iHiFi plays iPod tracks via Bluetooth

Zoom Technologies today began shipping its new iHiFi wireless transmitters and receivers for playing a stereo remotely from an iPod or other sound device. The company is offering a Bluetooth receiver that attaches to a stereo or powered speakers, a line of Bluetooth transmitters for iPods as well as other audio devices, and "combo" products that pair the iHiFi receiver with an iHiFi transmitter to create a remote listening experience. iHiFi transmitters are available for various iPods, and a Universal transmitter works with any iPod or audio source with a headphone jack. The complete Combo solution is priced at $100.

iGroove Panty for iPod nano ships

TheSexySociety.com has launched iGroove Panty for iPod nano, its black lace panty featuring a pocket to hold an iPod nano. "[The panties are] perfect for those of us who love to lounge around in sexy undies all day and have our music!" The underwear can hold money or other small personal items, and feature a pink ribbon attached to the waistline. iGroove Panties for iPod nano are priced at $13 each with free shipping, and come giftboxed in just one size.

Rumors of Wi-Fi iPod make rounds

A new report suggests that Apple will soon launch an iPod boasting wireless capabilities to compete with Microsoft's Zune player, which is expected to launch by years' end. The Cupertino-based company has begun dispatching its staff to its major markets in Asia in an effort to teach local sales employees how to demonstrate the new product, according to DigiTimes. Apple Taiwan denied the claims, however. The report follows suggestions by industry observers that the iPod-maker should debut a Wi-Fi-capable portable media player with increased storage capacity and further platform compatibility to compete with rival players. Earlier this year, Microsoft was rumored to be contemplating wireless connectivity for its forthcoming Zune player; however, a recent report suggests it will have limited WiFi functionality and require a PC for music purchase.

MS to pre-load Zune with music, video

Microsoft's new Zune media player will ship pre-loaded with both music and video content to lure consumers away from Apple's iPod. Microsoft will derive content from groups such as 30 Seconds to Mars, Cansei de Ser Sexy, and Hot Chip. In many cases, audio and video will both be available for a given artist, according to Electronista. The software giant's move also indicates that its software will allow users to transfer music from the player to the computer, a feature music labels have historically refused to support on the grounds that it would encourage piracy. Past rumors suggested that Apple would pre-load special editions of its iPods with songs and video, but those claims have thus far proven false.