New iPod software comes to retail...

Avanquest Software announced it will retail four new titles of iPod software, and announced another two coming in February. WebPodStudio, PodPresenter, iPocketBible, and iExtend are all applications designed to benefit both iPod consumers and PodCast creators. WebPodCast aids in the production of audio and video PodCasts using a microphone, camera, and the WebPodStudio application. WebPodStudio by Lionhardt Technologies requires Windows XP, NT, or 2003, DirectX 8.x or higher, is compatible with Apple’s new iPod Video 5G and is priced at $50.

iTunes video triggers "big bang"...

Apple's iTunes video download service has started a major trend in online commerce, according to a new research report. While the push to online video had started well before the launch of the video iPod, the online video "big bang" seemed to start with Apple's video download service announcement and continued through the CES show this year. Competitive offerings include those from Starz and Google-- Starz launched its own premium movie subscription plan as Vongo, a $10 a month "all-you-can-eat" video download service. With Vongo, Starz is partnering with Microsoft to deliver the content, which will be available on Windows MCE PCs and Windows Portable Media Center devices.

Fighting UK online fraud with iPods...

A UK official recently proposed the idea of providing everyone with a free iPod, each harboring a digital certificate to combat online fraud. Patrick Cooper, head of applications and data services in the UK Department of Trade and Industry said the iPod strategy would be a more cost-efficient alternative to other government plans to combat online fraud, such as modifying the proposed National ID Card with a PIN or password system which would allow it to work as an online authentication device, according to a report from CNET News.com. Giving each person an iPod nano rather than adopting the ID card scheme would reduce costs by roughly £360 per-person, prior to any bulk discounts Apple might offer on a 60 million unit order, according to the report.

Synergy 2.4 iTunes accessory

Wincent today announced Synergy 2.4, an iTunes software application. Synergy helps the user control iTunes via system-wide Hot Keys, allowing the user to switch between and play songs on iTunes without accessing the program. The new version is intended to fix issues related to running natively on Apple's new Intel Macs. Version 2.4 corrects problems setting Hot Keys with modifiers, offers 24 new downloadable buttons including four Editor Picks, brings compatiblity with iTunes 6.0.2, and more. Synergy 2.4 is a Cocoa application for Mac OS X 10.2 and later; it is a free update for current license holders, or 5€ for a new license.