Real disputes Apple's Rolling Stones catalog claims...

RealNetworks, which runs the Rhapsody music service, is reportedly disputing Apple's claim that iTunes is the first digital music service to offer the Rolling Stones' complete back catalog. Apple yesterday said that the iTunes Music Store is "the only online music service in the world to feature the complete digital music catalogue of the Rolling Stones." According to Macworld UK, Real yesterday contacted the publication to dispute Apple's claims; however, the publication found that only Rolling Stones' EMI Virgin release--18 albums in total--were available for purchase and download. The remaining portion of the Stones' catalogue was only available to streaming Rhapsody customers.

Podgear launches HouseParty speaker system for iPod

UK-based iPod accessory maker PodGear today announced the launch of HouseParty, a mini stereo speaker system designed to work with Apple's iPod. It features synchronization and charging functions for the entire iPod range. “The HouseParty is compact and beautifully designed with feather touch volume controls and funky blue LED lights to make any iPod look at home when docked. The HouseParty is equally at home in the living room, kitchen, bedroom or by the computer where anybody can simply dock their iPod to charge and share their music collection.” The HouseParty speakersystem can turn "any recent iPod" into a mini stereo system, delivering out 2x6W of stereo sound. The HouseParty will charge any iPod with a dock connector (3G, 4G, Photo and mini) or iPod Shuffle, and also enables synchronisation with a computer over USB. It will ship on September 1 for £$50.