Shure ships high-end E4c sound isolating earphones

Shure today has begun shipping its E4c sound isolating earphones, which combine the "studio quality sound that listeners have come to expect from the E Series with a sleek, lightweight design to complement today's popular listening devices." The E4c earphones further are optimized by leveraging Shure's new High-Definition driver with Tuned-Port technology to significantly enhance bass response. They also feature sound isolating sleeves, which contour to the inner-ear to natural seal out more background noise. Weighing just over an ounce, they also feature a small, portable, attractive design. The E4c earphones ($300) include a pair of disposable foam sleeves and triple-flange sleeves, three sizes of flex sleeves, and three sizes of ultra-soft flex sleeves as well as offer a 2-year warranty.

Briefly: Xbox 360 to connect to iPod?, UK iPod Tax?..

Briefly: Goldman Sachs said Microsoft hinted that its upcoming Xbox 360 gaming console may be able to connect with competitor products such as the PSP from Sony and the iPod from Apple.... The U.K.'s music industry is currently investigating legislation similar to the ‘iPod Tax’ that has hit the Netherlands, with the taxes collected going to record labels to help make up for losses from digital piracy.... A teenage girl was punched in the face and had her iPod snatched in a night time attack by a gang of four girls.... Columnist Kaytryn Hill lists the top five reasons she has "fallen in love" with her iPod, a "tiny 2-by-4-inch, tune-playing technological genius."... Jason Kottke lists "50 fun things to do with your iPod" including being a DJ at a club, getting mugged, and reliving the old Walkman days.

Apple, iPod credited for Seagate earnings

The iPod is credited as hard drive maker Seagate reports strong financial results for its latest quarter, reports Digital Music News. Seagate most recently announced increased profits of 44% for the March quarter, with the company attributing a great deal of the growth to record iPod sales. "Apple and consumer electronics were important to Seagate's results," said America Technology Research analyst Shaw Wu in regards to the profit surge. And the company has plans for more. "We are confident that Seagate will maintain strong revenue and earnings in the June quarter, which is then followed by what we expect to be a seasonally strong second half of calendar 2005," said Seagate’s president and CEO, Bill Watkins. Net income for the quarter was $229 million, on total revenues of $1.97 billion.

Microsoft employs old strategy to hurt iPod

David Haskin of Mobile Pipeline likens Microsoft's strategy for digital music players to its operating system strategy of the 1980s and '90s. "As happened in the 80s and 90s, Microsoft is again attempting to put the hurt on Apple by making system software available to any vendor -- as long as they compete with Apple and its closed approach to system software. It's ancient history now, but Windows, as deployed by the Dells and Compaqs of the world, obliterated the Macintosh. Now, MP3 players from the likes of Creative Labs, iRiver and Archos -- and eventually smartphone vendors -- have a legitimate shot of obliterating iPod and iTunes." Haskin also says "the only way that Apple can come out of this with its iPod line intact in the next few years is to capitulate to Microsoft." Last week, Steve Jobs acknowledged that, while he still doesn't like the PlaysForSure approach, Apple could adapt to the changing competition.

XtremeMac ships Shuffle Airplay transmitter

XtremeMac recently announced that its new Airplay FM transmitter for iPod shuffle is now shipping to retailers, distributors and customers who placed advance orders. "Airplay has been very well received since its launch in January, so we are excited to extend the success and popularity of Airplay to iPod shuffle users." The Airplay transmitter for iPod shuffle costs $50. During the past month, XtremeMac has released a total of twelve new products designed specifically for iPod shuffle, including: Car Charger, Bumperz, SportWrap, Shieldz, TuffWrapz, SuperHook, SuperClip, Audio Splitter, Audio Kit, Home Stereo Cable, and Auxiliary Audio Cable.

H2O Audio ships water-submeragable iPod case

H2O Audio announced today that it has begun shipping the "world's first" waterproof case and headset for the latest generation iPod. The SV-iP4G is now available to consumers and distributors worldwide. The SV-iP4G provides iPod users with a secure, waterproof and submersible audio system. The system enables sport enthusiasts to take music with them regardless of outside conditions and recreational environments. The SV-iP4G waterproof case provides a unique full-function dial and push button assembly design that gives users ready access to all of the iPod's Click Wheel command controls even when fully submerged in water. The H2O Audio SV-iP4G housing and headphones are $150 together.

Pacific Rim debuts iDiddy combo accessory for iPod...

Pacific Rim Marketing today announced the iDiddy, a new iPod accessory that integrates an earbud, lanyard (iLanyard), and leather case. The iDiddy is a "Wearable and Tangle Free" integrated combination for the complete range of Apple's currently shipping iPod product line. "These products represent the state of the art in lanyard technology, completely integrating the earbuds into a synthetic leather iLanyard. When not in use, each individual earbud slides into a clip on the iLanyard to prevent tangles. In addition, the iLanyard is adjustable to accommodate the differences in height of each individual wearer." They are in production and scheduled to ship to customers the end of May; iDiddys are available in three colors, Onyx, Mocha and Snow. The iDiddy is available for the Shuffle ($50), Mini ($60), 20GB/Photo ($70), and 3G 20GB iPod ($70).