JBL's wireless On Air Control 2.4G

The latest major manufacturer to attempt wireless speakers is JBL, who have announced the On Air Control 2.4G, Electronista reports. The units have 30W of power each, and connect to their primary source through a 2.4GHz receiver module up to 70 feet away. Crtically, a mini-jack port allows secondary sources such as iPods, while another input allows the addition of a dedicated subwoofer. It's suggested that the wireless aspect makes the speakers ideal as a replacement for a second audio system -- alternately, the speakers could be integrated into an existing setup as surround channels, or dedicated to a media player. JBL plans to debut the 2.4Gs in February for $350.

iPod helps compare global currency markets...

The Commonwealth Bank in Australia has used Apple's second-generation iPod nano to compare global currencies and purchasing power in 26 different countries, according to one report. A CommSec iPod Index based on January 2007 prices compared Apple's 2GB second-generation iPod nano in U.S. dollars to the cost in other countries, revealing that Brazilians pay the most for the 2GB player ($327.71) while Canadians pay the least ($144.20). The U.S. is the fourth cheapest country in which to purchase a 2GB 2G Nano ($149), but even China -- the country where the iPods are manufactured -- charges a hefty $179.84 for the aluminum players, according to eWeek. Hong Kong and Japan lead the U.S. with $147.35 and $147.63 for each iPod, respectively.

Lifepod debuts iPod speaker bag

Lifepod on Friday opened sales of the Rock Steady speaker bag, according to Electronista. Said to recall classic gym bags, the Rock Steady holds a special compartment for an iPod or any other digital audio player that connects to the bag's built-in, three-satellite speakers, while still leaving ample room in the bag itself. A set of external controls on the outside give basic adjustment of the sound without having to reach for the player inside. The stereo delivers three watts of sustained power and will run for "hours" on four AA batteries, the company says. The Rock Steady is available in several different two-tone colors ranging from black and white to an overt gold and platinum scheme and sells today for $130.

Universal, Sony cripping Zune music sharing?

A new report suggests that key major music labels exercise explicit control over the songs they allow to be shared through Microsoft's Zune Wi-Fi sharing feature. Investigating the results of a test by fellow enthusiasts Zunerama, Cliczune claims to have revealed that many songs by major Universal and Sony-BMG artists, including Jay-Z and Beyonce, will not transfer between Zunes despite the three-day/three-play DRM protection added to every shared track. The limitation is not absolute and allows some artists' content to copy, suggesting that the restrictions are controlled individually based on popularity or artist demands. Such restrictions have fostered particularly harsh criticism from Zune owners, as the limits compound already arbitrary licensing agreements Microsoft made to guarantee access to key labels' catalogs. Both Microsoft and Universal were previously shown to have signed a royalty deal which saw the latter receive an automatic $1 royalty per Zune regardless of the origin of a user's music. The label CEO previously hinted that he believed all digital music players to be homes for stolen music, including Apple's iPods.