iPhone Firmware 1.1.2 Released and Hacked, Upgrade Earbuds on the Cheap, IM for the iPhone, and More

Mac notebook and other portable computing is covered in The 'Book Review, and general Mac news is in Mac News Review.

All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.

iPhone News, Reviews, & Opinion

• Apple Releases iPhone Firmware 1.1.2 Update
• Latest iPhone Update Jailbroken Before It Hits the Ground
• Testing the 1.1.2 iPhone Jailbreak
• Rival iPhone Unlock Teams Hint at 1.1.2 Success
• Apple Promises New iPhone Features
• iPhone Headphone Chemicals Violate California Law
• iPhone: Repair Needed Error Message

iPod News, Reviews, & Opinion

• How to Upgrade Your Earbuds on the Cheap
• Don't Throw Out Your Broken iPod: Fix It
• iPod touch 'Best Portable Media Player Ever'

iPhone/iPod Add-ons

• iGadget X Turns iPod/iPhone Into an Information Repository and More

iPhone Add-ons

• Mundu IM Brings Instant Messaging to the iPhone
• iMapIdle iPhone Application Simulates 'Push Email' with Your IMAP Server
• iPhone Users Love Finding Homes on Realtor.com
• V-MODA Launches VIBE Duo Headset for iPhone in Europe
• Funambol Releases First Open Source Native App for iPhone Contact Synchronization
• JAVOedge Releases AlloyVision Crystal Metal Case for iPhone

iPod Add-ons

• FastMac Announces 'U-Connect' Dock Adapter for iPod shuffle
• All 1G and 2G iPod nano Accessories Half Price at Proporta
• iPod.iTunes 3.7 Released
• TuneWear Stereo Sound Recorder for iPod
• iTrip Auto SmartScan FM Transmitter and Car Charger for iPod
• ShadesCases Releases Shades iPod Cases for iPod nano 3G & iPod Classic
• MacAlly Releases New Cases for iPod nano

iPod and iPhone Deals

• Best classic iPod deals
• Best iPod touch deals
• Best iPod nano deals
• Best iPod shuffle deals

iPhone News, Reviews, & Opinion

Apple Releases iPhone Firmware 1.1.2 Update

Wired's Bryan Gardiner reports:

"Kicking things off a bit early, Apple (unofficially) released the 1.1.2 firmware update for its iPhone Thursday night and the initial reports seem to be mixed. Engadget is reporting that the TIFF jailbreak exploit is dead, along with iNdependence. TUAW's Erica Sadun, on the other hand, says that all the customized ringtones (i.e., non iTunes) on the iPhone were not only preserved after the upgrade, but actually got their own separate custom list. Interesting."

Link: Apple Releases iPhone Firmware 1.1.2 Update

Latest iPhone Update Jailbroken Before It Hits the Ground

News.com's Tom Krazit reports:

"As expected, Apple released the OS X 1.1.2 update for the iPhone overnight to coincide with its debut in the U.K. and Germany. As not expected, it's been sprung from jail already.

"Erica Sadun at The Unofficial Apple Weblog obtained jailbreaking code for the 1.1.2 update almost simultaneous with its release last night, and tests this morning confirm that it works for both the iPhone and the iPod Touch...."

Link: Latest iPhone Update Jailbroken Before It Hits the Ground

Testing the 1.1.2 iPhone Jailbreak

TUAW's Erica Sadun reports:

"After a really late night, I had the privilege of being able to test some of the jailbreak software this morning. This is not the final jailbreak software. That will involve using a nice graphical user interface. For now, I'm invited to use the ugly command-line stuff, which is still a great opportunity."

Link: iPhone: Testing the 1.1.2 Jailbreak

Rival iPhone Unlock Teams Hint at 1.1.2 Success

Register Hardware's Tony Smith reports:

"Hackers have worked out how to unlock the latest iPhone firmware, 1.1.2, to allow handsets running it to operate on any GSM network. Yet confusion reigns - one popular unlocking app may have been updated 'unofficially'.

