April 2005 Archives

Leading music accessory manufacturer Onkyo has today confirmed the imminent availability of its newest product, the DS-A1 remote interactive dock for the Apple iPod.

This latest accessory promises to provide seamless integration of iPod audio playback and photo display with nearly all home entertainment systems, operable through the existing Onkyo remote control.

"The incredible success of the iPod has led to a revolution in the way people access their music and photos," commented Onkyo product and marketing manager Don Milks. "And right now the entire industry is scrambling to accommodate these units in their future products.

"When we introduced the technology ten years ago, we certainly weren't thinking of the iPod, but the extreme flexibility of the RI system made it relatively simple to adapt it to this new technology.

"The simple add-on device will let millions of consumers integrate their iPods with the Onkyo equipment they already own."

The DS-A1 dock is compatible with third and fourth generation iPods, iPod photos, and iPod minis and is finished in iPod white to match the digital music players.

Onkyo’s latest product will begin shipping in May priced at around £50.

(C) DeHavilland Information Services plc, 1998-2005.

iPod accessory designer ezGear has showcased its ezPower shuffle wall charger.

This new wall charger plugs directly into Apple’s shuffle and allows for easy, rapid recharging.

"The ezPower shuffle is another great ezGear product for the iPod Shuffle and a logical extension of our ezPower product line," a spokesperson commented.

"ezGear now has a full line of iPod Shuffle products for resellers and iPod users."

A suggested retail price of £17.50 has been put on the wall charger.

The ezPower shuffle follows a line of accessories produced by ezGear for the iPod including ezSkin Tankini, ezSkin Body Suit, ezCharge Shuffle car charger and ezLink Shuffle extension kit.

(C) DeHavilland Information Services plc, 1998-2005.

Creative accessory designer Moshi has unveiled its latest must-have products.

The two new iPod pouches are made of a unique fabric called Terahedron which is made up of “micron-sized porous interlocking fibres that give it the combination of unique properties you find in all of Moshi pouches”.

The company’s website also states: “Terahedron not only has a comfortable cotton-like look and feel, but is extremely durable, anti-static, and splash resistant.

“Moshi pouches are designed to effortlessly wipe away grease, particles, and fingerprints from your portable electronics while providing a safe environment to store them.”

The iPouch is for full-size iPods with the miniPouch for smaller versions.

The superb accessories are priced at just £7.99 and although no official shipping date has been disclosed yet, should be available for the UK by June.

(C) DeHavilland Information Services plc, 1998-2005.

Belkin Corporation, one of the world’s leaders in connectivity solutions, has today released its new high speed USB 2.0 4-port hub for the iPod shuffle.

The device has been designed with a top-loading port that permits owners to dock their iPod shuffles for easy and rapid charging, plus three additional ports in the back.

All four ports are compatible with both USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 gear.

The 2.0 4-port hub also comes smartly packaged in a white, compact shell that appropriately complements Apple’s popular shuffle music player.

The device will begin shipping mid way through June and will retail from around £15.99.

(C) DeHavilland Information Services plc, 1998-2005.

Shuffler is the latest accessory designed to ease the transfer of music from your computer to your iPod shuffle.

This new automated file management device offers a number of innovative variations on Martin Fiedler's successful iPod shuffle Database Builder released earlier this month.

The main difference is that Shuffler is designed principally for use with Windows and functions as an external hard drive on your computer.

It handles the automating of the file transfer itself and instantly arranges files whenever you plug in your iPod shuffle.

As with the Database Builder, Shuffler allows owners to operate their Apple mp3 players in much the same way as most regular drag-and-drop flash-based digital music devices, enabling the effortless copying of music files onto the iPod shuffle from a multitude of computers.

Both offerings present owners with far greater music transfer options, ease of use and music file accessibility.

(C) DeHavilland Information Services plc, 1998-2005

The Pixel Girl Shop has started retailing its latest creative yet protective cases for the Apple iPod.

The hand made accessory specialist Pixel Girl unveiled two new felt cases yesterday, themed as 'Summer Sky' and 'Fishes'.

Both cases are available for 4G iPods priced at just £10.50 and for mini versions retailing from under £9.50.

The cases are made of a combination of wool and acrylic felt, with a velcro clasp.

