Sirius to integrate satellite radio service w/iPod?...

Sirius Satellite Radio CEO Mel Karmazin told shareholders Wednesday that the company was pursuing discussions to integrate its satellite radio service with Apple's iPod as well as manufacturers of other MP3 players and portable devices: "'We've had discussions with everyone," the executive acknowledged, including makers of cell phones, digital music players and other devices. He said that he'd had dinner Monday night with Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs and other digital entertainment-related executives at a conference. 'Will there be MP3 players that include satellite radio? Sure. The technology's easy,' Karmazin added. The issue, he elaborated, is whether such an agreement would cannibalize existing Sirius business, and how much of its $12.95 monthly fee the company would have to split with a manufacturer."

ezGear offers new Shuffle clip for iPod shuffle

ezGear today launched the ezClip Shuffle clip for the iPod shuffle. The ezClip Shuffle is described as a sturdy belt clip that replaces the iPod shuffle's USB cap so that you can wear your iPod shuffle on your belt, in your pocket, or on a sleeve. "The ezClip Shuffle is simple and easy to use and provides the flexibility iPod Shuffle users desire." It is available now for $13 through iPod resellers and distributors, electronics superstores, and the company's website.

Podcasting, iTunes may threaten Audible's future

Forthcoming podcasting features in iTunes 4.9 will help popularize the growing Podcasting phenomenon and along with other recently announced free podcast offerings, it may threaten Audible's business, according to one research firm. Forbes reports that Standard & Poor's Equity Research reiterated a "sell" rating on Audible, saying that that "podcasting constitutes a growing threat" to the company, "particularly its Periodicals and Radio and TV categories." In the report, S&P Equity Research said that a number of media outlets have recently announced new and free podcasting offerings, which it thinks "will detract from interest in similar content from Audible that generally costs $6.95 to $12.95 a month per download."

Toyota's 2006 Scion tC offers iPod connection...

Toyota's Scion car division today announced its retail prices (MSRP) for the 2006 Scion tC, its top-rated sports coupe (in its segment in initial quality) and new iPod-integration option on all models. Due at Scion dealerships next week, The 2006 Scion sports coupe comes with additional interior standard equipment as well as a new audio upgrade. All tCs will now have a new three-spoke steering wheel with integrated audio controls and a redesigned Pioneer AM/FM/CD audio head unit as well as an optional iPod compatible audio upgrade from Pioneer that integrates the iPod with the car's sound system, including music navigation, power and display.

Vaja offers iPod shuffle leather case

Vaja is offering a new leather case for the iPod shuffle. Like other iPod shuffle cases, the controls are printed on the outside of the case, allowing users to "press through" to the controls beneath. This $35 case is made of leather, and offers a cutout for the earphones connector and for the shuffle "slider." It also allows access to the USB connector. The case is currently offered in eight different colors. Each case is custom-made, and takes about 25 days to make. It measures 1.28" x 3.56 x 0.74 inches. "These cases are not in stock: you will design your case as you prefer and our master artisans will make it specially for you." To personalize cases, Vaja offers embossing and laser engraving.

Wi-Gear offers iMuffs wireless bluetooth headphones

Wi-Gear has released iMuffs, a new set of wireless headphones designed specifically for the iPod. iMuffs use Bluetooth technology to provide wireless connectivity to an iPod and/or cellphone. When your Bluetooth phone rings, the iMuffs automatically pause your iPod and ring in the headphones, and let you talk through the integrated microphone. Users can "enjoy CD quality sound" up to 30' (10m) away thanks to the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) and Bluetooth 1.2. Intuitive on the each-piece of the iMuffs allow users to pause, change volume, skip tracks, and seek music. The iMuffs require a small receiver attached to the top of the iPod. The iMuffs offer over 12 hours of playtime via a rechargeable lithium polymer battery, according to the manufacturer. The device operates on a 2.4 GHz frequency.

"Podcast Secrets Revealed" e-book released

"Podcast Secrets Revealed" is a new book on the emerging audio distribution concept that "shows people how to do it in only a few hours." The book shows readers how to reach the "six million U.S. adults" who are estimated to have downloaded podcasts. "Podcast Secrets Revealed" is offered as a 75-page electronic book. It is distributed in Adobe PDF format. Topics include: getting a podcast listed, using podcasting to promote an online business, creating an RSS feed, podcasting for free, the best MP3 recording devices, transitioning from radio broadcasting, and more. A sample chapter is available for free download.

Sonnet debuts PodFreq mini for iPod mini...

Sonnet Technologies today launched its PodFreq mini, a premium FM transmitter, integrated dock and protective case for iPod mini. PodFreq mini broadcasts tunes to any nearby car, home, or portable FM radio. Designed for the audio enthusiast, PodFreq mini connects to iPod mini through its dock connector to take advantage of the consistent-level, line-out signal. Users can quickly tune and broadcast to any clear station between 88.1MHz and 107.9MHz using up/down tuning buttons and the built-in, backlit display. The $100 PodFreq mini, expected to ship in July, includes a car charger, car cradle, USB 2.0 cable, soft carrying pouch, and a telescoping antenna.