"Firmware 1.1.2 was released this past Friday, just ahead of the UK and German iPhone launches. New European models being sold for use on the O2 UK and T-Mobile Germany networks come with 1.1.2 pre-installed."

Link: Rival iPhone Unlock Teams Hint at 1.1.2 Success

Apple Promises New iPhone Features

Macworld UK's Jonny Evans reports:

"New features will be introduced to the iPhone in future software updates, Apple has promised as hackers break the company's latest anti-unlocking firmware update.

"Apple has promised that: 'All the complaints and feature requests we've had can be fixed and added by software upgrades,' a company spokesman told Pocket-Lint.

"The biggest iPhone criticism - lack of support for 3G - isn't upgradeable by a software patch, with Apple's network partners suggesting a 3G version of iPhone won't ship until late 2008."

Link: Apple Promises New iPhone Features

iPhone Headphone Chemicals Violate California Law

Wired's Bryan Gardiner reports:

"After conducting its own 'independent lab tests,' the Center for Environmental Health (CEH), a non-profit consumer watchdog group, has concluded that the headphone cords for both the iPhone and iPod do indeed contain high levels of phthalates.

"While the previous Greenpeace analysis found 5070 parts per million (ppm) of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in the iPhone headset cable, the CEH's subsequent testing actually found 6200 ppm of DBP in the headset cable of the phone and 6300 ppm DBP in the iPod headset cable. That, according to the safety group, violates California state standards.

"'Apple customers should know that when they get their hands on an iPhone they may be getting a dose of toxic chemicals as well,' said Michael Green, executive director of CEH, in a statement issued Thursday...."

Link: CEH Confirms that iPhone Chemicals Violate California State Law

iPhone: Repair Needed Error Message

A new Apple Knowledge Base article says:

"In some cases, iPhone may not show up in the iTunes source list while displaying the following error message:

"Repair Needed. iPhone cannot make or receive calls. www.apple.com/support

"This error message indicates that iPhone has detected a hardware issue and a repair is required."

Link: iPhone: Repair Needed Error Message

iPod News, Reviews, & Opinion

How to Upgrade Your Earbuds on the Cheap

c-h-a-o-s.com says:

"This is probably one of the easiest and cheapest mods I've ever done. The idea is from Kristian Engelbrecht - a Chaosprojects.com member - who passed it on to me. When he told me about it, I knew right away I had to do it and pass it on.

"I believe that if you can upgrade an everyday item for only a few bucks and a few minutes, you owe it to yourself to jump at it.

"This one truly fits that description. It will make your Apple In-Ear headphones fit much better in your ears, exclude the surrounding noise way more, and you probably won't ever experience the headphones falling out of your ears even when doing sports...."

Link: How to Upgrade Your Apple In-Ear Headphones

Don't Throw Out Your Broken iPod: Fix It

The New York Times' Peter Wayner says:

"A few months ago, Stephen Ironside, a student at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, confronted a minor but modern tragedy: the iPod that filled his life with song stopped working.

"The device was out of warranty, and Apple would not fix it free. So he left it in a drawer until he happened to read a blog posting on CrunchGear.com that described how he might fix it - with a small, folded piece of paper. Mr. Ironside celebrated by posting thanks on the blog: 'I've been on CDs for months. You saved my life (and my iPod).'"

"Gadget-fixing is adapting to the modern era. Neighborhood repair shops are all but gone, and along with them the repairmen who could offer casual advice, even when that advice was whether it was worth repairing the device. But Web sites can help users find and share solutions that can save a device from the landfill. If the job is too tricky, a number of Internet-based firms offer highly specialized repairs via overnight mail."

Link: Don't Throw Out Your Broken iPod; Fix It via the Web

iPod touch 'Best Portable Media Player Ever'

PC Magazine's Tim Gideon says:

"With an excellent interface and elegant design, the iPod touch is simply the best portable media player ever made."

"This is probably the best portable media player ever made."

Link: Apple iPod touch

iPhone/iPod Add-ons

iGadget X Turns iPod/iPhone Into an Information Repository and More

PR: iGadget allows you to realize the full potential of your iPod. With iGadget, you'll be able to transform your iPod into much more than a simple music player.

