Aboss shows off "i-Pocket" iPod mini clone

The iPod shuffle is not the only Apple music player being copied by Chinese and Taiwanese electronics manufactures. This week, at the Computex trade show in Taipei, Aboss showed off its “i-Pocket.” While the i-Pocket closely resembles the iPod mini, it does not offer the same functionality. It includes no internal storage, and instead relies on memory cards ranging from 64MB to 1GB. It plays MP3, WMA, and WAV files, and offers USB connectivity. It features an OLED display similar in size to the iPod mini's. The i-Pocket pulls off the iPod mini enclosure convincingly, featuring a 1-piece shell and fairly accurate proportions. The i-Pocket first surfaced online December, but its appearance at Computex is the first known public showing.

Settlement nears in iPod battery lawsuit

A court has conditionally approved a settlement in a class action lawsuit brought against Apple by consumers who claim their iPod batteries did not live up to Apple's claims. Under the settlement, class members who purchased or obtained a new third-generation iPod will be eligible for a one-year limited warranty extension on that iPod to cover battery failures. If the iPod experiences or has experienced battery failure during the one-year extension period, consumers who submit a valid claim have the option of returning the iPod to Apple for a replacement or receiving a $50 Apple Store credit. Class members who purchased or obtained a new first- or second-generation iPod on or before May 31st, 2004 and experienced battery failure within two years of purchase will receive a $50 credit at the Apple Store or a $25 reimbursement check.

Goldman: slowing iPod growth

Goldman Sachs today maintained an "in-line" rating on Apple, saying it expects little sequential growth from the company's iPod line, but saw steady unit sales this quarter, according to Forbes.com. Goldman said that iPod shipments were tracking in-line with its 5.35 million unit shipment forecast for the June quarter. "Based on a series of checks throughout the supply chain, we expect sequential iPod growth to come in lower than what investors have become accustomed to," the research firm said. Goldman said that Apple's second-quarter upside should be less than it has been--with much of the upside driven by the company's Mac business.

iPod ranks second in British design poll

The iPod currently ranks second in the New Designers 2005 Iconic Design Poll. To commemorate 20 years of the New Designers exhibition, organizers asked a panel of leading designers and commentators to nominate their favourite piece of British design from 1986 to 2005. The iPod was designed by Jonathan Ive. In first place, is the The Alex Moulton bicycle, with 40 percent of the vote. The iPod trails with 27 percent, and the World Wide Web has 14 percent. Other interesting nominees in the poll include the Verdana font, the Millennium Dome, and The Rolling Bridge at Paddington Basin.

UK distributor picks up ARTWIZZ accessory line...

Disruptive Technology Channels, a UK-based distributor of consumer electronic products today announced that it is distributing a new brand of iPod accessories called ARTWIZZ. Disruptive Technology Channels owns the PodGear brand of iPod accessories. ARTWIZZ has several products in its initial lineup, including the HangPhones, which allow iPod owners to hang their iPod around their neck and also listen to their favourite music using the HangPhones integrated neck strap. Other products include the iSleeve, iSee mini, PowerPhones & Splittercable, and Screen Shield.

inMotion iM7 Portable Speaker System for iPod...

Altec Lansing today announced its new inMotion iM7 Portable Speaker System, which it says "brings the market’s most impressive out-loud firepower to your iPod, iPod mini or iPod photo, along with the ability to run on batteries for use wherever you go. "Patent-pending digital amplification technology and other engineering extras pump out the biggest and fullest sound this side of your home stereo system — all in a one-piece package compact enough to take on the road." The sleek, cylindrical, white and silver system features two 1-inch tweeters, two 3-inch mid-range drivers, a 4-inch side-firing subwoofer and a 4-inch passive radiator. It will ship in June for $250.

Euro-iTunes stores accept Firstgate's Click 'N Buy

Apple today announced the addition of Firstgate's Click & Buy payment option for European iTunes Music Store customers, offering the ability to purchase music, audiobooks and gift certificates via debit card, direct debits, invoice or bank transfer. Apple today also launched its affiliate program across Europe, making it the first pan-European download music store to offer direct links to songs and albums to affiliate websites. "We think giving our iTunes customers the option to use the Click & Buy payment option is going to be a hit," said Eddy Cue, Apple’s vice president of Applications. “And, with over 15,000 iTunes affiliates in the US, the introduction of our affiliate program to Europe will drive even more customers to the world’s best online music store, while providing affiliate websites a quick and easy way to generate commissions.”

