Apple/Lugz ad dispute: Theft or Coincidence

A new article in the New York Times recaps the latest developments in the dispute over the uniqueness of Apple's iPod/Eminem "Silhouette" ad. Apple and its advertising agency have been accused of copying a similar commercial for Lugz footwear commercial. In a statement late yesterday, its first since the debate began a week ago, TBWA/Chiat/Day said any resemblance between the commercials was "disappointing and surprising" as well as "regrettable." Larry Schwartz, executive vice president and principal at Lugz in New York, said in an interview, "We're very upset [...] The look and feel are awfully similar." Frank Ginsberg, whose company was involved in creating the Lugz ad said, "It's the same commercial. I don't get it."

PodGear to debut four new products at MacExpo...

PodGear today announced that it will be exhibiting four new accessories for the iPod nano and iPod video models on stand two at MacExpo London on October 27-29th. PocketParty for iPod nano (£25)features an LED indicator light, as well as angled speaker grills for improved stereo sound. PhotoBuddy (£15) connects fourth and fifth-generation iPods to a television or stereo via a retractable cable to display photos or play videos. JumpSuit Plus (£15) offers protection for fourth and fifth-generation iPods, as well as iPod nano, without diminishing the original styling.

mightymuffs made from punching bag material, cordura

muffpod.com today rolled out the mightymuff, its latest case for Apple's iPod designed to protect the device from scratches and drops. The interior features soft polar fleece, while the exterior offers a single or double layer of foam padding along with a tough outer layer of Cordura or punching bag material. mightymuffs for fifth-generation -- Nano -- and Mini iPods ship with a seat belt webbing strap to hold the device in place. The mightymuff cordura and punching bag cases ($15 for single-FAT padding, $19 for double-FAT padding) fit third -- fourth -- and fifth-generation iPods, while the case made from cordura with a strap ($20 for single-FAT padding, $25 for double-FAT padding) fits iPod nano, iPod mini, and fifth-generation iPods.

Protective offers invisibleSHIELD for iPod video

Protective Solutions today announced the invisibleSHIELD for the new video-enabled iPod. The invisibleSHIELD is a transparent film covering that protects iPods from dust and dirt particles that can scratch and damage the devices, without detracting from the elegant iPod design and without adding bulk, according to the company. "iPod users want form as well as function," said Phillip Chipping, president, Protective Solutions, Inc. "Other cases are bulky and conceal the well-designed form of the iPod, plus they can cause damage to the iPod, since users have to constantly remove and restore their devices in the case." With the invisibleSHIELD in place, users can still attach and use all their iPod accessories, including docking stations and speakers. It is available now for $25 and ships with a 30-day, money-back guarantee as well as a lifetime warranty.