Pictureal offers editing for iPod videos

Pictureal has announced a new service for video iPod owners: professional editing of your home movies and pictures. Customers can use a pre-paid FedEx kit-- or upload data online- to send raw footage to Pictureal who will post the edited version online along with unedited footage and a scene index within days. Pictureal offers templates and tools for turning home video footage into short music videos, video greetings and photo montages. These shorts, as well as raw unedited video, can be transferred from Pictureal to the video iPod in MPEG-4 format. Once finished, the MPEG-4 files can be transferred to PDAs, cell phones, Sony PSPs, and personal websites as well as the iPod. Pictureal accepts video by upload or in any format including VHS, S-VHS, VHS-C, MiniDV, Hi8, Digital8, MicroMV, DVCAM, Beta and DVD. Pricing for tapes shipped begins at $30 per hour of video sent, with prepaid packages ranging from $100 (3 hours of video and one DVD) to $300 (12 hours of video and three DVDs). Finished files may be stored online, or downloaded for $2 each.

More iPod-friendly CD players arriving...

As one in four households now owns a digital audio player, according to published reports, and 70 percent to 80 percent of these own an iPod, makers of home and car audio equipment are quick to offer more iPod-friendly options. Car audio makers are looking to upgrade their iPod cable connectors, making them faster and more intuitive this year. Alpine upgraded its iPod connection kit, claiming it is now 200 times faster than the previous adapter. The new kit eliminates the black box and is now a $30 cable that works with Alpine 2006 models from $179 up.

New iPod cabinet speakers...

D2Audio, the manufacturer of Intelligent Digital Amplifiers, today announced the new family of Geneva Sound Systems, powered by D2Audio's Intelligent Digital Amplifier technology. Geneva Sound Systems are a single cabinet unit which incorporates multiple speakers internally to deliver a broad audio range for iPod music players, as well as CDs and radio. The iPod fits into a dock at the top of the "piano-lacquered" cabinet, and it can be controlled via an infrared remote. The Geneva Sound System features iPod dock, built-in slot-loading CD, FM radio, multiple audio source support, and 600 watts of stereo sound. The large size retails for $600, while the xtra large for $1,100; each is available in red, black or white. White large and xtra large speaker stands retail for $75 each. Pre-orders are now being accepted online with a "coming soon" message.

First iPod video recorder debuts...

iPod users everywhere will soon be able to record television content and easily play it back on their TV. Advanced Technology Office (ATO) today introduced the first--and only--video recorder for Apple's fifth-generation iPod, the iSee 360i. Users can store their favorite shows and movies directly from TV, cable, satellite, DVR, or any other analog source on their iPod, and play that content back on any TV with an "analog in" connection at standard 640 X 480 TV resolution. Users can view previously-recorded video on the integrated high-quality 3.6-inch LCD screen, or on their TV: "With the iSee video recorder millions of iPod owners can add the power of video to their unit without having to purchase a new one," John C. Scott, ATO co-founder and former Apple executive said. "The iSee video recording capability also dramatically expands the universe of content playable on the iPod." [updated]

ezGear ships ezArmor Video Onyx Black

EzGear today began shipping the ezArmor Video Onyx Black for Apple's iPod, a protective case made entirely from anodized aircraft-grade aluminum. The case is designed to match the iPod's profile, while the interior is lined with neoprene that offers cushioning against sudden impacts and scratches. A clickwheel cutout provides full access to the iPod's ports, and the case features a clear protective screen for the liquid crystal display. The ezArmor Video Onyx Black is available with a removable belt clip and neck strap for both 30GB and 60GB iPod video models, and is priced at $35. Yesterday MacNN noted the release of the white ezArmor Video from ezGear.

iDiddy unveils Commuter iPod case

iDiddy today unveiled the Commuter Leather Folio case for iPod nano and iPod video. The case features a reinforced cover with a soft PVC window to protect the device as well as numerous pockets to stow various items; it also includes a zippered compartment designed to store and earbuds using two molded posts. Each Commuter case is hand-crafted from leather, and each ships with an Opticover--a protective film coating that covers the screen to prevent accidental scratches in the iPod's liquid crystal display. The iDiddy Commuter series is priced at $50, and will be available on January 9th.

