Apple vows to fight for iPod interface patent

Apple could be forced to pay Microsoft royalties for using the interface on its iPod, although Apple said it would continue to fight to have its iPod patented recognized. Following AppleInsider's breaking report last week, The Independent says that Apple could be required to pay "hundreds of millions of dollars" in royalties to Microsoft, whose previously filed patent on an iPod-like interface prevented Apple from receiving its own iPod interface patent; however, the United States uses a "First to Invent" method rather than a "First to File" method, making unlikely that Microsoft would be able to retain the rights to its patent." A spokeswoman said Apple would continue to try to get its patent recognised. The company could take the case to the patent office's appeals board. 'Apple invented and publicly released the iPod interface before the Microsoft patent application was filed,' it said in a statement." (WizBangBlog offers a detailed look at the "poor" media coverage following AppleInsider's initial report.)

BellSouth to offer broadband with free Napster music

In a move that would leave out iPod owners and possibly alienate them, BellSouth today announced a marketing deal pairing high-speed internet service with a free membership to the "Napster To Go" portable subscription music service, a direct competitor to Apple's iTunes. The deal, which offers a growth opportunity for the subscription-based service, enables customers who sign up for BellSouth's FastAccess DSL to receive a free three-month subscription to Napster To Go; it will also offer a "compatible" MP3 player, which is presumably not the iPod: Apple has chosen not to support the WMA DRM used by Napster, despite (public) requests by popular artists, such as the Dave Matthews Band. A similar marketing effort by Napster was unsuccessful, according to report that found iTunes to be the most popular music service among students at University of Rochester, despite a partnership with Napster.

Wells Fargo offering free iTunes downloads

Following a slew of iPod incentives and promos, Wells Fargo has followed the lead of Gap's iTunes promo. by offering free iTunes songs as an incentive learn about its banking services. Wells Fargo is offering a iTunes promotion and iBook sweepstakes: anyone requesting information about the company's checking account services will be awarded one free iTunes download (while supplies last), and anyone who opens a Wells Fargo checking account until September 18th will automatically be entered to win one of 136 iBook G4 laptops with SuperDrives. The promo is offered at all Wells Fargo retail locations, participating college campus booth locations and online (and also by mail). Winners will be posted on the Wells Fargo sweepstakes winners web page on or after November 7.

Alwaysstock unveils free iPod mini promotion

Alwaysstock today announced its latest promotion: customers who purchase any eight images or two CD collections by November 30 will receive a free blue iPod Mini. Alwaysstock, home to dozens of photographers from around the world, features more than 10,000 unique photographs in a variety of categories. Images need not be purchased simultaneously to receive the iPod mini, but customers with business accounts must pay their invoices for the eight images or two CDs within 30 days to be awarded the iPod mini. One award is available per individual customer and late payments nullify the offer. Shipment time is estimated at four weeks (with the understanding that back-ordered iPod minis from Apple will ship as soon as they are received).

Tatuz announces third new iTatu design

Tatuz today announced the release of its third new iTatu design as part of the company's ongoing 5-5-5 promotion: Five weeks, Five new designs, Five free iTatu. The new design, called 'Wall', is the third of five new designs created by award winning graphics designer Andres Conde of Digital Assault. In addition to the new iTatu design, Tatuz International will also give away a free iTatu with every order placed via the company's online store. Each week a different iTatu design will be given away. This week's free iTatu design is 'Gilda Cow.' The third new iTatu, entitled ‘Wall’, is available immediately and orders placed online will be shipped within 24 hours. Pricing is $3.50 each. "Thus far, our new line of iTatu, created by Andres Conde of Digital Assault has been a real hit. Customers around the world have been dropping us positive emails about the designs, anxiously awaiting the next new design to be released."

O'Reilly Releases "iPod Shuffle Fan Book"

The iPod Shuffle is a "very different kind of iPod," says iPod aficionado J. D. Biersdorfer, author of the "iPod Shuffle Fan Book" from O'Reilly ($10). "It has a lot in common with its older and bigger iPod siblings, but it also has a whole life of its own." This "ultimate resource for getting the most out of Apple Computer's lightest and least expensive iPod music player" covers all the basics of iPod Shuffle hardware and software; using iTunes with ease; filling the Shuffle with nothing but the best songs; and "playing them however, whenever, and wherever desired." Biersdorfer includes resource and website listings for troubleshooting and further research, and he even delivers sample playlists.

Bluetooth transmitter connects iPod to RCA inputs

Scosche Industries is now shipping a Bluetooth wireless iPod interface for aftermarket brand-name head units and home audio systems. The Scosche transmitter connects directly to the headphone output connector of the iPod or MP3 unit and transmits to a Bluetooth receiver connected to the auxiliary RCA input of a vehicle's head unit or home audio system. Scosche's Bluetooth wireless technology transmits "continuous streaming audio with digital sound CD quality" to a car or home receiver. Scosche's Bluetooth wireless technology features a wireless range of 30 feet and a fifteen hour transmitter lithium-ion battery life. It is Bluetooth 1.2 compliant for continuous streaming audio and can pair with an unlimited number of receivers. The universal Bluetooth kit will be available in September and will retail at $250.