iLounge

Griffin Technology has announced its lineup of iPod products that it will show off at next week’s Macworld Conference & Expo. The lineup of existing and new products includes:

• Amplifi is a 2.1 iPod sound system featuring an all-wood, acoustically tuned enclosure, two front-firing 2-3/4” neodymium drivers and a 5” downward-firing woofer. It also offers a built-in iPod dock, 3.5mm stereo input jack, and IR remote.

• Journi (previously known as Voyager) is a mobile speaker system that features a Wrapstand exterior which “protects your iPod when you’re on the go, then flips open to create its own stand.” It has internal Lithium-Ion batteries (8-10 hours of play on a single charge), an adjustable dock bay, and speakers with SRS Labs’ SRS WOW digital signal processing.

• AirDock (A) is a silver metal iPod dock that allows you to connect your iPod to a stereo or TV. It also charges an iPod and comes with a 5-button RF remote for controlling playback from up to 60 feet away.

• Dock Adapter for iPod Shuffle enables use of the second-generation iPod shuffle in devices with an Apple Universal iPod Dock.

• TuneFlex AUX is identical to Griffin’s TuneFlex automobile charging cradle, but includes a 1/8” (3.5mm) auxiliary input cable instead of a cassette adapter.

• TuneJuice 2 is an improved version of Griffin’s battery backup brick for iPods. Powered by 4 AAA batteries, TuneJuice 2 adds up to 14 additional hours of audio play and 2 additional hours of video play.

• Reflect Cases (B) for the second-generation iPod nano and fifth-generation iPod sport polycarbonate hard shells with a mirrored-chrome reflective face. “Wake up your iPod, and the bright, clear iPod screen shows up as if by magic,” says Griffin. The Reflect cases have a matte black rubberized back.
 
• Tempo for iPod shuffle (C) is a new adjustable armband for the second-generation iPod shuffle. It features a built-in cord wrap and reflective accents for night safety.

• iClear Custom (D) is a new version of Griffin’s see-through iClear case which gains a slot in the back to add your own photographs and artwork. Versions will be available for the second-generation iPod nano and fifth-generation iPod.

Pricing and availability for the products was not provided.

Applied Imaginations has announced its Mood Wrapz, new heat sensitive, color-changing iPod skins. The protective skins cover the front and sides of your iPod, and are adhesive backed. The skins are temperature sensitive to the touch and change colors to be “as hot or cold” as you are. A full size Mood Wrapz costs $11 and a nano version will run you $10.

Citing no sources, TheStreet.com’s Doug Kass posts a rumor that Apple “will announce that [CEO] Steve Jobs will be taking a leave of absence from the company.” No further details are provided.

The Flux today announced its 2007 iPod Film Festival. The festival is geared at films specifically formatted for playback on the video iPod. Unlike last year’s event, this year’s festival will be free to enter.

Mogopop.com is offering two free, member-published iPod guides for next week’s Macworld Conference & Expo. Together they offer a “comprehensive portable guide to this major annual event for Macintosh fans, users, developers and enthusiasts.”

Apple and CBS have added the first season of the original Star Trek series to the iTunes Store. Nearly 30 episodes are available for $56.99 or $1.99 each. The Star Trek season aired in 1966.

Tune Belt has once again expanded its line of “Open View” iPod cases and carriers. The latest products include belt carriers for iPod nanos and fifth-generation iPods. Each of the neoprene belts, which allow users to secure their iPod around their waist, feature a clear, protective mylar window that allows for play-through control. The belt for 5G iPods has an extra pocket on the back that holds personal items such as credit cards, keys and money, while the belt for the nano has a space that “perfectly fits the Nike+iPod Sport Kit receiver.” Both belts sell for $20.

iSkin today announced two new versions of its special edition iPod protectors. Both new cases feature stylings that mimic Apple’s special edition U2 iPod. The Special Edition iSkin for iPod nano ($30), designed to fit second-generation models, features a dual-layer design that combines a dark-tinted hard outer shell with a silicone inner layer. The case comes with a removable rotary beltclip, lanyard, and dock connector port cover. The Claro Special Edition for iPod with video ($45), for fifth-generation iPods, also features a dual-layer design with a scratch-resistant polycarbonate hard case covering a silicone inner layer. The Claro also sports an integrated kickstand belt clip.

While U.S. album sales continued to decline in 2006, total music sales were up nearly 20 percent thanks to a large increase in digital downloads. Approximately 588.2 million physical albums were sold last year, down 4.9 percent from 2005, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Digital music sales, however, increased by 65 percent over the previous year. Some 582 million tracks were sold, and digital album sales more than doubled, with nearly 33 million sold. Overall music sales—which includes all albums, singles, music videos and digital downloads—increased by more than 19 percent in 2006.

