November 2007 Archives

iPod accessory manufacturer XtremeMac has unveiled a new range of leather cases for the latest line of iPod models.

The company's Verona case range for the iPod touch and classic are handcrafted designs which include integrated belt clips and a front flap to protect the screen and controls of the portable music player.

In addition, the manufacturer has designed sleeves for the video-enabled nano and classic versions of the device, which feature carabineers for easy attachment to backpacks or purses.

Available in a range of colours and designs, the prices of the new cases range from around $24.95 (£12) to $29.95 (£15).

The unveiling of the cases has come after the accessories company launched a new speaker system for the iPod.

Available to pre-order from the company's website, the Tango Studio Audio System features an in-built FM radio tuner and an LED display.

Xtreme Mac chief executive Gary Bart said the new iPod speaker system, which is retailing for around $80 (£39), was at the "very top of its class".

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

A Japanese iPod accessory manufacturer has revealed new metal protective cases for nano models of the portable music player.

Shimura's Metal Jacket for the third-generation iPod nano is a hinged case featuring a front flap to protect the device's controls and screen from general wear and tear.

According to iLounge, the case also lets users access the controls of the device which are not on the front of it, including the dock connector and the hold switch, without a minimum of fuss.

The new case is available in silver, red and black and is expected to retail in Japan for around 8900 yen (£39).

Shimura's new casing has been released around a week after iSkin launched a new skin designed specifically for the touch model of the iPod.

Made from silicon, the skin has been created to allow users a better grip of the player, while also protecting the device's screen with a transparent cover.

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

People who have always wanted to enjoy music at bedtime without wearing headphones have had their prayers answered with the launch of a new product in the UK.

The Sound Asleep Pillow features an in-built speaker which allows iPod owners to listen to their favourite relaxing tunes or a talking book while nodding off, reports Gizmodo UK.

Available for £20, the pillow features a cable which lets sleepy music fans plug their portable music players directly into the speaker system, playing tunes through the product's hollowfibre filling.

In addition, the manufacturers of the product claim that only a person lying on the pillow can hear the songs being played through the specially-designed fabric.

The release of the new pillow featuring iPod speakers is the latest in a long line of quirky accessories to be released for the portable music player.

Groovemaster recently unviled a range of bags featuring in-built speakers, meaning users no longer have to carry around portable speakers if they want to share tunes with their friends.

The bags retail for $75 (£36) in the US.

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

A government department has become the latest authority to branch out into the world of podcasts.

Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs' (HMRC) series of downloads for the iPod has been designed to provide information to people looking to set up their own business and those who are thinking about becoming self-employed.

Another new release by the department features the body's acting chairman, Dave Hartnett, answering a number of questions in an online service workshop.

Finally, a third product containing advice for businesses on tax credit entitlements and reporting changes has also been made available through the body's website.

In April 2007, HMRC was one of the first government departments to launch advice and news through a podcast service.

The format has become increasingly popular with businesses and bodies of all sizes, which are recognising the advantages of relaying advice to the public through their iPods.

Recently, financial advice website Unbiased.co.uk also launched a new series of podcasts to make people more aware of issues affecting them in the mortgage, savings and pensions sector.

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

A new women's jacket with integrated iPod controls has been unveiled by a major US clothing company.

Burton's Audex iPod Dutchess Insulated Jacket has been designed for people who love listening to music on the move, but do not like having to compromise warmth while skipping tracks on their iPod.

The jacket features an in-built system for users to control their portable music players easier, while it also features a removable radio frequency remote, reports PopGadget.

Compatible with third-generation iPods, including the video and nano models, the clothing is available for $279.95 (£135).

The launch of clothing and other accessories designed for ease of use with iPods is becoming more and more common, after a bag featuring an in-built speaker system was also recently released.

Groovemaster's design means that iPod owners no longer have to carry portable speakers around if they want to share their favourite tunes with friends and family.

The designs retail for around $75 (£36).

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

A major iPod accessory manufacturer has announced that it is to drop the price of its video eyewear system in the US.

The price of YelloMosquito's EVG230 device, which is designed for use with video-enabled versions of the portable music player and devices including the iPhone and PSP, has been slashed to $125 (£60).

Users can watch their favourite videos stored on their portable entertainment devices on a display equivalent to a 35-inch television through the innovative eyewear.

The gadget can even be used in conjunction with DVD players if a person wants to watch a favourite movie without bothering other people.

