Registration helps recover stolen iPods

Law enforcement officials in Sturbridge Massachusetts recently recovered $1,500 worth of stolen iPods, which were returned to their rightful owners in the state of California. Two of the digital players, however, could not be returned because the owners -- who could not be located -- failed to register their products with Apple. Sturbridge police strongly encouraged area residents to register electronic devices such as iPods in case of theft, according to a report from the Worcester Telegram & Gazette [subscription required]. A Sturbridge parent contacted police after discovering his juvenile son possessed several iPods ranging in value from $150-300 each. The police were joined in the investigation by Apple and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, who used serial numbers to identify the rightful owners of the iPods via Apple's registration database.

Actors may receive iPod royalties

Members of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) may receive a residual payment of two cents each time their performance is downloaded or accessed on a cell phone, computer, or portable video device, such as Apple's iPod. A SAG spokesman confirmed, "Unions are seeking or are engaged with producers in serious conversations over what residual formula ought to be applied to new distribution platforms like downloads and mobile phones," according to ContactMusic.com An agreement between producers and the two unions regarding the new media is likely to be reached "within weeks," according to the report.