Universal adopts iTunes pricing for CDs

Universal Music -- one of the four major record labels and the world's largest record group -- has priced back-catalog CDs in line with its download versions, acknowledging the rising influence of Apple's iTunes. Universal will divide its CDs into three price and product ranges in Europe in an effort to rejuvenate a format that covers over 90 percent of record sales, according to The Guardian. Universal will introduce a "basic" CD for aged recordings, wrapping the album in a card case with no sleeve notes for an estimated €9.99. Other formats include the "DeLuxe" to target the gift market at €19.99 with a bonus CD or DVD, and the "super jewel" box, a more rugged version of the classic plastic CD cases. The new formats are expected to launch in the UK and Europe in September.

New dock records video to iPod

iLuv today has released a Video Recording system for the iPod Video. The Video Recorder station allows users to record videos or other media directly into their iPod from a camcorder, TV, or other video source. Other features include four different recording time settings (30, 60, 120, 180 min), video recording quality settings (512kbps / 768kbps / 1Mb / 1.5Mb) and support for AV input and S-Video input. The docking station charges the iPod while in the dock and has LED indicators for current operating status. The iLuv Video Recorder requires a fifth-generation iPod (a.k.a. iPod w/ Video). It will ship in 2-3 weeks for $200.

Apple updates podcast categories...

Apple has updated its categories for podcasts, and is requesting that podcasters update their feeds as soon as possible. While Apple has said nothing of what will happen to existing podcasts, the company suggests that podcasters listed on iTunes update their feeds to avoid complications. "Today we launched a revised set of categories for podcasts listed in the iTunes Music Store. We're sending you this email to let you know how to change your podcast feed to accommodate these changes. The revised categories and subcategories are listed at the bottom of this message. Please take the time to change your podcast feed as soon as possible," Apple wrote.

National Semiconductor wants iPods back

After the positive press National Semiconductor received for giving all it's employees 30GB Video iPods to transfer information and as a reward for record earnings, some of the press may have soured. After 35 workers were laid off last week, they were asked to return their iPods as well -- completing the proverbial double whammy. Some employees had given the iPods away as gifts or sold them; however, now that these employees are being told to return the iPods some employees are left in a bad situation. One of the fired employees stated that, "Nothing was ever said about ever having to give it back." The employees who are terminated or otherwise leave the company are to return the iPod or pay fair market value. "They were not a gift." the company's spokeswoman LuAnn Jenkins stated "We were very careful on the language we used talking about it."

Butte College to join iTunes U

Butte College this fall is set to join the many educational institutions which have already adopted a new form of instruction, using Apple's iPod and iTunes U service to deliver lectures and other content digitally to students and faculty. Butte philosophy instructor Dan Barnett commented on the new technology, saying that it is definitely breaking down the walls of traditional classrooms. "It's a new world out there," Barnett said. Students will be able to download podcasts of lectures and documentaries, among other material, for listening or watching on Apple's iPod or a home computer. Apple's iTunes U service recently adopted three more schools that include Duke University's Fuqua School of Business in North Carolina, North Carolina Central University (NCCU), and Ohlone College.

HandStands ships iSnug Accessory Case

HandStands today unveiled the latest addition to its iSnug line, the iSnug Accessory Case for iPod accessories. The case remains small like the original iSnug while offering protection for cables, the iPod power brick, and other accessories such as Griffin's iTrip FM transmitter. Measuring 6.25 x 6.5 x 2-inches, the iSnug Accessory Case is available for $20 and is designed for use with video iPod, iPod nano, iPod photo, and iPod mini.

Cellphones to eliminate iPod market?

A new report based on an IMS Research study covering "Global Markets for Handheld Media Players" has forecast the downfall of the iPod. Apple's dominance in the media player industry may all but vanish over the next five years because it is "regional and temporary," according to cellular-news.com. The report alleges that iPods will be unable to keep up with all-in-one cellular devices that are exploding onto the scene due to falling flash-based media prices. Consumers will choose one integrated device rather than tote both a mobile phone and an iPod, according to the report. Apple's iPod Nano was a key factor in the lowering of flash media prices in recent months, and saw "staggering" demand through the 2005 holiday shopping season which resulted in a record quarter for Apple.

New video shows "Leopard" on iPod...

An Apple fan has posted a video online showing what appears to be Mac OS X Leopard running on an iPod. Although the video is widely believed to be fake, it's generating a great deal of interest ahead of Apple's official preview of Mac OS X Leopard at WWDC this August.