YelloMosquito's news follows an announcement that Myvu Corporation is to enter into a joint deal with Ultimate Ears to add the latter's earphone technology to its entire video eyewear product line for the iPod.

According to iLounge, Ultimate Ears' president Mindy Harvey said that Myvu's technology "deserved a sound quality to match its video".

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

A new bundle of over 35 games has been released on DVD for use on Apple's iPod touch and iPhone.

iGiki.com, which is a leading manufacturer of games for the portable entertainment player, is behind the release of the content which also features secret extras in addition to the gaming on offer.

Commenting on the launch, iGiki.com's spokesman said: "iGiki content has inspired users around the world to reach higher and have more fun on their iPod touch or iPhone.

"Now we're making available our content on DVD, just in time for the holidays."

The games bundle, which is available through the company's website, is expected to retail for around $19.99 (£10).

iGiki's latest release has come after the makers of popular console game Guitar Hero launched a new game compatible with the iPod.

Harmonix's new Phase software is designed to test users on how well they can keep in time with their favourite tunes by pressing the buttons on the portable players.

The game is available through iTunes for $5 (£2.40).

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

Two leading iPod accessory manufacturers have announced a major deal to use their technologies in a range of new products.

Myvu Corporation's venture with Ultimate Ears is expected to lead to the latter's audio components being used in all of the former's product line, reports iLounge.

Discussing the new venture with the website, Ultimate Ears' president Mindy Harvey said: "Myvu has a fantastic new technology that deserves a sound quality to match its video.

"This unique combination will give Myvu customers an unparalleled experience that encompasses comfort, quality and of course, entertainment."

Specialising in portable media viewers which are compatible with the iPod, Myvu's products allow users of the entertainment player to watch their favourite recordings on the move.

The company's decision to join forces with Ultimate Ears, which also makes custom-fit earpieces for music stars including Stevie Wonder and Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora, has come after it received acclaim for its products from publications including the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

Genius, a Taiwanese audio company, has launched a new iPod speaker set, named iTempo 800 CD.

The docking station and speaker unit is a 2.1 audio system featuring integrated sub-woofer, a CD player, a radio tuner with 20 preset stations, a USB flash disk slot and a a SD/MMC card slot.

It is retailing for around £60, and has two line-in jacks for connecting to other audio units and a headphone point.

Both the USB and SD/MMC units allow users to play music back from other sources, and the unit comes with a remote control.

Constructed in glossy black plastic with a silver speaker grill, the iTempo 800 CD iPod speaker system is very stylish looking.

A number of docking units come with the iTempo 800 CD so that it will fit most iPod models, although Practical PC claims that it is not compatible with the iPod Shuffle.

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

iSkin has launched a new case which has been designed specifically for the iPod touch - one of the latest products from the Apple range.

The new iSkin touch has been designed to give first-rate protection while still showing off the iPod touch's slender profile, according to Macworld.

Made completely of silicon, the iSkin touch covers the corners and the back of the iPod with its SureGrip texture as well as protecting the front with a transparent screen cover than can be easily removed for cleaning.

The iPod case also comes in a number of stylish duotone designs to enable users to personalise their iPod touch.

Styles include Oxygen, Electra, Diablo and Nighthawk - all giving the iPod touch a fashionable edge.

With port covers for the earphones and dock connector as well as having an integrated and removable revoClip 3 rotary belt clip - this new iPod case packs a whole host of great features as well.

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

Anyone who needs to use their iPod underwater should no longer suffer in silence.

H20 Audio, a Californian specialist in underwater audio equipment, has announced the launch of its iv6 waterproof case for the iPod classic.

The iv6 iPod case is available for pre-order now, ahead of its official release date of November 26.

With a price tag of around £50, it is not cheap, but it features H20 Audio's patented "Commander Scroll Wheel", which allows the iPod to be controlled in the normal way in up to ten feet of water – or rather more practically, while the user is wearing gloves.

Along with a secure locking system and a watertight connector that can be used with H20's various models of waterproof headphones – such as their top-of-the-range H3 headphones – the perils of a soggy iPod are a thing of the past.

Surfers and other watersports fans can now be assured that their soundtracks need not be interrupted by a bit of wet.

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

A US-based digital publishing company has launched a new platform which allows iPod touch owners to browse their favourite magazines on the device.

Zinio's Mobile Newsstand system, which has also been developed for the iPhone, allows users to browse a number of international and domestic editions of magazines including NME on their portable devices.