A clear vinyl cover also protects the screen and click wheel whilst allowing for full accessibility and feature usability.

(C) DeHavilland Information Services plc, 1998-2005

Mobility Electronics announced today that Apple will begin selling the iGo EverywherePower 3500 Series power adapter with an interchangeable tip for use on the iPod portable music player.

The EverywherePower 3500 Series will be bundled with the iGo DualPower accessory and an iPod itip, which allows the adapter to power/charge an iPod plus a second low-power mobile electronic device simultaneously.

Additional separately sold itips will enable iPod users to utilize the power adapter to power/charge thousands of other models of low-power devices.

"The iPod is rapidly becoming the must-have electronic device for music lovers," said Charlie Mollo, CEO of Mobility Electronics.

"We are pleased to work with Apple to offer iPod users a single power adapter that can be used on their iPods and almost all of their other low-power ME devices. This relationship provides Mobility with an excellent opportunity to generate awareness for our universal power adapters among Apple's growing base of iPod users."

(C) DeHavilland Information Services plc, 1998-2005

A new case for the iPod Shuffle promises to get your music protected but accessible as you get on the go.

Made by Mareware the new case does not cover the whole iPod, just the perimeter and the cap, leaving the centre exposed for easy access to the buttons.

Fitted with a carabiner and a keychain the case allows you to attach your Shuffle to your belt while out in town or to your utility belt while out on the mountains.

Made of silicon the LEDs are still shown and it stretches to get the little Shuffle out for charging/loading.

Priced at $8.95 it's also pretty good value for money.

(C) DeHavilland Information Services plc, 1998-2005

iPod accessory maker Speck has announced the tweaking of its popular SkinTight cases for the iPod Shuffle.

Since the case was released the company has changed the characteristics of the case to limit how much dust or lint it collects from your pockets and how the case actually looks on your iPod.

The case covers the buttons, and the labels of what the buttons actually do but are raised to allow for in-case control.

The Speck SkinTight case for the iPod shuffle retails for $19.99 for a single, and $29.99 for a pack of three different colours.

(C) DeHavilland Information Services plc, 1998-2005

The UK’s first ever touchscreen music player which connects easily to the iPod has been announced.

The MPZ Player allows you to upload tracks and playlists to the iPod and download from the iPod to the MPZ.

A massive 50,000 songs cab be stored on the device and then organised using a state-of-the-art touchscreen computer.

The system, which will retail for £1,899, gives people the ability to select and play tracks and create their own play lists of their favourite music.

The system, which has been created by RedTen Audio, allows people to listen to different tracks at the same time in up to three different rooms in the home.

Trevor Bond, director of RedTen Audio, said: "The iPod is the hottest gadget around at the moment and having the MPZ Player in the home would complement it perfectly.

"The system connects easily to the iPod allowing tracks and full playlists to be uploaded and downloaded in a matter of minutes."

RedTen Audio will be selling the MPZ Player direct but is also aiming the product at leading department stores and specialist music suppliers

For the lady who has everything (and therefore must have a iPod mini) there is now the opportunity to have your very own Rafe iPod mini metallic case.

The little leather case comes in blue, yellow or pink and has an appliqued heart, butterfly and flower in silver.

At $75, it's not the cheapest case on the market but it certainly offers individuality if the now ubiquitous iPod has now become a bit mainstream for your individual taste.

For those who prefer the more relaxed sporty look than a iPod hoodie case is also available, produced by C. Ronson and retailing at a more affordable $24.

(C) DeHavilland Information Services plc, 1998-2005

Leading accessory designer Speck Products has disclosed an updated model of its well-received ToughSkin for Apple's iPod mini.

In keeping with the 4G models these new skins combine practicality and efficiency with interesting and unique exteriors.

Featuring rubberised bumpers for added protection, the ToughSkin package ships with removable plastic screen and scroll wheel protectors plus a detachable belt clip.

The Mini ToughSkin is available for immediate purchase in frosted clear and black shadings for just £18.50.

Other coloured variants including orange, red, blue, pink and green will be made available in May.

(C) DeHavilland Information Services plc, 1998-2005

The first music chart to include internet downloads was revealed this weekend, providing less of a surprise than some industry figures expected.

