Ion Audio iPA03 iPod PA System

Ion Audio recently released an iPod-capable PA system designed for broadcasting the music player's audio outdoors or at other public events. Named the iPA03, it consists of a one-piece, stage-class stereo loudspeaker that broadcasts the audio from an iPod at professional line-out quality, according to the manufacturer. The speaker is designed to operate in tandem with other live performance equipment with connections for an XLR microphone, instruments, and RCA audio sources with individually adjustable gain levels on all three inputs. Ion Audio's system is transportable via wheels with a retractable handle, and is pole-mountable. The iPA03 works with all dockable iPods through a Universal Dock adapter and is shipping from online retailer zZounds for $400.

XtremeMac MicroShield for 2G Nano

XtremeMac today announced an updated MicroShield for the second-generation iPod nano. As with earlier models, the clear, impact-resistant plastic prevents dents and scratches on the iPod while still showcasing the music player's design, according to the company. The case includes a belt clip with notches for wrapping earbud cords, managing the cables as it rotates 360-degrees. The MicroShield comes bundled with a Universal Dock adapter that allows the iPod inside to attach to speaker docks and many other freestanding accessories without being removed from the enclosure. XtremeMac is already accepting pre-orders and expects to ship its updated MicroShield on November 6th for $25.

Contour debuts Showcase nano case

Contour Design today introduced the Showcase nano, its first dual layer case for Apple's second-generation iPod nano. The Showcase nano features shock-absorbing edges for for protection against bumps and knocks, while the clear front and back allow the portable player's colors to show through. The new case includes clickwheel, dock port, and headphone plug protection alongside a removable belt clip and a universal mount. The stainless steel clip fastens in four different positions, and the universal mounting system is usable with new Contour accessories currently in development. The case is hinged with a new side latch for easy access to the player, and offers playthrough protection for all three second-generation iPod nanos (2GB, 4GB, and 8GB models). The Contour Showcase nano is slated for shipment during the first week of November for $35.

Early iPod development demystified

A new book is shedding light on the early development of Apple's iPod digital media player, describing the day-to-day life of Apple employees while the revolutionary device was under development. At every go or no-go checkpoint and on every detail, engineers were told to finish "builds" -- in-process prototypes of software and hardware -- on Fridays rather than the more typical midweek deadlines, according to a report from Forbes.com. "I think [...] they were giving the build to Steve [Jobs], who would take it home for the weekend and play with it," one engineer said. Mondays started with long 'to fix' lists, and "Steve would be horribly offended [if] he couldn't get to the song he wanted in less than three pushes of a button," according to another engineer. Journalist Steven Levy's 'The Perfect Thing: How the iPod Shuffles Commerce, Culture and Coolness' is a collection of essays about the iPod.