Firm expects strong September, December quarters

Investment firm PiperJaffray expects a "very strong" December quarter for Apple, in both Mac and iPod segments. Analyst Gene Munster also expects strong earnings results from the September quarter, slightly ahead of Street consensus. The firm is modeling for nano shipments of 858,000 in September and 5,000,000 in December. "Our 20GB/60GB iPod estimates remain unchanged. For the shuffle, we are lowering our estimates by 10% going forward assuming some cannibalization from nano." PiperJaffray said it expects to see a video iPod or a smaller form factor standard iPod. "We believe that it is most likely that Apple will launch either a video iPod or a smaller form factor high capacity (>10GB) iPod at next Wednesday's [One More Thing] event. If a video iPod is introduced, we would expect new iTunes video content would also be incorporate d in the announcement."

XtremeMac unveils 12 Nano accessories...

XtremeMac today announced a variety of cases, chargers, car accessories, a new AirPlay2 FM transmitter, and MicroBlast portable speakers designed specifically for iPod nano. All of the new devices are expected to ship between now and the first week of November. The AirPlay2 FM transmitter (pictured at right) is an updated version of XtremeMac's original AirPlay transmitter, designed to work with iPod nano as well as iPod and iPod mini. The device is as thin and narrow as the Nano; features include three programmable station presets, mono mode for better reception in crowded radio markets, and a vibrant blue display with easy-to-read white characters. AirPlay2 connects through the Dock connecter, features an additional pass-through female Dock connecter, and is available in black or white for $60.

Tunewear debuts Prie Tunetag I.D. for iPod nano

Tunewear today introduced Prie Tunetag I.D., an identification tag-style leather case for Apple's iPod nano digital music players. TUNE I.D., due in October, is an I.D. tag-style genuine leather case that has a neck strap and also includes the company's hook which also comes with the new PRIE Ambassador series. "You can use the hook to attach your iPod to a belt loop on your jeans or to your backpack strap and of course a lanyard so you can carry it around anytime, anywhere." Prie Tunetag I.D. is made from smooth high quality genuine nappa leather and incorporates a transparent vinyl sheet which covers and protects both the iPod screen and click wheel from dirt and scratching, while offering full control of the click wheel and full view of the screen. It also features card slots inside to fit credit cards, business cards, train passes and more importantly, your I.D.

FastMac announces free iPod Battery recycling program

FastMac has announced an iPod battery recycling program available at no extra charge to all customers who purchase a TruePower iPod battery upgrade from FastMac. This program is also available to the general public who purchase third party battery replacements and need to properly dispose of their original iPod battery. All disposal fees are covered by FastMac. FastMac will offer all purchasers of TruePower batteries a prepaid padded envelope for return of the original battery at no additional fee. Once received by FastMac, the battery will be properly disposed of at a recycling center where all usable chemicals and components will be recovered. FastMac will also accept iPod batteries from customers of any third party vendors who do not offer recycling options. These customers can ship their battery directly to FastMac for disposal.

PodGear announces JumpSuit Plus, LeatherJacket...

PodGear today announced the launch of two new case ranges for the iPod, iPod mini and iPod nano. The launch of the JumpSuit Plus and LeatherJacket means that iPod owners can now protect their device from everyday wear and tear while maintaining a fashionable appearance. The Jumpsuit Plus’s high quality, skin tight silicon case enables iPod owners to protect their iPod’s without diminishing the original styling while the LeatherJacket, gives iPod owners the chance to give their iPod a "luxurious home." The JumpSuit Plus’s smooth silicon comes in six vibrant colours to suit everyone’s taste while the LeatherJacket’s leather and velvet lining is available in four colors.

Tunewear's Tunefilm protects Nano from scratches

Tunewear has announced Tunefilm, a clear protective film for Apple's iPod nano series digital music players. It will be available this month and included free with all Tunewear cases for the iPod nano. Tunefilm will also be sold separately, but pricing has not yet been announced. Each pack will include 3 pieces of adhesive clear film to fit the iPod nano's Color screen, Click Wheel and the sensitive mirror finished back face and provides protection for your iPod nano against dirt and scratching. Recently, there has been much controversy over the iPod nano's susceptibility to scratching. Tunewear also said its Tunetag for iPod nano will be available later this month.

Griffin offers iFill for recording MP3s to iPod

Griffin Technology today announced iFill, its new software to record music from radio streams. Griffin's iFill records streams of MP3 music directly on the iPod from any one of thousands of free radio stations and also allows users to boh choose several stations at once as well as select from many different genres. "iFill is a great fit for your active lifestyle. With iFill, you can go to bed while charging your iPod, and wake up to an iPod full of new music, ready to go jogging with you, and without having to search through your record collection, browse the iTunes Store, or rip any CDs." The cross-platform iFill requires Mac OS X 10.3 or later; it is available for $20 or as a free one-week trial version is also available.