DLO: TransPod works with iPod nano

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters today confirmed that its TransPod All-in-one Car Solution is fully compatible with the iPod nano. The DLO TransPod, because it was designed to take full advantage of the line-out and power charging capabilities of the bottom connector, works fine with the Nano. Many other iPod car solutions were out of luck when the iPod nano was announced, because the device lacks a top 9-pin connector. DLOs included fit pads "create a snug fit" for the music player. TransPods comes in white or black to match the Nano. TransPod for iPod, iPod mini and now iPod nano is available nationwide for $100.

Disney rolls out flash-based digital music player

Disney today unveiled the Mickey Digital Mix Stick, its portable music player designed for children, which will compete with Apple's smaller flash-based iPod models, such as the Nano and Shuffle. The player measures 4 1/5 x 1 1/2 x 3/5 inches and is made of a metal/plastic combination. The player supports MP3 and WMA audio formats and offers 128MB of built-in memory, expandable up to 1GB via SD/MMC slot. The built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 10 hours of playback time, with an average of 8-10 hours. Features include Disney Music samples, lanyard and ear-bud headphones. The Mickey Digital Mix Stick is priced at $50 and is expected to be available in five weeks.

"The Cult of iPod" looks at iPod development, fame

Author Leander Kahney has published "The Cult of iPod" and follow-up book to "The Cult of Mac." The book examines the phenomenon behind the wild success of the iPod. "Cult of iPod" looks at the many ways iPod users pay homage to their devices, and investigates the "quirkier aspects" of iPod culture. This new title also chronicles the "exclusive back story" of the iPod's development. "The iPod gives both Mac and Windows users a common object for their adoration. Even people who don't own an iPod have heard about podcasting, and they certainly have those 'dancing silhouette' ads tattooed on their brains," said Bill Pollock, founder of No Starch Press.

XtremeMac to sell entertainment-branded iPod cases

XtremeMac on Thursday said it had entered into licensing agreements with entertainment companies to create iPod accessories featuring popular movie and cartoon characters as well as team artwork. The organizations include Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Twentieth Century Fox, Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products, Lucasfilm Ltd., and Major League Baseball Properties. The new line of iPod cases, covers and armbands will be rolled out over the next several months, coinciding with the start of the holiday shopping season. Although specific details were not yet announced, XtremeMac noted that the products will be available through mass retailers and specialty electronics outlets as well as through the XtremeMac directly.

Difusi debuts nanoValet for iPod nano

Difusi Corporation today introduced a new high quality, ultra stylish, iPod nano protective case: the iPod nanoValet is a series of fashionable and affordable carrying cases for the iPod nano--"without sacrifice to its sophistication, useability or quality." Made from soft black Napa leather, the nanoValet also features reinforced exterior stitching and provides the user with a snug yet easily removable protective carrying case offering quick, easy access to all ports and buttons. It includes a belt loop; key clip; removable hard plastic holder with spring clip; and an 8-inch carrying strap. The nanoValet is available in black, red, and green and comes with a lifetime replacement warranty; it is expected to ship in the first week of October for $25; pre-orders are available from the website for only $15.

Tunewear debuts Poptune wrappers for iPod nano

Tunewear today announced Poptune for nano, a clean removing, wearable wrapper for Apple's iPod nano. The wrapper offers full access to headphone jacks and controls and comes in a pack of 12 stylish patterns including: tropical "New Aloha", fierce "Dragon", pretty "Cyber Sakura" and more. The company says the wrapper protects the device from dirt and scratches and is reusable: "The Poptune wrapper is removable so you can remove it from your iPod nano and replace it with another of your favorite Poptune patterns. You can also use it again so long as the sticky backing is kept in good condition." It will ship on October 4th for $20 for a pack of 12 stylish cases.