Coke looks to Apple's iPod for lessons...

Coke is taking a page from Apple's lesson book. The world's largest soft drink company has taken time to study the message and advertising behind Apple's "Silhouettes" campaign before launching its own "Welcome to the Coke side of life" advertising blitz this weekend, according to Reuters. Coke representatives said that the company studied Apple's print and outdoor communication and also said that the message had a lot of "clarity," serving as a reminder about the product to consumers on the move, according to the report. "It is important with big brands that we evoke the feeling of what we are trying to say to people as opposed to telling people. You feel what the benefit of iPod is in the creative," said Esther Lee, Coke's chief creative officer.

Wireless headphones to extend play time

Audition Products is planning to unveil a headphone kit based on "Liberty Link" technology developed by Aura Communication for iPod nano users. The headset is expected to cost less than similar Bluetooth wireless technology, using magnetic induction to establish a digital radio link between the iPod nano base transmitter and the headphone, according to AppleInsider. Similar to RFID (Radio Frequency ID), the technology is capable of creating a communications bubble with a range of 4-5 feet that entirely surrounds the user. The limited transition range may result in longer battery life and lower accessory costs, and like Bluetooth, privacy is maintained via an automatically generated code with each headphone and base. The headphone kit is expected to cost $80-100, and will offer roughly 10 hours of uninterrupted playback, according to the report.

Gear4 debuts iRon for iPod

Gear4 is bringing technology further into the homes of consumers by launching the iRon, a cable-free travel iron designed to work with Apple's iPod digital media player. The iRon uses the iPod's battery for power and the steam jets are controlled by the tunes playing on the iPod using "SteamTempo" technology. The jets spray in time to the music, resulting in more steam with fast, bass-heavy tunes and less steam with softer music. A software plug-in for all iPods with color screens allows the gadget to display water level, temperature, and remaining battery life. The iRon delivers sound through two 6W stereo speakers mounted on the body, and ships with a polyester travel case. The iRon is compatible with third and fourth-generation iPods, as well as iPod mini, iPod nano, and fifth-generation iPod video models (pricing was unavailable).