The half-century-old UK Singles Chart saw Tony Christie and Peter Kay's charity single Show Me The Way To Amarillo hug the top spot for the fifth week, apparently unaffected by the inclusion of the internet downloads.

Predictions that the downloads would shake up the positioning of chart singles, perhaps opening the way for more independent music, looked shaky as the charts were unveiled.

"The inclusion of downloads may not prove as dramatic as some commentators have suggested, at least for now," Gennaro Castaldo, a spokesman for music retailer HMV, told Metro.

"Most download purchases are likely to be spread over a broad range of songs and styles of music," he added.

The Association of Independent Music also complained to the Office of Fair Trading before the first chart including downloads was launched, arguing that the legal download formats such as iTunes used to compile the charts do not fairly represent non-mainstream singles.

The decision to include downloads followed a boom in the internet music download trend as demand rose in tune with sales of Apple's hugely successful iPod among other mp3 players.

Single sales rocketed to 300,000 a week compared with 20,000 at this time last year.

(C) DeHavilland Information Services plc, 1998-2005

Red Chair Software has made available its Anapod PhotoSync 1.0 application designed to ease the transfer of photos from your PC onto your iPod photo.

The software can also be used together with Anapod Explorer to allow users to download music files to their Apple digital music players without the use of the iTunes music store.

The stand-alone application represents the first implementation of Anapod's photo transfer capabilities and features automatic iPod detection and connection capabilities plus photo folder selection and JPEG transfer.

The downloadable accessory provides automatic generation of both thumbnails and full iPod-screen sized images plus high resolution images for TV display via the iPod's A/V cable.

Transfer is currently limited to 48 photos although plans are in development to extend this in the near future.

(C) DeHavilland Information Services plc, 1998-2005.

Apple has confirmed that its iTunes Music Store has now sold more than 350 million songs worldwide.

The landmark figure means the site, which was launched in April 2003, has sold more than 50 million songs since March alone.

The findings were disclosed at last night's Mac maker's Q2 FY2005 earnings conference and clearly confirm maintained consumer demand for the music service.

Analysts are now predicting that the site's exponential growth could see it reach the billion-song mark before the end of 2005.

(C) DeHavilland Information Services plc, 1998-2005.

The Mini Cooper has been confirmed as the latest vehicle manufacturer to add its name to the iPod bandwagon by installing iPod compatibility devices in its forthcoming range.

Mini Cooper joins its parent company BMW in introducing the stylish musical incentive that, like in the BMW, will be operable from the car's steering wheel.

Rumours have surfaced that future models could be introduced with an in-dash track display, in keeping with Mercedes Benz's intended 2006 M Class models.

An armrest iPod integration system is also thought to be in the latter stages of development.

The Mini Cooper will join an extending list of manufacturers who have already adopted the iPod including Ferrari, Nissan, Alfa Romeo and Volvo.

(C) DeHavilland Information Services plc, 1998-2005.

Apple has disclosed that it shipped a staggering 5.3 million iPods during its fiscal second quarter ended March 26th.

The figure, up from 807,000 a year ago, has helped profit for the firm rise more than six-fold from 12 months ago with company sales boosted by 70 per cent.

In all, Apple revealed that the iPod accounted for $1.01 billion, or 31 per cent, of total revenue for the quarter.

"We are delighted to report a record second quarter for Apple in both revenue and earnings," commented Apple CEO Steve Jobs.

"Apple is firing on all cylinders and we have some incredible new products in the pipeline for the coming year, starting with Mac OS X Tiger later this month."

The total number of iPods sold now stands at over 15 million, a figure expected to continue escalating during 2005 according to market research group JupiterReserach.

"Apple shows no signs of losing momentum," said Michael Gartenberg, VP and research director at JupiterResearch.

"The iPod is a consumer phenomenon. Apple dominates this sector and will dominate portable mp3 player growth over the medium term."

(C) DeHavilland Information Services plc, 1998-2005.

The next generation of iPods could well have British innovation at their hearts, according to reports.

A Cambridge-based subsidiary of mobile semiconductor specialist, Broadcom is developing chips for the next generation of Apple iPodsthat will have video technology.

The company was called Alphamosaic until Broadcom bought the company for $123 million last September.

