iLounge

Apple today introduced iPod V, the smallest portable video player ever developed.

MacMinute is reporting that Apple has extened its iPod personalization promotion, which allows customers to get free custom laser engraving on any new iPod purchased between March 28 through June 26, 2004. The engraving normally costs US$19 extra.

iLounge recently spoke with Wall Street Journal reporter, Pui-Wing Tam who is researching the concept of using an iPod at parties. Have you ever attended a party where iPod(s) were used as main source of music? “We’re working on a fun story about how iPods are changing parties—do people duel over which music to play now, since so much more music is available on iPods, for example? How do people prevent others from walking away with their iPods at parties?”

Dealmac: A reader found the factory-refurbished iPod 30GB MP3 player, with dock connector, for $349 at The Apple Store. That’s $50 less than the best price we’ve seen for a new, factory-sealed unit. Shipping is free, although sales tax is added where applicable. A one-year Apple warranty applies.

I-magine, a newly launched UK based online retailer is offering iPod accessories, web design and more. “We supply the cheapest iPod accessories throughout the UK. If you can find any of our products anywhere else in the UK for cheaper, please email us and let us know.” A few of the products listed at the site are iSkin cases, iTrip and the NaviPod remote.

Back in Febrary we we reported that the “This is London” website was reporting that iPod owners were being targeted by criminals. Today, “The Register UK” is reporting a person was mugged for their iPod.

iPodMods.com is offering several iPod related repair and modification services, including screen replacement ($85), battery replacement ($40), general repair ($20 general repair diagnostic), harddrive backup (5 gigs for $5), replacement HD ribbon cables ($25). “iPodMods has been doing repairs of iPods and many other different small electronics for over 3 years. They have opened the doors to the public and would like to help out iPod owners across the globe with their top notch support. They offer a wide variety of parts for most models and do repairs on ALL iPod types.”

Answer all the quiz questions correctly and work out who the artist is by 16 April to go into the prize drawing. The winner receives a cash prize which is now £4012. The more of you who play, the more we pay. Over 100 runners up will win either iPods or the artist’s new album.

Disruptive Technology Channels recently announced the launch of the PodGear CarDock, a unique in-car cradle and charger and the first product in the PodGear line of accessories for the iPod. Unlike existing iPod car-chargers on the market, the PodGear CarDock offers completely cable-free charging so that your iPod remains easy to access, fully powered and no threat to in-car user safety (& iPod safety!) while you are on the road. Suggested retail price for the CarDock is £34.99 including VAT, and it will be on sale in stores this week.

Today #### released a new addition to his lineup of silicone cases named the exoflp. The exoflp features button and wheel protection (like the exo3), a back slit which makes the exoflp dock friendly, and is designed to fit tight with anti tear rings at each end. Exoflp can be found at ####.com, click just released or enter exoflp into the search engine. “#### designs iPod cases with the philosophy that no on design, or color, or pattern will meet every one’s needs and as a result his exo series for 3rd gen iPod has four case, over 50 colors, a variety of interchangeable accessories including screen protectors in a variety of colors and his just release SWVclip which can be color coordinated with you exoflp to make you the talk of the town.” The exoflp costs $21.50 (case only) plus $5 shipping to anywhere in the world.

iSkin Inc., today released the iSkin eVo, its new and improved protector for the third generation Apple iPod that the company refers to as “proof of eVolution.” Improving upon the existing eXo² the new eVo features; a redesigned rotary RevoClip that’s made of a lightweight, non-shattering polymer, an improved screen protector with soft contact points, and the eVo now allows the connecting of devices like the iTrip by featuring a new thinner top surface with beveled edges. The eVo comes in nine colors including new Ultra-Glo (glow-in-the-dark) skin tones and costs $29.99.

MacObserver has discovered that Apple yesterday filed a patent for a “graphical user interface and methods of use thereof in a multimedia player.” The following is an abstract from the patent application.

XO Play launches ‘BUM’ adventure game for the iPod. This follows the success of XO Play’s last two iPod games ‘The Rise Of The Lost’ and ‘Herbert’s Big Adventure’ The adventure story game puts you in the role of Rufus, a BUM looking to hit the big time and become a millionaire. You’ll do anything you can for a meal, a dollar to get you through the day and a step closer to your dreams. The choices and decisions you make will lead you to the life of rich spoils as a millionaire or stuck digging through trashcans. As you read through the adventure you will be asked to choose your destiny by selecting from a number of options found at the bottom of the page. Similar to the ‘choose-your-own-adventure’ series. The game costs $14.99 and is played via the notes section on your iPod.

####, the designer of 3G iPod silicone cases, exo, exo2 and exo3 is pleased to present exomini. Like the exo series cases, the exomini is made from the highest grade Japanese silicone with 2.0mm of silicone protection on all sides, and features access to all functions. The exomini costs $17.50 and is currently available in Asphalt (black) only. Over 50 colors and Art designs are planned as new colors will be added weekly. Exomini accessories include iShade a TPU multi colored screen protectors, bungee a TPU multi colored safety strap and over 70 color combinations of ####’s newly introduced SWVclip belt clip. Upcoming accessories include an armband, hand strap, a “revolutionary” belt clip, car mount etc.  #### accessories are interchangeable and you can use your existing or newly purchased accessories with any one of the ####’s exo series for the 3G iPod or iPodmini. To view a larger picture of exomini go to ####.com, click on just released then click on exomini.