iLounge

This weekend, we’ve added another new feature to the main page of iLounge: a way to let you quickly scan only the new site updates you care about. Look off to the left hand side of the page and you’ll see these: colored header bars leading to many different sections of the site, including Reviews, First Looks, Articles, Tutorials, Ask iLounge, Backstage, our Forums, Library, and more.

Hundreds of new pages are added to the site each month, some of which are publicized on the main page, others not. With this new expandable bar - use the rotating arrow on the right to expand or collapse the list of most recent or popular additions - you can easily see only the pages that interest you. A cookie will save your preferred open or closed view for each category; the default position for all of them is “closed.”

We’re continuing to develop new bars for popular topics, and have some other enhancements to this feature planned for the near future. Enjoy!

As the world anticipates Apple’s next-generation iPod this Fall, we have launched a new contest to collect your artistic interpretations of what the new iPod will look like. Just submit your creation to our iPod Countdown Contest and you’ll be entered to win one of three prizes from Shure—one Grand Prize winner will get a pair of E500PTH Sound Isolating Earphones ($550), with two additional winners receiving Shure E4c and E3c earphones, respectively. Contest rules and guidelines are available here - remember, you only have until September 9 to enter.

Axio, best known for its hard-shell backpacks, has introduced two new cases for the fifth-generation iPod and iPod nano. “The new line of iPod cases are made for mobile music lovers who are anything but boring,” says the company. “Not only do the new cases live up to the famed Axio aesthetic, they are super functional.”

The new Axio Thump Case ($20; right) for the nano features a textured silicone body with precision-molded side bumpers for extra impact protection and grip. The Thump comes with a clear vinyl screen protector and is available in blue, light blue, green, pink, orange, yellow, red, black, and white.

The Axio Deluxe Case for the 30GB fifth-generation iPod ($30; left) and iPod nano ($25) features an ultra-clear polycarbonate body (with or without graphics) and a silicone round-edged bumper. Axio’s colorful designs include: Digi-Camo, Hibiscus Flower, Rockin’ Stars & Hearts, Robot, or plain black and white.

As expected, Apple has told the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that its quarterly report will not be filed on time because of the reviewing of stock option grants. Apple said on Friday it expected “significant changes” to its results from operations for its fiscal third quarter.

According to Digitimes, Samsung is getting ready for a large NAND flash memory order from Apple. Samsung has reportedly started “converting about 4 percent of its current 12-inch wafer production capacity from DRAM to NAND flash to be ready for upcoming demand from Apple, according to sources at distributors.”

HelixVault, the company founded by iVault creator and iLounge forum member Greg Gutierrez (aka Helixipod), today announced the PhoneVault case for Motorola’s iTunes-enabled SLVR cell phone. The case is machined from a solid billet of aircraft quality aluminum and features a magnetic closure, black velvet lining, and openings for all controls and ports. Two versions will be available this month—a solid, plain back design for $50, and a perforated back design for $70. Gutierrez debuted the popular iVault iPod shuffle case on the iLounge Forums in February 2005, later partnering with Griffin Technology to produce and distribute the product.

The BBC is reportedly in talks with technology companies to develop an add-on digital radio device for iPods and MP3 players. While the BBC has yet to confirm compatible devices, The Scotsman reports that the iPod is understood to be one. The newspaper said the device would be “a small tube containing a DAB digital radio chip that clips on to an MP3 player.” Simon Nelson, controller of radio and music interactive at the BBC, commented that the broadcaster needs to “ensure there are devices that can enable people to listen to radio—especially on something they already carry around.”

According to CNN, terrorists planned to use iPods to help blow up airliners heading to the U.S. from the U.K. The plotters reportedly were to carry a “British version of Gatorade,” mix it with a gel-like substance to make an explosive, and detonate it with an iPod or cell phone. As is being widely reported today, British authorities arrested two dozen suspects overnight to thwart a massive plot to bring down as many as 10 flights bound for New York, Washington and California. In the U.S., liquids and gels of any kind (except baby formula and medicines) have been banned in carry-on baggage for the time being. Meanwhile, the U.K. has temporarily banned all liquids as well as electronics such as laptops, cell phones and iPods.

Update: While the front page of CNN.com continues to refer to the possible detonating devices as an “iPod or cell phone,” CNN’s latest story on today’s threat refers to only “MP3 players.”

iLounge Editorial: The iPod Bomb? Don’t Panic

Saffire, the company behind the Jukebox Station announced yesterday, has recently introduced a plethora of iPod accessories. Among the new products are speaker systems, docking stations, cables, chargers, Bluetooth transmitters, cases, and screen guards. Below is a brief summary of the company’s iPod gear.

Music fans who attended this year’s Lollapalooza, which took place this past weekend in Chicago, were given an iTunes card that can be used to download a special collection of free tracks from artists who performed at the large festival. Lollapalooza organizers also said that live recordings from select bands on the festival’s top four stages will be available exclusively on the iTunes Music Store for 30 days. The live tracks have yet to be posted, however, and no release date has been given. In another partnership with iTunes, Lollapalooza attendees can also send a cell phone text message to receive setlists from the festival. After texting the keyword “setlist” and your email address to 56658, you’ll receive an email that will link directly to the setlists on iTunes.

Griffin Technology today announced the PowerBlock Travel, a new international charger and AC adapter set. The $35 package allows users to charge an iPod and other USB devices while traveling. The PowerBlock handles all voltages from 100 to 240 AC, while the adapters “convert the U.S. blade shape for use in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan to name a few.” The PowerBlock Travel set includes an iPod dock connector cable, USB cable, and an accessory pouch for the adapters.

