MS takes on Apple's iPod video...

Microsoft today launched three new portable media centers designed to compete with and dethrone Apple's video iPod. Microsoft, along with LG Electronics, Toshiba, and Tatung unveiled the players today at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where Microsoft group product manager John Starkweather told Marketwatch that "in terms of features, I'd say that the video iPod is going to compete with these." The players are expected to be available in February and March, with Toshiba's 30GB model priced at $300 and a 60GB version costing $400.

New Sumo cases for iPod

Sumo announced their Spring line of iPod cases. Sumo cases provide a top flap for complete protection, and full control access while iPod is in the case. Earbud and USB ports are accessable while iPod is encased in the Sumo line. All cases, for Nanos and Videos alike, come with inner molded EVA foam padding which provides shock protection. Sumo Leather Stripe Case for iPod comes in black/white and white/multistripe and retails at $40. Sumo Leather Flip Case for iPod nano comes in red, black, and black/white, retailing at $30. All models are available at Apple stores and Sumo's website.

Bulletproof iPod shields from HandStands

HandStands announced the immediate availability of its "bulletproof casing" for iPod nano and iPod video. The Duravu Bullet-Proof Protective Shields protect the front and back of the iPod. iPod is also protected from scratches when the transparent Duravu shield is applied. Duravu Bullet-Proof Protective Shields may be purchased on the HandStands website for $10.

Eleksen smart fabric iPod cases

Eleksen has created a touch-sensitive fabric casing for the iPod and will showcase the product this week's Exo. The case has external volume controls and comes in two formats: one for controlling any MP3 player with a standard audio output jack and one with 5-button remote controls for iPod supporting play/pause, track forward, track back, volume up, volume down and iPod ON/OFF. It incorporates volume control, integrated speakers, a built-in 3.5mm audio headphone socket, automatic power-save function to prolong battery life and a belt clip. The product's smart fabric scroll volume controls enables operation via a finger scroll along the volume controls or a press and hold volume capability. (Price and availability were unavailable.)

Dashboard Widgets on your iPod?

Apple has filed a patent for Dashboard widget authoring that seems to suggest some widgets will work on iPods. The patent titled "Widget authoring and editing environment," filed on January 5th, relates to Apple's Mac OS X Dashboard feature, and suggested that widgets will be able to run on a "handheld computer, mobile device, consumer electronic device or the like." A second interesting point relating to "Widget Installation" states that "Authentication and payment may be prerequisites for such operations in some embodiments," which could have far-reaching implications in relation to future wireless over-the-air portables, according to Macsimum News.

iPod, LCDs were top holiday sellers

Top U.S. major retailers have agreed, Apple's iPod and liquid crystal displays (LCDs) were the top sellers this holiday season. "For us, anything that said iPod or was an iPod accessory was hot," said Larry Mondry, CEO of CompUSA. The latest statements from retail executives confirm analyst predictions of iPod sales; Piper Jaffray performed checks with several Mac resellers in late December of 2005 to find that iPod- and Mac-related sales were stronger than the previous year. Amazon.com also announced in late December that the iPod was among its top three selling electronic items during the holidays. The iPod was a hot item in the U.K. as well, as unprecedented demand was reported just before the new year. "We had a good year in general, and specifically, a terrific Christmas season," said Mondry, according to a report from InfoWorld.

Photo to Movie creates movies for iPod

LQ Graphics has released a new version of Photo to Movie 3.2.3, which lets users create video content for Apple's iPod video. Photo to Movie offers an easy-to-use interface that delivers the full power of "Ken Burns' Motion Effects" with no learning curve. It allows users can create high-quality movies that include titles, music, and transitions. The company says that Photo to Movie uses proprietary algorithms to optimize each frame to eliminate flicker. "Here at MSI Productions, we are expanding our product offerings to include iPod video music production services, and Photo to Movie's new iPod rendering option will dramatically improve the quality of the productions we create," said Alan J. Hendry. "Photo to Movie is a fantastic product." It is available for $50 and runs on Mac OS X and Windows XP.

Memeo announces iExtend for iPod

Memeo has announced the Memeo iExtend for iPod, an iPod-compatible version of its backup solution Memeo AutoBackup, designed to give users expanded access to digital content via their iPod. Using the iExtend, consumers can use the SmartPick checklist to select their preferred news topics-- accessed from RSS feeds- and play them back from anywhere. Also included are the Memeo + Shutterfly integrated solution, iDisk, and Zero-Touch. Memeo + Shutterfly detects new digital photos and manages the photo uploading process in the background, while iDisk allows users to store content online and off-site, giving users the ability to update their iPod without iTunes. Zero-Touch, which conforms to individual user behavior, automatically back up any new file addition or change whether or not the iPod is connected to a PC, automatically updating changes upon re-connection. Memeo iExtend is available for download for $30 and requires Windows 2000SP4, Windows XP Pro, or Windows XP Home Edition.

Ignitek debuts iCheer 212 for iPod nano...

 Ignitek this week will showcase four iPod-compatible speaker systems, including the iCarrier and iCruiser for all iPods (except the Shuffle) as well as the iCheer for the iPod Shuffle and iCheer 212 for iPod nano, the newest product in its lineup. The iCheer 212 for iPod nano creates a portable music system that is "easy to pack and take anywhere. The iCheer 212 is similar to the company's original iCheer for the iPod shuffle; however, an iPod connector allows the Nano to charge while inserted in the speaker and to be connected to a Mac or PC. An AC adapter plus carrying bag are included with the iCheer 212. It also features a mini-USB connector that allows the speaker to be connected to a USB input on a computer. The iCheer 212 for the Nano will be available in early 2006 for $90.

New presentation-to-podcast tool

Humble Daisy today introduced ProfCast, a new all-in-one presentation-to-podcast tool for the Mac. The company says that the software provides everything lecturers need to create podcasts from their lectures. ProfCast offers an integrated workflow that makes creating, recording, and publishing podcasts easy. The software features live presentation recording, synchronized audio with slides, rss generation for podcasting, and support for publishing. "Until now, capturing lectures has been a difficult, time-consuming and costly process. What's cool about ProfCast is that you can give your lectures as you normally would, and ProfCast does the work for you." A free trial is available now. The software is $35 and requires Mac OS X 10.4.