Firm details possible changes to iPod lineup...

American Technology Research weighs today sent a note to its clients regarding recent speculation and rumors about future models of the iPod. The firm believes flash memory pricing has "not dropped to a point where 4GB flash [iPod] is economical to put in an MP3 player." ATR analyst Shaw Wu said, "We could see 2GB flash, however we think it needs to be priced very competitively versus existing 4GB micro drive iPod mini at $199, potentially at $149 to minimize product overlap." Regarding recent rumors that Apple might introduce a 2GB flash iPod, ATR said there are two possibilities. The first is that Apple may introduce a device similar to the iPod shuffle, but with a small screen for navigation. The other possibility, according to ATR, is that Apple might introduce a thinner, more compact version of the iPod mini, with 2GB of flash storage, priced below the 4GB microdrive-based model.

Stylish iPod back and clickwheel protectors

iPodStyles is now offering PowerGuard and WheelFilm protectors for the iPod and iPod mini that guard the back and clickwheel from scratches, dirt, and grime. PowerGuard acts as a protective layer for the back of the iPod, maintaining the mirror-like surface in excellent condition, while WheelFilm acts as a protective layer for the front clickwheel of the iPod, keeping it clean. Both products come in a range of colors and patterns, each uniquely designed and engineered. Make your fashion statement today with a PowerGuard and WheelFilm.

iPod integration in Mercedes-Benz B-Class

CanadianDriver has published a look at the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class, which offers iPod integration. "Once the iPod is plugged into the car, it's automatically linked to the audio system and the driver navigates around the iPod menu ... using buttons on the standard-fit multifunction steering wheel. The central display on the dashboard, between the major instrument dials, provides the driver with all relevant menu and music track information - song title, artist and play mode. Songs can be skipped or repeated and volume is also operated from the steering wheel. Incidentally, hooking up the iPod does not cut out the existing CD changer because the interface kit is connected separately to the audio system."

iPod sales stabilizing, Mini a top seller

iPod sales remain steady heading into the June quarter, with research firm PiperJaffray predicting 5.5 million total iPod sales this summer, up from the 5.3 million Apple shipped last quarter. The perception among many resellers is that sales of iPods are falling, but numbers indicate growth is simply slowing. Through its checks, PiperJaffray determined the iPod mini to be the current leader in the iPod family. " In our recent conversations with Apple specialist stores, iPod mini was cited as the most popular iPod by 50% of stores in our sample, shuffle and 20GB iPod were pointed to as the highest demanded products at 20% and 15% of stores, respectively," the firm said. PiperJaffray believes strong iPod mini sales indicate the Shuffle is not cannibalizing demand for the Mini.shuffle sales are not significantly cannibalizing demand for the other products in the iPod family.