Napster begins layoffs

Napster has reduced its workforce by ten percent, mostly in the programming and marketing departments. According to Digital Music News, Napster employees "were told to exit immediately, and were not given prior warning." This reducation comes amid speculations that the pioneer download service may not be able to recover from government regulations and stiff competition that has been forced upon it. Although Napster's subscriber total has doubled to 500,000 in the past year, it still trails far behind the industry-leading iTunes.

PocketPower battery pack for iPod debuts

GEAR4 today launched the PocketPower, a reserve power pack for all iPod models and USB devices that offers extra time for usage. The PocketPower ships with four AAA rechargeable batteries that can be charged via the USB port of computer, and with the flick of a switch can provide power to an iPod or any other USB device. The lightweight, portable battery pack provides an additional eight hours of playtime to an iPod, and comes with a male-to-male USB cable. Tom Dudderidge, managing director of Disruptive Technology Channels--which launched GEAR4--said that PocketPower is the first of ten new products to be launched within the next few weeks. The PocketPower features a bright LED built into its casing for added convenience, and will be available within four weeks for £20.

iPod battery replaced blindfolded...

Replacing an iPod battery is not easy; however, one user wowed crowds at Macworld San Francisco by replacing iPod batteries blindfolded. Jamie Dresser, Product Manager of New Product Development at Other World Computing was acting on a challenge. Dresser took iPods from audience members and went through the intricate tecnical process of opening the iPod casing without damage, installing a higher capacity NewerTech NuPower battery-- all with his eyes completely covered. Dresser then sealed each iPod's casing to a like-new appearance in perfect working order, boradcast on an oversized plasma screen behind him for view by the continually growing audience. "Do not try this at home," joked Dresser to the capacity audience as the blindfold was secured on him during each demonstration.

Wider video content bridge for iPod

Vydeo's Wider video content bridge is designed to put video content on Apple's fifth-generation iPod without the need for a computer. Current methods of transferring video to an iPod require a computer, QuickTime or another third-party application, and usually iTunes. The Wider video content bridge requires no internet connection, software applications, third-party utilities, or tedious customization settings. The device plugs everything together and streams video directly to an iPod or an attached USB 2.0 hard drive, automatically converting files to high-quality H.264 video. Wider processes DVDs, VCDs, MiniDV, VHS tapes, and live television. Wider offers two USB 2.0 480Mbps ports for high-speed transfer rates while supporting s-video, composite video, audio, and converts to an iPod acceptable H.264 320x240 format in real time. Once an iPod is connected, the process begins automatically when video input is present, and users can schedule recording with iCal (pricing and availability were unavailable).

Macs, iPods come to UK grocery stores

The Tesco chain of grocery stores has given Apple its own space within its UK-based retail stores, a first for the retailer. The 120-square foot area will be stocking Apple computers, accessories, and iPods. The concept is being tested at Tesco's Milton Keynes store, and if successful Tesco will add Apple departments to other stores nationwide, according to Retail Week. "We have sold Apple products in our electrical departments before, so this is simply the next step beyond that,” said a Tesco spokeswoman. Apple said that it was working to expand its relationship with Tesco: "There are currently 150 Tesco stores selling iPods and the Milton Keynes store is the first to trial the combination of iPod and computer accessories in a dedicated space."