Realize the full potential of your iPod. You will have the tools necessary to copy songs off and iPod and you can turn your iPod into an information repository by transferring all kinds of data to your iPod, including driving directions, contacts, appointments, email, notes, tasks, podcasts, RSS news feeds, weather forecasts, daily horoscopes, movie showtimes, gas prices and more.

iGadget (Windows and Mac) now supports the iPod touch and iPhone. However, due to the lack of a Notes feature on these devices, only the Music Transfer, Playlist Transfer and Music Listing functions are available when used with the iPod touch or iPhone.

Songs and Playlists: Transfer songs and playlists from your iPod to your computer and/or into iTunes while preserving play counts, user ratings and last played dates

Driving Directions: Never get lost again! Put driving directions right onto your iPod

Outlook **: Get rid of your PDA and put all your Microsoft Outlook* data onto it including email, appointments, contacts, tasks and notes

Gas Prices ** NEW **: Always pay the lowest prices for gas by having a list of gas prices for your area right on your iPod

Movie Showtimes: Get the movie showtimes for your local theaters stored onto your iPod

Weather Forecasts: Never get caught without your raincoat by keeping your local weather forecasts on your iPod

Backup: Backup any set of files and/or folders from your computer onto your iPod for safe keeping

RSS News Feeds: Get the latest news headlines on your iPod for reading at your leisure

Music Listings **: Create listings of the music on your iPod in various formats (HTML, CSV, plain text). This could then be used to post on a website or to print out a listing of all your songs

Daily Horoscope: Get your daily horoscope readings on your iPod

Library: Keep a library of text files on your iPod for reading on-the-go - these could be e-books, recipes, bible verses, anything

* Outlook 2002/Office XP or later required for Outlook integration

**Available with Windows version only

New in version 2.0: Updated to work with iPhone and iPod touch.

System requirements:

• Mac OS X 10.4 or later
• Intel or PowerPC Mac
• 2.4 MB of available hard drive space
• Now compatible with iPod touch and iPhone
• Windows 98, 2000, XP, or Vista
• Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0

Compatibility:

• iTunes 4.7 or later
• All Apple iPods (1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G (video), classic, iPod mini, iPod nano, iPod shuffle),
• iPod touch and iPhone

System Support: PPC/Intel

$15 Shareware

Link: iGadget X

iPhone Add-ons

Mundu IM Brings Instant Messaging to the iPhone

PR: Geodesic Information Systems has announced a brand new member of their Mundu product line, Mundu IM - iPhone Edition, specifically designed and optimized to work with the Apple Safari web browser on the iPhone. Mundu IM, winner of multiple industry awards and a leader in Mobile Instant Messaging, has been completely customized for the iPhone and is the only IM application that provides users the unique look and feel that they have come to expect from native iPhone applications.

With Mundu IM - iPhone Edition, iPhone users will have access to seamless chat across leading IM services MSN, Yahoo, Google Talk and AIM. Apart from simultaneous login to multiple IM services and managing online presence with custom status messages, Mundu IM has innovative features like search and remove buddies, send smilies and quick texts as well as the ability to remember username and passwords.

Equipped with the most advanced web browsing capability ever on mobile phones, the iPhone ushers in a completely new generation of mobile devices. Geodesic is geared to leverage the iPhone platform to enable its users to experience the power and convenience of instant messaging while on the move.

Research conducted by Capgemini predicts instant messaging will soon overtake text messaging as a form of communication, forecasting 32% of UK mobile customers using an IM service by 2012, sending as many as 15-18 messages per day. With users able to access IM services and keep in touch with friends via Mundu IM on the iPhone, this forecast may not be far away.

"We optimized Mundu IM for the iPhone and other next generation mobile devices," said Arvinder Gujral, Director Product Marketing of Geodesic. "We are excited to provide this invaluable service to O2 iPhone customers so that they won't miss a single beat when communicating with friends and colleagues on the iPhone, whether it's talking or instant messaging. Apple has a firm user-friendly ethos and the simplicity of Mundu IM makes it an ideal application for iPhone users."