Alphamosaic’s Videocore technology was recently used to to display video on two inch colour LCD screens that capture four mega-pixel images.

Speaking of the iPod deal Tom Foremski, at website SiliconValleyWatchersaid : "It is a great win for UK chip design."

DLO has just released its new Action Jacket, touted as the first truly protective armband alternative for the iPod shuffle.

The armband case uses a neoprene coating to shield the shuffle’s body from bumps, scratches, and the elements while you exercise.

The Action Jacket case has a sturdy rear belt clip that actually rotates 180 degrees in six ratcheting steps so that users can position the shuffle’s headphone port wherever they find most comfortable.

Priced at $24.99 in the US the new case and armband combo looks set to be a winner with fitness loving shuffle devotees.

© 1998-2005 DeHavilland Information Services plc. All rights reserved.

The world's most powerful man is reportedly a big fan of Apple's portable music device, the iPod.

According to press reports, US president George Bush listens to his iPod while exercising to help motivate himself.

Mr Bush listens to a diverse range of music including Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison and The House is Rockin' by Stevie Ray Vaughan.

The mix of classic rock and country music often accompanies the president while he works out or rides his bike.

Music fans can use their iPods to listen to their favourite tunes while on the move.

The popular devices are must-haves for some fitness enthusiasts.

© 1998-2005 DeHavilland Information Services plc. All rights reserved.

Computer giant HP has launched two new branded iPods.

The new offerings allow customers to manage their digital photo collections.

Music fans can choose from two memory sizes - a 30-gigabyte model and a 60-gigabyte model.

The iPod is the most popular portable music platform with users now able to view their photo collections while listening to their favourite tunes.

HP said the new models would also offer customers the chance to personalise their devices with downloadable skins.

© 1998-2005 DeHavilland Information Services plc. All rights reserved.

Flexible Innovations has started shipping its latest accessories for Apple's iPod.

The custom designed egrips are stylish stick on skins that come available in a rainbow of exotic colours.

Compatible with the Apple iPod, iPod G4, iPod Shuffle, and iPod mini, the egrips are functional, protecting from scratches, and at around £5.50 each are good value for money.

Each skin is soft to the touch but "super-grippy", according to Flexible Innovations, which greatly reduces the risk of letting slip your digital music player.

The egrips are also made of an easy to clean, durable, silicone based material and look certain to continue Flexible Innovations' award winning industry reputation.

(C) DeHavilland Information Services plc, 1998-2005.

Reports published today have suggested that a multimedia, video-playing iPod could be available as early as 2006.

Financial analysts at UBS Investment Research made the announcement before adding that boffins at Apple are studying the popularity of the video playing features in Sony's PlayStation Portable (PSP) before deciding on a similar device for the iPod.

"We would not be surprised if Apple eventually launched some form of multimedia iPod," Ben Reitzes and Jeff Brickman from UBS noted.

Apple chief executive Steve Jobs has previously denied such speculation but Apple is well known for its denial and secrecy policy surrounding forthcoming products.

Reports suggest such a multimedia iPod would cost in the region of £265 and would likely be followed by the introduction of an iTunes for movies and video.

(C) DeHavilland Information Services plc, 1998-2005.

Apple's iPod is still the must have product amongst teenagers according to a new survey conducted by investment firm Peter Jaffray.

The group's 'Taking Stock With Teens' study revealed an overall increase in ownership and demand for mp3 players with an exceptionally high rise for the iPod in particular.

A spokesperson confirmed that the iPod remains the number one favoured music player "by a significant margin".

A comprehensive 56 per cent of teenagers who have a portable music player own an iPod, the survey revealed, a figure up almost 50 per cent since last autumn.

Of those who do not currently own an mp3 device, 59 per cent said they will be purchasing one within the next 12 months, of which 70 per cent indicated they want to buy an iPod.

"In our view, the key takeaways from this survey are the digital audio market is gaining more steam among this 14 to 18 year old demographic, and [the] iPod remains significantly ahead of competition in both market share and mindshare," the analysts said.

(C) DeHavilland Information Services plc, 1998-2005.

The Apple iPod is being hailed today for helping initiate a music download revolution in the UK.

Figures published by the British Phonographic Industry have shown that legal song downloads have risen from 260,000 to more than 4.5 million in the last 12 months.

