SendStation releases Dock Extender

SendStation has begun shipping its Dock Extender accessory for iPod owners who want to keep the player in a case at all times. While many cases provide an opening for the portable player's docking port, most complicate the process of plugging the device into the dock. The new extender serves as a simple bridge, less than an inch long but able to connect any iPod with a 30-pin docking port. The accessory accommodates full-size iPods from the third generation onward, including both versions of the iPod nano, the first-generation iPod shuffle, and the forthcoming iPhone. SendStation's Extender is available for $30.

iSkin prepares new Bluetooth accessories

iSkin has announced a pair of Bluetooth 2.0 accessories designed primarily for Apple's iPod. The Cerulean TX+RX is a transmitter/receiver bundle that allows iPods to beam to any speaker setup with an auxiliary input. Users can attach the transmitter itself to USB ports on computers as well as standard stereo outputs with the help of a proper adapter cable. The TX also broadcasts to the Cerulean F1s, a set of headphones that also double as mono headsets and charge via USB for up to six hours of use. Both products begin shipping in May; the TX+RX will cost $150, while the F1s will ship for $130.

Apple likely to lead music negotiations...

Apple is preparing to sit at the bargaining table with the major record labels over the next month, and will likely use its market-leading position to push for DRM-free tracks from the remaining 'big three' music companies. Apple and EMI on April 1st announced that the label would offer its entire catalog of audio tracks without copy protection via the iTunes Store, and the other labels are expected to follow suit in the near future. "EMI struck a deal that puts all of us at a disadvantage," said an anonymous music executive. EMI defends its position, saying that consumers were frustrated with DRM protection. "We believe removing it will boost digital music overall," an EMI spokeswoman said.

Griffin ships 2G iPod shuffle dock adapter...

Griffin Technology has unveiled a new accessory that makes Apple's second-generation iPod shuffle work with any device that features a Universal Dock. The new Dock Adapter enables iPod shuffle owners to use speaker systems as well as other devices that were previously accessible only to full-size docking iPods, serving as a low profile device that fits in most travel accessory cases. The adapter features a slider switch that toggles between charge/sync and audio play modes, allowing the docked Shuffle to transfer data and sync with iTunes while charging the battery. In play mode the iPod shuffle outputs its audio to any connected speaker system. Griffin's Dock Adapter for iPod shuffle is available for $20, and works with Apple's second-generation iPod shuffle models.