Mundu IM - iPhone Edition adds to the mobile suite of products including the recent announcement of Mundu™ IM version 4.0, compatible with Palm, Windows Mobile Smartphone and Pocket PC and Sony-Ericsson devices.

Users can access Mundu IM on their iPhone browsers.

Link: Mundu

iMapIdle iPhone Application Simulates 'Push Email' with Your IMAP Server

PR: iMapIdle is an iPhone application that simulates "Push Email" with your IMAP server. It's in its early stages but the current features are:

• listens in the background waiting for new IMAP mail even if you are in sleep/standby mode
• notifies you via a popup and/or sound. You choose how to be notified. Sound notification should use the same method your mail client uses (i.e.: if you have vibrate on, it'll vibrate as well)
• popup notification allows you to choose whether the mail client should check for email right there by forcing the mail client to check the server (it doesn't launch the mail client but just forces it to check the server). NOTE: Don't choose this if you are in the mail client as it will exit (you've been warned). The popup will disappear after 20 seconds and if you miss it the iMapIdle icon will show you how many popup notifications you have missed
• supports SSL connections and special support for Gmail IMAP

Installation:

• unzip iMapIdle.zip
• scp -r iMapIdle.app root@{iphone_ip}:/Applications
• restart springboard (i.e.: reboot phone or use customize to restart SpringBoard for you)
• should see a new iMapIdle icon. Click to setup iMapIdle options and to activate. Click home button to exit gui and iMapIdle should be running in background

Notes:

• this has only been personally tested on 1.1.1. Reports are that it works under 1.0.2 as well
• have no idea at this point how it effects battery
• use at your own risk

Updates:

• 10/28 I've currently found a way to force the mail app to check the server. I'm testing it out now to make sure there's no ill side effects and I'll then update the download
• 10/29 Well unfortunately the way I use to trigger the mail app to check the server, works when the mail app is not running but when it is running it closes it, which is not good. Still researching...
• 10/30 New version available (0.2). I've compromised with forcing the mail app to poll. When you have popup notification enabled you have a choice to force polling right then. Do not select this while you are in the mail client as it will exit unless you don't care what you were currently doing.
• 11/1 Have potentially found a way to keep WiFi/edge up and running and allow background apps to keep on ticking when you are in Sleep mode. Will release a new version of iMapIdle soon to take advantage of this
• 11/2 New version available (0.3). This version should work in sleep mode. Note that when this runs you are keeping WiFi and/or edge enabled during sleep so battery usage may be effected.
• 11/6 New version available (0.4). Supports SSL connections and special support for Gmail IMAP. Debug log option to record operation on your device
• 11/8 New version available (0.5). This is strictly a stability release. I noticed previous versions would crash after some amount of time. I believe I've fixed this

iMapIdle is an iPhone application that simulates "Push Email" with your IMAP server

Link: iMapIdle

iPhone Users Love Finding Homes on Realtor.com

PR: Staying on top of the real estate market is easy and fun when using one of today's most popular and consumer-friendly platforms, the Apple iPhone.

Starting today, iPhone users now have the power of Realtor.com at their finger tips. Whether searching for homes nearby or looking for listings in a particular neighborhood, iPhone users now have instant access to all details, including photos and contact information for the listing agent, with Realtor.com for the iPhone.

"We're committed to enhancing the experience consumers have when they're searching for real estate on Realtor.com," said Joe DeTuno, senior vice president, product management. "Our new search capabilities for the iPhone are relevant enhancements that give consumers the full power of mobility and immediate access to Realtor.com in a manner that fits naturally into their everyday lifestyle."

Industry experts(1) predict consumers will purchase approximately 3.4 million iPhones this year, with an estimated 45 million units sold by the year 2009, making the iPhone potentially one of the most popular hand held devices used to search online for real estate.