This substantial figure easily offsets the declining sales of singles from shops which at 5.8 million between January and March 2005 is down 14 per cent from last year.

Combined then, single track sales have risen by 48 per cent year-on-year, the BPI said.

BPI chairman Peter Jamieson has suggested that with the continuing demand generated by mp3 players such as the iPod, a "golden age for the single" lies ahead.

This golden age will enter the fray as early as next week when download sales are combined with CD single sales for the first time to determine the latest chart toppers.

"These figures suggest that the addition of downloads to the official singles chart will take the market to new audiences and broaden the appeal of the singles market," commented Mr Jamieson.

The BPI also revealed that digital music-buyers are disproportionately male and are surprisingly much older than traditional singles purchasers.

The under-25 bracket still accounts for 39 per cent of the declining CD singles market and 26 per cent of album sales but they make up just seven per cent of download sales.

(C) DeHavilland Information Services plc, 1998-2005.

Technology conscientious Universities in the UK are today taking note of an innovative scheme used in the US, which involves courses providing students with iPod as an advanced learning tool and added incentive.

Duke University revealed an extremely positive set of results from the year-long program in which 1,600 iPods pre-loaded with orientation material were distributed to all incoming first-year students.

"We weren't sure what to expect when we launched this project, but we've been pleased by how it's succeeded in encouraging many faculty and students to consider new ways of using the technology in fields from engineering to foreign languages," commented Peter Lange, Duke's provost and senior academic officer.

"We've been focusing on iPods and other mobile computing, but our wider goal is to integrate technology broadly into the teaching and learning process. The iPods have helped jump-start this process, and we plan to keep pushing ahead."

Plans are in place to develop this educational use of Apple's successful music player in the near future.

Accessory designer Tunewear has today unveiled its latest product for Apple's iPod.

Icewear are high-density transparent silicone cases for the iPod shuffle that are both affordable yet effective.

Transparent coloured and reinforced with shock-absorbing sides, the durable cases also offer complete access to the shuffle's control pad, slider switch, headphone port and USB connector.

"Compared to traditional silicone cases, the Icewear series uses the same silicone found in diving masks which allows for both scratch protection and a clear view of the iPod original form," says Tunewear.

The Icewear cases are priced at just £10.99.

Colourful vinyl skins are all the rage in the iPod accessory market at the minute and ShuffleArt has exploited this by releasing a series of new fangled models.

Leading the way is the curious 'Bloody' iPod skin which although, unsurprisingly, gives the impression of your iPod having been splattered in blood, is actually quite smart.

The other four new skins are comparatively regular, differently patterned in shades of green, Hawaiian blue and pink plus a mustard coloured monogram styled skin.

"Give your new iPod shuffle a new look in seconds and protect it from abuse at the same time," ShuffleArt comments.

"All skins are repositionable - removable - reusable for a fast, easy and accurate installation and goo-free removal."

The limited edition skins are all priced individually at £4.29.

© 1998-2005 DeHavilland Information Services plc. All rights reserved.

Sappenin Technologies has unveiled its PalmPod 1.0 data exporter for use with Apple's iPod.

Sappenin's ingenious PalmPod allows owners to transfer Palm Desktop calendar, todo's contacts and memos onto the iPod.

The device also provides support for Desktop privacy settings, and priority, category, and custom field support for contacts and calendar settings.

"Unlike other offerings, PalmPod allows you to choose the Palm data you want exported to your iPod, both at the Palm conduit level, and on a per-category basis," says Sappenin.

"Now you don't have to settle for an 'all or nothing' approach when it comes to getting your Palm data onto your iPod."

Official UK pricings for Sappenin Technologies' PalmPod 1.0 have not yet been disclosed.

© 1998-2005 DeHavilland Information Services plc. All rights reserved.

Accessory maker LifePod has showcased its latest product for the Apple iPod.

The new sleek Urban Camouflage ModPod protective cases come in two different fabrics, either canvas or vinyl, and a range of animated designs and colours.

Shoppers are spoilt for choice, with such exotic and original offerings as Techno-Fleur (red or blue), Indie, Shockwave, Orange Sherbet, Blue Surf, Candy Dots (red, blue, or green), and the James Dean Denim designs.

