Jansport backpacks integrate iPods...

JanSport today announced that its Fall 2006 collection will feature several new backpacks and apparel updated with the latest technologies, including those that support the iPod. JanSport introduced the new proprietary LiveWire system, offering connectivity to Apple's iPod. LiveWire enables users to listen to their iPod with an integrated remote control and cord management. The company said its backpacks and apparel offer three different options: LiveWire, LiveWire+, and LiveWireBT. LiveWireBT utilizes Bluetooth technology to link a mobile phone and an iPod for hands-free use when carrying a backpack. Measuring only three inches long and 1-inch wide, JanSport's five button keypad is integrated into the right strap and allows for iPod controls; including volume, forward, reverse, pause and play as well as an "exclusive" power-off function that extends the battery life of the connected device.

Lifepod announces new iPod accessories

Lifepod has introduced its Beat Generation and Urban Camouflage line of traveling accessories, designed to work with Apple's iPod. Beat Generation features built-in stereo systems visibly incorporated into a range of backpacks, gym backs, and travel cases. The Urban Camouflage line covers and protects all versions of Apple iPods and laptops with alternative fabrics and vinyl's. Lifepod's ModPod cases for iPod, iPod mini, and iPod nano were inspired by the New York City fashion scene, incorporating various colors and styles with embedded glittering stars or cotton tweed (pricing was unavailable).

XTN reports iPodders buy more music

XTN Data released a report on music sales, downloads, and interests after surveying over 1,000 UK and US music buyers. Findings report that while 75 percent of music buyers prefer a CD with a case to digital music files, US record sales have dropped slightly since 2004. 44 percent of all MP3 players are now iPods, whose owners buy an average of 2.26 albums per month, more than the average music listeners. In comparison, only 7 percent of iPodders download music using filesharing software, significantly less than other music fans, and 50 percent of iPod owners regularly purchase downloaded music from Apple's iTunes. These statistics have industry analysts wondering why iPodders seem to be more likely to pay for music rather than downloading it illegally. Greig Harper at XTN Data postulates that the iPod is so widespread that it has captured a mainstream audience; an audience who either aren't as aware of or happy using the filesharing software that 41 percent of those surveyed felt were too difficult to use.

Tunewear debuts iPod cases at MWSF...

Tunewear announced new iPod accessory lines at Expo this week. All new accessories are available for immediate purchase and shipment from TUNEWEAR's website. Jewel nano, jewel fur nano, TuneTag Studs, and PRIE ROBO cases all feature a clear vinyl window for view and use of iPod's screen and click wheel. Snap button flaps allow access to the earphone and docking port.

Griffin debuts TuneCenter iPod dock...

Griffin today announced TuneCenter docking and charging station for iPods, which it says is the "most advanced docking" yet. TuneCenter can be attached to a television and stereo for viewing photos, watching video, or listening to your iPod music library or internet radio. It also features a 14-button remote that enables the iPod as a complete Home Media Center. TuneCenter can display iPod playlists and song information on your TV screen, allowing the entire room to view the song title, artist, album and progress of the current song.

EvolutionTV captures video, TV to iPod...

Miglia Technology announced the release of a public beta of EvolutionTV software, which incorporates real-time TV and video capture for iPod video and Sony PSP. EvolutionTV also lets the user to capture video from other media such as VHA, DVD and H18. EvolutionTV comes with fully featured software enabling you to watch live TV, pause, rewind, and skip forward. EvolutionTV allows consumer to record TV, schedule recordings, and access Online TV guides. Final release within six weeks is anticipated. EvolutionTV software requires a Mac with USB 2.0 connectivity, PowerPC G4 1GHz processor or higher, and Mac OS X 10.4.x and higher. Retail price is $250.

iPod software supports new FM remote

Apple today released iPod Updater 2006-01-10, a new version of the software updater for iPods. It adds support for the new iPod Radio Remote for iPod with video and iPod nano as well as a number of bug fixes for iPod with video, iPod nano, iPod with color display, iPod mini, and iPod with Click Wheel, according to Apple's support pages. It includes iPod Software 1.1 for the iPod video, iPod nano Software 1.1, iPod Software 1.2.1 for color display/Photo, iPod shuffle Software 1.1.3, iPod mini Software 1.4.1, iPod Software 3.1.1 for clickwheel, and iPod Software 2.3 for iPods with dock connector as well as iPod Software 1.5 for touch/scroll wheel iPods.