News 12.08.02-12.14.02

“PodWorks is the latest entry in the crowded field of iPod song copying utilities, but it has several important differences that I feel distinguish it immediately from the competition. In developing PodWorks, I spent a good deal of time (6+ months) working to ensure a superior user experience in almost every aspect of the song copying process.

The most important chunk of this time was spent developing a parser for the iPod’s proprietary, internal database format (the same data source used by iTunes in examining the iPod). This gives PodWorks a distinct advantage over other, similar applications, which typically have to pull ID3 data out of every file on a given iPod to obtain song information (a very time consuming process). By contrast, when a new iPod is detected by PodWorks, that iPod’s song list is rendered nearly instantaneously from the database—no “scanning” of the iPod necessary!”

Additional features include:
• Drag-and-drop song copying to the Finder.
• iTunes-style type-ahead search of song data (title, artist, album).
• iTunes-style song sorting by multiple columns.
• Preferences for song renaming and copies into directory hierachies.
• Optimized, fully multithreaded copy routines for superior performance.
• Automatic detection of iPod mounts and unmounts.
• Support for multiple simultaneous iPods.

License: Shareware (US $11.95)
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.2 (Jaguar) and a Mac iPod

The PodShop has developed a clear acrylic stand for iPod. The PodHolder features six small rubber pads to grip your iPod and sells for $15.95. The PodShop is offering free shipping until Christmas to anywhere in the US.

Shoreline Cases and Accessories has released a new case for iPod. The iPod/MP3 Pouch is made of Neoprene with a flip-lid design and has a nylon belt loop with snap-closure. The iPod is protected by a clear vinyl front panel with a hole for accessing the scroll wheel. There is also enough room at the top fo the case to stow your earphones. Available in black, royal blue and indigo, the iPod/MP3 Pouch sells for $14.99.

EverythingiPod.com has released a new iPod case called the Action Jacket. Constructed of 2.5” Neoprene with rubber side grips, the case includes a Neoprene arm band and swivel belt clip. The Action Jacket provides full-access to your iPod, fits all iPod models, comes in four colors (Licorice, Indigo, Apple Red and Graphite) and costs $29.99.

“There are several utilities available to synchronize text files with your iPod (displayed as special Contacts). Some also support web pages. But none to my knowledge support rdf/rss news feeds embedded in named Calendars. iPod+ supports all of these features and runs on both MacOS 9.x and MacOS X. The only caveat is that it is pre-alpha. But give it a shot anyway. There is even a bit of documentation.”

What’s new in v0.0.5:
• Support for Windows (in addition to OS 9 and X)!
• Stock Quotes, Weather Info, and Sports Schedules are now all supported data sources in addition to RSS/RDF news feeds and text and html files
• HTTP Proxy support if you are behind a firewall
• User configurable auto-deletion of old iPod+ data
• Many ease of use enhancements

License: Pre-alpha
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.x, Mac OS 9.x, and/or Windows.

Miku-soft in Japan have created a virtual iPod MP3 player for your Mac. It can play your iTunes or iPod playlists, has Contacts, Calendar, Clock and even has the Breakout game ...just like the real iPod. Navigating through the interface is just like on a real iPod also including a “click” sound. Although the user can choose between English or Japanese for the interface, the user manual has not yet been translated to English.

License: Shareware
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.1 or higher, Mac OS 9.x, QuickTime 5 and iPod Software 1.2.1

Update: We just discovered that rock band No Doubt is among the list of limited edition iPods that are now available. Apple is not promoting these new iPods on its own website, but rather on the celebrity’s website.

The TechTV Labs, Leo and Sumi have listed iPod as the number 2 pick, placed between a Samsung portable DVD Player (3) and the TiVo (1).

An interesting discussion in the forums has iLoungers talking about OutletEscrow.com, an online retailer with incredibly low prices (up to 50% off) on iPods and other Apple products. Outlet Escrow uses Evocash as their payment processor, but Evocash denies that Outlet Escrow has an account with them, and has published a warning about Outlet Escrow on its website.

Our friends at XtremeMac emailed to inform us that through December 31st you can save 10% on all iPod accessories. This discount is valid on all orders placed before December 31, 2002.

Lee Dembart of the International Herald Tribune reviews iPod and mentions iLounge as being a “helpful user’s group.” Thanks Mr. Dembart.

“The iPod is a one-hand machine. You can hold it easily in one hand, and you can manipulate its five simple control buttons and touchpad with the fingers of that hand. The other two devices [Nomad Jukebox and Lyra Jukebox] have more buttons and more complicated ways of doing things.”

TIME magazine online picked the iPod 20GB as the “expensive” MP3 player for gift giving this holiday season in its Tech Buyer’s Guide.

iLounger Sumair emails us with information on where to get a good deal on the Sony MDR-EX70SL Fontopia Earphones in white (Japanese version).