Fashion experts: iPod makes technology fashionable

The success of the iPod proves that "technology can also be fashionable," according to New Scientist. "The iPod has given a real kick-start to the idea of wearable technology," Sandy Black, a fashion researcher at LCF said. "There are already skiing jackets with iPod control switches built into the sleeve material, for instance. So with BT and others we are investigating technologies the fashion industry can harness to meet consumers' heightened expectations." London College of Fashion and U.K. telecoms firm BT envision "putting your address book and photo album on in the morning along with your socks" and "clothes peppered with plastic LEDs that let you change the fabric's pattern at will."

Luxpro shows updated iPod shuffle clone with screen

Although Apple managed to temporarily banish Luxpro's iPod shuffle knockoff at CeBIT this year, the company is again displaying the device to the public, this time at Computex 2005. The Taiwan-based manufacturer is displaying a new model, called the MX-585D. It features a 64X48-resolution OLED display and supports Digital Rights Management (DRM). It is compatible with three audio formats, including MP3, WMA and WAV. The model charges to 80 per cent of capacity in just two hours and offers continuous use for 10 hours on a full charge, according to the company. In addition, the model supports 10 different languages. Yesterday, we noted two reviews of the initial model of the Luxpro, which does not feature a screen.

Sumajin, iPodStyles unveil Shuffle Loop

In collaboration with Sumajin, iPodStyles has announced the availability of the Shuffle Loop. The Shuffle Loop is a silicone case that was designed to protect the iPod shuffle with thicker silicone materials at the corners, and is another high quality designer product by Sumajin, the creators of the award winning Smartwrap. The Shuffle Loop is available in a range of colours, and can be purchased with a matching Smartwrap and earphone sponge to "complete the look."

Microsoft wants piece of the Podcasting pie

Microsoft seems to recognize the significance of the so-called Podcasting revolution, and is assembling its own podcasting team. "Striking is how much Apple seems to get it," writes Alex Williams. "Podcasting fits into the DIY decade of self-expression, which increasingly seems to be the theme of Apple's product ecosystem. Now it looks as if Microsoft is getting into the podcasting game." Podcaster Adam Curry reportedly said, "It was like 15 minutes after it showed up in the Wall Street Journal when Microsoft called, saying, 'Hey, how do we get in this?' I don't know a lot about Microsoft. I do see they're a lot hungrier company than they used to be." Williams says Apple seems to be leading the way with culturally significant products. "Somehow, Apple has turned the iPod and iTunes ino mythic weapons that people see as hip. And in the process, they have aligned themselves with DIY youth culture, who live in the remix world."

Hewlett-Packard to sell iPod mini

Hewlett-Packard today added the iPod mini to its line of rebranded digital music players. The Apple iPod mini from HP is available in both configurations: 4GB and 6GB. The company already already sells larger HP-branded 20GB, 30GB, and 60GB iPod models. HP also unveiled its new HP Printable Tattoos, which allow consumers to personalize their digital accessories with artwork, designs and photography. Consumers can print their mini Tattoos from an HP Photosmart 375 Compact Photo Printer. These ultra-thin HP Printable Tattoos provide protection form scratches and scuffs, and are easy to apply and remove from the iPod mini's exterior. In April, HP updated its iPod offerings to reflect recent changes to Apple's line. See other iPod News on iPodNN.

New laptop bag offers iPod pouch, integrated speakers...

Dr. Bott today announced an exclusive distribution agreement and the availability of TechWiz Innovations MUSAK laptop bag for iPod users. The new MUSAK computer case is a saddlebag-style laptop carrying case with integrated amplified speakers and a built-in flip up case designed specifically for the iPod. The design of the "swing up" case allows the wearer to easily change tracks and volumes without having to remove their iPod from the case or take off the MUSAK bag. It is compatible with 12-inch, 14-inch, and 15-inch laptops and is available in two different models for iPod owners: one model fits all iPods from first generation through the most recent fourth generation iPod with Click Wheel, including iPod from HP, U2 Special Edition iPod, and iPod photo. Another model accommodates the iPod mini. Both cases are available immediately for $100.