LifePod has also made its new cases available in Twister (blue), Rna (green), Betty (purple), Neapolitan (pink), and Speed Racer (black) shades.

To complete the case, each comes complete with nylon interior lining, a silicone hinge, snap closure, and wrist strap.

Priced from £12.99, the ModPod cases fit both third and fourth generation iPod including mini versions.

© 1998-2005 DeHavilland Information Services plc. All rights reserved

Fashion outfit Burberry has joined the ranks of designers indulging in the iPod accessory market by publicly releasing its own uniquely-styled protective cases for Apple's digital music player.

Previously solely available at the group's own retail stores, the designer cases have been made available in two variants, the signature plaid and embossed plaid.

Burberry's leather-trimmed signature style iPod case come in two shades, Candy Check and Nova Check, and have been priced at £79.99.

The embossed models come in either white or gold colours, are made of Italian leather and have a suggested retail price of £74.99.

"We've been getting thousands of searches for Burberry iPod cases on our site and we and just started selling them online," explained a Burberry spokesperson to iPodlounge.

"The two plaid were carried in limited quantities at Burberry retail stores starting in October 2004, but sold out fast."

More styles and colours will be made available in due course including the Burberry London iPod case due for general release in the UK this summer.

French mp3 accessory designer Focal is receiving glowing reviews for its recently released speaker system for the Apple iPod.

The iCub speakers offer one of the most technologically advanced audio accessories available and puts many of its expensive market predecessors to shame.

Described as a distinctly high-end product, the iCub provides crystal clear 400-watt sound capacity that emanates from a specially designed Cub2 subwoofer.

The speakers have their own remote control and boast a range of selection inputs including Optical, RCA and 3.5mm mini-jack.

Top of the technology bracket, Focal's iCub is also top of the price bracket.

iPod owners can pick up one of these high-end speaker systems for a cool £450.

© 1998-2005 DeHavilland Information Services plc. All rights reserved

Battery Technology has unveiled the industry's first iPod FM radio accessory, the Tunestir.

The three-in-one receiver, transmitter, and remote control was first introduced back in January at the MacWorld Expo where it received rave reviews from consumers and technology experts alike.

The accessory allows iPod owners to tune into FM radio stations and has the capability to store five pre-set channels.

Compatible with all generation iPod models including mini and photo versions, the Tunestir comes with an inline remote control with cord management features.

The novel accessory will ship later this month for around £37.99.

© 1998-2005 DeHavilland Information Services plc. All rights reserved

Leading car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz will become the first to ship iPod-kitted vehicles when the new range go on sale next month.

Initially, the iPod kits will only be available in Europe's new B-class motors but come July, the A, C, E, M, CLK, CLS and SLK-class model series will all similarly have the high tech mp3 lifestyle accessory installed.

Controllable from the steering wheel as per standard for in-car audio features, the iPod system also allows instant automatic system configuration meaning the device is both easy to navigate and quick to set up.

The Mercedes-Benz iPod system will be compatible with all third generation iPods plus mini, photo and limited U2 editions.

Although as yet unconfirmed by Mercedes-Benz, reports from Germany suggest the iPod Interface Kit will be priced at £125.99 plus installation costs.

Finally after much speculation, Griffin Technology has now made available its AirClick Remote for Apple's range of iPod models.

The unique wireless controls make use of advanced RF technology permitting owners to operate their mp3 players from a distance up to 60 feet regardless of obstructing objects.

Ideal for in-car use or equally outside whilst exercising, the AirClick remote features five function options, those being play/pause, next, previous plus volume increase and decrease.

Griffin's latest master-accessory is compatible with third and fourth generation iPod as well as the mini and photo versions.

The AirClick iPod accessory has a suggested retail price of £20.99.

Reports have confirmed today that Hewlett-Packard has become the first group to design a built-in docking area for its computers to accommodate the Apple iPod.

According to CNET News' Ina Fried, the new Media Centre m7000 desktop PC "doesn't have a dock itself, but rather features a moulded piece of plastic that fits around Apple's own dock to allow the device to gracefully dock atop the PC".

The move represents the first of what is predicted to be many developments by HP to exploit its association with Apple, having recently received wide-ranging criticism for the computer giant's stagnant efforts to date.

