Rockbox firmware overhauls iPod...

A new open-source firmware upgrade for Apple's iPod is turning heads, offering users choice and greater control over audio playback. CNET recently reviewed Rockbox, an open-source firmware project that completely replaces the iPod's firmware while expanding the capabilities and limitations of the existing hardware. The firmware features OGG and FLAC support, as well as gapless playback. Users can crossfade, fade in/out, and can configure an antiskip buffer. Rockbox displays photos -- although not in a thumbnail grid view -- and allows users to zoom in or modify slide-show settings. The firmware is slated for release in November.

Trapped miners receive iPod relief

Two miners trapped in a Tasmanian mine for over a week were given iPods to alleviate boredom while rescuers work to free them via a drilling operation. A rock fall in a Beaconsfield gold mine in northern Tasmania trapped the two men beneath 12 meters of rock, and killed a fellow miner. The survivors were discovered alive on Sunday night, and were given nutrition on Monday evening via a small PVC pipe, according to a report from The Age. The men, Todd Russell and Brant Webb, are reportedly still in good spirits. "They remain in good health and have now received iPods so they can listen to their favorite music," mine manager Matthew Gill said in a statement. Eight loads of concrete were sent to the mine to create an even pad for a Raise Borer, which rescuers will use to drill through the rock burying the two men, according to the report.

Spymac launches first iPod marketplace

Spymac today launched what it claims is the world's first iPod marketplace, entitled "What Would You Do for an iPod?" The site creates a new marketplace for the more than 40 million iPod owners, offering users a chance to win or provide an iPod in unique ways. Visitors can get something done for a new or old iPod, or get a free iPod for performing a task. The service is free to post requests or offers, and users who connect with someone who has or is willing to give an exchange pay $5. The site also lets the community decide whether or not an applicant deserves the iPod in question. Current offers include "give me an iPod, you get a car," and "drywall my basement for an iPod," among others.

H2O Audio ships waterproof Nano case

H2O Audio today began shipping its H2O Audio for iPod nano, the latest addition to the company's line of adventure sport accessories for iPod players. The custom form-fit case is designed to compliment the iPod nano's slim-line design, and includes a ready-wear armband. The enclosure features new patent pending engineering and design technology that includes a durable "elastomeric" diagonal T-seal, providing absolute waterproof protection. The case also offers a unique full-function "Commander" scroll-wheel assembly that provides ready access to all of the Nano's proprietary clickwheel functions, even when fully submerged in water. The waterproof housing is rated at 10-feet, is compatible with a wide range of standard headsets, and provides waterproof protection when used with H2O Audio patented waterproof headphones. The H2O Audio for iPod nano housing is priced at $80, while waterproof headphones are available for $40.

PortalPlayer down, but not out?...

Longtime iPod chip supplier PortalPlayer may not be down and out yet. A new report says that the company may supply the chips for Apple's next-generation video iPod, despite indications that the company had lost a future contract bid for iPod chips and one Samsung executive claiming that it has already won the contract to supply chips for the next-generation iPod nano, which analysts expect could surface by the September quarter. Craig Berger, an analyst with Wedbush Morgan Securities, told the EETimes that PortalPlayer is still the favorite to win the contract for at least some of Apple's future iPod line. "We continue to believe PortalPlayer will retain its socket in the soon-to-be-released video iPod given Apple's design constraints," Berger said in his Tuesday report to clients.