Waterproof cases for Nano, Shuffle

H2O Audio announced its new waterproof housings and headsets for iPod nano and shuffle models. The patented H2O for nano or shuffle provides a unique full-function click-wheel assembly design that gives users ready access to all of the iPod’s proprietary command and control functions even when fully submerged in water. Additional features include the custom form-fit case, durable elastomeric diagonal T-seal, full view Menu screen, impact and scratch protection, secure armband, compatibility with standard and H2O Audio waterproof headphones, and safety from water, wind, dust, and sand. H2O Audio's waterproof nano housings retail for $80 and will begin shipping in the first quarter of 2006. Shuffle housings retail at $40, also shipping in the first quarter of 2006.

Special edition iPod Wurlitzer jukebox...

Wurlitzer Jukebox and Vending has released the Wurlitzer One More Time Special Edition for iPod CD Jukebox. The modernized version of the 1940's jukebox features an iPod docking station and Bose Acoustimass Speakers. To play the jukebox through an iPod, the iPod must simply be placed in the docking station, integrating yesterday's jukebox with "today's" popular music player. The OMT Special Edition for iPod also stores 100 CDs vertically in a carousel with a CD priority system. The jukebox measures 59.8 x 32.1 x 25.2 inches, weighs 346 pounds, and retails at $9,500.

iDiddy debuts "Dolphin" iPod nano case

iDiddy today announced its wearable iDiddy Dolphin for iPod nano, a rubber case designed to protect the device against knocks, dings and scratches. The PVC iPod nano case ships with a new fabric iLanyard, featuring 16.9mm earbuds. The iLanyard is designed to work exclusively with iDiddy cases for iPod nano, and includes an earphone jack precisely molded to the shape of the iPod. Rhodium plated rings hold the earbuds in place against the iLanyard when they are not in use, preventing the earbud wires from tangling. Dolphins are available in "shark" gray, "deep sea" black, "shasta" blue, and soon in "Pacific" red with an attached "3600" belt clip for $35.

DRM-free movie, TV content from 4Flix.net

4Flix.net has announced a new Macintosh- and iPod-friendly video download service without Digital Rights Management (DRM) restrictions. Hundreds of feature-length movies, TV shows, independent films and more are now available for playback, and will be compatible with the "upcoming Mac Mini," placing 4Flix.net in direct competition with Apple and its own iTunes' video download service, which delivers content with DRM restrictions, limiting playback to up to five computers. Customers may download their purchases-- priced at $1.99 or less each- to their computers and then move the files freely between viewing devices, including portable media players and living room-based media centers. 4Flix.net's advanced video compression codec allows for high resolution at lower bitrates, enabling smaller file sizes with superior quality. Besides the video iPod, the DRM-free media files are cross-platform and play on any Mac or PC with Apple's QuickTime 7 installed. The DRM-free service helps to break the 'content logjam' by providing consumers with control over their digital media, according to the company.

New Tango sound system for iPods...

XtremeMac today launched a new addition to its growing line of audio products, a high-end sound system dubbed Tango. The speaker system is designed to deliver high quality audio output from any Dock connector iPod, and offers audio/video output for integrating the iPod into a home entertainment system. The full-featured 2.1 speaker system offers a trio of powerful speakers, including a downward-firing subwoofer, which provides deep powerful bass and crisp, clear vocals. A sound stabilizer provides grip on most surfaces so that bass vibrations do not cause the unit to shift.

Speck debuts iPod car accessories...

Speck Products today announced a new Electronics Division, expanding its innovative and unique line of iPod accessories to include electronics for iPod. Speck's new line of "made for your car" iPod electronics includes leather-clad iPod chargers, docks, and FM transmitters (pictured at right) that are designed to compliment the look a car's interior. "Most folks who are passionate about their iPods are also passionate about their cars," said Tim Hickman, General Manager of Speck Products. "Our new line of iPod electronics really integrates the iPod into your car. The leather and chrome details look great against your dashboard and leather seats. The typical white plastic FM transmitter just doesn't make sense with your leather interior."

