Battle over itunes.co.uk finally over...

The fight for the itunes.co.uk domain is finally over as Ben Cohen--a former dot-com millionaire--and his company, CyberBritain Group, has officially abandoned all further attempts to get the domain it once owned back from Apple. Nominet--a .uk registry--awarded the domain name to Apple in March of this year because it was an "abusive registration," according to a report from ZDNet UK. Cohen responded to the ruling by demanding that the expert presiding over the dispute resolution procedure should not be an "Apple Mac" user "because in the view of the Respondent there is a 'cult' associated with the products of the Complainant, which attracts fanatical users".

Otter Products ships Otterbox for Nano

Otter Products today began shipping the OtterBox for iPod nano, its waterproof case designed to protect the Nano from the elements. The interactive design is waterproof up to three feet, fits iPod nano 2GB and 4GB models, and is offered with a lifetime unconditional guarantee. The Nano's clickwheel is protected by a thin membrane that remains fully functional through the case, and an included belt clip provides cable management for headphones. The external headphone jack is compatible with any standard mini stereo plug, and when combined with waterproof headphones the OtterBox for iPod nano allows the device to be worn while swimming. The OtterBox for iPod nano is available for $40, while an optional armband is priced at $15.

Briefly: FastIcon; 5G iPod cases; TiVoToGo

In brief: The FastIcon has released a new icon set for desktop use, "iSimple," containing 12 freeware icons.... Marware today introduced its new line of cases for fifth-generation iPods (Sport Grip Backwinder shown at right, $20), designed to preserve the slim profile of the device while providing maximum protection.... A FAQ on TiVo's forthcoming support for the iPod notes that TivoToGo service is not yet available for the Mac, and iPod support is even further out.... Peachpit has released new books in the Apple Pro Training Series: DVD Studio Pro 4 ($50), Shake 4 ($55), and Optimizing Your Final Cut Pro System ($55).... Sid Meier's Civilization III system requirements have been set to Mac OS X 10.3.9 running on a PowerPC G4/G5 at 500Mhz or faster.

Marware debuts multiple iPod video cases...

Marware today introduced its new line of cases for fifth-generation iPods, designed to preserve the slim profile of the device while providing maximum protection. Most cases are expected to be available by the middle of December. The Sportsuit Convertible ($35, shown at right)--available in black, blue, and silver--has been completely redesigned for the iPod video, constructed from orca-skin neoprene. Features include a side-opening lid, hand strap, a built-in headphone cord winder, translucent silicone clickwheel protection, static film to protect the display, and a redesigned armband that uses the "Multidapt clip system."

SkipJam iMedia Center adds iPod support...

SkipJam announced today support for the iPod, providing docking directly to the SkipJam iMedia Center. Using Firewire or USB 2.0, users can connect their iPods directly to any iMedia Center or to any iMedia enabled PC and immediately play music, photos and video throughout their home. The SkipJam iMedia support for the iPod also allows SkipJam users to record audio or video content directly onto the iPod Storage, creating a plug'n'go recording solution which records shows directly onto the iPod drives for portability.

Details on TiVo's forthcoming iPod support

A FAQ on TiVo's forthcoming support for the iPod notes that TivoToGo service, which promises to simply the video transfer process to the iPod and other mobile devices, is not yet available for the Mac and iPod support is even further out: "TiVo ToGo does not support the Mac operating system, so this extension of the program also will not be available. A Mac version of the service is expected sometime next year. To recap: TiVo owners with a Series2 box who subscribe directly with TiVo and have a Windows-based PC and a video-capable iPod or PSP can use the service--when it's completed next year."

Korea investigates Apple-Samsung flash deal

Samsung is being investigated by the South Korean government for allegedly selling NAND flash memory chips to Apple at half their market value. The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) said on Wednesday that the Samsung is suspected of "dumping" 2GB and 4GB flash memory chips to Apple, which are used in Apple's popular iPod nano, a practice that is hurting other South Korean memory manufacturers, according to The Korean Times: "FTC Chairman Kang Chul-kyu indicated last month that his agency might take action against an alleged unfair deal between Samsung and Apple, if local MP3 players request the probe, making it clear that the investigation would be very thorough." Samsung, however, claims it has maintained margins of 30 percent, which would make the dumping claims untenable, since such profits could not be generated by selling memory at half of its fair market value.