A leader in wireless real estate search, Realtor.com also enables consumers search capabilities through their Realtor.com Mobile application on cell phones and PDA devices running Windows Mobile 5.0, including HP hw6965, HP hw6925, Palm Treo 700w (or Palm Treo 700wx), AT&T 8525, Cingular 8125, O2 Xda Stealth and Audiovox XV6700.

iPhone users can access listings at http://iphone.realtor.com using the browser on the phone for immediate access to Realtor.com. This URL is provided exclusively for iPhone users.

Realtor.com - "Where the world shops for real estate online" - is operated by Move, Inc., and is the official Web site of the National Association of Realtors. Ranked as the No. 1 homes-for-sale site, Realtor.com(R) currently offers potential home buyers access to over four million property listings as well as the most brokers and agents to contact. The site also provides Realtors and the home sellers they represent with the Internet's largest real estate marketplace, reaching more than 5.3 million consumers in September 2007.(2) Agents and companies have the power to customize the resources of the Realtor.com Web site to maximize their brand and productivity.

Link: Realtor.com

V-MODA Launches VIBE Duo Headset for iPhone in Europe

PR: Music lifestyle brand V-MODA has announced the European launch of its VIBE Duo, a noise-isolating dual-use headphone/headset designed to accessorize the Apple iPhone. The VIBE Duo earphone with control-playback functionality features a discreet microphone with a call button, allowing users to take calls and control the music functions of the iPhone with handsfree convenience. Hi-definition sound and superior comfort round-out the mix of premium features.

V-MODA worked with Apple to develop the VIBE Duo with control-playback functionality. With its durable black fabric cables and a minimalist all-metal design, the luxurious VIBE Duo in-ear earphones with microphone and call button remain lightweight (13 grams), unobtrusive, comfortable and stylish.

"We understand the need for an earphone that will maximize all the best features of the iPhone, and we're excited to bring the VIBE Duo to European V-MODA fans and Apple iPhone users," said Val Kolton, founder and CEO of V-MODA. "At V-MODA, we celebrate an active, music-inspired lifestyle - we live it and breathe it. The VIBE Duo is perfect for consumers who appreciate innovation, craftsmanship and style. It's got all these qualities in one sophisticated, great-sounding, cost-efficient, premium accessory that complements the new iPhone."

For active, on-the-go consumers, VIBE Duo features three sizes of ultra-soft silicon fittings for a secure, comfortable fit. To further ensure the accessory doesn't jar loose during exercise or strenuous activities, a small clip adds extra security.

The iPhone combines three products - a mobile phone, a widescreen iPod with touch controls and a breakthrough Internet communications device - into one small and lightweight handheld.

VIBE Duo joins the existing VIBE line of luxury, high-fashion modaphones from V-MODA, heralded upon introduction for offering state-of-the-art audio on the go. Much like VIBE, when it comes to enjoying tunes VIBE Duo offers superior technology that enables a sculpted response curve fashioned for the discerning audio enthusiast, providing a precise balance of rich bass, warm mids and unprecedented clarity.

Utilizing V-MASQUE dynamic driver technology, VIBE Duo achieves a precise yet natural soundstage in comparison to other high-end earphones. BLISS (Bass Level Isolating Soft Silicon) technology further reduces outside noise for a precise and rich bass response (frequency 12 Hz to 22 Hz).

VIBE Duo is compatible with the iPod, an array of emerging smartphones such as the popular Blackberry Curve and the highly anticipated Sidekick 4, as well as all other portable music players. Available in Nero (black) and Chrome, it is packaged with an elegant leather pouch for safe travel and storage.

Pricing and Availability

The VIBE Duo headphone/headset is available now for €99 and can be found at the Apple Europe Store, in John Lewis and Virgin stores and online at Apple.com/euro, Amazon.co.uk , and Shop V-MODA (shop.v-moda.com). The product is backed by a 100 percent risk-free satisfaction guarantee. Visit v-moda.com for more information on pricing and retail availability.

Link: v-moda

Funambol Releases First Open Source Native App for iPhone Contact Synchronization

PR: Illustrates how open source community and development model rapidly advance mobile innovation

Funambol, a leading provider of mobile 2.0 messaging software powered by open source, today announced it has released an open source native app for iPhone contact synchronization. The Funambol plug-in for iPhone synchronizes the iPhone's address book with contacts from popular sources such as Yahoo! Mail, Gmail, Microsoft Outlook, GNOME Evolution and SyncML servers such as the Funambol server.

