iPod lawsuit faces uncertainty

The man who was named as the lead plaintiff in the iPod nano "Scratch" class action lawsuit filed against Apple on October 19th of 2005, has written an open letter to the Mac community in an attempt to clarify his lack of involvement with the lawsuit. "The truth is that I never sought out nor did I ever hire David P. Meyer & Associates or Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro to represent me in any case, much less the iPod Nano Class Action suit," said Jason Tomczak. Tomczak said he received a phone call from the senior partner of David P. Meyer & Associates two days after the lawsuit was filed urgently requesting his signature on an attorney-client agreement. Tomczak says David P. Meyer & Associates and Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro violated his request for privacy, mistakenly file the iPod Nano Class Action suit with his name, failed to correct their press releases, and never offered an official apology.

Griffin unveils TuneBuds nano

Griffin Technology today unveiled TuneBuds nano, an earbud and lanyard combination for iPod nano. TuneBuds isolate the listening experience from outside sound by fitting comfortably inside the ears, and are based on Griffin's EarThump design. The device integrates its audio cables in the lanyard, preventing tangled cords while the iPod nano remains accessible for selecting songs or adjusting volume. Three sizes of interchangeable earpads are designed to ensure a secure, comfortable fit. TuneBuds come in black or white to match the iPod nano, and ship with a 30-day guarantee for $35. Griffin is also bundling a free LE version of its iFill software with TuneBuds Nano, which streams MP3 files from thousands of free internet radio stations directly to the iPod.

iTMS fuels broadband value-add leap

Apple's iTunes Music Store has helped to fuel broadband value-added services revenues, which jumped up 74 percent during 2005. A report from research firm Point Topic found that revenues leapt to $11.9 billion at the start of 2006, up from $6.9 billion one year earlier, according to vnunet.com. Music downloads saw the strongest revenue boost last year, increasing 237 percent with Apple's market-leading iTunes Music Store playing a key role. The number of people using music services also jumped during the year, and Apple's iTunes "per song" charging model became increasingly important during 2005, even as the subscription model declined relatively.

Targus Eyelet Security Lock for iPod

Targus has introduced the Targus Eyelet Security Lock for iPod, a unique adapter lock designed specifically to work hand-in-hand with legacy or pre-installed Targus cable locks, or third-party cable locking solutions. The device offers end-users an affordable way to secure their iPod while at work, without having to purchase a new and more costly solution. The eyelet lock also serves as a security device for corporate customers that need to lock multiple iPod demo products. The lock is compatible with iPods that have a dock connector. The eyelet lock is compact, flexible and capable of being removed easily to be used in other locations, on the road, or with a standard retractable lock. Targus Eyelet Security Lock for iPod is priced at $20, and is available in black. The lock is compatible with all dockable iPods, iPod mini, and third-generation iPods.