New 8GB Seagate drive could end up in next iPod mini...

Seagate today announced the first 8 gigabyte 1-inch drive for portable media players. The new drives could end up in the next iPod Mini revision, expected later this year. Apple moved the Mini to the same Seagate ST1 drive in its 6GB form in February, introducing new colors and an improved battery life of 18 hours. Apple is expected to upgrade the iPod mini to a color screen later this year, according to BetaNews. In the first quarter of 2005, Apple reported shipping 5.3 million iPods. "Manufacturers such as Seagate have endeavored to boost capacity of shrinking hard drives to take advantage of the growing popularity of digital media players," the report said.

Kensington debuts Stereo Dock for iPod...

Kensington this week announced its Stereo Dock for iPod, which allows users to "plug in" to their home stereo systems. The device integrates a line-out audio, a slim wireless remote control, and a stylish charging dock. It plays iPod tunes through any stereo system with line-in capability (using the dock connector) and charges the iPod at the same time. The infrared remote control operates from up to 30 feet away with five buttons to control Play/Pause, Skip Forward, Skip Back, Volume Up and Volume Down. The Stereo Dock supports all iPods with a dock connector, including 15GB, 20GB, 30GB, 40GB, 60GB, iPod mini and iPod photo. It will ship in July with a 5-year warranty for $90.

Apple denies August launch date for iTunes in Japan

Reports that Apple Japan will launch a local version of the iTunes Music Store in two months' time are "completely untrue", according to Apple Japan spokesman cited by local website Internet Watch. Apple Japan did confirm that it is still talking to the labels, but it would not comment further. Yesterday, Japanese newspaper the Nihon Keizai Shimbun claimed ITMS Japan will launch in August following digital distribution deals reached between Apple Japan and a number of major Japanese record labels, specifically Avex and Toshiba-EMI. In April, Apple Japan president Yoshiaki Sakito said ITMS Japan would open by the end of the year.

TBWA awarded Grand Prize for iPod at Effie Awards

TBWAChiatDay was awarded the Grand prize at the Effie Awards for its global 'Silhouettes' campaign for Apple's iPod and iTunes Music Store, according to Brand Republic: "As well as winning the Grand Effie for Most Effective Campaign for its iconic iPod work, TBWA took home a Gold Effie in the Consumer Electronics category and a Gold Global Effie, which recognises campaigns that have proven effective in six or more countries across two or more regions." The report said that the Grand Effie winner honors a product at "the forefront of popular culture complemented by a creative, breakthrough marketing campaign that has proven to skyrocket sales."

ezGear debuts new Bodysuit, Tankini iPod cases...

ezGear today introduced new Bodysuit (right) and Tankini (below) cases for the iPod shuffle. The ezSkin Tankini is a two piece case that includes a skin for the iPod shuffle and another skin for the USB cap. The ezSkin Tankini can be used with the standard USB cap, the neck strap (only the iPod shuffle is covered), or with the ezClip Shuffle. It is available in five colors: Sky, Princess, Onyx, Lime, and Frost and is sold in a two-pack with one color and a Frost ezSkin Tankini. The two-pack bundle is $20. The ezSkin Bodysuit is a single-piece case that fits over the iPod shuffle and the USB cap simultaneously. The ezSkin Bodysuit can be used with the standard USB cap, the neck strap, or the ezClip Shuffle. It is available in the same five colors and is sold in a two-pack with one color and a Frost ezSkin Bodysuit for $20.