Libraries offering audio books exclude iPod owners

Libraries across the US are offering downloadable audiobooks in Windows Media audio format with copyright protection, leaving iPod owners to fend for themselves. The chosen format won't play on Apple's iPod because Apple's Fairplay DRM software is incompatible with Windows. Steve Potash, chief executive of OverDrive said about 1,000 libraries have signed up for OverDrive's audiobook service since its debut late last year, according to the Associated Press. iPod users can still listen to audiobooks purchased through Apple's iTunes Music Store and audible.com, however the library services currently only cater to computers and devices that support Windows Media audio files. OverDrive files can be burned to CDs and converted to iPod friendly formats, but this produces an extra step required by iPod owners, and not all of the audiobook providers support this.

SIRIUS offers portable satellite radio

SIRIUS Satellite Radio today announced the first wearable satellite radio, the SIRIUS S50, which allows users to capture and store up to 50 hours of SIRIUS content, or a mix of SIRIUS programming and MP3/WMA files. The SIRIUS S50 measures 1.9 by 3.9 inches and 0.7 inches thick, and includes a color display, black exterior and voice-assisted channel navigation. The SIRIUS S50 will be available for a suggested retail price of $360 this fall. It includes wearable accessories (6-hour rechargeable battery, ear buds, belt clip, armband, USB cable and AC adapter) and a car dock, which includes an adhesive mount, power adapter, a remote control, low profile antenna, DC input and line output.