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iPod Out-of-warranty Battery Replacement Program Price Reduced
Scion Announces Prices for the 2006 Scion xA and xB - iPod Compatible Pioneer Audio System
Volvo Tunes in to Digital Music Solutions From PhatNoise
Bruddy's BruddyClip for iPod shuffle
alterPod 0.7.1b Modifies Your iPod's Display Images And Strings
Bulletproof iPod?
iPod shuffle: to screen or not to screen?
Killing for iPods, killing for things
Podcasting - Fiddly no longer
Everybody In The Pool
The Iconic iPod: Advancing Music and Mindsets
Identifying different iPod models
Upgrade Your Earbuds
DLO Action Jacket for iPod shuffle - Review
MacAlly BlueWave Bluetooth Headphones - Review
First Looks: New Batteries and Car Accessories from Monster, FastMac, Kensington and Capdase
iPodlounge announces Back to School Guide for August 15
PC case maker caters to iPod owners
In-car unit attaches to any iPod
Scythe A-Pod: Finally, A PC Case That Looks Like An iPod
Dr. Bott sells BruddyClip shuffle cord manager
XtremeMac SportWrap for iPod shuffle
DLO Flexible Dock for iPod shuffle
DLO USB Dock Cable for iPod shuffle
Paul Frank iPod Cases

iPod Out-of-warranty Battery Replacement Program Price Reduced
Scion Announces Prices for the 2006 Scion xA and xB - iPod Compatible Pioneer Audio System
Volvo Tunes in to Digital Music Solutions From PhatNoise
Bruddy's BruddyClip for iPod shuffle
alterPod 0.7.1b Modifies Your iPod's Display Images And Strings





iPod Out-of-warranty Battery Replacement Program Price Reduced

Apple has dropped the price of its iPod Battery Replacement Program from$99 to $59, plus $6.95 shipping.

If your iPod requires service only because the battery’s ability to hold an electrical charge has diminished, Apple will replace your iPod for a service fee of $59, plus $6.95 shipping. Be sure to follow all of the battery troubleshooting steps before submitting your iPod for battery replacement.

For full details:
http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/service/battery/






Scion Announces Prices for the 2006 Scion xA and xB - iPod Compatible Pioneer Audio System

Scion, from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., has announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the 2006 Scion xA and xB. An iPod compatible Pioneer audio system is now available as an accessory upgrade for both vehicles, making Scion the first brand to offer iPod connectivity and control across its entire lineup. The xA and xB will begin arriving at Scion dealerships next week.

The Scion xA hatchback gets a minor makeover for 2006. Exterior changes include new upper and lower front grilles, redesigned front bumper, color-keyed rocker panels and rear bumper, new headlamps and taillamps, and side mirrors with integrated turn signals. Phantom Gray Pearl and Black Cherry Pearl exterior colors have been replaced with Flint Mica and Salsa Red.

Inside, the xA's passenger cabin receives enhancements such as new seat fabric, speedometer with a new silver background and a new steering wheel with integrated audio controls. Customers will now have a choice of one of three all-new wheel cover designs shared between xA and xB.

Both xA and xB will receive a redesigned Pioneer AM/FM/CD audio head unit. Scion is also offering music lovers a new, optional iPod compatible audio upgrade from Pioneer that integrates the world's most popular digital music player with the car's sound system, offering music navigation, power and display.

The 2006 xA and xB's new standard audio system features a centrally-located volume control knob and a mini-jack port located in the center console that allows for connectivity to most portable music players. The mini-jack port allows users to listen to their portable music collection through the Pioneer speakers. This new unit still retains key Scion audio system features such as Scion Sound Processing (SSP) where listeners can choose from three pre-set equalizer settings, satellite radio compatibility and a user-customizable welcome screen.

A Pioneer AM/FM/CD head unit with iPod control is now available as an all-new accessory upgrade for both xA and xB. This head unit integrates track, artist and album information from the iPod into a one-line scrolling display on the head unit's screen. Connectivity is achieved by simply plugging the iPod into a port via a connector cable, providing outstanding sound quality through the car's stereo system and constant power to the iPod. Music is controlled through the head unit and, for the xA, the steering wheel buttons. The MSRP for this accessory upgrade is only $260, which includes installation.

With the additional standard equipment, prices for the 2006 Scion xA and xB increase only $200 and $150, respectively. The MSRP for the Scion xA is $12,730 with a manual transmission and $13,530 with an automatic transmission, reflecting a 1.6 and 1.5 percent increase, respectively. The Scion xB's MSRP is $13,880 with a manual transmission and $14,680 with an automatic transmission, reflecting a 1.1 and 1.0 percent increase, respectively. The MSRP does not include delivery, processing and handling fees, which vary depending on location.

