iLounge

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters today announced the TransPod for iPod shuffle, an all-in-one car solution that lets you transmit, charge and display your iPod shuffle.

Like the company’s larger TransPods for full-size iPods, the TransPod for iPod shuffle broadcasts music to any FM radio frequency from 87.9 to 107.9. It features four programable presets, a line-out for use with a cassette adapter or auxiliary car stereo input, and a USB connection that allows the TransPod to interface with other iPods and audio devices like the Sony PSP.
 
“The DLO TransPod for iPod shuffle is the only car accessory shuffle owners will ever need,” says DLO. “It lets them enjoy their entire music library on the road by broadcasting the iPod shuffle’s music through a car’s FM stereo. The DLO TransPod for iPod shuffle also charges the iPod shuffle while cradling it in an adjustable, easy to position dock that attaches to any standard 12V cigarette lighter.”

The DLO TransPod for iPod shuffle is available now at Best Buy stores nationwide for $59.99.

PodGear announced today that it’s now shipping the PocketParty Shuffle portable speaker system for the iPod shuffle.

“PocketParty Shuffle turns an iPod shuffle into the world’s tiniest ghetto blaster,” says the UK-based company. “Designed exclusively for the iPod shuffle, and taking design cues from the world’s most iconic flash MP3 player, the PocketParty can even be worn around the neck like the iPod itself.”

The iPod shuffle plugs into the top of the PocketParty via the headphone port. The £24.99 device has two speakers and a status light on one side. It offers 1 watt of stereo output and up to 10 hours of battery life from a single AA battery.

Otter Products today announced the OtterBox for iPod shuffle. The rugged new hard case features a clear exterior with a rubber cradle lining, and a rubber button that lets you use the shuffle’s control pad through the case.

The OtterBox for iPod shuffle is “waterproof, dustproof, dirtproof, sandproof, and drop-proof” and “keeps your iPod shuffle safe at the beach, pool, river, lake, gym or just walking in the rain,” according to the company. It’s priced at $29.95 and comes with a removable neck lanyard.

Tunewear today announced its Poptune collection of removable wrappers for the iPod shuffle. Each Poptune protects the shuffle from dirt and scratching, and comes with two USB cap covers, one for the lanyard cap and one for the regular USB cap. The company said they won’t leave behind sticky residue when removed. The Poptune series comes in a $19.95 pack of 12 patterns—“Aloha”, “Dragon”, “Wood”, “Snake”, “Karakusa”, “Sakura”, “Fire”, “Stone”, “Orange”, “Green”, “Sparkle Silver” and “Sparkle Gold”.

Mophie has announced the Song Sling, a new iPod shuffle case and lanyard combo with integrated retractable earbuds. The Song Sling is priced at $39.99 and will be initially available in three colors—gray, blue and pink. It’s expected to ship beginning next month.

“Song Sling takes the basic lanyard concept to the next level,” says Mophie. “Its patent-pending design features concealed audio connections and retractable earbuds for ‘pull and play’ functionality. Song Sling raises the bar when it comes to style and convenience on the portable music scene.”

Hewlett-Packard announced on Friday that it has added the iPod shuffle to its lineup of HP-branded iPods. The “iPod shuffle from HP” is identical to Apple’s version and comes in both the 512MB ($99.99) and 1GB ($129.99) sizes. The HP iPod shuffle is available now online at hpshopping.com and will soon be at major retailers, including Radio Shack, Sears and Wal-Mart. HP now sells all current iPods except for the special edition U2 iPod.

Griffin Technology is now shipping its iVault aluminum case for the iPod shuffle. The machined aluminum case, which came about through a collaboration with iLounger Greg Gutierrez (“helixipod”), completely encloses the iPod shuffle while allowing access to the control pad, earphone jack, LED light and slider switch. The iVault sells for $19.99 and comes in five anodized colors—silver, blue, red, green and purple—and ships with a USB cable to sync/charge your iPod shuffle without removing it from the case.

Read iLounge’s review of the iVault.

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters today announced the DLO USB Dock Cable, a mountable 4-Foot USB cable with a docking cap designed specifically for the iPod shuffle. The $19.99 product allows you to easily charge/sync your shuffle and mounts to any surface with included white Velcro tabs.

“The DLO USB Dock Cable frees up adjacent connectors that would otherwise be blocked by the extra-wide iPod shuffle,” says DLO. “It plugs into any free USB port with a standard size plug, and with its 4-foot length, offers a super-handy connection port, providing easy in-and-out access for the shuffle.”

Credit Suisse First Boston said today that it expects Apple to unveil an “iPod shuffle capacity and functionality refresh later this summer or early fall.” The firm said it also sees Apple increasing its iPod mini capacities “throughout the year.” In addition, CSFB commented on the new podcast support in iTunes 4.9, noting that it expects Apple to monetize the radio-like programming with “usage fees once adoption rates increase.”

In addition to its bigger announcements of iTunes 4.9 and its new color screen iPod lineup, Apple today quietly dropped the price of the 1GB iPod shuffle to $129, from $149.

The price cut is seen as a move to boost sales and distance the device away from the lower-end iPod mini model. It is widely believed that the 1GB iPod shuffle model was not a big seller due to its close pricing to that of the $199 4GB iPod mini, despite lacking several of the mini’s features.