Goldman Sachs suggested HP should make "substantial changes" in its pro-active relationship with Apple and that "HP's iPod sales are likely to decline markedly over the next few quarters unless HP is able to bring out new iPod models in a more timely manner".

© 1998-2005 DeHavilland Information Services plc. All rights reserved

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) has today exhibited its Cool Caps replacement caps and lanyards for the iPod shuffle.

The colourful alternatives to Apple's standard USB caps come in packs of five and will be made available from around £15.99.

DLO's latest iPod accessories come in green, blue, white, purple and orange shades.

"The iPod shuffle is such a cool product we think owners will want their shuffle to stand out from the crowd," commented Jeff Grady CEO of DLO.

"The DLO Cool Caps add a great splash of colour and uniqueness - and make your shuffle different from the rest."

Mr Grady added: "Plus it's a great way to know which shuffle's yours in a family like mine that has more than one shuffle."

© 1998-2005 DeHavilland Information Services plc. All rights reserved

The world famous Hilton hotels are to undergo a technological transformation to cater for the Apple iPod in recognition of the mp3 players' unanimous popularity among the hotel chain's affluent customers.

Thought to be the first of the industry's kind, the plug-in iPod device allows hotel guests to relax in complete solitude whilst listening to their favourite tracks.

The accessory has been built into Hilton's new personalised Family Alarm Clocks, which are being installed in sites throughout the chain.

Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Grand Vacations Club and Homewood Suites by Hilton hotels will all offer the advanced alarm clock units complete with iPod jack.

The move represents the first of several collaborative marketing projects between iPod and Hilton with others expected in the near future.

Leading innovator Griffin Technology has showcased its hottest protective case yet for the flourishing iPod shuffle.

Designed in collaboration with the celebrated Greg Gutierrez, the iVault is a stunning aluminium case combining the very best in practicality and aesthetics.

The iVault provides perfect peace of mind for shuffle owners whilst still allowing easy access to control features including control wheel, audio jack, power switch and USB.

Weighing in at just 1.5 ounces when connected to the iPod shuffle, the accessory is clearly lightweight permitting effortless portability but is also solid and highly durable.

Available in silver, blue, red and purple, Griffin's iVault will be available from May with a suggested retail price of £15.99.

© 1998-2005 DeHavilland Information Services plc. All rights reserved

Inventive technological accessory designer PodBuddies has showcased its latest batch of iPod -themed handmade figurines.

The new collection titled PodBoy ver1.0 securely holds and displays the iPod shuffle and will be available on a limited basis only.

Each high quality, oven-baked polymer clay PodBoy will also be hand numbered and signed by the artist Ivy.

Reports suggest 100 of these exciting accessories will be made with each item retailing from around £8.99.

PodBuddies has suggested that the PodBoy represents the first of what is hoped will be many forays into the iPod accessory market for the emergent company.

Rapidly expanding consumer technology firm DVForge has confirmed April 6th to be the official release date of its eagerly awaited new Clips series for the iPod shuffle.

The package comes complete with a choice of three clips for securing Apple's digital mp3 player all of which are made of durable white ABS plastic, stainless steel and galvanized steel in keeping with the iPod shuffle's exterior.

"The number one issue we have heard about from iPod shuffle owners is the frustrations involving using the string that Apple ships as the only way to secure the shuffle," commented Jack Campbell, DVForge's president and CEO.

"And, when we tried to decide what type of alternate clip we could produce that would be the most convenient for the most people, we ran into a problem: no one clip design was good enough to handle all situations.

"So, instead of choosing one, we have just built all three of our best designs, and have included them in one package."

The set, which includes a belt clip, a gripper clip and a pushpin clip, will be priced from £7.99.

Nikkipod has confirmed the imminent availability of its ultra-stylish handmade designer cases for Apple's iPod shuffle.

The water-resistant cases are available in seven different materials and are all personally hand crafted by designer Nikki Sevcik.

The options range from textured gator and ostrich patterns to snakeskin varieties and come in a variety of exciting colours.

Praised for their outstanding durability, the accessories come complete with lanyard capability and a velcro strap for added security.

They are available from £6.99 for a single case or £10.99 for two.