For more information, visit:
http://www.scion.com








Volvo Tunes in to Digital Music Solutions From PhatNoise

PhatNoise, an innovator in bringing digital media to the automobile, has announced a ground-breaking partnership with Volvo Cars to offer digital music enthusiasts new options for seamlessly accessing their collections in Volvo vehicles. Through the partnership, Volvo becomes the first automotive company to offer consumers a choice of digital music accessories, including an integrated connectivity for the popular Apple iPod, or the on-board Digital Jukebox, a customized version of PhatNoise's award-winning PhatBox Digital Media Player, which features 20GB of capacity and PhatNoise's signature Voice Index technology.

Both products will be dealer-installed options, with the iPod adapter available first in North America, followed by the Digital Jukebox which is expected to be available worldwide. Both products feature direct access to the music collection from the radio and steering wheel controls, complete with integrated audio connections for high quality digital sound.

"Volvo recognizes the explosion of consumer interest in digital music and is committed to giving their customers a variety of ways to take that experience with them on the road," said Sharon Graves, President and CEO of PhatNoise. "We're very gratified that PhatNoise solutions and our experience in this field have helped them make this vision a reality."

"For Volvo, PhatNoise was unquestionably the right partner. Their full service approach delivers innovative technology in a way that resonates with consumers and is right in line with Volvo's unprecedented commitment to safety," said Thomas Andersson, executive vice president, marketing for Volvo Cars of North America. "By allowing our customers to easily access their favorite songs on the iPod or the Digital Jukebox through the vehicles existing controls, consumers are free from distraction in order to keep their eyes on the road."

The Digital Jukebox is a customized version of PhatNoise's award-winning PhatBox Digital Media Player. The system integrates directly with each vehicle's existing stereo and steering wheel controls, plus features voice feedback for easy and safe navigation of thousands of your favorite songs. With 20GB of storage, the Digital Jukebox has a virtual capacity of 500 CDs, all stored digitally and organized by Artist, Album, Genre or personal Playlist. The system also includes easy-to-use PC software and a USB cradle for simple, one-click transfer of content from home to car. The Digital Jukebox will be available worldwide from Volvo retailers.

The Volvo Adapter for the Apple iPod, powered by PhatNoise, will be available for the S60, S80 and V70/XC70 models and will connect by simply plugging the iPod into a cable located in the car's armrest compartment. The Volvo iPod Adapter enables users to control their music through their Volvo sound system and steering wheel controls, and will charge the iPod when it is connected. The adapter will be available first in North America from Volvo retailers.

The Volvo iPod Adapter and Digital Jukebox will be available beginning in June as authorized Volvo retailer-installed accessories. In the U.S., the Digital Jukebox has an MSRP of $898.00 (additional equipment may be required) and the iPod Adapter is has an MSRP of $150.00 (additional equipment may be required).

For more information on PhatNoise and its technologies and products, visit:
http://www.phatnoise.com







Bruddy's BruddyClip for iPod shuffle

The BruddyClip is a unique clip for your iPod shuffle. It's the only product to offer wire management, which drastically reduces clutter and entanglement. The protective exoskeleton provides un-obscured access to all controls and allows for easy removal of the shuffle for charging and syncing (even with the cord wound up).

The wire management even offers convenient storage of the headphone cord while not in use so you'll never forget or misplace your headphones. The BruddyClip provides a nearly unlimited number of ways to attach itself using either the integrated clips or the included bull-dog clip. One of four open slots accommodates a wide variety of alternative clips as well, such as key chains, lanyards, and more. All this adds up to the BruddyClip being the perfect companion for your iPod shuffle, allowing you to enjoy your music without distraction and forget you're even wearing an iPod.