The company has also announced that people who wish to use the service do not need a subscription and only need to visit its website to access the content.

Commenting on the new platform, Zinio chief executive Rich Maggiotto said: "With its advanced touch screen technology and crisp viewing experience, Apple's newest devices were natural for the launch of the Zinio Mobile Newsstand.

"Users will benefit from having their magazines in a high-fidelity, portable format that can be viewed practically anywhere."

The launch of Zinio's new platform has come after Photodex released new software to add personalised slide shows featuring music and pictures to their iPods.

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

US-based iPod accessory manufacturer Blue Raven Technology has unveiled a range of devices to go on sale before Christmas.

The company's newest products include the Maestro 1070, a one-piece speaker system with 70-watt sound, and the Maestro 2020 and 2040, which are Bluetooth speakers compatible with the iPod and the iPhone.

Other accessories released include an FM transmitter designed to let users listen to their favourite tunes on their car stereos or other radios and an audio recorder which turns the iPod into a dictaphone.

Commenting on the range, Blue Raven president Glen Kashgegian said: "Kids and teens constantly want the latest and greatest personal audio or video product, and that can put a real dent in the average parents' pocketbook.

"The Blue Raven iPod accessory and video line offers comparable functionality without paying for the status brand, making it the perfect solution to fill that never-ending wish list."

Established in 1985, Boston-based Blue Raven specialises in the repair and sale of electronic products including both laptop and desktop computers.

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

A major US iPod accessory manufacturer has expanded its "iPod rehab" repair service to include the iPod nano 3G and the iPod classic.

Fastmac's "Just Say No To Crack" programme offers American iPod users the chance to have their scratched or cracked iPod screens replaced through a DIY kit or through a same-day mail order service.

Available for between $40 (£ ) and $60 (£ ) depending on the service wanted, the services use original parts from iPod manufacturer Apple in an effort to guarantee a quality finish.

The expansion of the service for the nano 3G and classic follows the launch of the repair service for all other models of the iPod, while replacement screens for the other players retail for around $29.95 (£15).

Fastmac's decision to expand the service has come around a week after it announced the launch of a new universal dock connector for the iPod shuffle.

The U-Connect allows users to connect hundreds of accessories via the headphone port on second and third-generation versions? of the music players.

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

A new iPod-compatible music system has been launched by Lars and Ivan with one key difference to other devices on the market.

The technology company's PA-40Ti Hybrid iPod Dock has been designed to boost a user's existing hi-fi system by increasing the amplification of their favourite tunes on their music player.

Available for around $342 (£167), the tube-based amplifier system also allows users to charge up their music players while listening to their music, reports Technabob.com.

Other features on the amplifier include volume controls, USB connectivity, a pre-amp for a subwoofer and a remote control.

The release of Lars and Ivan's latest design has come after another iPod speaker system on the market won a major design and engineering award in New York.

Vestalife's Ladybug, which is compatible with the iPod and the iPhone, was awarded in the Innovation Design and Engineering category at the CES Unveiled NY Press Preview.

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

An innovative new iPod speaker dock has won a major design and engineering award in New York this week.

Vestalife's Ladybug device, which has been designed for use with the iPod and the iPhone, won the Innovation Design and Engineering Award at the CES Unveiled NY Press Preview.

Designed for young iPod users, the device consists of folding speaker wings, LED volume indicators and an amplified speaker system.

Commenting on the product, Vestalife co-founder Myk Lum said: "We built the Ladybug to break out from the traditional design vocabulary currently used in many competitors' products, and appeal to the untapped tween and teen markets.

"These savvy, young customers are looking for unique products that look and feel different from what's out there today."

Vestalife's award for its innovative design has come after Bowers and Wilkin unveiled plans to release its new, unique Zeppelin speaker system next year.

The luxury system is expected to retail for around £400 in the UK.

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

New software which can make photos, slide shows and videos compatible for use on portable devices including the iPod has been launched.

Photodex's new ProShow Gold 3.2 software allows users to create personalised slideshows using music, photos and videos, before letting them transfer their efforts on to portable devices and share them with loved ones.

The software is also compatible with mobile phones including the Blackberry and games consoles such as Xbox and Nintendo DS.

Commenting on the new software, Photodex president Paul Schmidt said: "Consumers are surrounded by an immense amount of personal technology everyday.

"We have taken advantage of this technology in the latest version of ProShow by providing an easy way for consumers to get their slide shows, photos and videos onto the devices and gadgets they use everyday."

