iLounge

Apple could once again tap Synaptics to provide the touch-sensor components for the iPod’s click wheel. Cowen and Company said Synaptics will likely receive a “meaningful but minority role” as a supplier to Apple as early as the first quarter of 2007.

In his latest Wired News column, Eliot Van Buskirk says that Microsoft’s Zune player is doomed. “Prior to Friday’s announcement, some were calling the new device the ‘mPod’ (Microsoft + iPod) killer. But given Microsoft’s typically tone deaf approach to usability and Apple’s market lead it will be a miracle if its next nickname isn’t the ‘iClod’ (iPod + clone + awful).”

The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports: “A pilot program through Indianapolis-based Clarian Health Partners is providing iPods to bariatric patients as part of its ongoing efforts in education. ‘HealthPod’ is the first program in the nation to use the popular pint-sized devices as support mechanisms for bariatric patients.”

PumpOne, which produces image-based personal training programs for the iPod, has announced PumpedforSummer. “It has three different workouts, each consisting of twelve exercises specifically designed to target problem areas like the abs, pecs, arms and butt; all the spots beach-goers want to show off, but usually end up trying to hide.”