University of Washington makes deal with Napster/Dell

The University of Washington reportedly made a deal with Dell and Napster as stated on The Register. According to The Daily, "Under the provisions the University must exclusively promote the Dell branded DJ, secure two Dell kiosks on campus to feature Dell products and services, facilitate a Dell launch event in the back-to-school timeframe, host Dell information on the UW website, execute an email campaign and participate in a case study." Washington University, being a publically funded shcool was forced to release the financial details of the agreement.

Apple kicks off "Win What You Want" contest in Canada

Canadian legal residents who will be enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary institution in fall 2005 or are currently enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary institution can register to win up to $5000 worth of gear at the Apple store via the Win What You Want contest. Participants start with a $2500 total which can be boosted to $5000 by signing up ten friends. Choosing your "prize pack" allows you to customize your potential winnings, should you turn out to be the grand prize winner. The contest began July 25th and ends August 28th. Additionally there will be ten secondary prizes (iPod Shuffles) awarded, two per week.

Russound offers iPod connectivity for home audio

Russound today revealed its iPod friendly solutions for listening to music via a distributed audio system. Russound multiroom audio-video products enable entire playlists to be shared and accessible throughout the home. For homes with existing Russound components, an iPod can be connected in a number of ways -- whether the system contains Russound's RNET products, such as the CAV6.6, CAM6.6, SMS3 Smart Media Server, ST2 family of Smart Tuners and UNO keypads, or an A-BUS amplified volume control system. "We've become used to having choices for how we listen to music, and iPods are the latest popular trend," said Russound Vice President of Strategic Development Jeff Kussard.

Harley FL line adds iPod support, hi-tech features

Harley-Davidson recently unveiled its 2006 line-- including a record seven new models. Harley's FL touring lineup features a standard auxiliary jack where riders can plug in an iPod. In addition, there are add-on modules that offer XM satellite radio, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and a GPS receiver. "Nearly all of those options were available to try, and worked seamlessly through the in-dash display." The FL line starts at $17,800 with the Street Glide model.

BusinessWeek: video device from Apple unlikely

While many Apple enthusiasts, and even some industry analysts, are predicting the release of a portable video player from Apple, CEO Steve Jobs "seems to have other plans." According to a BusinessWeek report, Apple may offer video playback as a feature on forthcoming iPods, but the company is unlikely to market a new device specifically for viewing video. "I'm betting Apple learned from [the iPod photo] experience and will use video to fortify its current iPod empire -- not build a new one. That means no bigger, business-card-size color screen or the clunky battery that would be necessary to drive one, and no reworked interface. It means a device that, true to Jobs's oft-stated belief, isn't designed for watching full-length movies."