Splash Pack DriPod keeps iPods dry

Allsop is offering a new waterproof case for the iPod: "The Splash Pack is an air-tight soft-cloth case for Apple's iPod. "Protect it from water, sand, Jell-o or anything else nature can throw at you. And unlike those hard cases, the Splash Pack lets you adjust the volume, jump to the next song or browse your music catalog while keeping your iPod sealed and protected." It features a triple seal, and a heat-sealed headphone jack; is fully submersible to three meters; and offers control of the iPod without removing it from the case. Splash Pack DriPod is available in both large (for large size for 3rd, 4th or 5th Generation iPods) and small (for the iPod Nano or other small device) varieties for $20 each. It includes a lanyard and headphones.

iTunes adds NBC news, documentaries...

NBC News today began offering a collection of video news and documentary programming for purchase and download from Apple's iTunes Music Store. The new offerings will also include new programs produced especially for iTunes. Programming from NBC News is priced at $1.99 per download, and includes a wide selection of current and historical programming from NBC News, CNBC and MSNBC. "Partnering with iTunes on the news side - in addition to what we've already done on the entertainment side - makes perfect sense," said Jeff Zucker, CEO of NBC Universal Television Group. "Partnering the leading brand in video downloads with the undisputed leader of news and information is a winning combination, and we are thrilled to be further extending our relationship with iTunes in this unique way." [updated]

iTunes offers NHL Stanley Cup recaps

The National Hockey League (NHL) has announced on online initiative offering hockey fans in the U.S. the ability to purchase and download 2006 Conference Finals and Stanley Cup Final game recaps from Apple's iTunes Music Store. iTunes is offering a "Season Pass" for each Stanley Cup Playoff series for $4.99, and each package includes 15-20 minutes of expanded highlights of each game in the Eastern or the Western Conference Finals or the Stanley Cup Final. For $1.99, fans can download expanded highlights of individual games, which users can view on Apple's fifth-generation iPod with video on-the-go. "In addition to being the most passionate fans in sports, hockey fans love using the newest technology to connect with their NHL," Doug Perlman said, NHL executive vice president, Media. "Our deal with Apple will enable our fans to download and re-live the most exciting action in professional sports -- the Stanley Cup Playoffs."

iPodulator Pro test version released

A Mac developer has released iPodulator Pro, a Web-based application that converts Web pages to text suitable for iPods. The software uses algorithms to convert conventional websites into text-only documents and transfers them to an iPod for later viewing. Websites on the iPod are automatically updated as long as iPodulator Pro is installed on the system and the iPod is connected. Additionally, the application removes the size limit on text that ordinarily prevents large files from residing on the iPod. iPodulator Pro is a test version that will expire on June 10th, though a final version is planned for release in June to be priced at $10.

Koyono expands BlackCoat iPod clothing

Koyono today announced that it is taking a new approach to fashion for Spring and Summer in 2006 with new additions to its BlackCoat technology-enabled line of outerwear for men. The new outerwear forms, named Work, Sport, and Surf carry the Made for iPod label. Along with the "high-performance" materials, each garment includes ElekTex, a smart fabric technology from Eleksen Group that is integrated into the lapels as iPod control pads. The ElekTex allows users to leave an iPod tucked away safely inside a specially-designed pocket while providing full control over all aspects of the iPod, including volume, track changes, and the power switch. Each of the four new jackets includes water protection and pocketing for commuting or travel. BlackCoat Surf is priced at $200, BlackCoat Sport ships for $300, BlackCoat Work (shown at right) is available for $250, and BlackCoat Work Premiere retails for $275.