no, is avocado really coming back to appliances? The green tone so popular in the refrigerators and washing machines of your comes back in the Specktone Retro Tabletop Stereo speaker system . The Specktone is designed to make your iPod look not quite so new-fangled and comes also comes in black or white. It has a lacquered wood cabinet with a green backlit volume knob and 28-watt speakers. It sells for $149.95 and come with matching skins for your iPod.

Ford, GM, Mazda, Will Connect Your iPod to Their Cars

NEW YORK -- Apple is teaming up with Ford, General Motors and Mazda in a deal that could further the spread of the ubiquitous iPod.

The companies announced Thursday that they would start providing technology that would allow iPod owners to play the portable music devices in nearly all of their cars.

Ford and GM will include the iPod system in the majority of their 2007 models beginning later this year. Mazda plans on integrating the connectivity technology into its entire global lineup for 2007, according to a statement from Apple, Cupertino, Calif.

Being able to play an iPod in a car is not new. Mini, BMW and Dodge have already made similar moves, and iPod aficionados have for some time now been able to buy extra gadgets that connect the players to a car’s radio, said Wes Brown, partner at consumer research firm Iceology, Los Angeles.

But the deal puts the little white gizmos in reach of a whole new demographic.

“The typical iPod consumer is not the typical Ford or GM consumer,” Brown said. “It’s not the buyer base they usually attract.”

For Mazda, which makes sporty vehicles that appeal to the young and active, the deal was a “no-brainer,” Brown said.

For ailing auto giants Ford and GM, the partnership with Apple—widely considered to be a powerhouse in the tech industry in part because of its hip and trendy image—may bring them some cachet.

“Apple is just plain and simple so hot right now,” said Brown.
“The consumer sentiment in so positive. They could be hoping for at the very least a trickle of Apple-ness to reach Ford and GM.”

Apple sold over 8 million iPods in the third quarter of 2006, a 32% growth from the same period last year, and earned a 75% market share, the company announced in July.

Thursday’s announcement was in part significant because it marks the entry of the iPod into the mass-volume car market. GM will put the system into all of its 56 models, which means “millions of cars and trucks,” said Greg Joswiak, vp-worldwide iPod product marketing, in a statement.

The announcement also gives the automakers a veneer of savvy that they often lack, Brown said. With the iPod’s supremacy in the music category, in a few years, systems like the ones announced today are going to be standard, he said.

“If you’re a car company that doesn’t offer this, you are literally going to be losing buyers,” Brown said. “This puts them at the forefront, not a word you’d normally associate with Ford or GM.”

Mazda to Zoom-Zoom into the iPod® Revolution

Mazda Motor Corporation has announced today that it will introduce an iPod® connection adapter. This is the first of its kind for any volume-selling model and allows the driver to play their iPod through the car’s audio system.

To be launched in Japan on August 22, 2006, the company will put the device on sale as a vehicle accessory available from Mazda dealers in countries throughout the world.
Mazda is the first to offer iPod adapters across their entire future product range, including the new cross over SUV the CX-7 and their new pick-up truck the BT-50. Owners of current Mazda passenger vehicles and Tribute SUV will also benefit from this technology as they too can fit the new iPod connection adaptor to their vehicle. This accessory can also be fitted to some previous Mazda models including 121, 323 and 626 released since 2000.

“This is a very exciting development for Mazda,” Mazda Australia managing director, Mr Doug Dickson, said.

“Drivers can now listen to their iPod through the quality audio systems in Mazda vehicles. Not only does this technology provide better sound quality, it is also much safer as drivers do not have to look down at their iPod when changing the song.”

The iPod connection adaptor will be on sale in early October and retail for $265 (excluding installation).

Ford gears up for iPod demand

Ford said it is gearing up to offer customers the ability to plug iPods and other portable entertainment devices into its next-generation cars.

The car manufacturer will offer the enhanced audio features in 2007-model Ford and Lincoln Mercury vehicles. The company predicts that iPod and other MP3 player sales will reach 132 million units in 2009 – more than double the 57.7 million sold in 2005.

Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas said: "We see the booming trend in the audio marketplace, and we are responding quickly in our vehicles."

For the 2007-model year, built-in auxiliary audio-input jacks will be offered on the Ford Edge, Explorer, Expedition, Mustang, Fusion, Sport Trac, Ranger, F-150, Mercury Milan, Mountaineer, Lincoln MKX, Lincoln MKZ, Navigator and Lincoln Mark LT. The jacks allow customers to bring any iPod or other MP3 player with a standard 3.5 millimeter audio output into their vehicle and play it through the audio system.

