iTunes, radio broadcasting drive podcasting

Apple's iTunes is driving the popularity of podcasting, a market which could reach up to 75 million people by 2010. A study of listeners conducted by Bridge Ratings in 10 major markets suggests that podcasting will be welcomed by the radio broadcasting industry, and that podcast audience growth is expected to reach between 45-75 million users in five years. The survey found that nearly five million people downloaded a podcast this year, and showed that 20 percent of users who have ever downloaded or listened to a podcast are listening to podcasts weekly. Additionally, less than 20 percent of those studied listen to their podcast downloads on an MP3 player or other digital device, according to the report. The reason for rapid growth is said to be "due to the rapid acceptance of the technology by the radio broadcast industry in 2005, and Apple's iTunes distribution." [Updated]

Sharp launches drop-resistant MP3 players

Sharp has introduced a new line of MP3 players featuring a mountain-climbing style carabineer design that hopes to compete with Apple's iPod line. The Sharp MP-S200 (512MB) and MP-S300 (1GB) are housed in an aluminum case with a honeycomb structure, and can reportedly be dropped from a height of 140cm without damaging the device, according to I4u News. Features for both models include an FM tuner, FM transmitter, direct encoding, USB 2.0 connectivity, MP3 compatibility, and support for WMA DRM (digital rights management). The players are expected to begin shipping on November 26th in Japan, and will be available in four colors. Pricing has not been announced.

Nikkipod offers Crystal Elegance iPod nano case

Nikkipod.com today announced the Crystal Elegance case for iPod nano, designed to keep the device secure, dry, and scratch free. The Crystal Elegance case is constructed from durable clear plastic, providing full access to all audio connectors. Features include a built-in belt slot, lanyard, and detachable hand-strap. The case offers full screen protection, a latch-style opening, secure side closure locks, and full access to all audio connectors. Crystal Elegance cases are available for $15.

Tutorial adds icons to iPod menu

A group of individuals have managed to crack the iPod's internal software and allow users to add icons to the menu of the popular music device. A tutorial has been released that explains how to change any string constant into an image on the iPod nano using iPodWizard, allowing users to change the length of a string (in appearance only), as well as change the iPod string into an image. The author suggests readers possess a basic understanding of character encodings, a good understanding of iPodWizard, and a good understanding of image processing down to pixel level. The maximum height of images is the height of the font being edited, which is typically the main font, and images will have the bit depth of the original font--typically 1-to-4-bit gray scale.

i-Stones boulder iPod holders

Brand Incubator--a Japanese firm--is selling i-Stones, carved boulders to store an iPod that provide USB 2.0 connectivity, battery charging capability, an audio connection, and a two-year warranty. The i-Stones wabi (shown at right) weighs 1.7Kg, while the i-Stones sabi weighs 2.6Kg and offers an S-video connection. Pricing and compatibility information was unavailable.

Emerson Radio to launch iPod-ready products...

Emerson Radio today announced that it is launching a complete line of iPod compatible audio products for 2006. The new Emerson product line will include clock radios, portable boomboxes, home audio systems and other consumer electronic devices--each of which will employ a custom-fit "docking station" to afford consumers the convenience of simultaneously recharging their iPods, while playing music through their new Emerson appliance. Emerson will begin shipping initial products in January 2006 and retail sales are expected to begin shortly thereafter.

Virgin Digital Red Pass music service debuts...

Virgin Group today will launch Virgin Digital Red Pass, the latest online music service offering. The subscription-based music service undercuts other services by offering unlimited access for $7.99 a month without a contract, according to Reuters. The service claims to have a catalog of more than 2 million tracks representing at least 15,000 record labels and says it provides 60 professionally programmed Internet radio stations, CD ripping and burning provisions and a host of other new features. The report says that downloaded tracks can be transferred to portable music players that are certified "Plays for Sure," including many devices that can play songs in Microsoft's WMA format; however, Apple's iPod is not compatible.

FlexibleDock adjustable car dock, charger

Ten Technology today launched the flexibleDock adjustable Car Dock and Charger for iPod, replacing the flexDock mini for iPod mini. FlexibleDock works with most standard cigarette lighter sockets to charge the iPod, holding the device securely on a slender adjustable metal arm while allowing for easy positioning in the vehicle. The dark grey color of the flexibleDock blends with most car interiors, and the dock is adjustable to fit any size of iPod. The flexibleDock's adjustable line out supports a cassette adapter, FM transmitter, or line input cable to play iPod music through the car stereo, and the naviPro eX or original naviPod wireless remote control for earlier iPod models can be used in conjunction with the flexibleDock to provide wireless remote functionality. The flexibleDock is expected to be available November 18th for $50.