Dell withdraws from MP3 player market...

Dell has apparently conceded defeat in the MP3 player market, as reports indicate that the company is no longer selling any of its MP3 players and has removed most referencs to its DJ Ditty MP3 player from the Dell website. Electronista notes that the Texas-based Dell originally entered the digital audio player market in late 2003 to capitalize on the rapidly expanding popularity of Apple's iPod; however, despite attempts to compete with Apple on features and price, Dell has consistently struggled to find significant marketshare. Earlier this year, Dell discontinued all its hard drive-based players in favor of the lower-end DJ Ditty flash player. "As of today, Dell has quietly admitted its long-term failure in the market by removing the DJ Ditty and most references to it from the company website. Users of Dell's DJ forums have also reported that no Dell-branded players remain in the monthly catalog and that the DJ Ditty had been discounted earlier in the month," the report said.

InCharge Traveler, MicroPack for iPod...

XtremeMac today announced the availability of two new portable power solutions for iPod: InCharge Traveler (below) global charging kit and MicroPack portable battery and media dock (right). Designed with travelers in mind, the new products provide multiple functions and sleek designs that match the iPod aesthetic. The InCharge Traveler is a global charging kit designed to keep the iPod charged in virtually any country. The comprehensive kit includes four wall adapters that automatically switch between 120V and 240V outlets, as well as a 12V car adapter and an empower adapter for use on commercial airliners. The components included with InCharge Traveler are compatible with all dock connector iPod models (4G and later) and ship bundled in a convenient travel pouch. InCharge Traveler will begin shipping this week $80.

iCast Universal FM tuner ships...

iStuff has released a new 'universal' FM transmitter that works with all minijack output devices, including Apple's iPod digital media players. The accessory enables users to transmit on any radio frequency, plug into a car cigarette lighter on-the-go, and lasts up to 18 hours when running off a single AAA alkaline battery. The device boasts 199 available broadcasting frequencies and a backlit LCD screen for easy operation. Electronista reports that the new device is perfectly suited for "those uncomfortable with linking their ability to transmit audio to a proprietary accessory." The iCast is shipping internationally from the UK store iWorld for £30 ($60 US). [image included]

iPod 2:1, 35W speakers unveiled...

iHome has unveiled a new iPod speaker system boasting a two-to-one configuration. Electronista reports that many new speaker systems blur the line between portable iPod speaker sets and deluxe bookshelf units meant to double as a home stereo, but the new product joins the latter options. The iH25 features a central iPod Dock, AM/FM radio tuning, audio/video input/output, and a 3-line display used for both radio tuning and iPod track information. The new speakers output a total of 32W sustained power, are priced at $200, and are expected to be available in both black and silver.

Griffin launches iPod Hi-Fi case...

Griffin Technology has unveiled a new carrying case for the iPod Hi-Fi speaker system called the Hi-Way. The new case enables iPod Hi-Fi owners to carry the system around safely, playing songs without loosing sound quality. The Hi-Way is designed to keep out dirt as well as sand, and protects against bumps with ballistic Nylon material coupled with a soft, padded inner lining to prevent scuffing or scratching. The case also features numerous pockets for accessories or other storage, as well as an adjustable padded shoulder strap. Griffin's Hi-Way is available for $50. [images included]