The DVD Copy Control Association, a film industry group created by Hollywood studios, plans to lift some restrictions to allow consumers to legally burn downloaded movies onto blank DVDs. “The impending technical and policy changes involve the copy group’s proprietary technology known as the Content Scramble System, or CSS,” reports the AP. “The association licenses the encryption technology to makers of DVD players and other electronics companies and applies it widely to movies on DVDs to restrict illegal copying. The association said it will soon expand licensing to movies that are digitally distributed on demand or a la carte—and not just for movies that are mass produced on DVDs. The group also is working with disc makers to produce CSS-compatible blank DVDs.” The removal of the DVD hurdles is seen as a sign that Apple and other online merchants will soon start selling full-length movies.

H2O Audio has announced a new iPod nano case as part of a new line of products for outdoor sports enthusiasts. The H2O Audio Outdoor iPod nano housing ($40) features an impact and element resistant housing, H20’s Commander Scroll Wheel assembly and locking slider system, a removable belt clip, and a sport armband. “Lighter weight and featuring a slimmer design than its waterproof sister products, the Outdoor gear is designed by sports people and provides a ‘total sport experience,’” says H20. “It allows land-based sport enthusiasts to immerse themselves in sound and action with ease and is ideally suited for activities ranging from snow based sports to aerobic workouts, climbing, bicycling and terrain-based sports.”

Griffin Technology has introduced a new carrying case for Apple’s iPod Hi-Fi speaker system. The Hi-Way bag features an exterior made of “durable ballistic Nylon material to deflect real-world bumps and dings, while its soft inner lining keeps your Hi-Fi safe from scuffs and scratches.” The iPod Hi-Fi can be used while in the Hi-Way, according to Griffin. “Just unzip Hi-Way’s front flap and slip your iPod into the slot on top,” says the company. “Your Hi-Fi stays safe and sound behind the inner lining mesh. The music gets out, but dirt and sand can’t get in.” The Hi-Way, which is priced at $50, also has compartments for storing iPod cables and accessories, an adjustable shoulder strap, and a rubberized base. [via Gizmodo]

Pacific Rim Technologies has announced a vintage-style jukebox featuring a built-in universal docking cradle for iPods. Designed and manufactured by Saffire-USA, the Jukebox Station features a wood enclosure, FM radio, CD player, LED lighting system, and comes with a 17-function IR remote control. The jukebox, which stands at over 3 feet tall, offers a 6-inch subwoofer, two magnetically shielded tweeters, and two mid-range drivers. The system can also connect video iPods to a TV with its rear S-video and RCA video connections. The Jukebox Station will be available in early October for a retail price of $700.

Pacific Design has announced its Uptown Clutch, a new women’s wallet designed to carry and protect an iPod nano. The Uptown Clutch features a dual-access nano holder, a removable wrist strap, storage for four ID or credit cards, an earbud mesh pouch, and a billfold area. The $30 wallet is available in two styles—leather with cross-hatched stitching over a quilted inset, in brown and jet black, and faux leather with perforated inset, in red, light blue, and pink.

Apple today announced the “Summer of Music” promotion in Japan, offering free music from iTunes, collectible iTunes Cards and exclusive live performances at Apple retail stores. Apple said that the Japanese iTunes Music Store will be offering free songs, music videos and collectible iTunes Cards featuring free downloads from popular artists in Japan, including Ken Ishii, Simon Le Bon, Hifana, and the world premiere of a brand new video from Beck. In addition, attendees of the Summer Sonic music festival in Japan will receive collectible iTunes Cards with free downloads on Aug. 12 in Tokyo and on Aug. 13 in Osaka. Finally, Apple’s seven retail stores in Japan are holding in-store performances by PE’Z, She Wants Revenge, Ko Kimura, K Dub Shine, Daishi Dance, Gomes the Hitman and DMBQ.

A&E Television Networks and Apple have announced that programming from A&E, The Biography Channel and The History Channel is now available for purchase on the iTunes Music Store. The new television content includes popular series such as “Criss Angel: Mindfreak,” “Driving Force” and “Inked” from A&E Network; “The Revolution” and “Modern Marvels” from The History Channel; and selections from the Emmy Award-winning “Biography” series from The Biography Channel. Like other shows on iTunes, the A&E offerings are priced at $1.99 per episode.

The first photos of Levi’s iPod-ready denim jeans have made their way online. Originally announced in January, the Levi’s RedWire DLX jeans feature a built-in iPod cradle and red strap inside the side pocket, a control pad located on the jeans’ watch pocket, and a set of adjustable earbuds. The jeans are expected to be available this Fall. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Update: We’ve spoken with Levi’s and have been provided with more photos and a retail price. The Levi’s representative said the jeans will go on sale in mid-September and retail for $250. More pictures below.

Logitech today introduced its Wireless DJ Music System, which allows users to wirelessly stream digital music from their PC to a home entertainment center or speaker system. The system consists of a rechargeable remote and a wired Music Receiver/Dock that connects to a stereo or speakers. The remote features a mechanical scroll wheel and a blue-backlit LCD. The system supports MP3, AAC, and WMA, and also comes with Logitech StreamPoint PC software to aggregate audio files, playlists, and Internet radio stations from iTunes, Windows Media Player and Musicmatch Jukebox, “creating a unified music library that can be easily viewed and accessed by the Wireless DJ remote.” The Wireless DJ Music System will be available in late September for $250. Add-on receivers for more rooms will cost $80 each.

Griffin Technology today announced a new version of its TuneFlex for full-size iPods. Like the company’s TuneFlex for the iPod nano, the new TuneFlex, designed for fourth and fifth-generation iPods, is a dock and charger designed for use in automobiles. The TuneFlex featues a flexible steel neck, a pass-through dock connector, a built-in 1/8” stereo line-out audio jack, and a low/high audio output switch. The accessory also comes with its own cassette tape adapter. The TuneFlex for full-size iPods is priced at $50.