MicroPack extends battery, offers outputs

XtremeMac announced the availability of the MicroPack for all dock connecting iPods. MicroPack includes an integrated Universal Dock, female Dock connector allowing iTunes synching, digital headphone amplifier that powers two headphone jacks, each with independent volume control, line out and video out, travel pouch, and Lithium Polymer battery technology to provide 80 extra hours of power to iPod. The battery charges using Apple's 30-pin cable and and USB power source. MicroPack will ship this spring for $100.

Standalone video recorder for iPod

Neuros made available the new MPEG4 Recorder . The recorder is a digital VCR from which the user can create open digital files to use on all MPEG-4 compatible devices like the iPod video and Sony PSP. The recorder works like a free-standing VCR that hooks up to a TV and records onto digital memory cards instead of VHS tapes so that the created MPEG-4 video files are directly playable. The recorder works with iPod video, but MPEG-4 files must be transferred from the recorder to a Windows PC before downloading to the iPod. The recorder features four recording quality settings, upgradeable firmware from Neuros Technology, and three resolution settings. Neuros MPEG4 Recorder 2 is priced at $150, shipping immediately.

XtremeMac debuts iPod cable kits...

XtremeMac today debuted its HomeShow and RoadShow cable kits, designed to turn Apple's iPod players into home or auto entertainment centers. The HomeShow cable package can connect iPods to most speaker or video playback devices, while the RoadShow is an all-in-one cable that connects the video iPod to in-vehicle DVD entertainment systems as well as the DC power system. The RoadShow and HomeShow will be available in mid-January for $50 each.

Hippod for iPod from Small Dog

Small Dog Electronics has announced the immediate availability of their Hippod carrying case. This is in addition to several recent products releases from Small Dog intended to accompany the iPod. Small Dog carries iPod accessories from many companies as well as their own iPod accessories, like the Hippod. Hippod for iPod is a hip-mounted carrying case and speaker combo. The Hippod for iPod includes a 1-year factory warranty and is priced at $25.

New industry surrounds Apple's iPod

With the success of Apple's iPod, an industry of accessories for the digital media player has sprung up around it. Now there are lines of clothing being announced. Levi Strauss expects to debut the RedWire DLX jeans this fall, priced at $200. There are jackets with iPod-sized pockets inside and control pads built into sleeves, and gloves (pictured at right) with special material at the thumb and forefinger tip for controlling the iPod's clickwheel-- entire companies are being formed to create accessories for the digital lifestyle. Apple has embraced this market, with its "Made for iPod" initiative, in which companies are encouraged to develop merchandise that works with the music player, and are given the marketing label in exchange. Apple announced that there are more than 700 products bearing the "Made for iPod" logo on the market or in development, assuring customers that an electronic accessory has been designed specifically to connect to iPod and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards.

New Tune Belt armbands for iPod

Tune Belt (booth 2047) announced the availability of new Open View Armbands for iPod nano and iPod video (pictured at right). The design fits the iPod right-side-up or upside-down so that the iPod screen is viewable when on the arm. All new Open View Armbands also feature a clear protective window cover that allows users to operate the Click Wheel, and openings to access the hold button, insert the earbud jack, and a flap to store excess earubg cord. The armband strap on the iPod Video model can be adjusted up to 20 inches, while the Nano version adjusts from 8-18 inches, and both models are priced at $18.

Griffin SmartShare audio splitter

Griffin today announced SmartShare, a headphone/audio splitter designed for iPod users. The accessory enables users to share music and videos with a friend and is designed for "car trips, plane flights, waiting rooms--anywhere you're in the mood to share. Plug SmartShare into the mini-jack of any iPod, MP3, CD, portable DVD player or laptop computer and invite a friend to a party of two. Since some partygoers like their music and soundtracks louder than others (you know who you are), Griffin has integrated a slim volume control slider into each of SmartShare's output jacks. Share your music, not your volume preferences." It is priced at $20 and will begin shipping in February.