Until now, contact synchronization on the iPhone was possible only using a cable connected to a computer running iTunes. The new Funambol plug-in is the first open source native app for iPhone address book synchronization. To learn more, view screenshots and download the software, visit:

http://www.funambol.com/solutions/iphone.php

"In mobile, the open road is the only road. The pace of development must be rapid, the compatibility wide and the cost reasonable. Open networks and devices are on the rise and are transforming the mobile industry," said Fabrizio Capobianco, CEO of Funambol. "The Funambol open source community has been operating at this pace for years and is delivering innovation that give people access to features they otherwise wouldn't have."

The Funambol iPhone plug-in was developed in large part by Patrick Ohly, a longtime member of the Funambol community. Demonstrating the full value of open source, he set out to develop a native iPhone sync solution. He upgraded SyncEvolution ( http://www.estamos.de/projects/SyncML/ ) for the iPhone which provides the core synching capabilities. Funambol adapted the plug-ins user interface from its work with other mobile devices.

"Just as the cable physically ties the iPhone to a computer, the dependency on iTunes locks iPhone users into a specific platform. Because SyncML is a well-established, open standard for data synchronization, adding support for it to the iPhone was an obvious choice," said Patrick. "Extending SyncEvolution was simple – the hard part was to figure out how the contact data on the iPhone could be accessed, due to the current lack of documentation. Hopefully, Apple's SDK will fill that gap."

Earlier this year, Funambol announced the availability of the first over-the-air (OTA) web-based contacts app for the iPhone. With the addition of this new native app for the iPhone, Funambol once again demonstrates the strength of the open source model. With the release of the Apple iPhone SDK in Q1, 2008, Funambol looks forward to extending the iPhone plug-in for capabilities such as calendar sync and push email.

Funambol provides open source-based mobile email, contacts and calendars for 1.5 billion mobile devices, including the iPhone, iPod, and phones from Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, LG and other device manufacturers.

Funambol provides mobile 2.0 messaging software that is powered by open source. The company is the leading provider of open source push email and PIM synchronization solutions for the mass market. Funambol's open source software has been downloaded more than 1,500,000 times by a global network of 10,000 developers in 200 countries. The commercial version of Funambol's software has been deployed at service providers, mobile operators, portals, Global 1000 businesses, hardware OEMs/ODMs and ISVs including customers such as 1&1, EarthLink and Computer Associates.

Funambol is headquartered in Redwood City, California with an R&D center in Italy

Link: Funambol iPhone Support

JAVOedge Releases AlloyVision Crystal Metal Case for iPhone

PR: JAVOedge's AlloyVision - Crystal Metal Case is a new hybrid case of clear PC plastic and metal. Clear in the front and solid aluminum in the back. This is the best case to show off the original look of your Apple iPhone while keeping it snug and protected.

Features:

• Stylish crystal clear front cover design to show off your devices' natural look
• Back cover is made of anodized aluminum that is strong yet lightweight (Colors available: Black, Silver, Red and Magenta.)
• All functions are accessible via smart placement of openings
• Interior is padded with a thin layer of foam that holds your device securely in place
• Molded to contour your device perfectly
• Swivel Belt Clip available

AlloyVision combines the look of stylish clear cases with the protection of armor metal cases. Function is maintained with strategically placed cutouts. Special manufacturing molds are used to provide a tight fit and retain your devices' form. When it comes to protecting your beautiful device, compromising between style and protection is not an option. Luckily with the JAVOedge AlloyVision crystal metal case, you won't have to.