Luxpro, the Taiwan-based company known for its iPod shuffle knock-off, says it has won a lawsuit filed against it by Apple, and now plans to countersue the iPod maker for $100 million in damages. “We plan to sue Apple in a Taiwanese court before the end of the month and demand $100 million in compensation for the revenues we have lost due to their abuse of their global power,” Wu Fu-chin, Luxpro chairman, told the Financial Times.

In early 2005, Luxpro introduced a digital audio player that was nearly indistinguishable from Apple’s first-generation iPod shuffle. The Super Shuffle, later renamed the Super Tangent, had the same measurements, weight and overall design—including the control pad, backside slider switches and USB port cover—of the iPod shuffle. It also came in 512MB and 1GB sizes like the Apple player.

In August 2005, Apple sought and received an injunction to stop sales of the Luxpro player from the Shihlin District Court in Taipei. Luxpro appealed and won subsequent lawsuits in the Taiwan High Court and the Taiwan Supreme Court. Last month, the Shihlin District Court lifted the original injunction, stating that “the appearances of the two products are significantly dissimilar.”

Logitech has announced the X-240 computer speaker system, which features an audio control center that serves as a cradle for an iPod or similar device. “With plug-and-play functionality, the X-240 speaker system allows people to dock their digital device by simply plugging it into the cradle,” says Logitech. “When their device of choice is docked, people can charge it and sync or play their favorite digital music. And when not in use, the cradle can be stored flush with the control pod.” The Logitech X-240 system ($50; April) includes specialized trays for the iPod and Microsoft Zune. The speakers feature high-excursion satellite drivers, a ported down-firing subwoofer and dynamic, real-time bass equalization.

Mopar, DaimlerChrysler’s original equipment manufacturer, has expanded availability of its iPod Integration Kits for most Chrysler Group vehicles. The following iPod Integration Kits are now available for 2006 and newer Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles:

• Can-B Integrated (#82209617AC -$215) for the Chrysler Aspen, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum, Dodge Charger, Dodge Caliber, Dodge Ram, Dodge Durango, Dodge Dakota, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander.

•  J-1850 Integrated (#82209616AC - $179) for the Jeep Liberty, Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country and Chrysler Pacifica

•  FM-Bounded (#82210181 - $139) for Jeep Liberty, Jeep Commander, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Chrysler Pacifica, Chrysler 300, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chrysler Aspen, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan, Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, Dodge Ram, Dodge Caliber, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Durango

•  FM-Bounded (#82210848 - $139) for Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Nitro, Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger

The iPod Integration Kits from Mopar are available for purchase and installation at Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships across the country.

iLuv has introduced two new iPod speaker systems—the i277 and i199—which feature support for two-way wireless music streaming. The systems are iLuv’s first products to feature BluePin, which allows users to “wirelessly send and receive music to or from a mobile phone, laptop computer, MP3 player or other device with Bluetooth wireless technology.”

The iLuv i277 ($150) features a built-in iPod dock, jAura acoustic speaker technology, digital clock display with dual alarm, AM/FM Radio, video output, and remote control. The i199 ($230; shown) features an iPod dock, jAura speaker technology, CD/MP3 CD player, AM/FM radio, digital clock with dual alarm, and support for USB audio devices. Both models work with 3G, 4G and 5G iPods, iPod minis, and iPod nanos.

Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster expects Apple to release the retail version of the iTV at Macworld Expo next week, and says that the wireless media streaming device will expand the company’s move into the living room. “With the release of the iTV, Apple will continue its slow-but-steady push into the living room,” Munster says. “The AirPort Express (released Jun-04) enables iTunes wireless music streaming to a stereo. Apple’s Front Row application provides a media hub for music, movies and photos on a Mac. But the iTV is Apple’s simplest solution for accessing digital content via a TV and, therefore, its strongest push into the living room.”

Sakar International next week will announce the iAlbum, a new iPod accessory that allows users to transfer digital photos directly from an SD memory card or a Memory Stick to an iPod without a computer or software. The iAlbum, which connects to the Dock Connector port, works with fifth-generation iPods and color-screen fourth-generation iPods. The iAlbum will be available in black and white later this month for $90.

Kaftan has introduced a new line of iPod cases made of fabric resembling oriental carpets. “Kaftan Covers reflect the same warm tones, exquisite patterns and traditional motifs that enthralled Marco Polo in 1272 as he traversed the globe,” says the company. “Oriental carpets were hand-woven in antiquity as gifts for palaces and kings. Kaftan’s contemporary creative design securely wraps your iPod in globally inspired rich colors and ancient patterns. Complement your iPod nano and video with Kaftan’s custom-dyed, fully lined covers.” The cases come in four designs for iPod nanos ($13 each) and three designs for fifth-generation iPods ($16 each).