• The only clip with wire management, which drastically reduces clutter and entanglement
• Secures your shuffle in a protective exo-skeleton, yet remains easy to remove for charging and syncing.
• Un-obscured access to power switch
• Attach anywhere in a wide variety of ways
• Allows you to enjoy your music while forgetting that you're even carrying your shuffle
• Use with a wide variety of alternative clips such as key chains, custom lanyards, retractable clips, magnetic clips, Velcro - be creative!
• Conveniently stores your ear buds while not in use

$14.95

For more information, visit:
http://www.drbott.com/prod/db.lasso?code=4921-SHMT







alterPod 0.7.1b Modifies Your iPod's Display Images And Strings

alterPod is an application for extracting and replacing your iPod's strings and display graphics. alterPod can also backup and restore your iPod's firmware partition to your Mac's hard drive.

alterPod is actually a GUI for a command line program named ipodedit, written by Austin Che

0.7.1b fixes a bug found in 0.7b that caused alterPod's Editor panel to only open the first image in the External Editor. This should now work correctly.

alterPod now includes a String Editor, and an Image Browser

alterPod includes a tutorial, which can be found in the Help Menu. For more information, help and assistance, please visit the Podite Community Forums, where other users (and the developer) will be able to provide solutions to problems.

New in this version:
Fixed the bug reported by sjonke1

The Editor panel now sends the correct image to the External Application

System requirements:
Mac OSX 10.3, any iPod (except the Shuffle)

For more information, visit:
http://www.podite.com/software/alterpod.html

Bulletproof iPod?
iPod shuffle: to screen or not to screen?
Killing for iPods, killing for things
Podcasting - Fiddly no longer
Everybody In The Pool
The Iconic iPod: Advancing Music and Mindsets


Bulletproof iPod?

bit-tech.net's Geoff Richards reports:

"Good luck convincing customs it's 'only an iPod'

"After his iPod was crushed to death in his pocket, jammed against the handrail of one of those famously cramped Japanese commuter trains, one enterprising guy has taken protecting his iPod to the extreme: a veritable vault milled from solid aluminium."

For the full report visit here.
http://www.bit-tech.net/news/2005/07/07/armoured_ipod/








iPod shuffle: to screen or not to screen?

ipodgarage.com's Bill Palmer reports:

"Three weeks into this iPod shuffle experiment, I'm still playing the love-hate game with it just a little bit.

"I love it because it's a near-perfect implementation of a screenless small-capacity flash player. And not surprisingly, the dissatisfaction lies in the fact that regardless of the implementation, it's still screenless and small-capacity. I know part of it is the fact that I switch back and forth between a shuffle and a full-size iPod on a near-daily basis, which is just enough to get me disoriented to the point that I'll look down at my shuffle to take a gander at its screen, only to realize that, hey, I have the shuffle today. As I've pointed out before, I only bought the shuffle for product testing purposes, but the sheer number of shuffle-related products currently in-house here at iPod Garage Labs necessitates that I use the shuffle as my main iPod fairly often."

For the full report visit here.
http://ipodgarage.com/article.php?id=125








Killing for iPods, killing for things

macsimumnews.com's Dennis Sellers says:

"It’s a tragedy when people die over things. Not causes, not ideals, but THINGS. And, as much as we like ‘em, our Macs and our iPods are just that: things. Things can be replaced. Lives can’t. But Christopher Rose is dead, apparently slain for his iPod."

For the full commentary visit here:
http://www./index.php/archive/killing_for_ipods_killing_for_things/







Podcasting - Fiddly no longer

The Economist reports:

"“PODCASTING” is a potentially misleading term. It originally had nothing intrinsically to do with Apple's iPod music-player—and it is nothing like traditional broadcasting. Instead podcasts, which first appeared last year, are audio files that professionals and amateurs alike create and publish on a website, for downloading by anyone who wants to listen. So far, any confusion about the term or the process has not mattered much, because podcasting tended to be almost exclusively for the young, geeky or both. Last week, however, that changed."

For the full report visit here:
http://www.economist.com/business/displayStory.cfm?story_id=4157673







Everybody In The Pool

Forbes' David M. Ewalt says:

" Apple Computer Chief Executive Steve Jobs has a reputation for thinking different. But now he might be planning a move for Apple that will leave even his biggest fans surprised--becoming a phone company.

"It might sound far-fetched, but the pieces are in place for it to happen later this summer. Apple is already developing a hybrid iPod/cell phone with handset maker Motorola And companies ranging from the Virgin Group to The Walt Disney Co. are proving that a new network model can allow all kinds of businesses to easily enter the mobile market."

fu






The Iconic iPod: Advancing Music and Mindsets

iTalkNews's Charles Onyett says:

"Society's obsessive desire to constantly label and classify itself has driven to the surface a new category: the iPod Generation. The difference between this generational tag and others such as the Baby Boomers is that the iPod Generation is derived strictly from a consumer product, not a historical event. But has the term iPod Generation come to encompass more than just the little white box?"

