Briefly: new iPod ad; MBP owner rally

In brief: Apple has begun airing a new iPod + iTunes TV commercial featuring the same silhouetted dancers as in its previous ads, this time with psychedelic background colors and a 60's-style influence.... The OSx86 Project has put out a call to rally MacBook Pro owners experiencing whining and heat issues, asking them to call Apple Support on May 20th, 2006 and tell them about the problems in an effort to hold the company accountable.... Apple may be planning to unveil a replacement for its 12-inch PowerBook as early as May 9th.... Development of a 13-inch widescreen Apple notebook was completed last month, according to AppleInsider, and the company is awaiting a signal from its marketing division to begin manufacturing ramp and rollout procedures.... Warner Music Group has posted a less-than-expected loss due to rising U.S. CD sales and digital music revenues.

Griffin launches iClear for 5G iPod

Griffin today launched the iClear for fifth-generation iPod, a clear shell enclosure designed to protect the digital media player from harm. iClear features a transparent and unobtrusive design that protects the iPod with a polycarbonate two-piece shell. The iClear case delivers full screen protection without adding bulk or weight, and installation consists of snapping the two sections together around the media player. iClear is compatible with both 30GB and 60GB fifth-generation iPod models, and is available for $20. Griffin also introduced its iClear for iPod nano in January, providing similar protection to the smaller flash-based player.

iPod nano FMTX unveiled

Tai Chiun Developing has unveiled the iPod nano FMTX in the U.S., an FM transmitter featuring a charging cradle designed as a companion to Apple's iPods. The TE1007 iPod nano Car Charger Cradle is a sleek, functional car charging cradle, while the TE2007 iPod nano FMTX without a cradle works with any dockable iPod. Each device draws power from the 12V cigarette lighter, and offers four station pre-sets. The iPod nano FMTX touts an operating range of 10-30 feet, broadcasting from 76MHz to 90MHz (pricing and availability information were unavailable).

Klipsch introduces iGroove HG

Klipsch has introduced its new iGroove HG, a docking speaker system for iPod owners featuring a high-gloss black finish with a unique curved shape. iGroove works with most MP3 player brands, as well as devices that have audio out or headphone jacks utilizing standard minijack plugs. The device is a true two-way system that employs dual 2.5-inch woofers, crossovers and dual 1-inch MicroTractrix Horn-loaded tweeters. iGroove HG plays louder and reproduces more deep bass frequencies with its low-turbulence tuned port, located on the rear of the cabinet. The system is compatible with all third- and fourth-generation dockable iPods, iPod mini and iPod nano with adaptors for secure docking, and iPod shuffle via an included J-cup adaptor. The iGroove HG is expected to ship in June for $250 with an included remote handles full system control.