In addition, early next year Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers throughout the US will begin offering Ford's TripTunes Advanced audio system. TripTunes Advanced allows the driver to store the iPod in the vehicle's glove box and select music using the steering wheel or radio controls – including shuffling songs and skipping between tracks and playlists.

French iTunes law goes into effect

PARIS (AP) — A closely watched French law that allows regulators to force Apple (AAPL) to make its iPod player and iTunes online store compatible with rival offerings went into effect Thursday.
The Internet copyright law passed France's parliament June 30 after fierce debate and a gradual weakening of its initial punch. Apple had called an early draft "state-sponsored piracy," and some analysts have said the law could force Apple to close iTunes France and pull its market-leading player from the country's shelves.

But the law was expected to have little immediate effect. A new government regulatory authority assigned to monitor the law is not expected to be in place until this fall. Much will depend on the law's interpretation by the French courts, as well as the stance taken by recording companies.

The law was initially crafted as an effort to crack down on piracy and level the playing field for smaller rivals to companies such as Apple and Sony (SNE). Apple argued that opening its formats would further encourage pirates.

Currently, songs bought on iTunes can be played only on iPods, and an iPod can't play downloads from other stores with similar premium content from major artists — like Napster's service or Sony's Connect.

Apple did not respond to multiple messages seeking comment Thursday.

Other governments may follow France's example. Recent proposals or regulatory moves to open up iTunes have emerged in Britain, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Poland.

The original French law would have required companies to share technical data with any rival that wanted to offer compatible music players and stores. But France's Constitutional Council left it up to government regulators to decide on a case-by-case basis whether to force companies to open their formats.

The law allows the companies to seek compensation for sharing their technologies.

Even with the promise of compensation, said analyst Tim Bajarin of Creative Strategies, Apple "would be highly hesitant" to open up its format. Still, Bajarin said the council's changes "give a lot of latitude" and could make it easier for Apple to resist.

The law also has a loophole that could allow Apple and others to dodge the technology-sharing demands by striking individual deals with record labels and artists.

Apple has already rebuffed Scandinavian consumer agencies making similar compatibility complaints.

The consumer agencies in Norway, Sweden and Denmark have said the company was violating contract and copyright laws with its product usage restrictions. They were considering taking the case to court, possibly seeking an injunction banning iTunes from their markets.

In a letter, Apple indicated it was not willing to change its business model by opening its iTunes downloads to rival portable players.

Torgeir Waterhouse of the Norwegian consumer agency said Thursday that "there's still a long way to go before iTunes Music Store gives the consumers a fair treatment."

Apple's iPod sweetens its ride with top automakers

SAN JOSE, Calif. — In the latest boost to its dominance of portable music players, Apple Computer Inc. has teamed up with General Motors, Ford Motor and Mazda Motor to integrate the iPod into their car audio systems.
GM and Ford are the nation's No. 1 and No. 2 automakers, and the new alliances mean the iconic audio gadget will now be compatible with more than 70% of the new 2007-model vehicles sold in the United States, Apple said Thursday.

GM and Mazda will offer iPod integration on all new models, Apple said, and Ford will offer it on many of its Ford and Lincoln Mercury models later this year.

Carmakers say they are responding to a booming trend in which sales of iPods and other MP3 players are predicted to more than double from 57.7 million units in 2005 to 132 million units in 2009.

The iPod holds about a 75% share of the portable player market in the U.S., Apple said, and more than 58 million iPods have been sold since their debut in 2001.

Working with the iPod maker is part of increasing effort by Ford and other car companies to make it easier on drivers to access a variety of gadgets — from cellphones and navigation systems to music players — while on the road.

"Consumers are listening to music, they're messaging each other, and they want to engage in all those activities in their vehicles but in a safe manner," said Doug VanDagens, director of Ford's product and business development for electronics group.

Germany's BMW AG was the first automaker two years ago to incorporate iPods directly into its car audio systems, allowing users to plug the music player into an adapter that goes into the glovebox and access the iPod's music library through the car's standard controls.

By last fall, as sales of the iPod continued to surge, Apple had signed similar deals with about a dozen more car companies, including Acura, Audi, Ferrari, Honda, Nissan, and Volkswagen.