For the full commentary visit here:
http://www.italknews.com/spage.php?page=top&content=7841

Identifying different iPod models
Upgrade Your Earbuds
DLO Action Jacket for iPod shuffle - Review
MacAlly BlueWave Bluetooth Headphones - Review
First Looks: New Batteries and Car Accessories from Monster, FastMac, Kensington and Capdase
iPodlounge announces Back to School Guide for August 15
PC case maker caters to iPod owners
In-car unit attaches to any iPod
Scythe A-Pod: Finally, A PC Case That Looks Like An iPod
Dr. Bott sells BruddyClip shuffle cord manager
XtremeMac SportWrap for iPod shuffle
DLO Flexible Dock for iPod shuffle
DLO USB Dock Cable for iPod shuffle
Paul Frank iPod Cases







Identifying different iPod models

An Apple Knowledge Base article says:

"It's easy to see which iPod model you have.

"You can tell by:

• Checking if it has a scroll wheel, a touch wheel, or a Click Wheel.
• The size of its hard drive.
• The dock connector."

For more information, visit:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=61688






Upgrade Your Earbuds

pcmag.com's Kyle Monson says:

"If you've read our in-depth reviews of MP3 players, you know we take sound quality very seriously here. Our PC Labs experts run the players through sophisticated audio tests to make sure our readers are getting the best sound quality for their money. But a good-sounding player isn't all you need—quality headphones are a must, too."

For the full review visit here:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1834534,00.asp







DLO Action Jacket for iPod shuffle - Review

mymac.com's Russ Walkowich reports:

"There was one primary reason that I finally joined the iPod craze and bought myself an iPod Shuffle. I run. Three or four times a week, I run 2 miles, sometimes a bit more if I’m really on a good run day. The reason that I wanted an iPod was that I was tired of carrying my portable digital CD player or my “sport” portable tape cassette player or wearing the headphone radio that I constantly had to turn my head sideways to get a station that I could listen to somewhat clearly while I was running."

"With the iPod, I knew that running was going to be definitely more pleasant. So when I bought the Shuffle, I also bought Apple’s Armband, figuring that would work out great. Well, maybe if I wasn’t running so much, maybe it would. I constantly had to adjust the armband as it just didn’t fit tight enough, at least without me cutting off the circulation in my arm. If I wore a T-shirt and had it over the sleeve, it kept slipping down on me. Not really the way to enjoy a run, besides I began to think it was designed more as a formal piece of gear, maybe it was more useful if I was doing a stationary bike.

"Digital Lifestyle Outfitters’ DLO Action Jacket for the iPod Shuffle to the rescue......."

For the full review visit here:
http://www.mymac.com/showarticle.php?id=2041







MacAlly BlueWave Bluetooth Headphones - Review

mymac.com's David Weeks reports:

"MacAlly has recently released their new BlueWave headphones, which incorporate Bluetooth (see http.www.bluetooth.com) wireless technology to eliminate the annoying wires that tether headphone users to their iPods or computers. The Weeks Division of MyMac.com Labs spent some time using the BlueWave, and found it to be a fine product."

For the full review visit here.
http://www.mymac.com/showarticle.php?id=2042






First Looks: New Batteries and Car Accessories from Monster, FastMac, Kensington and Capdase

ipodlounge.com's Jeremy Horwitz reports:

"New accessories have arrived in a flood, so we’ve created three separate First Looks pages to show them all off. This page is devoted to new iPod battery and car accessories. There are also separate pages for new cases and cord management accessories, as well as iPod shuffle accessories. If you’re looking for older but still great sneak peeks, our recent First Looks Special on Nyko’s Movie Player, and our pictorial feature, iPodlounge Loves Japan, with some cool and weird imported accessories."

For the full review visit here.






iPodlounge announces Back to School Guide for August 15

ipodlounge.com's: Larry Angell reports:

"iPodlounge is proud to announce our second iPod guide of 2005 — the iPod 101: Back to School Guide. In a twist on previous iPodlounge Buyers’ Guides, the new publication will include two major parts: a free iPod and iTunes guidebook for readers, plus a preview and review section focused on the top “Back to School” accessories for Fall. As with past Guides, two exciting reader contests with major prizes will be announced shortly. The new issue will be released on August 15, 2005."

.
For the full review visit here.







PC case maker caters to iPod owners

The Register's Tony Smith reports:

"Scythe A-Pod PC CaseEnterprising Japanese PC case maker Scythe has come up with a design to cash in on iPod mania among Windows users: an all-white unit that mimics the player's clickwheel with its control and LED layout."