Last month, software company iSkysoft launched software which allows iPod owners to download their favourite DVDs onto their music players.

The company's DVD-to-iPod converter also allows film fans to choose the audio track they would like to accompany the rip of their favourite films.

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

US-based electronics accessory supplier Alpine has released a new gadget designed to make it easier for motorists to use their iPod in their car.

The eX-10 Advanced iPod Controller with Bluetooth features a small display monitor which sits on a dashboard and replicates the screen display of their music player.

Powered through a car's cigarette lighter, the device also includes a Bluetooth remote control which allows a user to control their iPod's playback without worrying about getting distracted on the road.

The eX-10 can also be connected to Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, so motorists can manage their phone calls as well as their music in an easy way.

Discussing the new gadget, Alpine's marketing vice-president Stephen Witt said: "The demand for iPod and Bluetooth in the car is skyrocketing, and consumers previously have not been able to integrate these technologies into their existing sound systems through one product."

Alpine's new product, which retails at $200 (£97), has been released after Griffin launched a new range of its iTrip accessories which are also ideal for in-car use.

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

A new luxury iPod speaker system is to be launched in the UK by one of the world's leading speaker manufacturers at the start of the next year.

Bowers and Wilkins' Zeppelin, which has already been released in the US, features a docking system for iPod fans to connect their player to the 100-watt powered system, reports Tech.co.uk.

Created in conjunction with industrial designer Morten Warren, the system's innovative shape has been designed to have a unique aesthetic and complement the five-speaker setup integrated into the speaker dock.

Expected to be launched at the high end of the iPod speaker market, it is believed that the device, which includes a remote control, will retail for £400 on this side of the Atlantic.

However, if iPod users would prefer a speaker system more suitable for use on the move, Groovemaster recently revealed a range of bags with in-built speaker systems.

The bags also feature volume controls and headphone jacks on the front panel, while the speaker system is powered by four AA batteries.

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

Griffin Technology has unveiled three new models to add to its range of iTrip FM radio transmitters for the iPod.

The company's new additions include the iTrip Auto with SmartScan, which automatically scans the frequency to find three clear tunings that people can use when they want to listen to their iPod through a stereo or car radio.

In addition, the iPod accessories manufacturer has unveiled the AutoPilot, which is a charger with an integrated control system for users to easily control their music player while driving.

Finally, the PowerBlock is a new iPod charger with an indicator light which helps users identify when their music player is fully charged.

The iTrip Auto with SmartScan is expected to retail for $79.99 (£39), the AutoPilot for $49.99 (£24) and the PowerBlock for $29.99 (£15).

Griffin's release of a range of new iPod accessories follows news that the US company was named iPod Accessory Manufacturer of the Year at the MacUser Awards ceremony.

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) has launched a new range of cases specifically designed for the nano, classic and touch models of the iPod.

The iPod accessories manufacturer's new range is available immediately and features a variety of specifications to cover most people's protection needs for the portable music player.

Designed for the iPod nano, the MetalShell features a coloured metal faceplate and screen protection, while the HybridShell for both the nano and touch has a transparent polycarbonate surface.

In addition, the UrbanShell for the classic has a hard plastic case and a rubberised surface for grip and the VideoShell, which is available for the classic and touch, is transparent and features easy access to the iPod's controls.

Discussing the new range, which retails between $19.99 (£10) and $24.99 (£12), DLO's product development director Marcia Germ said: "Whether you want the colour of your iPod to shine through a clear shell, or you're looking to enhance the personality of your iPod with a coloured or textured case, DLO has a shell that's right for you."

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

A Californian iPod iPod accessory manufacturer has created a new adapter designed to increase the use of the music player's dock connector.

Fastmac's U-Connect adapter has been designed to let users connect their second or third generation iPod shuffles to a number of accessories including speaker systems, vehicle chargers and radio FM transmitters.

Commenting on the launch of the new product, Fastmac's business development manager, Michael Lowdermilk, said the device "opens up a world of possibilities" for the shuffles.

He added: "Many iPod shuffle users also own other iPods and this product allows them to re-use the accessories they already have."

Available to pre-order from the company's website for around $16 (£8), the U-Connect also allows people to switch between charging and playback while using it.

The release of Fastmac's new accessory has come after new software was released by Mediafour which also increases the iPod's capabilities.

XPlay 3 allows users to use Windows' programmes including Media Player and Centre to manage their music player, rather than iTunes.

