Splasm releases Podner 1.0 movie utility for iPods

Splasm Software has released Podner 1.0, a new application devoted to creating home movies and video clips in an iPod-compatible format. Users can simply drag a movie file to the Podner window to complete the file conversion and the transfer to iTunes. The utility also optionally allows users to tweak the settings. Podner supports both MPEG-4 and H.264, with an adjustable quality control, genre and naming tools. Both H.264 singlepass and multipass ecoding options are supported. Podner is priced at $10 and requires Mac OS X 10.4, QuickTime 7.0.3 and iTunes 6.0.

Nano lawsuit to damage Apple's reputation?

The recent lawsuit filed against Apple regarding iPod nano's allegedly fragile screen has some analysts questioning whether the negative publicity will affect Apple's iPod sales. This couples with earlier reports of Nano screens cracking easily, and Apple's acknowledgement that less than one-tenth of one percent of iPod nanos did ship with a problem. Ars Technica, however, put the Nano through a brutal stress test by throwing it from a speeding vehicle at highway speeds, and some Apple fans believe that the latest court case is "a good example of another frivolous lawsuit in a society where many such lawsuits exist." The iPod is "still the name" in MP3 players according to an article from Motley Fool, but despite Apple's reputation for producing elegant products, the Apple brand could receive "a few scratches" as a result, according to the article.

Autobytel launches "iPod Center"...

A recent Autobytel online survey found that 81 percent of respondents said they, or someone in their family, owns an iPod, yet only one-third of these iPod users said they've been able to use it successfully in their vehicle. In response to this, Autobytel.com has launched an "iPod Center" featuring tips on the various iPod integration options on the market, a step-by-step installation video, and more. Autobytel's Auto Information Center (AIC) reports that there are 12 times as many 2006 models with MP3 capability as there were in 2003, and that there are currently 598 new models featuring MP3 player capabilities on the market.

Study finds iPod owners post more online content...

A recent customer behavior study by Intelliseek found that consumers who own iPods are significantly more likely to create and spread consumer-generated media (CGM) on the internet, a trend likely to increase with the incorporation of video content into iPods. According to the study, iPod users are twice as likely to have authored a blog than consumers who do not own MP3 players, and they outpace other MP3 owners on creating and posting content online. iPod users are also 2.5 times as likely to exchange text messages on cellular phones (59 percent versus 24 percent of non-owners), three times as likely to take photos with a camera phone (45 percent versus 15 percent), and three times as likely to download video clips and movies to a personal computer (47 percent versus 16 percent).

Digigami releases MovieToGo video conversion software

Digigami today released MovieToGo, a simple batch processing application for converting QuickTime movies into iPod-compatible 320 x 240 H.264 movie files. Converting movies to fifth-generation iPod format entails opening the movie file in MovieToGo, clicking on the "Convert to Video iPod" button, and naming the new movie file. Once the movie conversion is complete, double-clicking on the new movie file will automatically add it to the iTunes video library. MovieToGo is available for free, and requires QuickTime 7.0.3 or later and iTunes 6 or later.

Difusi unveils videoValet, videoFlip for 5G iPod

Difusi today unveiled its videoFlip and videoValet (shown at right), two leather cases designed to protect fifth-generation iPods. Both cases are made from soft black top grain leather, feature reinforced exterior stitching to provide a snug fit, and offer easy access to all ports and controls. The videoValet can be attached and carried on a belt loop, a key clip, a removable swivel belt clip with a metal spring, or a hand-held lanyard strap. The videoValet ships with a lifetime replacement warranty and is expected to be available by mid-November for both 30GB and 60GB fifth-generation iPod models. It will be priced at $30. Pre-orders are available from the Difusi website at a 40 percent discount ($17) for a limited time.

CPM offers first anime content for iPod video

Central Park Media (CPM) is the first anime company to provide anime content for Apple's new video-capable iPod. The company said that users can download the first episode of its upcoming Armored Trooper VOTOMS at as well as view the trailer for the "shockingly horrific" Kakurenbo: Hide & Seek, which scheduled to premiere on a special pre-Halloween midnight broadcast on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim on Saturday, October 29. CPM is also offering a trailer of Hammerboy, winner of numerous prestigious awards on both sides of the Pacific. CPM also said will be making available more full episodes and trailers, including Descendants of Darkness, Revolutionary Girl Utena, Shadow Star Narutaru, etc.

Speck debuts new cases for video iPods

Speck Products has announced six new cases for the new 30GB and 60GB iPod video. Similar to Speck's nano cases, the new line-up for the fifth generation iPods has been streamlined and tailored towards the new video iPods: the SkinTight skins and SeeThru hard cases are available in two sizes (30GB and 60GB). SkinTight rubberized skins provide protection against dust, knocks, and scratches; it includes removable screen protectors and will be available for $30 in a pack of three colors (clear, black, and blue). See-Thru is hard case made of translucent plastic" that delivers "a hint of color and a massive dose of shine." It offers full access to contols, headphone jack and hold switch and will be available in a pack of three colors (clear, black, and red) for $30. Both cases are expected to begn shipping in mid-November.