Apple once again dominated holiday sales of digital audio players, increasing its market share from last year, according to data from the NPD Group. “In the five-week period from Nov. 19 to Dec. 23, iPods accounted for 57.3 percent of all players sold at a panel of electronics stores that notably didn’t include the Cupertino company’s own retail outlets,” reports the Mercury News. “Apple’s share was up from 42 percent for a similar period last year. SanDisk was No. 2 with 19.2 percent of units sold, down from 22.1 percent last year. Microsoft, which debuted its Zune player in November, came in fourth behind Creative Technology with 2.8 percent of the market. Creative had 3.4 percent.”

Defunct online movie provider Intertainer has filed a lawsuit against Apple, Google and Napster, alleging that the three companies are infringing on a patent that covers the commercial distribution of digital media over the Internet. “Founded in 1996, Intertainer developed technology to distribute movies on demand through cable and phone lines for viewing on televisions and personal computers. It gained investors including Intel, Microsoft, Sony, NBC and Comcast,” according to the New York Times. The company shut down in 2002, filing a suit against the Hollywood studios behind Movielink for anticompetitive actions. The studios settled the lawsuit for an undisclosed sum, and Intertainer is now considered a patent licensing business.

Tune Belt has expanded its line of “Open View” iPod cases to include a new wristband carrier and a new belt case for the iPod nano. Both feature stretchable velcro bands and clear, protective mylar windows. The wristband carrier ($17) “securely straps to wrists, forearms, fitness equipment, handle bars, etc. making it great at the club or for outdoor activities.” The belt case ($15) “securely fastens to belts, purses and just about any other strap making it the perfect solution to protect the nano during routine day-to-day activities.”

Escient today announced the availability of its FireBall FP-1 Music Manager with Universal Dock for iPods. The $599 system provides an on-screen user interface for managing and controlling an iPod in the home. “Unlike typical home iPod docks, which offer very limited benefits when the iPod is removed, the FP-1 provides access to a user’s PC- or Mac-based music collection and free Internet radio streams even when the iPod is not docked,” says Escient. “Because the FP-1 is truly an Escient FireBall Music Manager (which uses the iPod for local music storage) it integrates seamlessly with other FireBall products in the home, enabling other connected FireBalls to access and play all of the iPod’s music, including Apple’s FairPlay DRM protected audio files.”

Micromat has released TechTool Protogo, a Mac OS X application that lets a user “easily turn an old iPod, a flash drive or other similar device into a bootable diagnostic tool that contains several of Micromat’s utilities.”

The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple’s internal investigation into backdated stock options focused on two former executives—former CFO Fred Anderson and former general counsel and board secretary Nancy Heinen.

A number of second-generation iPod nano owners are complaining of high-pitched whining or buzzing sounds coming from the players. Owners of all models—2GB, 4GB and 8GB nanos—have reported the noise.

According to a recent survey by Solutions Research Group, an iPod phone could have the “potential to increase Apple’s customer footprint substantially. Currently just over 20% of Americans 12+ (about 50 million) own an Apple product—within 18 months of the introduction of a new iPod phone, Apple’s footprint can increase to over 30%.”

In its quarterly report filed with the SEC last week, Apple disclosed that it is facing a lawsuit over the Nike+iPod Sport Kit. Apple said PhatRat Technology filed a lawsuit in October alleging patent infringement. The company claims Apple’s product is infringing on several patents held by PhatRat, including: U.S. Patent number 6,499,000 entitled “System and Method for Determining Loft Time, Speed, Height and Distance,” U.S. Patent number 6,885,971 entitled “Methods and Systems for Assessing Athletics Performance,” U.S. Patent number 6,963,818 entitled “Mobile Speedometer Systems and Associated Methods,” and U.S. Patent number 7,092,846 entitled “Systems and Methods for Determining Performance Data,” as well as allowed U.S. Patent Application number 11/358,508 entitled “Shoes Employing Monitoring Devices, and Associated Methods.”

Chestnut Hill Sound has introduced George, a new high-end tabletop iPod sound system. George features a built-in iPod dock, an AM/FM radio with bandless tuning, and an alarm clock system. The system has a removable front panel LCD screen that serves as a wireless remote with full iPod functionality, including the ability to browse music on your iPod by artists, albums, songs and playlists. George will be available next week for $549. A charging stands and a consumer-installable, no subscription HD radio tuner will also be sold separately.