iLounge

The TuneCast II FM transmitter features FM frequencies 88.1-107.9MHz and Auto ON/OFF. It also memorizes up to four FM frequencies to give you easy and quick access to your favorite songs. The TuneCast II comes in two models: a white version and a gray version. The gray version, TuneCast� II Mobile Transmitter (F8V3080; ESP $49.99) , ships with a Belkin Mobile Power Cord that connects to your car’s cigarette lighter to provide extended power while on the road. The white version,TuneCast� II Mobile Transmitter (F8V3080-APL; ESP $39.99), includes only a DC cable for optional battery-free operation. The DC cable plugs into the DC jack on the Mobile Power Cord (F8V7067-APL; ESP $19.99 ) for iPods with Dock Connector.

iLounger Larry W. has informed us that Griffin Technology has announced it has canceled the production of the iFM Radio for iPod in an email to customers who pre-ordered. The Griffin website has also removed the iFM from its products page. Click ‘Read more’ for the letter from Griffin.

Radtech and Geekshelter partnered up to bring you an after Christmas give-away. We thought those lucky ones who got an iPod from Santa would need a case to keep their precious iPod in, so we are giving away five (5) PodSleevz! Please enter your information [at the link] for a chance to win a PodSleev with the color and size of your choice!

The people that brought you MacSkinz for Apple computers is soon to release iPodSkinz. iPodSkinz are formed plastic “Skinz” that snugly fit over the front of your iPod. “Our first release will be a few solid tones for all sizes of the original iPod only. The newer iPods will be “Skinned” sometime after the beginning of 2004. They cover and attach to the iPod just like our MacSkinz cover the iBooks and PowerBooks. The price will be $12.50 each with a 3+ quantity discount at $10.00 each.”

iLounger ‘thericky’ shares his step-by-step integration of iPod and his 2004 Honda Accord. You’ll find this and many other auto installation discussions in our ‘iPod-In-Car Solutions’ forum.

iLounge has spoken with a representative from company ‘X’ about a Bluetooth headphone set being developed and we will be one of the first to beta test the device. No further details can be divulged at this time, but we’ll post more at a later date.

“#### the designer and manufacturer of exo2 is happy to report a menu button fix for exo2. The silicone skin covering the menu buttons has been reduced from 0.8 to 0.3 mm. Production of the new cases will start later this month. Those of you who enjoy or want the thicker skin covering the menu buttons are urged to buy what you can now because the molds have been changed and no further exo2 cases with the thicker menu skin will be available once sold out.  Anyone that has purchased exo2 from ####’s ####.com site can get a refund or exchange their exo2 for the new exo2 by contacting #### at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)  within 20 days of their purchase (include your order id in your email to ####).  For those that want total wrap around protection the new exo2 by #### has got your iPod covered. All exo2 purchased during the current 2 for 1 sale are included in #### unconditional guarantee of satisfaction.”

####, designer/manufacturer of exo silicone cases has announced that Pepsi has recently purchased 600 indigo exo cases to dress up iPods in their company colors for a major give away to be announced soon.  #### says that this marks the beginning of companies like Pepsi using exo and exo2 to represent their company colors or to carry their logo in 2004, a year of iPod giveaways. Apple and Pepsi are expected to give away over 100 million free songs from the iTunes Music Store and it’s announcement is scheduled for February 1, 2004.

Monster Cable Products has released several new iPod products in addition to the recently reported iCarPlay Wireless. The Monster iCase Travel Pack ($70) is a large carry case which comes with a Monster iCarCharger to charge your iPod, a Monster iSplitter to share music with a friend, and room for all your gear. The Monster iSpeaker Portable ($60) is a portable speaker system for iPods and laptops and features eight hours of playtime on a set of four AA batteries and includes a three foot mini to mini stereo cable. The Monster iSportCase ($20) features a white translucent rubber case with an open-face design, belt clip and self-adhesive car mount for use in the car. The iSportCase comes in small (10, 15, 20GB) and large (30, 40GB) size for all iPods with dock connectors. As of this posting, Monster Cable does not yet have any of the new accessories available for purchase, but Apple Store online has the iCase Travel Pack for $69.

iLounger ‘Indolering’ has informed us that Monster Cable Products has quietly released a new FM transmitter for 3G iPods on its website. The Monster Cable iCarPlay Wireless - FM Transmitter features an inline, one-button FM channel selection with eight available channels, Smart Digital Charger and 24k gold contacts. “Plug the iCarPlay Wireless charger end into the 12v outlet (cigarette lighter) in your car and plug the other end into the dock connector on the bottom of your iPod. Select an FM station on the iCarPlay Wireless, and find the same station on your car stereo; pick your favorite song on your iPod and you’re ready to roll. Your music transmits wirelessly to your car stereo using FM radio frequencies.” The iCarPlay is available now at the online Apple Store for $69 with an estimated 1-2 business days for shipping.

The men’s Burton Shield ($380), Ronin 2L ($360) and the women’s Radar 2L ($360) jackets are now available for purchase at Burton’s online store. All jackets feature “an updated, flexible SOFTswitch™ control pad located on the sleeve to control the most recent edition of the Apple iPod. When you’re not feeling a certain song in your playlist, just press a button on your sleeve and poof – the song changes. It’s like magic. The iPod itself is stored safely in a specially designed, EVA molded chest pocket.” The Amp Pack backpack is not yet available for purchase in the Burton online store.

Best Buy has the Belkin TuneCast Mobile FM Transmitter F8V367-APL for only $30 - $10 rebate (exp 12/13) = $20 w/ free shipping. Plug it into your iPod’s headphone jack and the signal is broadcast via FM.

Tune Belt today announced the iPod Armband Carrier. “The innovative design is engineered to fit iPods in upside down so that when the arm is raised slightly with the flap open the LCD reads right side up! Other design features include open access for the touch wheel and touch buttons, a clear protective window for the LCD, an opening in the bottom for the headphone jack or remote cord to come out, and a zip pocket on the flap for personal items or the earbud headphones when not in use.  A diagonal reflective accent strip enhances the sleek look even more and provides nighttime safety as well.  The arm strap is easily adjustable with one hand up to 20” and the case is available in black and royal blue.”

iSkin Inc. today launched its iSkin Tattoo Service. Organizations, businesses and institutions can now order iSkin products with their logotype, web site address or company message printed on it to create a unique, functional branding solution. The minimum order for the Tattoo service is 50 pieces. Prices vary based on individual print locations and quantity color.

iLounger Jesse has informed us about snowboard/ski helmets by Giro with built-in headphones and cable for use with iPod. “The Audio Series helmets feature TuneUps earpads, a premium-quality set of specially designed headphones that are built seamlessly into the earpads so you can dial in your favorite sounds anywhere on the hill without the hassels of earbuds or extra cords. Just plug in youyour player and go.” We Googled several online retailers and the Fuse helmet can be had for about $155, the Nine.9 helmet for about $135 and the Nine.9 MX helmet for about $125.

Griffin Technology today announced the iTrip Station Finder 2.0 for Mac & PC. It helps iTrip owners find a clear frequency in over 200 US cities, and now includes frequencies for 15 additional countries, interactive map navigation, and user submission of new frequencies. The new iTrip Station Finder 2.0 for Mac and PC is available now for free.