Samsung offers Nano-like flash player...

Samsung this week announced yet another new ultra-slim, lightweight flash-memory player, which much like the SanDisk e200 series players noted earlier today, closely resembles the "look and feel" iPod nano. The YP-Z5 Music Jukebox works seamlessly with music subscription services, and features a long lasting rechargeable battery for up to 38 hours of continuous music playback. The 4GB flash player features 1.8-inch LCD screen, a slim, durable body, and support for Microsoft Plays For Sure Audio Download and Subscription with support for MTV's Urge, Napster, Rhapsody, and Yahoo. The player is made from durable aluminum, which it says will prevent scratches and smudges. The "slim photo jukebox" weighs only 2 ounces and features a touchpad interface. Although it does not support video, users can view photographs and album art with dynamic effects as well as perform pan and zoom functions on digital photos. The YP-Z5 supports JPEG, OGG, MP3, and WMA; it will ship both silver and black in February for $250.

Kensington debuts new iPod accessories

Kensington today debuted two new iPod accessories. At the CES show, the company showed off its Entertainment Dock 500, which features video-out ports (RCA or S-video) to share videos and photos from your iPod through your TV. It also features a wireless RF remote to conveniently listen to music through your stereo or play a soundtrack while you view a collection of photos. The device also simultaneously charges iPod in the cradle. It will be available in the spring for $100. The Kensington Accessory Adapter for iPod shuffle plugs into the USB connector on the Shuffle, enabling users play music or charge the iPod through many iPod-compatible accessories. "From docking stations and chargers to FM devices and speaker systems, the Accessory Adapter for iPod shuffle lets you get maximum entertainment from the iPod shuffle." It is also expected to ship in the spring for $20. The company also showed off its SX 2000 Speakers for iPod.

Targus RF wireless remotes for iPod...

Targus today introduced its latest additions to its line of iPod accessories, including two new RemoteTunes wireless remotes, as well as an adapter that provides compatibility between older accessories with new iPod products. The two new RemoteTunes connect to the 30-pin iPod dock connector and are compatible with the newest iPods, including the iPod, iPod nano, iPod mini, 4G and photo models. "Whether the iPod is in another room or in a backpack, pocket, purse or briefcase, users can adjust the volume, change the song selection or turn off the iPod with a RemoteTunes, which are small enough to easily carry around." Featuring RF technology, the RemoteTunes devices do not require line of sight functionality, enabling control of the iPod even through walls.

SanDisk debuts 6GB Nano-like player...

SanDisk today a new iPod nano-like MP3 player. The top-of-the-line SanDisk Sansa e200 MP3 player features a large 1.8-inch color screen and 6GB of storage, and up to 256 hours of music playback. The device also allows users to view photos and personal videos. The company also introduced the Sansa c100, a value-conscious MP3 player with a color screen and compact size. Featuring a remarkable resemblance to the Nano, the company touts its industrial design and sports a click-wheel like interface as well as features a new "universal accessory connector" to help promote the proliferation of an accessory market. As with many clones, the player offers several features not available on the iPod, including a user-replaceable battery, an FM tuner with on-the-fly recording, an icon-based menu for navigation, and a microSD expansion slot for additional capacity and support for content cards that can be exchanged with mobile phones. The Nano-like player will be available in March in capacities of 2GB ($200), 4GB ($250), and 6G ($300).

iPDA 3.0 easily transfers info to iPod

ZappTek has announced iPDA 3.0 (formerly iPod It), which allows users to easily transfer information to their PDA. Version 3.0 introduces a new name, adds document support (Word, RTF and text — including the ability to select folders containing documents), the ability to select multiple Mail folders and Entourage categories, and much more. iPDA supports transferring information from Entourage, Stickies, Mail, Address Book and iCal. Users can transfer Word, RTF and text documents for quick access and reading on-the-go as well as download weather forecasts, news and RSS feeds directly to your iPod. iPDA 3.0 is a free upgrade; new licenses are $20. It runs on Mac OS X 10.3 or later.