© 1998-2005 DeHavilland Information Services plc. All rights reserved

Mad Catz Interactive has started shipping its new iKit bundles for Apple's iPod and iPod mini.

The iKit consists of an RCA cable to connect an iPod to a home stereo, a car adapter with a six-foot extension cord and a stylish horizontal carry case.

The product represents the first of what is planned to be many forays into the iPod accessory market for Mad Catz, who is already well established as a worldwide leader of innovative peripherals in the interactive entertainment industry.

"With a rapidly growing user base already in the tens of millions, the iPod is one of the hottest products launched in the history of consumer electronics, and we are very excited about the market potential of our new iPod product line," commented the president and CEO of Mad Catz Darren Richardson.

"We are leveraging our capabilities of design, manufacturing and access to the distribution channel to expand our potential market and add new revenue streams for Mad Catz."

Mad Catz's iKit is available from online retailers priced around £21.95.

© 1998-2005 DeHavilland Information Services plc. All rights reserved

Technological pacesetter DVForge has confirmed that its new JamPod plug-in guitar practice amp module for the iPod and iPod mini will commence shipping on April 8th.

The novel gloss white accessory connects into the top of any iPod model and allows owners of electric guitars or bass players to practice along with songs.

"We have talked with many of the millions of guitar and bass players who own iPods," said Chuck Leonard, DVForge's executive vice president.

"And, a frequent request from these musicians has been to have a way to conveniently plug in their instrument, and play along with the music on their iPod or iPod mini. We have developed the JamPod as the perfect gadget for making that wish come true."

DVForge’s JamPod has been billed by some commentators as "one of the most fun gadgets you will ever own for use with your guitar and iPod" and has a very inexpensive suggested retail price of just £15.99.

Independent media service, the Green Guide Institute, has today launched an international campaign calling on Apple to readdress the iPod battery's life time span and subsequent disposal policy.

iPod batteries currently run from between one to three years and consumers are then charged large sums to have a new one fitted which the majority of people are not paying, choosing instead to dispose of their obsolete iPods.

'Green the iPod' claims that the casual disposal of these iPods could be damaging to the environment and is pushing for cheaper replacement, recyclable batteries to be offered which would be of huge benefit and convenience to all iPod owners.

"This isn't just a matter of millions of iPods heading to landfills, which is a huge problem in and unto itself," explained Wendy Gordon, publisher at the Green Guide.

"But as iPod batteries contain toxins such as mercury and lead, this so-called e-waste poses a serious threat to our environmental health."

The Green Guide is hoping that Steve Jobs, Apple CEO, will be persuaded into designing a Green Apple by producing toxin-free iPods with replaceable battery designs.

© 1998-2005 DeHavilland Information Services plc. All rights reserved

Noreve, the iPod accessory designer responsible for introducing stylish leather cases, has released new colourful versions of its traditional accessory.

Pink, red, beige, light blue, and grey shaded cases have now been released, expanding on the traditional black or white models.

The accessories maintain Noreve's high quality soft leather and are compatible with the four and six gigabyte Apple iPod mini.

The accessories are also highly practical and provide easy access to the headphone jack, hold switch, Click Wheel and Dock Connector port.

Available from around £27.95, the Noreve Tradition leather cases are shipping now.

The UK's market for iPod docks is still comparatively small when viewed against the selection of accessories such as cases and headphones currently enticing consumers.

It is however an ever expanding area and Pressure Drop's DecoDock has taken this emergent accessory strand to another level in terms of combining practicality with style.

The maker's description of this new product illustrates this fact all too clearly.

"Designed in the classic Art Deco style, the DecoDock's lighted columns tower over a brilliantly coloured and graceful arc, enhancing the pleasing simplicity of the iPod shuffle," commented Pressure Drop.

But the accessory is also technologically acute and efficient.

The iPod's plastic cap can be stored in the back of the DecoDock, a unique protection feature, whilst easy charging / syncing is virtually guaranteed.

Stylish, elegant, and artistic are just some of the adjectives used by various commentators about Pressure Drop's DecoDock which if anything to go by should see the product lapped up off the shelves when released next month.

The accessory will retail from around £16.99.

© 1998-2005 DeHavilland Information Services plc. All rights reserved