New iPod adapters for vehicles debut

Directed Electronics today launched four new IP-Port iPod adapters that allow users to listen to their iPod through the stock radio in their vehicles. Initially available for Ford, GM, Honda and Toyota vehicles, the device operates through the stock radio's CD Changer port using the CD Changer controls for song up/down, playlist/disc select, shuffle, and other functions. The Auto Charge feature charges the iPod battery, and stops automatically after one hour of non-use. IP-Port adapters for VW will be available in the near future, according to Directed Electronics, and the Directed IP-Port adapters start at $160.

Beatles to release digital downloads

The Beatles are preparing to release their tracks via digital music services, with label Apple Corps remastering their catalogue to improve the sound. Neil Aspinall, head of Apple Corps has said the label is assembling digital booklets to accompany the downloads. "I think it would be wrong to offer downloads of the old masters when I am making new masters. It would be better to wait and try to do them both simultaneously so that you then get the publicity of the new masters and the downloading, rather than just doing it ad hoc," Aspinall said. The living Beatles have refrained from releasing their tracks via online services thus far, but finally making them available for digital download may be a pivotal moment for legitimate services, according to Macworld UK.

BMW's new iPod kit + Auto show coverage...

BMW today announced the debut of a new iPod interface that will enable tighter integration of the iPod for the newest generation of BMW models, according Leftlane News. The new system provides direct access to playlists, artists, albums, podcasts, and genre via the car's interface. The new BMW Interface for iPod will be available for owners of the new BMW 3-, 5-, 6-, and 7-Series. It will also be available for the new M5 Sedan and M6 Coupe. The new Interface is compatible with all iPods with a dock connector, including the iPod nano and the fifth generation iPod. The BMW iPod Interfaces integrate the iPod through a direct connection in the glovebox.

DLO ships HomeDock Deluxe for iPod...

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) today announced it is now shipping the DLO HomeDock Deluxe Home Entertainment Dock for iPod with On-Screen Navigation. The HomeDock Deluxe lets users view and select their iPod's music on a television screen using the included 18-button remote control that navigates through the iPod's music, videos and photos. The company says the new device adds a new twist to the iPod by displaying music content onto a television screen. The remote allows users to control over 14 playback functions via an original, customizable interface. Song information is large and easy to read from anywhere in the room, according to DLO. The HomeDock Deluxe has two distinct modes: On-Screen Navigation Mode (for music interface on a TV) and iPod Mode (to play videos or photo slideshows on a TV directly from the iPod).

UK digital music sales up 152%...

While music sales continue to surge in the UK, labels can rest assured that CDs are not going away anytime soon. The British music trade organization BPI announced that UK consumers purchased a record 27.9 million artist albums in the first three months of 2006-- up almost 1.5 percent. BPI also noted that Europe, especially the UK, was rapidly accepting the new digital formats, as evidenced by the first the download-only number one single last week. "With the announcement of the first download-only number one single last week and the inclusion of downloads in the albums chart this week, the UK record industry can declare that the first part of its mission is now complete," BPI chairman Peter Jamieson. The figures show that in the first three months of 2006, sales of digital downloads were 152% up on the same period in 2005.