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

iPod accessories manufacturer Macally has launched seven new protective cases for the iPod nano 3G.

With prices ranging from $19.99 (£10) to $29.99 (£15), the new cases come with a range of features and protection for the portable music players, according to Macworld.

Cases at the lower end of the price range include the IceSuitN3 rubber sleeve, a mirrored finish case called the Mirage and the Masquerade, which features a stainless steel overlay with cut-outs for the ports.

Other new designs unveiled include the Sportivo case for fitness fanatics, the leather Metro and Bella cases and the Divo, which comes with lanyards so users can wear their iPod nano around their neck.

The launch of Macally's new designs has come shortly after another major accessories company released its own new ultra-slim case for the latest iPod nano model.

Sena has also launched new cases for the touch and classic versions of the music player, with prices ranging from $18 (£9) to $52 (£25).

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

A new range of rucksacks featuring specialist iPod storage has been launched by bag manufacturer Eleksen.

The company's ElecTex range features an in-built iPod dock which allows users to listen to their favourite songs on the move with more ease than usual bags, reports Stuff.tv.

Retailing for £65, it also features a touchpad integrated into the shoulder strap, meaning owners can choose what songs they listen to without constantly having to take their music player out of the bag.

Certain models for the rucksack also feature sleeves to hold drinks bottles, reflective strips for safety and a detachable front panel.

The release of Eleksen's bags follows the release of new bags featuring an in-built speaker system for the iPod.

Groovemaster's new range, which retails for $75 (£36), also features volume dials and headphone jacks on the front pouch of the innovative bags and is available in a range of designs.

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

Apple's iTunes music library for the iPod has announced plans to sell gig tickets in conjunction with the albums on offer in its online store.

In a deal with Ticketmaster, live music fans will also have the opportunity of buying albums while purchasing tickets to their favourite bands and groups live, reports iLounge.

Discussing the move with the website, Ticketmaster's David Marcus said that the partnership between live music and album sales was the "future of the music business".

He added: "The collaboration between Ticketmaster and iTunes makes it simple for fans to download the latest music from the artists they want to see live.

"We've now extended the programme we introduced with iTunes earlier this year, and we're thrilled to now offer digital albums integrated with concert ticket sales."

The new service in partnership with iTunes has been announced days after the makers of Guitar Hero launched a new game on the music library.

Harmonix's Phase game is compatible with new versions of the iPod and is available for $5 (£2.40) from the online store.

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

A new range of jacket cases have been released for the classic, nano 3G and touch models of the iPod.

DLO has created the range of "JamJacket" designs, which feature full access to the player's controls without compromising on protection for the music device, reports iLounge.com.

The new cases also feature the company's own Earbud Management System, which provides storage for headphones and stops cords from becoming slack or tangled during use.

Commenting on the new cases to the website, DLO's executive vice-president for sales said he was "thrilled to launch the new designs".

"The silicone case offers supreme protection which, combined with the innovative earbud management system, equals a must-have case for every iPod user," he explained.

The cases are available in a transparent and black design and are expected to retail for $20 (£10).

DLO's new cases have been released several days after Sena launched a new range of leather protective cases for the touch, classic and nano models of the iPod.

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

The creators of popular console game Guitar Hero have launched a new game for use on the iPod classic and nano 3G.

Called Phase, Harmonix's new game creates playable data out of songs placed in a special playlist on iTunes.

Players then have to hit the correct buttons on their iPod in time with the music to earn points and keep the music playing on the portable device.

Essentially a more basic version of the software designer's now famous guitar-based alternative, Phase also includes different levels of difficulty to challenge the most nimble-fingered iPod owners.

The game is available through iTunes and is retailing at $5 (£2.40) on Apple's music library.

Harmonix's release of the new software has come after Activision announced that several compilations of the songs featured on all four Guitar Hero games have been released through iTunes.

Featuring songs from bands including Aerosmith, Guns 'N' Roses and Rage Against the Machine, the compilations were launched less than a week before the new Legends of Rock sequel was released in the US.

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

New software which makes iPods compatible with Windows software including Media Player and Media Centre has been launched.

Mediafour's XPlay 3 has been designed for use with Windows XP and Vista and can recover lost songs on the computer, convert unprotected WMAs and synchronise music with Media Player.

According to iLounge, the software has been designed for use with all iPod models, apart from the touch, and also allows users to compile playlists using Windows software and transfer them to the music player.