Ford said Thursday it will offer the iPod integration as a dealer-installed option called "TripTunes Advanced." An adapter that doubles as a battery-charging station would go in either the glovebox or center storage console. Users would then be able to control the iPod through buttons on the steering wheel or the radio. Playlists, artists, and other song information will also be displayed on the cars' systems.

In addition, Ford plans to add auxiliary audio input jacks on nearly half of its lineup, starting this fall. Tunes from any gadget — iPods, other MP3 or CD music players, cellphones and game handhelds — will then be playable on the cars' audio systems without the need for extra adapters or FM transmitters.

Demand for built-in satellite radio features has also prompted Ford to expand its relationship with Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. VanDagens said more than 90% of Ford and Lincoln Mercury cars will offer satellite radio by the 2008-model year.

Apple iPod Gets Radio amid Record Shipments.

Apple Computer declared record shipments of the iPod player in the Q4 2005 and offered the iPod owners to get rid of two of the drawbacks the player has: the lack of radio and remote controller. The announcement adds pressure on third-party player makers and underlines growing popularity of the gadget by Apple.

“I’m really pleased to announce that last quarter we sold 14 million iPods. That is over a hundred every minute, 24/7 throughout the quarter. And it still wasn’t enough. We’ve now sold over 42 million iPods,” said Steve Jobs, chief executive for Apple during his keynote at Macworld conference.

A Morgan Stanley analyst who recently polled consumers in the U.S. said that Apple’s iPod music player and iTunes music store were continuing to gain popularity. In fact, according to the analyst, the iPod players were even more desired than cellular phones this holiday season.

During his speech, Mr. Jobs also unveiled the iPod Radio Remote which allows to skip tracks and adjust the volume of their iPod as well as listen to FM radio stations while displaying station and song information for stations that support the Radio Data System (RDS) on their iPod screen.

“The iPod Radio Remote combines two great features in one elegant product,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of worldwide iPod product marketing. “The iPod Radio Remote is both the best remote control and the best FM radio listening experience for iPod.”

The iPod Radio Remote includes a pair of Apple headphones with a shorter cable, complementing the iPod Radio Remote and will begin shipping immediately for $49 (US).

Apple adds Warner Bros. favorites to iTunes

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group and Apple Computer on Tuesday announced that classic hit programming from Warner Bros.' vast television library is now available for purchase and download on the iTunes Music Store.

The new content features favorites such as the hugely popular sitcom "Friends," sci-fi epic "Babylon 5" and some of the most popular sketches from "MADtv," as well as animated classics including "The Jetsons" and "The Flintstones."

Also available is the never-before-seen pilot episode of "Aquaman" -- a grounded, contemporary reinterpretation of DC Comics' Aquaman mythology from the acclaimed writing/producing team of Alfred Gough and Miles Millar ("Smallville").

"We're thrilled to add hit programming from Warner Bros. as we continue to grow our video catalog with the best current and classic television programming," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of iTunes. "iTunes is the world's most popular online video store with over 35 million videos sold."

Including the latest additions, iTunes now offers over 150 different TV shows for $1.99 per episode for viewing on a computer or iPod.

Apple warns of phony iPods

Apple Computer last month began notifying its service partners that some companies are illegally manufacturing digital music players that look very similar to its various Apple iPod models in an attempt to pawn them off to unsuspecting buyers.

Two of the most commonly counterfeited iPods appear to be the iPod nano and the iPod shuffle. The imitation players, which often sport nonstandard headphone jacks and lack a dock connector, are sometimes stamped with a valid Apple serial number, Apple told its service providers. The company said several of the fakes have been found to use the specific Apple iPod serial number "6U545TK2TJT."

In addition to lacking a dock connector, Apple said counterfeit iPod nanos also ship without a standard USB cable and pack a screen that is slightly longer than the nano's. The players run different operating system software and have also been known to include a Play/Pause symbol on the center select button (which the nano does not).
Meanwhile, forged iPod shuffles are said to include an on and off switch that lacks a repeat option. The players, which are otherwise strikingly similar to the the shuffle, also fail to include a battery or status indicator light. Counterfeiters have been packaging the players in fake iPod shuffle retail boxes that include the words "Digital Music Player" on the top.
Some of the players also ship with documentation that prompts the user to copy their music to a folder on the device instead of using iTunes, another telltale sign the iPod is not genuine.