For the full report visit here:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/07/08/scythe_a-pod/






In-car unit attaches to any iPod

hamiltonmountainnews.com reports:

"You have to hand it to the folks at Apple. Armed with just a wing, a prayer and hundreds of millions in marketing dollars, they have turned the iPod into a cultural phenomenon, with scores of manufacturers developing accessories for the device.

But when Clarion - arguably the hippest aftermarket electronics manufacturer - develops the VRX755VD, a DVD multimedia system headlined by iPod inter-activity, you know Apple's little offspring has come of age."

fu





Scythe A-Pod: Finally, A PC Case That Looks Like An iPod

ipodhacks.com reports:

"If your iPod obsession has stretched beyond the bounds of common understanding, you may be primed for the latest from Japan. Scythe will begin shipping its A-Pod PC ATX case on July 14th. What's so special about this particular PC enclosure? You guessed it ... it looks like an iPod."

For the full report visit here:
http://www.ipodhacks.com/article.php?sid=1434







Dr. Bott sells BruddyClip shuffle cord manager

Playlist's Peter Cohen reports:

"Dr. Bott LLC on Thursday announced an exclusive distribution agreement for Bruddy LLC’s BruddyClip, a device designed to help iPod shuffle users better manage the earbud cords of their tiny music player. The BrudyClip features “a clear exoskeleton shell” with clips on the back to allow you to clip it to clothing or other objects. It also includes a “bull dog” clip. BruddyClip costs US$14.95. Look for it direct from Dr. Bott and Dr. Bott’s authorized resellers."

You can check it out at:
http://playlistmag.com/news/2005/07/07/bruddyclip/index.php






XtremeMac SportWrap for iPod shuffle

ipodgarage.com's Bill Palmer reports:

"The best thing the iPod shuffle has going for it is that its tiny size lets you take it almost anywhere and do almost anything with it. But there are times when even something as small as a shuffle isn't something that you want to carry in your hand, or have flopping around on your pocket. And those times are, of course, when you're walking, jogging, running, exercising, or otherwise physically active. Enter the XtremeMac SportWrap for iPod shuffle, which places your shuffle on your arm.

"We inserted our shuffle into the SportWrap and were pleased to see that the SportWrap covers your shuffle's entire surface area, preventing it from coming into contact with sweat, with the frontside of the shuffle visible (and operable) through a clear plastic cover. ...."

For the full review visit here.
http://ipodgarage.com/article.php?id=130







DLO Flexible Dock for iPod shuffle

ipodlounge.com's Jeremy Horwitz reports:

"Of the two iPod shuffle docks recently released by DLO, the Flexible Dock ($19.99) is clearly the more innovative and interesting. It’s a seven-inch metal gooseneck pipe attached to a male USB plug at one end, and a iPod shuffle cap-shaped female USB port at the other. The big idea is that the gooseneck lets you mount and position the shuffle wherever you want near a USB port, similar to Belkin’s TuneBase and TEN Technology’s flexDock car mounts. "

For the full review visit here.






DLO USB Dock Cable for iPod shuffle

ipodlounge.com's Jeremy Horwitz reports:

"In a separate article, we reviewed and generally liked DLO’s Flexible Dock for iPod shuffle (iPodlounge rating: B), a metal gooseneck mount useful for certain laptops and USB port-equipped monitors. We weren’t anywhere near as impressed by the company’s USB Dock Cable for iPod shuffle ($19.99), which can best be described as a $20 USB cable - little more."

For the full review visit here.







Paul Frank iPod Cases

ipodlounge.com's Jeremy Horwitz reports:

"There are iPod accessories we love, and accessories that we want to love but can’t. Paul Frank’s new iPod cases ($22.00) regrettably fall into the latter category. iPodlounge’s editors - one in particular - are fans of the cartoony art of Paul Frank, most notably the character Julius the Monkey, and have waited quite some time to find iPod cases featuring his visages."

For the full review visit here.
http://ipodlounge.com/index.php/reviews/comments/paul-frank-ipod-cases-ipod/







***



Charles W. Moore


Note: Letters to iPod Muse may or may not be published at the editor's discretion. Correspondents' email addresses will NOT be published unless the correspondent specifically requests publication. Letters may be edited for length and/or context.

Opinions expressed in postings to iPod Muse are those of the respective correspondents and not necessarily shared or endorsed by the Editor and/or Applelinks management.

If you would prefer that your message not appear in iPod Muse, we would still like to hear from you. Just clearly mark your message "NOT FOR PUBLICATION," and it will not be published.

CM

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