Pac-Man released for iPod

The iPodMame project has made it possible for iPod owners to play Pac-Man on their iPod nano or iPod video media players. A subset of the iPodLinux project, iPodMame is trying to bring the MAME game emulator to iPods, enabling users to play classic games on the gadgets. The emulator can currently run Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man on the iPod nano, as well as fifth-generation iPods. Additional games to be supported by MAME include Pengo and Joust, according to Engadget. In early November of 2005, iDoom 1.1 was confirmed to support the iPod nano, allowing Nano owners to play the classic Doom game in full color.

iPod growth from international markets?

While Apple's iPod has basically cornered the digitial player market in the US with nearly 75 percent marketshare in 2005, the company's ability to expand into international markets, such as China or India, may allow it continue its phenomenal growth curve. TheStreet.com reports that the international market (270%) is expected outpace the domestic market (170%) and that Apple could continue its exponential sales growth if it were able to garner a larger share of the emerging markets, which success has been limited. Apple had roughly 16.5 percent of the digital music player market in terms of unit sales last year, according to a combined data estimate from market researchers iSuppli and NPD. In the US, Apple has relied on tying content to its iPod--especially sales from iTunes; however, the columnist notes that outside the US, most users rely on free content, thus allowing users to buy much lower priced (commodity) music players--potentially keeping Apple from dominating the international markets.

Logitech Noise Canceling Headphones

Logitech today announced its Logitech Noise Canceling Headphones, which deliver premium noise canceling technology for an unmatched price performance. Using Logitech SilentSound noise canceling technology, the headphones filter out environmental noise over a broad range of frequencies, including the sound of a jet engine, a fan, or an office air conditioner. The headphones remove up to 22 decibels, and 92 percent, of background noise — a level comparable to other noise canceling headphones, even those that are twice the price, according to the company: " "Logitech's headphones outperform other products in their price range, which typically claim to remove 10-18 decibels of noise." They will be available in Europe and in the U.S. beginning in April for $150. Logitech also debuted a black version of its mm50 Portable Speakers for iPod.

Logitech offers black iPod speakers

Logitech today announced new version of its portable speaker system for iPods. The company's mm50 Portable Speakers for iPod are now available in black to match the design of the new black iPod nano and iPod video models. Logitech's white mm50 speakers have become one of Logitech´s most popular speaker products, according to the company. The system features a protective case, an auxiliary input for iPods without dock connector (or other MP3 player), an daptor plate for iPod nano, a pass-through connector for data synchronization, a credit-card sized wireless remote, and optional battery-power operation for up to 10 hours of on-the-go use. The speakers are available for $150 and ship with a 2-year limited warranty.

DLO debuts nanoTune for iPod nano...

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) today introduced the DLO nanoTune for iPod nano. It combines an FM Transmitter, FM Radio and Headphone Amplifier into one convenient unit. The nanoTune's FM Transmitter allows owners to play their iPod nano's music in the car, at home, anywhere there's a stereo. It also adds an FM radio to the iPod nano for on-the-go news, sports and weather updates. Other unique features include a headphone amplifier, an integrated protective case that doubles as a desktop stand, and a 30-pin iPod connector for use with all existing iPod car chargers and most iPod docks. The DLO nanoTune costs $70 and is available immediately.

Sonnet debuts PodFreq nano for iPod

Sonnet today announces PodFreq nano, a premium FM transmitter that enables wireless sharing of iPod nano tunes, audiobooks and podcasts to any nearby FM radio at home, outside, or in the car. PodFreq nano features an integrated, backlit display and dedicated tuning buttons: users can quickly tune and broadcast to any empty station frequency without having to navigate through menus; in addition, the package bundles most popular iPod nano accessories in one package, including an integrated dock and protective case, car charger, car cradle, and USB 2.0 cable. Sonnet says that the PodFreq nano delivers the highest quality FM broadcast signal using the iPod's line out signal (instead of the headphone jack). The PodFreq nano features a telescoping antenna for increased broadcast range. It is available now for pre-order for $100 and is expected at the end of the month.

Voice-enabled iTunes for Windows

One Voice Technologies today announced that it has added voice enabled commands to access and play Apple iTunes music from within Microsoft Windows XP Media Center 2005. This feature combines Apple's iTunes with Microsoft Windows XP Media Center 2005 to allow music owners to play iTunes music from within their Media Center by using simple voice commands--without any voice training required. The new feature will be included in One Voice's upcoming Media Center Communicator v2.1 release. One Voice's Media Center Communicator is a complete in-home multimedia communications package for Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 -- enabling users to speak, using voice recognition, to play and view all their digital content from MP3 music, digital photos, slideshows, videos, live TV and more. Media Center Communicator also comes with a suite of communications features to send and read E-mail, SMS text messaging to mobile phones, Instant Messaging (IM), full motion PC-to-PC audio and video chat and PC-to-Phone calling to any phone within the U.S. and Canada.