iLounge

Rolling Stones magazine has named the iPod an American icon in its 35th Anniversay issue (on newstands now). The iPod is joined by; Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, The Backstage Pass, The Dead Rock Star, The Blonde Bombshell and Homer Simpson.

A moderator for Apple’s Knowledge Base discussion forums weighed in on whether iPod Software 2.0 would be compatible with older iPods, and the answer is NO:

(Thanks to iLounger huggies for pointing this out.)

Brett O’Connor’s AppleScript, Find Album Artwork with Google will do an image search on Google for album artwork. This could come in quite handy for users eager to use iTunes 4’s new Album Artwork feature.

MacRumors has written an article about Apple’s Digital Rights Management (DRM) system and how it is using protected AAC for iTunes Music Store downloads.

Dr. Bott has released an adapter for new iPods to work with older connections in the Amp Jacket. It retails for $24.95.

Yesterday we mentioned that Belkin had new iPod accessories appearing on the Apple website. Today, Belkin has officially announced the new Belkin products for new iPods via a press release.

Belkin Auto Kit for iPod $39.99
“The Belkin Auto Kit connects the new iPod to the car’s power source and speaker system, and includes an exclusive Belkin cable that charges the unit from the car’s cigarette lighter. The Auto Kit also provides an adjustable amplifier and 3.5mm audio-out jack that allows the user to play the iPod through the car stereo or other audio equipment while in the car. The unit is also engineered with a replaceable safety fuse to protect from potentially damaging spikes or short circuits.”

Belkin Backup Battery Pack for iPod $59.99
“The Belkin Backup Battery Pack allows the user to power the new iPod with replaceable batteries—even when the internal battery is drained. It is an ideal solution for long plane fights, hikes or for any other instances where an AC outlet is inaccessible.  The Battery Pack provides 15-20 hours of playing time and incorporates a power-level indicator to signify when the batteries are running low. Additionally, the Battery Pack includes discreet suction cups (plus two spare), four standard ‘AA’ alkaline batteries, a secure power switch and dock connector.”

Belkin Mobile Cassette Adapter $19.99
“The Belkin Mobile Cassette Adapter easily connects the new iPod to a car stereo through the car’s in-dash cassette player. Providing an easy way to transfer quality sound from any portable audio equipment to a car stereo, it is designed for outstanding audio performance and use on the road. The Adapter reduces noise by automatically maintaining the correct tension within the cassette deck while driving. The device includes a 3.5mm connector and works with front- and side-loading cassette players. It also works for portable MP3, CD and cassette player, PCs or laptops.”

Wired reports that the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) sent IMs to Grokster and Kazaa users warning them about stealing music. The report also says that at least a million messages or more per week will be sent.

We’ve compiled a list of press reactions to the announcement of Apple’s new iTunes Music Store. Click the “Read more” link to view the complete list of links to articles.

Over at Doug’s AppleScripts for iTunes, “power correspondents” are posting updates to AppleScripts for functionality with iTunes 4 and iPod firmware 1.3

The popular iTunes Library Manager has been updated to make it compatible with iTunes 4. The download also contains an Updater utility for users of earlier versions of iTLM which will update your backed-up iTunes 3 Libraries so they can work with iTunes 4.

Import Selected iPod Tracks to iTunes has been updated to make it compatible with iTunes 4. And to allow transfer of m4a (AAC) files from the iPod to iTunes.

iTunes 4 comes with BPM tagging ability; use iTunes BPM Inspector to determine BPMs. A suggested use for this utility might be to have an aid in making smart playlists based on tempo.

Forbes writer Arik Hesseldahl surveys the iTunes Music Store on the day after the “big” announcement by Apple. Hesseldahl sums up the service by saying it “is enormously easy to use and dangerously addictive.” 

Peter Kim, Associate Editor for O’Grady’s Powerpage writes an article with comparisons between Apple’s iTunes Music Store pricing vs. singles, subscriptions and file swapping.

Make your life a bit easier with new AppleScripts for iPod. The new note reader on new iPods with iPod Software 2.0 can read and store notes on iPod. These new AppleScripts help automate the process.

Apple has posted several resources for iPod developers on its Apple Developer Connection website.

Apple stores nationwide will be hosting the “Live On Stage” event introducing new iPods to the public this Friday, May 2 from 6-10 PM.

“Sporting a new design, with enough capacity to hold more than 7500 songs, the new iPod rocks into the Apple Store on Friday, May 2, during a revolutionary event you won’t want to miss.

From 6 to 10 p.m., enjoy a live DJ spinning tunes on his iPod. Receive a free event poster (while supplies last). And get a limited edition T-shirt for $10 -  or for free if you buy an iPod. That’s not all: you can also enter to win a JBL sound system worth $1800.

Special Appearances. Singer-songwriter Liz Phair will appear at the SoHo store and ska band Less Than Jake will appear at The Grove during this special event.

Be the first to get your hands on the incredible new iPod and discover for yourself how the world’s greatest portable music player just got even better.

Find an Apple Retail Store near you.”

Note: iLounge will be at Apple Store Fashion Island in Newport Beach, California on Friday night. Come join us as we get our hands on a new iPod.

Are you upset that Apple did not include support for note reader, two new games, On-the-Go playlists, customizable menu and sleep timer in iPod Software 1.3 for older iPods? Send them a peice of your mind as we have on the official iPod Feedback page at Apple.com.

Note: It’s very curious that Apple is listing iPod Software 2.0 in its list of choices in the “What iPod software are you running?” menu. Does this mean that iPod Software 1.3 is the last of the updates for older iPods or is it just an incremental update to immediately support iTunes 4 and AAC. Will iPod Software 2.0 support new features on old iPods?

Apple has posted a new video about iPods, iTunes and the iTunes Music Store along with new ads about the new music service. There is also a new QuickTimeVR of the new iPod.

According to an interview with Steve Jobs, Fortune magazine writer Devin Leonard writes that Apple will introduce an iTunes for Windows by end of year.

The article goes on to talk about the iTunes Music Store and how Jobs is predicting that it will be a huge success.

The script “iPod tracks -> Desktop” is installed in iTunes script menu. This script will copy the selected tracks in iTunes (not Playlists) on you Desktop, easily.

You might have noticed Belkin has new iPod accessories available on the iPod’s “Cool Accessories” page. There is a new Belkin Battery Pack and Auto Charger w/Audio for new iPods. The Battery pack retails for $59, provides 12-15 hours of battry life, suction cups to adhere to the back of iPod, charge-level indicator and includes 4 “AA” batteries. The Auto Charger w/Audio retails for $39.95 and features; 3.5mm audio output that plays your iPod through car stereo, controls iPod device’s volume with adjustable amplifier, charges iPod though cigarette lighter adapter and has a replaceable safety fuse.

Note: The photo across the top of the accessory page… reminds you of the iPods Around the World Photo Gallery, doesn’t it?