Expected to retail for about $30 (£14), the software is expected to be released at the start February.

Other software recently released for the iPod includes SnapStream's latest update for its Beyond TV software.

The new 4.7 version allows users to watch TV through their computers, create DVDs of their favourite shows and download their programmes to their music players.

It also allows iPhone users to use the mobile device as a remote control for use on the software.

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

A new bag which features an in-built speaker system compatible with the iPod and other music players has been launched.

The innovative and quirky bag unveiled by Groovemaster means that iPod owners would no longer have to carry portable speakers if they want to share their favourite tracks with friends, reports The Bag Lady.tv

Retailing at $75 (£36), the case is available in a range of colours and features speakers, volume dials and headphone jacks on its front pouch.

The in-built music system is powered by four AA batteries, while a carry handle and strap are also included for ease of use when on the move.

Groovemaster's range of innovative designs has been released after fashion company Liz Claiborne launched its latest range of laptop bags for businesswomen.

Available for $149.99 (£74), the leather notebook briefcase can hold a computer with a 15.4-inch screen inside a padded insert and features several pouches for users to store all of their accessories in.

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

iPod accessories manufacturer Sena has unveiled its latest range of leather cases for the touch, classic and nano models of the music player.

Several different cases have been released for each model, with each having different advantages depending on what a customer wants.

A freestanding case with a kickstand has been unveiled for the iPod touch, along with other designs which are "ultra-slim", shock-absorbent and one which includes a magnetic flap for extra protection.

For the classic, cases include several of the above and a design which allows users to keep the covering on the iPod while docking the device.

In addition, an "ultra-slim" case has been released for the video-enabled nano.

Prices for the variety of protective covers range from around $18 (£9) to $52 (£25), while the release of the cases follows iSkin's launch of a new transparent casing for the iPod.

A rival to Tunewear's Tuneshell, the casing retails for $39.99 (£20).

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

A range of furniture with in-built iPod connectors and speakers has been launched by a US company which specialises in furnishings for teenagers.

Ideal for youngsters who are never far away from their iPods, the new range from PB Teen includes a shelf unit and two loungers which can all play music, reports Bornrich.org.

Available for $399 (£190), the Cushy Speaker Console features a chair in between two stereo speakers, while users can connect their iPods to a jack under a sliding panel.

With the Flip Floor Lounger, which retails for $369 (£177), a youngster can set the height of the product's backrest so they can relax in comfort while listening to tunes through the sofa's inbuilt speaker set.

Finally, the Modular Speaker Double Shelf is available for $129 (£62) and features two stereo speakers in-built into a shelving unit.

PB Teen is a division of major US furniture giant Pottery Barn and creates a variety of furnishings, including bedding and other accessories, specially designed for teenagers.

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

Two major iPod accessories companies have launched carry cases ideal for athletic owners of the portable music player.

XtremeMac and TuneBelt have both released new armband holders for iPod owners who like to listen to their favourite music on the move.

According to iLounge, TuneBelt's Open View Armband for the iPod nano 3G features a transparent window for easy access to the controls of the device and also features storage for earphone cords.

XtremeMac's SportWrap armband range is suitable for the classic, touch and nano 3G version of the music player, while a donation is made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) when a customer buys its pink design.

Discussing the charity work, XtremeMac's chief executive Gary Bart said: "Support from corporate partners like our company help the NBCF continue its efforts to increase awareness of breast cancer and provide screening for those in need."

The Open View Armband and SportWrap are available for around $20 (£10) and $30 (£15) respectively.

© 2007 Adfero Ltd

Fitness fanatics with iPods can now download training and exercise advice to video-enabled models of the portable entertainment player.

Designed for any mobile device that can support video, including the iPod classic, touch and nano, PumpOne's new personal training programmes provide users with tips on how to perform certain exercise techniques.

Speaking about the launch of the new portable exercise tips to iLounge, PumpOne president Craig Schlossberg said: "For today's busy person looking to lose weight, gain strength and get in great shape, these video workouts are essential.

"PumpOne Video mixes individual needs in the most user-friendly format –all accessible on an iPod, nano or iPhone. You can take your complete workout programme with you wherever you go."

The unveiling of the compatible training tips has come as many companies are releasing applications suitable for the video-enabled models of the iPod.

iSkysoft recently announced the launch of software which allows owners of the music player to convert their favourite DVDs into videos suitable for playback on the iPod touch, classic and nano.

© 2007 Adfero Ltd