In a bulletin to its service providers, Apple said it is taking the matter very seriously and any information provided by buyers of the counterfeit players may help the company in dealing with the matter.

Service providers who come across one of the fakes are asked to photograph the device, find out where the customer purchased the item, and escalate this information to Apple's technical support group, along with any serial number included on the player.

Fake Apple iPod Players Discovered

The success of Apple Computer with its iPod digital music players is indisputable, but having shipped over 50 million of its players, the company has discovered that there are not only Creative Labs or Sony Corp. trying to steal its profits, but also makers of counterfeit “iPod” gadgets that look similar to iPod nano and iPod shuffle.

AppleInsider reported based on information that Apple supplied to its server partners that two of the most commonly counterfeited iPods appear to be the iPod nano and the iPod shuffle.

The fake iPod nano players, reportedly often sport non-standard headphone jacks and lack a dock connector, counterfeit iPod nanos also ship without a standard USB cable and pack a screen that is slightly longer than the nano’s. The fake iPod nano players run dissimilar operating system software and have also been known to include a Play/Pause symbol on the center select button, which the original iPod nano does not.

Forged iPod shuffle devices a reported to include an on/off switch that lacks a repeat option. The players, which look similar to the iPod shuffle, also fail to include a battery or status indicator light. Counterfeiters have been packaging the players in fake iPod shuffle retail boxes that include the words “Digital Music Player” on the top.

Apple Offers Tiny, Affordable iPod Shuffle Player.

Apple Computer introduced at Macworld Expo in San Francisco, California, its latest music player from the Ipod family aiming at customers who want to have an affordable and extremely small player from the maker of the iPod. The affordability and price-efficiency did not come without sacrifices: the iPod shuffle does not feature LCD screen and has only 512MB – 1GB of memory.

“iPod shuffle is smaller and lighter than a pack of gum and costs less than $100. With most flash-memory music players users must use tiny displays and complicated controls to find their music; with iPod shuffle you just relax and it serves up new combinations of your music every time you listen,” said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO.

The iPod shuffle, Apple’s first player that uses flash instead of hard disk drives, is supplied in two flavours – with 512MB and with 1GB of memory – and at two price-points – $99 and $149, respectively. The iPod shuffle players weight only 0.78 ounce (22 grams) and measure by only 3.3” x 0.98” x 0.33” (approximately 8.4cm x 2.5cm x 0.84cm) (height x width x thickness). Apple supplies ear-bud headphones and lanyard with its iPod shuffle family of products.
Apple’s latest players can operate for 12 hours, just like more expensive iPod brethren, have USB 2.0 connectivity and can play the same types of music files, including MP3 (8 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, AAC (8 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Music Store, M4A, M4B, M4P), Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4) and WAV. Apple’s software allows the iPod shuffle to seamlessly download music from end-users’ PC or Mac, or allows listener to choose what to load and what not to load into the player.

While Apple believes the absence of LCD screen is an advantage, its customers may run into difficulties when controlling the playback of 240 songs without any display. Still, 1GB version of the player is likely to become popular among certain types of users who do not need large players with 4 – 40GB of storage as well as comfortable playback control with a screen.

iPod shuffle is the newest member of Apple’s popular iPod family for both Mac and PC which includes the fourth generation iPod, the iPod mini, the iPod U2 Special Edition and iPod photo. More than 10 million iPods have been sold since it was introduced in 2001, and it is the number one selling digital music player in the world, Apple said.

Apple Unveils iPod Video.

As expected, Apple Computer introduced its iPod digital media player now capable of playing videos. The company’s chief executive Steve Jobs said that the device would quickly become the most popular portable video player on the market. The new player is thinner than predecessors and has larger storage inside, but it also has a drawback: its screen is only 2.5”, smaller compared to competing gadgets.

“The new iPod is the best music player ever – it’s 30%thinner and has 50% more storage than its predecessor – yet it sells for the same price and plays stunning video on its 2.5”color screen. Because millions of people around the world will buy this new iPod to play music, it will quickly become the most popular portable video player in history,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO.

The new iPod, just like its predecessor, uses hard disk drive (HDD) to store music. Depending on the storage capacity, the iPod costs $299 and $399 for 30GB and 60GB models, respectively. The iPod players weight only 4.8 and 5.5 ounces (134 grams and 154 grams) depending on the HDD and measure by only 4.1” x 2.4” x 0.43/0.55” (height x width x thickness). The players can operate for 14 hours when playing music and up to 2 hours when playing videos. Like before, the iPod players have USB 2.0 connectivity and can playback different types of music files, including MP3 (8 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, AAC (8 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Music Store, M4A, M4B, M4P), Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4) and WAV.