HotRomz has expanded its line of unique hand-made iPod sleeves with the introduction of new iPod shuffle versions.

Available in a variety of colors and tactile textures, these original shuffle covers range from “plain to furry to wild” and sell for $14.95 each. The new iPod shuffle sleeves include “Tribble” (available in 7 colors), “Shuffle Muffle” (available in 15 colors), “Birds of a Feather” (available in 8 colors), and “Neon Shuffle” (available in 12 bright colors). They feature an opening at the top for the lanyard and an opening at the bottom for the earphones jack.

Because of “weaker than expected” iPod shuffle sales, NAND flash prices could drop up to 40% for other manufacturers if Apple’s allotted portion is made available, according to a DigiTimes report.

“Although the iPod Shuffle was a hit when it was first introduced on the market, sales of the MP3 player are not justifying the supply forecasts for NAND flash that Apple has secured from Samsung, the sources stated. If Apple cancels the orders, Samsung may release even more NAND flash into a market already being affected by the influx of a number of new NAND flash producers,” the tech site reports.

Tatuz International today announced its new Tuscany iTatu collection for the iPod shuffle. The new collection consists of five new solid colors “inspired by the beautiful natural colors of the Italian countryside. Earth tones consisting of Olive Green, Rust Red, Golden Yellow, Warm Orange and Brown are featured in the set.” The protective stickers are priced at $2.49 each or $9.99 for a five pack.

In addition, Tatuz also announced the “Proud to be an American” 4th of July promotion. Between June 12th and July 4th, the company is offering customers a free US Flag iTatu with every purchase placed via the company’s online store.

Kyoto, Japan-based Miyavix recently unveiled a new version of its Kimono case for Apple’s iPod shuffle. The new case, which comes in three different floral patterns, is made of authentic Japanese Kimono fabric. It offers an adjustable-length lanyard, decorative tassel, and a leather top snap closure.

While pricing and U.S. availability are unknown, the Miyavix Kimono cases for the 4G iPod and iPod mini (iLounge Rating: A-) were both distributed in America by Power Support. We’re awaiting U.S. distribution information from the company.

Pacific Rim Technologies today announced the availability of its new iPod shuffle Cradle. The dock/stand charges and syncs your iPod shuffle and works with both Macs and PCs. The iPod shuffle Cradle sports a matching white exterior and has a blue light that glows when charging the device. The accessory works with both USB 2.0 and USB 1.1, and is shipping immediately for $10.99.

ezGear has announced the ezSkin Bodysuit and ezSkin Tankini cases for the iPod shuffle.

The ezSkin Tankini (right) is a two piece silicone case that includes a skin for the shuffle and another skin for the USB cap. It is available in five colors—Sky blue, Princess pink, Onyx black, Lime green, and Frost white—and is sold in a two-pack with one color and one Frost case for $18.98.

The ezSkin Bodysuit (left) is a one piece case for the iPod shuffle that sports a built-in metal hook. The case is available in the same colors as above, except the Bodysuit also comes in Grape purple and is not offered in Onyx black. Like the Tankini, the Bodysuit is sold in a two-pack for $18.98.

Jocelyn Vilter of Charter Oak Rags let us know about her new line of hand-made iPod shuffle sleeves. She offers a variety of designs, including several jacquards, prints and solids. Each lightweight case features a detachable beaded lanyard. The iPod shuffle sleeves from Charter Oak Rags are priced at $10 each.

Meanwhile, Mercury Software Japan has introduced the iTabi shuffle, a new iPod Shuffle case made from embroidered gold fabric (kinran) traditionally used for making the kimono sash (obi) in Japan. “Like the ‘tabi’ or the traditional Japanese sock worn with kimono, iTabi protects your iPod while ‘on the road’ (another meaning of tabi).” The iTabi shuffle sells for $19.98.

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters has introduced the DLO Flexible Dock for Apple’s iPod shuffle. The $19.99 accessory is a 7-inch adjustable USB dock that lets you connect your shuffle to any computer. The company said it’s a perfect solution for those with recessed or tightly spaced USB ports, and that the gooseneck cable displays the shuffle for easy access.

“The DLO Flexible Dock frees up adjacent connectors that would otherwise be blocked by the extra-wide iPod shuffle,” DLO says. “It plugs into any free USB port with a standard size plug, then bends out of the way and offers a super-handy connection port, providing easy in-and-out access for the shuffle. It also prominently displays the shuffle right next to a person’s computer or screen.”

iPodStyles said it has teamed up with Sumajin to offer the Shuffle Loop, a new silicone case for the iPod shuffle. According to the companies, the Shuffle Loop was designed to protect the device with thicker silicone materials at the corners. The case is available in six colors—black, blue, clear, green, orange and pink—and can be purchased with a matching Smartwrap ($4.99) and earphone sponges ($1.30) to “complete the look.” The Shuffle Loop is priced at $8.

Pacific Rim Technologies has announced the immediate availability of a new glow in the dark version of its Gel Shield silicone case for the iPod shuffle. The glow in the dark Gel Shield is available for $9.99.

Also available from Pacific Rim are the original Gel Shield cases, which come in five colors—Lime, Charcoal, Juicy Pink, Sky Blue and White. They sell for $7.99 or in a 3-pack for $14.99.