Apple updates, expands podcasting spec

Apple today sent an email to podcasters, letting them know about its revised and expanded guidelines: "Since you’ve got an active podcast listed in iTunes, we would like to let you know about a few valuable new resources: First, the technical spec has been revised and expanded. Check here for all questions or problems related to your podcast, or if you’re interested in enhancing the appearance of your listing with iTunes-specific tags. There is also an Apple Discussions Forum exclusively for podcast producers. If you have a question or a problem that the technical spec cannot answer, the community of iTunes podcasters there should be able to provide valuable guidance."

Saunders' Rhino Skin case for iPod nano

Saunders announced a new hard case for iPod nano, the Rhino Skin. Made with a 100 percent aluminum backing and clear polycarbonate front, the Rhino Skin case is shatter- and heat-resistant. The case offers easy access to the Click-Wheel, function buttons, charger port and headphone jack, while providing protection. A lanyard and removable belt clip are included. The Rhino Skin is available for $30 for the iPod nano and $35 for both the 30GB and 60GB iPod video models.

iPods, music dominate Apple earnings...

Apple's December earnings were driven by record sales of iPods and its strong music business. The company posted a profit of $565 million, which was driven by sales of nearly 14 million iPods, and revenues of just over $5.7 billion--both of which were historic milestones for the company, surpassing all other quarters in its history. The 207 percent year-over-year increase was fueled by demand across the globle from over 35,000 points of sale and along with over 2000 accessories, generated 59 percent of the company's overall revenue. Apple also previously announced it had sold 850 million songs and 8 million videos via the iTunes Music Store, which operated at just above "break-even" for the quarter. Despite the historic earnings, the company's stock price fell due to a conservative forecast, in part driven by Mac sales pause as people waited for the new Intel. Analysts noted Apple's conservatism and offered higher guidance, but some saw Apple's stock expenses weighing down earnings for the 2006 fiscal year, while others increased estimates, but cut their target price.

Analyst expects "actual" video iPod soon...

Needham and Co. analyst Charles Wolf today raised his earnings estimates for Apple, but reiterated a "hold" rating with a $71 target due to Apple's current valuation-- despite higher targets by both Citigroup and Piper Jaffray. Wolf expects new product introductions by Apple to accelerate in 2006 and that the Intel-transition will "materially" increase Mac sales; he also said that the "actual" video iPod will make its debut in the the first half of 2006. Many believed that the first iPod video model, which debuted in November, was a "holdover" to grab attention and marketshare, while the company was feverishly working on an improved version for release at a later date. The analyst also said that Apple will announce new "major content deals" in the coming months as well as try to move into the living room with a revamped Mac mini, although he does not expect the much-rumored "iPhone" to be introduced in 2006.

New MLB Sport Iconz cases for iPod...

XtremeMac today expanded its line of Sport Iconz iPod cases to include Major League baseball. The Iconz Sport MLB joins XtremeMac's other lines of limited edition sports casings for iPods. The cases are molded to the iPod's specific size, featuring fully licensed team graphics on the front, protecting the iPod from scratches and nicks. The Sport Iconz cases allow for Click Wheel play-through, and are usable on iPod video for $30, and iPod nano for $25. [updated]