iPodStyles debuts power, sync accessories for iPod

iPodStyles today announced a series of power and sync accessories for the iPod. The sleek and compact design of each accessory matches that of the iPod, including the iPod Car Charger ($13) for charing via a 12V car lighter jack; a iPod PowerStick ($21) for charing using four AA batteries; a iPod Travel Charger ($17, pictured at right) that allows you to simultaneously charge and play your iPod from any wall plug; a iPod USB Sync Cable ($17) allows you to charge and sync iPod music; and a Retractable iPod USB Sync Cable ($15).

iRiver says 'Thank you' to Apple

iRiver, a manufacturer of MP3 players, is far from bitter about the iPod's overwhelming success, according to the company's spokesperson who said that Apple has increased the overall music player market. "In a lot of ways, we have to say thank you to Apple. They have generated so much interest in this category. As the saying goes: 'A rising tide lifts all boats.'" Copley News Service says that the iPod phenomenon has taken on a life of its own: "Whether it's lack of competition, Apple's marketing hip-notism or something about the look and feel of the iconic little gizmo, it's hard to pinpoint precisely why such devotion is showered on the iPod. Danika Cleary, a senior marketing manager for Apple, guesses it has to do with 'the iPod being so small -- hand-held. And it has rounded edges and circles. [Users] kind of covet it, in a way. We've seen people caress them." The article also notes that users have gone so far as to give their iPods names as well.

London crime rates up due to iPod, cell phone thefts

Echoing a similar report in New York late last month, the popularity of iPods and new mobile phones has fuelled a sharp rise in street robbery in the country's capital because of its distinctive white-colored earphones, according to Britain's most senior police officer. "Sir Ian was speaking as new figures showed a 26.4 percent increase in robbery - which includes street crime and the theft of personal items - in London in April compared to the same month last year.... 'In street robbery our concern has been around the smaller portable pieces of kit - the new generation of mobile phones and iPods. They have different coloured leads, it is very obvious when someone is wearing an iPod. That is what is fuelling this.'"

Expanded iPodkitz line available in new stylings

Hong Kong-based itzkitz today launched a new range of iPodkitz for the iPod Photo 30GB. The company has expanded the range of its iPodkitz products to include the iPod photo 30GB model as well as the new "eye-catching" Red Viper & Purple Python models. Made from Snakeskin-patterned leather, the cases offer a "high fashion alternative to the myriad of standard leather cases currently available in the market." Each iPodkitz, also available in black, red, or white/grey styling, contains a hardshell leather case with a cushioned interior & a detachable belt clip system. It also includes a retractable sync charge cable and an innovative "Smartwrap" for headphone cable management. It is available for pre-order now and will ship on May 30th for $40.

iGuy a "bendable, posable" iPod holder

Speck Products today announced iGuy, its latest iPod accessory. iGuy is the first "bendable, posable" iPod "friend." It is also fully functional, featuring rubberized protection, docking capability and scratch-resistant screen for the iPod and iPod Photo. iGuy's white, rubberized case features arms that bend to pose, and legs that fold and stretch outright to sit on the dock and recharge. The case includes a tough, removable screen protector, and enables full access to the control, headphone plug and hold switch. The iGuy is designed to fit all 4G and photo iPods, including 20, 30, 40 and 60GB, and retails for $35.

ABC, NBC to offer news podcasts

Two major news divisions -- ABC and NBC -- yesterday announced they would issue podcasts. ABC News launched its podcast via its Web site, ABCNews.com. It offers a mix of new and rerun material. NBC News podcasts will be available in June through the MSNBC Web site. It will feature hourly updates from NBC, clips from TV shows including "Today" and samples of interviews on "Hardball." Forbes says "the allure of such TV-to-radio news transmogrification is still up for debate." While "news junkies" may "prize any portable info delivery system," skeptics say "it's as thrilling as watching TV with your eyes closed."

Columnist looks at music subscription services

"There's a reason Apple Computer dominates the legal 99-cents-a-download digital music scene: It does it right," writes USA Today columnist Edward C. Baig. However, Baig admits the subscription service model is growing on him. "Now, with the addition of RealNetworks Rhapsody To Go service — and especially with the debut this month of Yahoo Music Unlimited — I imagine it'll grow on others, too." The article describes some problems with the Microsoft software that underpins both Rhapsody and Yahoo Music. "I had to reinstall Microsoft's software." Overall, Baig picks Yahoo as the best subscription service. Still, he doesn't expect Apple to "slip off the online music throne anytime soon." However, "Yahoo and Real are at least giving digital music fans plenty to think about."

Nokia to launch "iPod killer" phone with 4GB

Nokia, the world’s largest mobile phone manufacturer, plans to launch an "iPod killer" and "digital camera alternative" this summer. According to Nokia’s vice president, Asia Pacific, Mauro Montanaro, the N90 would be the first to the market by July, followed by both the N70 and N91 before the year-end. The N91 is the most feature-rich model, with an integrated 4GB hard disk and play music for 12.5 hours at a stretch. It also boasts of an MP3 and ACC playback, in addition to remote controlled earphones and an FM tuner. Other features include shock proof hard disk, a 2 mega pixel camera, Web browser and integrated Wi-Fi. The N91, however, is not likely to compete directly with any iPod model. It offers the same storage as iPod mini, but will costs nearly $700.

iPod Agent copies songs from iPod to PC

iPod Agent is multi-purpose utility for copying songs from an iPod to a Windows PC, and for managing the iPod's content. It can transfer contacts, appointments, e-mail, tasks, and notes from Microsoft outlook to an iPod. It also downloads weather forecasts from the Web and put it on your iPod. iPod Agent can fetch RSS feeds, as well as podcasts, movie listings, and horoscopes. iPod Agent will automatically break any text file up into 4k size pages. iPod Agent is shareware. You are free to try a fully functional version for 15 days. Registration of iPod Agent costs $15.

iPod interface kit for in-wall home stereo system...

SpeakerCraft, an American manufacturer of in-wall speakers, has announced a solution to control and distribute audio throughout the home from the iPod using the company's MZC-66, a six-zone, six-source audio/video switcher. The keypad-based system allows users the flexibility of selecting and controlling multiple audio and video sources in up to six indepensent zones throughout the house. Leveraging the iPod codes embedded in the MZC system, the MZC/iPod Interface kit allows an iPod to become one of the six sources. The kit supports all iPod models with Dock Connector and includes an infrared naviPod for remote control of the system.

XtremeMac, Future Sonics to develop new earphones...

XtremeMac and Future Sonics haved announced a joint agreement to develop and market advanced consumer earphones and earphone products. These products will combine XtremeMac's brand awareness and distribution channels in the digital multimedia and consumer electronics markets with Future Sonics' focus on the professional audio, sound reinforcement and musical instrument markets. The first product to be released will feature newly developed technologies for high-quality audio in a new earphone. (The companies did not say when the product would be released.) Future Sonics Ears ($100), currently available, offers 20MHz-20KHz response, AND (Ambient Noise Technology), and other features.