Splasm debuts Podner video utility for iPod video

Splasm Software today announced Podner, a new application devoted to making it easy and affordable to get your home movies and video clips into an iPod-compatible format. "Drag a movie file to the Podner window, tweak the settings (if you want), then let Podner get to work. Your videos arrive safely in iTunes, ready and waiting for your next iPod sync. It's all in a day's work for you and Podner." Podner will be available during the week of October 24th for $10. A risk-free trial will process the first 2 minutes of an unlimited number of movie files. It will require Mac OS X 10.4, QuickTime 7.0.3 and iTunes 6.0.

USBVision updated, free util for iPod video...

EchoFX today announced USBVision for Mac OS X 1.1.2, an update to its $25 software that delivers software support for USB 1.1 video digitizing devices. Version 1.1.2 is a maintenance release that corrects problems with video signal detection, audio enabled devices, SecuritySpy, snapshot sizes, InterView Lite devices, and the startup item under Mac OS 10.4. The update also brings improved AppleScript support and sleep management as well as new support for Dazzle Digital Video Creator and for Pinnacle LINX USB Plus devices. EchoFX has also made available, free of charge, its USBVision Exporter software. USBVision Exporter can export any QuickTime movie to any other QuickTime format --including those required by iMovie, iTunes, and video-enabled iPods--without QuickTime Pro.

iSuppli places iPod 5G profit margin at 50 percent

Researcher iSuppli took apart Apple's latest, video-capable iPod to attempt to determine how much the company is making on the device. The latest iPod, like its smaller sibling, the iPod Nano, enjoys similarly high gross profit margins in the neighborhood of 50 percent, according to iSuppli analyst Chris Crotty, who estimated the price of the parts used in the iPod. He reckons the 30-gigabyte version of the new iPod, which sells at retail for $299, costs Apple $151 to manufacture. "This is in line with what we have seen with other iPod products from Apple," he says. The analyst raised some concerns about Apple's ability to keep up with demand. "We know that Apple has only one source for the display of this iPod," Crotty says. "And we also know that it is supply-constrained."

iDiddy offers Opticover for fifth-generation iPods

iDiddy today rolled out the Opticover for the fifth-generation iPod. Opticover is made from aerospace polyurethane, providing translucent protection from scratches with a tough barrier that is offered in the aftermarket for use on the front of Ferraris and Porches, as well as other high end automobiles to protect the paint from rocks. Installation consists of peeling back the pre-cut material, carefully aligning it with the click wheel and screen, then using the included squeegee to help eliminate any air bubbles that may get trapped between the surface of the iPod and the Opticover material. Opticover for the iPod 5G uses special adhesive that won't remain on the iPod after the Opticover is removed. The iDiddy Opticover is available for $15.

Lawsuit filed against Apple over iPod nano scratches...

A class action lawsuit has been filed against Apple Computer over the iPod nano's suceptibility to scratches. The Red Herring reports that Jason Tomczak has filed a class-action lawsuit against Apple Computer on behalf of all iPod nano owners, demanding that customers get their money back as well as a share of the company’s profits on the music player’s sales." The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California in San Jose on Wednesday, October 19, 2005, according to the report. The lawsuit follows numerous discussions of Nano complaints around the Web, media reports about its increased susceptibility to scratches compared to previous generations, and Apple's acknowledgement of an LCD flaw with a small set of iPod nanos.

Griffin debuts all-new iTrip for iPod nano...

Griffin Technology today announced its new innovative FM transmitter: the iTrip for iPod nano is a completely rethought version of the popular iPod accessory, according to the company: the iTrip now uses the iPod's high resolution LCD for optimal viewing of station information. In addition, it features a sled design and minimalist controls, making it thinnest FM transmitter Griffin has produced. SmartDisplay technology seamlessly integrates all functions and features with the iPod nano, displaying all iTrip tunning and setup info on the iPod nano screen itselt. Griffin's exclusive SmartSound volume control dynamically adjusts iPod's volume level for optimal audio quality. The company is accepting pre-orders now and the device is expected to ship in November for an introductory price of $50.