iLounge

Engineered Audio emailed us the following:

“We’ve been working on this (between last night and this morning) (several electrical engineers...) and are now convinced that this is an issue specifically related to version 2.1.

We have a number of iPods here (15 or so) and have various versions of firmware 2.0, 2.0.1, 2.0.2, and 2.1 ... and all the failures here are only related to 2.1 ... go figure!”

Engineered Audio has issued a statement regarding the RemoteRemote wireless remote for 3G iPods. It seems that users with iPods updated to firmware 2.1 are experiencing problems controling the iPod via the receiver unit. At this time, shipping of the RemoteRemote has ceased until they fix the problem. (click ‘Read more’ for the full statement)

“This issue is not fully understood at this point, however, those customers that have updated their iPod to firmware version 2.1 will most likely suffer this failure. We have anecdotal evidence that iPod firmware versions 2.0 and 2.0.1 work. The working theory right now is that this is a timing (or structure) problem with the serial data that the receiver sends to the iPod.”

Burton recently announced new iPod compatible Ronin 2L and Shield jackets for men, Radar 2L for women, and the Amp Pack backpack. Burton has since updated their website with information on each new product including an Amp Pack video.

Engineered Audio is now shipping the RemoteRemote wireless remote for 3G iPods.  I received mine today.  It comes with a receiver that fits snugly into the headphone jack, and a small, light, nice-looking key-fob remote control.  Supposedly it should be able to let you control your iPod around corners and through walls. It looks cool, and well made, but I have had no luck with it at all…

We contacted Contour Design and Managing Director Chris Charyk said, “Contour Design will begin shipping of its new Showcase on Wednesday” with limited shipping starting today. The new $40 Showcase fits all 3G iPods and features a hard plastic case, clear plastic front lid, integrated shock-absorbing rubber interior, access to all iPod functions, and a removable horizontally mounted belt clip.

After emailing CS Ideas about their waterproof cases, they have informed us about another case, the Aquapac Connected Electronic Case ($60) for iPod, PDAs and other mp3 players.

While browsing the forums, iLounger ‘a_nona_mouse’ posted an interesting link to a company offering a $50 Waterproof Music Kit featuring a waterproof AquaTunes case with belt and waterproof earphones. “Made from Clear PVC for better visibility and operation of controls. Exclusive clamp design provides watertight seal. Comfortable webbing belt with corrosion proof, impact resistant molded buckles. Provides universal fit and is fully adjustable up to 40”. Belt extensions are also available. Full 30 day warranty.”

Burton has released the rumored Amp Pack backpack and three new jackets for use with iPod. The Amp Pack, Ronin and Shield men’s jackets, and the Radar 2 women’s jacket all use “SOFTswitch technology, which allows the iPod to be controlled through a soft, flexible control pad” (located on the shoulder strap on Amp Pack and on the sleeve for jackets). The new iPod line of Burton products are available in very limited quantities in November 2003 at Burton’s new online store, Apple Store online, and authorized dealers in North America, Europe and Japan. No pricing information has yet been announced. The Burton and Apple websites have not yet been updated with the new Burton products.

Today, PodShop announces its Fall Sale, with PodHolder - the company’s popular and attractive iPod stand/display - now available at an incredibly low price of $9.95 US. The PodShop website has also undergone a major upgrade, featuring the addition of many new areas, including customer comments, reviews, and frequently asked questions sections.

TheiStore.com has an exclusive advanced preview of ####’s new highly anticipated iPod case the ####. To celebrate the launch of ####, we are giving away ten #### for 2nd gen iPods for FREE. See site for rules and details.

Athletic iPod users might be interested in pak-man - a new lightweight backpack for use while you’re on the move. Frees up hands and is better than belts and buckles (very last millenium). It looks great with casual and sports clothes, has an ergonomic design and reflective labelling. It’s stretchy fabric moves comfortably with the body. Great sound therapy. It’s an all-new Australian invention, probably inspired by kangaroos. An Internet special is available offering a $34.99 2 for 1 deal.

Innovacases.com has announced their website launch as the official reseller of Vaja cases in Europe.

The eXo 2 for 1 has been extended until Monday, November 3rd to give a chance to those that are not sure if they want an eXo or ####. Details of the new #### case will be released this weekend. How to hold your eXo 2 for 1 order for 15days: submit an unpaid order on the [url=http://www.####.biz]http://www.####.biz[/url] site and it will be held in a database for 15 days before it is deleted.  If you decide that you want to complete your order just follow the instructions on the auto email that will be sent to you.

ExtremeTech has revealed that XtremeMac will be releasing a Bluetooth adapter which will allow the iPod to “stream music from the player – or any music source – to portable speakers, headphones, a home stereo, or even a car” early next year.

According to Japanese website A-bony, Burton are to release three new iPod jackets and a backpack. There are two men’s jackets, the Shield and Ronin 2L, one for the ladies, the Radar 2L, and the Amp Pack backpack are all expected to be announced November 1, 2003. Apple/Burton released the first model Amp Jacket at Macworld San Francisco in January 2003 and have since been discontinued. The new Burton jackets and Amp Pack use “SOFTswitch technology, which allows the iPod to be controlled through a soft, flexible control pad.” Photos and an illustration of the Amp Pack are available at the bottom of the A-bony website. We had an earlier report about the Amp Pack back in March 2003.

Griffin Technology is now shipping the iFire Amp and Adaptor for Apple Pro Speakers.

Brian VanHarlingen, Sr. Technology Manager for Belkin has submitted an official statement to iLounge regarding Belkin’s position on the Media Reader transfer issue.

A reader at dpreview.com has discovered that transferring large files from large capacity compact flash cards is a slow process. A 500MB file transferred from card to Media Reader took 22 minutes. Other transfer tests indicate slow speeds as well - about 1 minute to transfer a 20MB file at 0.300MB per second. Belkin has acknowledged that there is a problem with large file transfers. Belkin is said to be working with Apple to solve the problem. If it’s an hardware issue, Belkin says it will replace the units. If it’s a software issue, Apple will most likely release a firmware update.

A reader has informed us of an Apple iPod presentation on the Apple Sales Web website (members only). Of interest, is a slide depicting a photo of an iPod with an illustrated LCD remote, radio tuner and microphone. Two of the four accessories listed in the slide are shipping - the microphone and photo card reader by Belkin. And Griffin Technology has already announced an FM tuner for iPod. This information leads us to believe that one day there may be an LCD remote released as well. One can only hope. iLounge has verified the Apple iPod presentation for authenticity and concludes it is not a fake.

Just when you think you’ve seen all the cases available for iPod, along comes a new company with new designs. AnetaGenova has released nince new fashion forward designs, unlike any other iPod cases on the market. Some of the more unique cases are as follows; the Sid case (as in Sid Vicious) features black leather and metal spikes, the Stardust case (as in Ziggy Stardust) features silver leather and metal buckles, the Monty (as in Monty Python) features pink python leather and the La Femme case features pink leather lacing resembling a corset. The AG iPod cases start at $95 and go up to $195 for the La Femme case.

I’ve published a review of the Belkin Media Reader for iPod at my Mac iLife site. Overall, I really like this device, though I have yet to get iPhoto or Image Capture to recognize that the iPod contains photos.

LaptopsForLess has released a battery replacement for 3rd generation (docking) iPods. The kit includes battery, installation instructions and a small screw driver. We do not recommend using the metal screw driver, because it can scratch your iPod when trying to open the case. Try using a thin, sturdy peice of plastic instead. The battery kit costs $49 and includes a one year warranty.