FlexPed iPod pedestal ships, pricing reduced

Thought Out today began shipping the FlexPed, its iPod device cradle designed specifically for vehicles. Previously announced in August with an expected price of $50, Thought Out has lowered the product's cost to $40. Featuring a nine-inch flexible neck and an included PEDHead pivoting cradle system, the FlexPed works with all iPod models except Shuffles. Features include cable management, 3M padding protection, solid steel construction, and an LED charging indicator. FlexPed provides a line level audio output 3.5mm stereo jack, a 12-volt auto socket, diode protection charging, and a replaceable fuse.

iPort rolls out five new free standing music systems...

iPort today introduced five new free standing music systems for iPod owners, streaming audio and photos to home entertainment systems and syncing with iTunes. The FS-1 ($150) and FS-2 ($200) ship with a simple mini-breakout box that provides audio outputs for standard RCA cable connections to stereo and video outputs for both composite video and S-Video cables for connection to any TV. The FS-3 ($600) features a balanced audio path that supports wiring runs up to 500 feet, while the FS-4 ($800) is enabled for two-way communication. The FS-5 ($1,100) builds on the FS-4, adding balanced video sender and receiver wall plates. All models are scheduled for release by the end of the year.

New Altec Lansing earphones offer Etymotic technology

Altec Lansing on Wednesday announced its entry into the earphone market with the inMotion iM616 and iM716, two high-performance in-ear systems. Both models combine high-definition sound based on Altec Lansing’s reproduction technology with Etymotic Research technology that provides a market-leading 35db of noise isolation. The inMotion iM616 ($150) features enhanced bass, an 84 percent sound accuracy rating, and a black earplug and cord with a shirt clip. The inMotion iM716 ($200, shown at right) features both enhanced bass and high-definition audio modes, enabling users to choose one or the other with an in-line controller located on the cable. The iM716 boasts a sound accuracy rating of 90 percent. Also see: Altec Lansing unveils travel-friendly iPod speakers. . .

Altec Lansing unveils travel-friendly iPod speakers

Altec Lansing on Wednesday launched the iM5, a travel-friendly mobile audio dock that provides speakers for listening on the go. "You get big sound with special bass enhancement in a package small enough to tuck in a backpack or suitcase, plus a variety of updates to the original inMotion product that ranks as one of the best-selling accessories of the iPod economy." The speakers contain four full-range micro drivers powered by a highly efficient Class D amplifier, plus patented MaxxBass technology that enhances the low frequencies without the need for a subwoofer. It also provides a composite output for viewing photos on a TV. A subwoofer output connection on the back of the unit enables the addition of a subwoofer. When no electrical outlet is available, the device can run on battery power for 24 hours. The inMotion iM5 Mobile Audio Dock will be available in consumer electronic stores in late September for €150.

DLO unveils iPod "HomeDock" for living room use

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) on Wednesday announced the HomeDock, a "Home Entertainment Center for iPod." The HomeDock is a new kind of iPod accessory that creates a "home" for the iPod in the living room and provides a permanent simple connection to existing home stereo systems and televisions. With the HomeDock, owners can simply dock their iPod to enjoy their music and photos without the hassle of additional cables, adapters or multiple other accessories. While docked and charging, the iPod is controlled with the included 14-function Remote Control. The HomeDock includes everything necessary to connect an iPod to a typical Home Stereo or a pair of Powered Speakers. The DLO HomeDock costs $100 and is being demonstrated this week at Macworld Expo-Paris, booth C2. [updated]

Pre-sale DM tickets offered with iTunes EP purchase

UK superstars Depeche Mode gave announced that fans can purchase advance tickets for its upcoming US tour when they purchase their new album, 'Playing The Angel', from the iTunes online music store. Depeche Mode fans who visit iTunes Music Store in the US and pre-order the band's new album will receive a password for the chance to purchase up to four tickets from ticketmaster.com for select dates on the band's 2005 North American tour. The pre-sale offers Depeche Mode fans the chance to access priority concert seating before tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Sept. 24. Fans who pre-order Playing the Angel from iTunes will receive the album via digital download when it is released on Oct. 18 on Sire / Reprise Records.

invisibleSHIELD protects Nano, other iPods

Protective Solutions today announced it has introduced the invisibleSHIELD full body protector, the first invisible scratch protector and case for Apple's iPod nano. The invisibleSHIELD is a protective clear film that is virtually indestructible, protecting most handheld electronic devices against scratches. It protects iPods, PDAs, cell phones, GPS receivers and even watches. Protective offers a lifetime replacement guarantee and a 30-day, money-back policy on invisibleSHIELD. "The iPod nano is a beautiful device, and for all the purists who want true protection for their iPods and not take away from its stylish design, the invisibleSHIELD is the perfect answer. No other product on the market can boast the same strength for protection, and yet appear invisible!" Pricing starts at $20.

U.K. Advocacy show focuses on iPod battery issue

iPod battery problems recently became the focus of "Watchdog," the BBC's consumer advocacy TV show, according to Macworld UK. "If you bought your iPod before May last year, the in-built battery was supposed to last for up to 12 hours without the need for recharging. But for the owners of many of these older models, the music has been fading a lot more quickly," Watchdog writes. The report puts forward multiple cases where iPod batteries have failed, leaving UK music lovers disappointed and frustrated. Watchdog also observed that Apple UK has failed to acknowledge that a problem exists with its iPod batteries. "Apple say they've sold over 21 million iPods and the battery issues have affected very few", the report states.