iLounge

#### is offering a buy 2 for the price of 1 on iSkins for 1st and 2nd generation iPods.

The new Speck Products iStyle Leather iPod case features a flip-lid design with snap closure, clear plastic screen shield , access for headphone & FireWire/dock ports, fits all new 3G iPods and comes in black and powder blue. The case is available now for $34.95.

Today Speck, Products announces that the iPod Skin and FlipStand cases will be available at CompUSA, Best Buy/Future Shop Canada stores, while CompUSA will also stock the iSport exercise waist pack. In addition, Speck Products has signed a national distribution agreement with Navarre Corporation, a leading distributed of consumer technology products.

Javoedge, makers of PDA accessories has released the JavoScreen protector for all model iPods. The JavoScreen features a non-adhesive, non-reflective, scratch-proof material which keeps your screen clean for $5.95, and includes a free cleaning cloth and instruction card.

Editor’s note: After emailing Javoedge, they informed us that the $10.95 price was a mistake. The price is $5.95 instead, and Javoedge “is deeply sorry for all of the inconvenience caused.”

Jeremy Horwitz, part of the iLounge review crew has sent in some photos of his recent travel to Japan.

Engineered Audio has emailed another update reporting that they have fixed the RemoteRemote to work with iPods using firmware 2.1, and the shipping of units will begin next week.

Engineered Audio has sent us another notice following a recent statement regarding the RemoteRemote receiver being incompatible with iPod firmware 2.1.

#### creator of the iSkin silicone case, zip case, iShades, and recently the ####2 case has announced yet another new case, the eXo2 which updates the existing eXo case with silicone protecting the touchwheel on 3G iPods. The eXo2 is available now for preorder and includes zip TPU case, a removable belt clip and iShade (crystal) screen protector for a special introductory price of $32.50. There are currently ten colors to choose from, but more will become available with each week. Shipping will begin sometime this month.

Engineered Audio emailed us the following:

“We’ve been working on this (between last night and this morning) (several electrical engineers…) and are now convinced that this is an issue specifically related to version 2.1.

We have a number of iPods here (15 or so) and have various versions of firmware 2.0, 2.0.1, 2.0.2, and 2.1 ... and all the failures here are only related to 2.1 ... go figure!”

Engineered Audio has issued a statement regarding the RemoteRemote wireless remote for 3G iPods. It seems that users with iPods updated to firmware 2.1 are experiencing problems controling the iPod via the receiver unit. At this time, shipping of the RemoteRemote has ceased until they fix the problem. (click ‘Read more’ for the full statement)

“This issue is not fully understood at this point, however, those customers that have updated their iPod to firmware version 2.1 will most likely suffer this failure. We have anecdotal evidence that iPod firmware versions 2.0 and 2.0.1 work. The working theory right now is that this is a timing (or structure) problem with the serial data that the receiver sends to the iPod.”

Burton recently announced new iPod compatible Ronin 2L and Shield jackets for men, Radar 2L for women, and the Amp Pack backpack. Burton has since updated their website with information on each new product including an Amp Pack video.

Engineered Audio is now shipping the RemoteRemote wireless remote for 3G iPods.  I received mine today.  It comes with a receiver that fits snugly into the headphone jack, and a small, light, nice-looking key-fob remote control.  Supposedly it should be able to let you control your iPod around corners and through walls. It looks cool, and well made, but I have had no luck with it at all…

We contacted Contour Design and Managing Director Chris Charyk said, “Contour Design will begin shipping of its new Showcase on Wednesday” with limited shipping starting today. The new $40 Showcase fits all 3G iPods and features a hard plastic case, clear plastic front lid, integrated shock-absorbing rubber interior, access to all iPod functions, and a removable horizontally mounted belt clip.

After emailing CS Ideas about their waterproof cases, they have informed us about another case, the Aquapac Connected Electronic Case ($60) for iPod, PDAs and other mp3 players.

While browsing the forums, iLounger ‘a_nona_mouse’ posted an interesting link to a company offering a $50 Waterproof Music Kit featuring a waterproof AquaTunes case with belt and waterproof earphones. “Made from Clear PVC for better visibility and operation of controls. Exclusive clamp design provides watertight seal. Comfortable webbing belt with corrosion proof, impact resistant molded buckles. Provides universal fit and is fully adjustable up to 40”. Belt extensions are also available. Full 30 day warranty.”

Burton has released the rumored Amp Pack backpack and three new jackets for use with iPod. The Amp Pack, Ronin and Shield men’s jackets, and the Radar 2 women’s jacket all use “SOFTswitch technology, which allows the iPod to be controlled through a soft, flexible control pad” (located on the shoulder strap on Amp Pack and on the sleeve for jackets). The new iPod line of Burton products are available in very limited quantities in November 2003 at Burton’s new online store, Apple Store online, and authorized dealers in North America, Europe and Japan. No pricing information has yet been announced. The Burton and Apple websites have not yet been updated with the new Burton products.

Today, PodShop announces its Fall Sale, with PodHolder - the company’s popular and attractive iPod stand/display - now available at an incredibly low price of $9.95 US. The PodShop website has also undergone a major upgrade, featuring the addition of many new areas, including customer comments, reviews, and frequently asked questions sections.

TheiStore.com has an exclusive advanced preview of ####’s new highly anticipated iPod case the ####. To celebrate the launch of ####, we are giving away ten #### for 2nd gen iPods for FREE. See site for rules and details.

Athletic iPod users might be interested in pak-man - a new lightweight backpack for use while you’re on the move. Frees up hands and is better than belts and buckles (very last millenium). It looks great with casual and sports clothes, has an ergonomic design and reflective labelling. It’s stretchy fabric moves comfortably with the body. Great sound therapy. It’s an all-new Australian invention, probably inspired by kangaroos. An Internet special is available offering a $34.99 2 for 1 deal.

Innovacases.com has announced their website launch as the official reseller of Vaja cases in Europe.