Video files support is limited to H.264 video up to 768Kbps and MPEG-4 video up to 2.5Mbps, but Apple said that upgradable firmware enables support for future video formats.

Optional accessories designed for the new iPod include: Universal Dock for $39, giving users easy access to a USB port for syncing, IR support to work with the Apple Remote and a variable line out and S-video connections for integration within the living room; Apple Remote for $29, providing wireless integration to the Universal Dock and quick and easy access to controls from across the room; Apple iPod AV cable for $19, enabling television viewing of video content in full-screen; the iPod Camera Connector for $29; and Apple Socks for $29 providing six vibrant color socks to dress up and protect your iPod.

The new iPod plays music, audiobooks, audio Podcasts, video Podcasts, home movies, music videos and popular television shows like “Lost” and “Desperate Housewives”, when combined to with the new iTunes 6. The latter provides customers with a seamless experience for buying, managing and playing video as well as audio content, including over 2000 music videos, six short films from Pixar Animation Studios, and five television shows from ABC and Disney Channel, including the popular “Lost” and “Desperate Housewives”.

Apple’s New Video iPod May Get Nvidia GoForce Graphics.

Apple New iPod May Feature 3D Gaming

A report by analyst suggests that Apple Computer’s next-generation video iPod player with large screen will feature a 3D-capable graphics processor by Nvidia Corp., instead of a chip from Broadcom. This may indicate that Apple wants its new-generation digital media player to be able to play games.vP

“Based on our analysis, we believe Nvidia is designed into the next-generation vPod socket at the expense of Broadcom. We believe the Nvidia chip adds 3D graphics functionality in addition to all of the existing features (such as H.264 [decoding]) that Broadcom supported with the existing vPod,” said Satya Chillara, an analyst with American Technology Research wrote in a new report.
The analyst refers the next-generation iPod player with large screen and video capabilities as vPod. However, adding 3D graphics capabilities means that Apple plans to take advantage of it, making not one – video playback on large screen – but two selling points for the upcoming device – video playback and three-dimensional gaming. In fact, Microsoft's rumoured iPod rival is expected to feature gaming as well.

In mid-February it was reported that the “true” video iPod would be released in Spring. However, it was later said that the product had been delayed due to issues with touchscreen display and now it is reported that the device will see the light of the day no earlier than in 1H 2007. It is unclear, whether Apple decided to fully redesign the new iPod, or just faced issues that postponed the release by two or three quarters.

Originally it was reported that the new “true” video iPod will have 3.5” colour touch screen that will serve for both video and navigation purposes. Those, who have seen the device, reportedly said that it would have 3.5” display that will occupy the entire front face of the gadget. The new iPod features a digital click wheel, one that overlays the touch-sensitive display and appears when a finger touches it and disappears when the finger is removed.

Apple Computer did not comment on the news-story.

Car Makers Integrate Support of Apple iPod Player.

70% of U.S. Cars to Offer iPod Connectivity

Apple Computer, the world’s largest maker of digital music players, said Friday that several leading makers of automobiles would integrate support of the iPod music player in the models launching in 2007. Instead of integrating special-purpose hard drive-based MP3 players into their iPocars, drivers will be able to enjoy music from their Apple iPod players.

“Now more than 70%of 2007-model US automobiles will offer iPod integration, with General Motors alone making it available on all 56 of its models, representing millions of cars and trucks,” said said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of worldwide Ipod product marketing.

Apple announced that it had teamed up with Ford Motor Company, General Motors and Mazda to deliver iPod integration across the majority of their brands and models, making it easy for iPod users to enjoy and control their iPod’s high-quality sound through their car’s stereo system, the Cupertino, California-based company said.

“We’re delighted that Ford, General Motors and Mazda will support iPod connectivity in nearly all of their new models,” Mr. Joswiak added.

Meanwhile, BMW, a leading carmaker in the European Union, has been integrating iPod connectivity for many quarters now. Even though Apple iPod’s market share has been gaining, it has never been associated with the automobiles’ iPod connectivity market share growth: and otherwise: car sales are separated for the iPods. On the other hand, sales of cars with integrated iPod players may pose threat to sales of advanced car audio players.

Apple has sold over 58 million iPod music players since 2001.