New colors for iPods from Memorex

Memorex today added a new product to its growing lineup of computer and media accessories. With the company's new iPod Wraps, consumers can print labels for and customize their iPods as often as they like. The adhesive, removable wraps leave no residue when changed, and are made of photo quality, scratch- and scuff- resistant paper. The paper is usable with all iPod models from Shuffle to the Video. Each package of iPod Wraps also contains the new edition of Memorex’s exPressit application, exPressit Label Design Studio, compatible with Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X (specific system requirements were unavailable). Consumers can use their own images or one of over 1,500 that the new Design Studio comes equipped with to decorate their iPod. Like the older exPressit, the new version includes templates for CD and DVD labels as well as a new playlist manager for importing playlist information to be printed onto a label or case insert. The iPod wraps will retail later this month for about $15 per 10-pack.

iPod nano recognized for innovation

Apple has won yet another award for its innovation. Today PC World recognized Apple's iPod nano for its industrial design. The Nano was among the five top products picked in the magazine's Audio Category, along with the JVC Home Theater, Sonos Digital Music System, Yamaha Home Theater Receiver, and Yahama YSP-1000 Speakers. Overall, the iPod nano was among the top 25 products chosen for the 2006 PC World Innovations Awards: "Overnight, the svelte iPod Nano (see picture) irrevocably altered the landscape for portable audio players. Not only did this model take clean design aesthetics to a new level, but it brought us the first high-capacity (4GB) flash-based player--and one priced within reach of the masses, no less. Now, if only it didn't have that scratch-prone surface."

ezGear launches ezArmor Video case

ezGear has announced the ezArmor Video Protective Case for Video iPods. The case is made entirely of anodized aircraft-grade aluminum, and fits the Video iPod perfectly with a clear protective screen and a click wheel cutout. Neoprene cushions the inside of the case to protect from impacts and scratches. Included with the case is a removable belt clip and neck strap. The ezArmor Video retails for $35 and fits both the 30GB and 60GB iPod video models.

Portable theater for video iPod

Icuiti today unveiled the DV920, its pocket-sized video eyewear that offers users a home theater experience with most video sources, including Apple's video iPod. The DV920 allows hands-free, private viewing on a virtual 42-inch screen, and can plug-and-play with a workstation or laptop for 3D gaming. The DV920 is available for $550, and will be showing at this year's Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas. "The DV920 will serve to enhance the current portable video revolution by offering the user an unparalleled high resolution video experience. It has the ability to display 2D and stunning 3D stereoscopic video in the privacy of your own portable home theater," said Paul Travers, President and CEO of Icuiti.

Townshend cautions iPod users...

The guitarist of a clasic rock band is the latest to crusade against hearing loss and the use of iPod's earbuds. Pete Townshend, of The Who, has issued a statement via his website to warn earphone users about hearing loss. Townshend expressed his concern that others may retain serious hearing damage if they do not turn down the volume of their music while using earphones. Townshend maintains that his own hearing was permanently damaged after years of using studio headphones. In recent months, a Northwestern University professor and audiologist also warned that the earbud-style headphones could cause serious, permanent hearing loss, while one study attributed hearing loss in Australia's youth to iPods and other similar devices.

iPod rock and pop quiz, contest

Coolgorilla.com today launched its Coolgorilla Rock and Pop quiz, a free trivia game for iPod owners, and announced a contest that offers participants a chance to win a free video iPod. The download contains 20MB of sound files, and poses questions about The Gorrilaz, U2, Metallica, Beyonce, The Beatles, The Whites Stripes, The Killers, Madonna and more. Users who answer all of the questions correctly can enter the hall of fame, and one lucky user with the fastest completion time will earn the video iPod (specifications were unavailable).

Zicplay debuts SlideKey music player

Zicplay today rolled out its SlideKey digital music player, a new device that could compete with Apple's iPod for dominance. The gadget plays MP3s, features a digital voice recorder, and operates as a USB storage device. The SlideKey player is available in 256MB, 512MB, and 1GB models, and has optional built-in FM radio on the 512MB and 1GB versions. A cover slides back to reveal the device's various function keys, and the unit can play MP3 as well as WMA files. SlideKey music players are expected to be available in mid-January starting from £45, and all units carry a full one-year warranty.