Shuffle owners report some iTMS songs incompatible

A online discussion on Apple's support forums details an issue where certain tracks purchases from Apple's iTunes Music Store will not play on an iPod shuffle. Several Shuffle owners report being affected by the problem. One user wrote: "I have purchased songs from itunes but they will not play on my shuffle. They appear as if they are loaded on the iPod; they play in iTunes on the PC." Another Shuffle owner said, "The unit plays the songs I loaded into itunes from CD fine. Ironically, the songs I purchased from itunes don't work on the shuffle." Yet another iPod shuffle notes that "when my shuffle tries to read the offending songs it needs to be reset by turning it off/on." In most cases, "the offending songs simply refuse to play on my Shuffle." Apple has not provided a fix for the issue.

ThinkFree lets iPod users view presentations

ThinkFree today announced the initial beta release of ThinkFree Office 3 Show, iPod Edition, a unique program that allows anyone with an iPod (or compatible MP3 device) to create, edit and transport full-blown PowerPoint presentations. ThinkFree Office 3 Show, iPod Edition comes with over 130 PowerPoint compatible drawings and AutoShapes, 17 animation effects and 40 transitions. In addition to the standard .ppt file format, it can save documents as HTML, the World Wide Web standard format, as PDF file or as SVG (Scalable Vector Graphix) format. ThinkFree Office 3 Show, iPod Edition is currently in beta and it will ship into retail in August at a retail price of $40.

Harman Kardon Drive + Play for docking iPods...

Harman Kardon today unveiled the Harman Kardon Drive + Play, an integrated iPod docking system specifically designed for automotive use. It offers complete iPod control, including full browsing capability, while minimizing distractions for drivers. The system features a backlit LCD screen with five lines of iPod menu text that can be used with the pivoting mount in any of three positions; a five-button navigation control unit with universal mounting options mimics the iPod's user interface and can be mounted on the center console or other location; and the "the brain", which serves as an information processor, FM transmitter for playback through the care stereo, and connecting port. It is compatible with all docking iPods and will ship in September for $200.

Newer introduces iPod mini battery upgrade...

Newer Technology has expanded its iPod battery line with the addition of a 600mAh battery for the iPod mini that offers 50 percent more capacity than the battery shipped by Apple Computer, according to the company. NewerTech’s NuPower iPod mini replacement battery boasts the highest capacity available, 600mAh, and a "bargain" price of $25. All NuPower battery kits are user installable with included tools and online viewable installation videos. However, professional installation is recommended for iPod mini and fourth-generation iPod models. “All the NuPower batteries rock and will let you rock on longer,” said Larry O’Connor, President of NewerTech. “We already offer the best iPod replacement batteries for first-, second-, third- and fourth-generation iPods. Now add the mini to that line up.”

DLO debuts Transpod car solution for iPod shuffle...

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (Booth No. 329) today announced the TransPod for iPod shuffle. The all-in-one car solution enables Shuffle owners to transmit, charge and display their iPod shuffles in their cars using a single device. Like the version for the iPod and iPod mini, the TransPod for iPod shuffle broadcasts music to any FM radio frequency (between 87.9 to 107.9). It also includes a separate input and output that allows it to interface with other iPods and audio devices. It is available immediately at Best Buy and on the web for $60.