Nike Speed+ to obfuscate Nike+iPod?

Sports gear manufacturer Nike will soon release a watch that could eliminate the need for the Nike+iPod kit, according to Electronista. Appearing only briefly on the European Nike website before being removed, the Nike Speed+ watch includes its own flash memory and wireless receiver that links with the Nike+ sensor. After a run, the watch connects to a computer through USB to upload distance and speed information to the Nikeplus.com website. An onboard LCD also tracks information useful to live runners such as the estimated calorie burn and pacing, the description said. No launch information accompanied the leak, but the inadvertent announcement suggests that Nike is approaching its Nike+ initative as a multi-level strategy of which the iPod is only a part. The sporting company recently announced its C.O.R.E. iPod backpack that offers music control through the strap. News of the still unreleased Amp+ bracelet for iPod users also surfaced late in 2006 and pointed to Nike's expansion beyond tracking equipment alone.

Free YouTube-to-iPod Converter released

DVDVideoSoft today released its Free YouTube to iPod Converter, enabling Windows users to download as well as convert videos from YouTube for use on Apple's video iPod, SOny's PSP, and modern mobile phones. The software requires only a link to a YouTube video to download the video and convert it into MP4 format, ready for uploading to portable media players. Additionally, users can supply a Flash Video file to convert to the MP4 format within several seconds. DVDVideoSoft's Free YouTube to iPod Converter is available or free, and works with all recent versions of Microsoft Windows including Windows Vista.

SoundTech unveils LightSnake Podcasting Kit

SoundTech Professional Audio today unveiled the SoundTech Podcasting Kit (site not updated), an easy-to-use package allowing anyone to create and place Podcasts on the Web. The SoundTech Podcasting Kit includes the LightSnake XLR Intelligent Microphone Cable, Sony Acid XMC software with a 1-year Acidplanet Prozone membership, a tripod microphone desk stand, and a professional microphone. The included LightSnake Intelligent XLR Microphone Cable plugs directly into a computer's USB port, reducing the complexity and clutter traditionally associated with digital recording. The LightSnake features SoundTech's patented "Live when Lit" technology cable ends that glow and flash as sound is transmitted, and Sony Acid XMC recording software allows users to easily record as well as edit Podcasts. The included 1-year subscription to Sony Acidplanet Prozone provides Podcast hosting that allows anyone to subscribe and listen to the Podcast. The SoundTech LightSnake Podcasting Kit is due to arrive in the first quarter of 2007, and is priced at $150.