Marware rolls out two 5G iPod cases

Marware today rolled out the Sidewinder and Trail Vue cases for the fifth-generation video iPod, which are available via the Apple Store. The Sidewinder for the video iPod is a hard case featuring a retractable kickstand, headphone cord wrap, and flip–open dock connector cover. Sidewinder also includes a spacer to accommodate the 30GB or 60GB iPod with video. The Trail Vue expands to accommodate both the 30GB and 60GB video iPod models, and each case offers access to the headphone jack and a durable Velcro closure strap. Interchangeable bungee cords in five mood–matching colors provide convenient headphone storage. The Trail Vue ships with a removable belt clip for $35, while the Sidewinder is priced at $30 (shown at right). [updated]

Subscribe-to-own music sevice launches

FreshTracksMusic today launched a subscription-based digital music download service boasting unrestricted, unlimited downloads of digital music for a flat monthly fee. Music enthusiasts can locate and download thousands of songs from independent bands for free, and pay $5 per month to own unlimited downloads of unencrypted, iPod-compatible MP3s. FreshTracksMusic allows and encourages users to burn and play music on any Mac, PC, or MP3 player, including Apple's iPod -- and share them with their friends. "We have created an innovative approach to digital downloading in FreshTracksMusic.com that will fill the gap between today's music industry and its most valuable audience, music fans," said John Wanzung, President of FreshTracksMusic. "Our digital downloading hub provides music fans with a diverse selection of music and offers a way for them to discover and download as many iPod-compatible MP3s as they wish for one low, flat fee."

Apple drops Portal from iPod plans

Apple is not expected to use chips from longtime supplier Portal Player for the upper end of its future iPod product line. PortalPlayer, whose chip sales are virtually driven by Apple, said that it has been dealt a major setback, as Apple has begun notifying its suppliers of orders for future iPod products. Apple is apparently switching media processor chip vendors in its iPod lines, according to the EE Times. "PortalPlayer generates over 90 percent of its sales from Apple’s iPod; it makes the media processor for the MP3. But PortalPlayer said that it has recently been advised that the follow-on to its PP5021 media processor chip has not been selected by Apple for use in its new mid-range and high-end flash-based iPods.... The chip company believes that the PP5021 will continue to be used in other members of the iPod family." The next-generation chip, the PP5024, was due in the second half of 2006 and was rumored to be the company's entry into the MP3-based flash arena.