Link: JAVOedge AlloyVision crystal metal case for Apple iPhone

iPod Add-ons

FastMac Announces 'U-Connect' Dock Adapter for iPod shuffle

PR: FastMac has announced "U-Connect," a universal Dock Connector adapter for Apple iPod shuffle that allows hundreds of iPod accessories to work with the headphone connector port found in Apple's 2nd & 3rd Generation iPod shuffles. The new U-Connect (Universal Dock Connector) Adapter features a headphone plug/connector on one end and a standard 30-pin Dock Connector on the other end that can connect to hundreds of iPod accessories such as FM transmitters, speaker systems, vehicle chargers and more.

FastMac's U-Connect Adapter is scheduled to ship within 10 days and is available for pre-order from fastmac.com for a special introductory price of $15.95. Each adapter carries a 1-year warranty and a 30-day money back guarantee .

"Many owners of iPod shuffle also own other iPods and our U-Connect product allows them to reuse the accessories they already have," said Michael Lowdermilk, Business Development Manager of FastMac Performance Upgrades, Inc. "U-Connect opens up a world of possibilities for the diminutive iPod shuffle."

FastMac's U-Connect Universal Dock Connector Adapter features a headphone plug/connector on one end and a standard 30-pin Dock Connector on the other end that can connect to hundreds of iPod accessories such as FM transmitters, speaker systems, vehicle chargers and more. Weighing in at less than 7 grams and with dimensions that match those of the iPod shuffle, the U-Connect adapter fits seamlessly with any 2nd or 3rd Generation iPod shuffle. A toggle switch on the back switches the U-Connect between charging mode and playback mode.

Compatibility: FastMac's U-Connect Universal Dock Connector Adapter is compatible with all models of the iPod shuffle 2nd & 3rd Generation.

Link: FastMac

All 1G and 2G iPod nano Accessories Half Price at Proporta

PR: Proporta is offering their 1G and 2G nano products with a 50% discount beginning November 15 . Also included in the deal is our iPod FM Transmitter. Article contains discount promo codes

Many of us love the recent collection of Apple iPods, especially the new 3G nano which has been dubbed as the best selling MP3 player currently on the market. However, Proporta don't believe in snubbing the older generations, which served us so well in their day.

This is why Proporta are offering a 50% discount on all their 1st and 2nd generation iPod nano gear - you must agree, all devices need protecting in this winter weather (brrr). Proporta are also throwing in the iPod FM Transmitter with a 50% discount, so get your winter mittens around that :-)

Simply visit proporta.com, see what takes your fancy, and enter the promo code LOVEMYNANO at the cart page to receive your discount. Offer starts this Thursday 15th November 2007 and is available while stocks last.

*Although Proporta like to be super generous, please be aware that this offer does not include accessories for the latest members of the iPod family, including accessories for the iPod nano 3rd generation. Proporta can however offer you a 10% discount on iPod nano 3rd generation accessories, just because they're nice. Enter FACETHEMUSIC at the cart page to receive your discount.

• Proporta
• Can a $25 FM Transmitter Deliver for Wireless iPod Playback Through a Sound System?, Charles W. Moore, Applelinks

iPod.iTunes 3.7 Released

PR: crispSofties has released version 3.7 of it's iPod.iTunes synchronization software. iPod.iTunes synchronizes songs, videos, playlist and metadata in both directions between iPods and iTunes libraries.

New in this release:

• Compatibility for Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard.
• Compatibility for iTunes 7.5.
• Playlist Synchronization: nothing was synchronized when the prefix was empty (bug introduced in the last version).
• Fixed a problem during launch on Mac OS 10.3.9 with iTunes 3.0.1-5.0.1.
• Various quality enhancements.

iPod.iTunes can be used to

• Keep files and playlists on different Macs and iPods up to date.
• Do a full restore of songs, videos and playlists from iPod - i.e. after a hard disk failure or if you buy a new Mac.
• Revert accident deletion of songs, videos and/or playlists in iTunes, if these are still on your iPod.
• Transfer an iTunes library from one Mac to another via the iPod.
• Synchronize to a "foreign" iPod (not linked/synched to your iTunes library) without deleting content on it or touching the link to it's home Mac.
• Synchronize to a linked/synched iPod without deleting content on it as iTunes' synchronization does when content on the iPod is no longer in the iTunes library.
• Clone an iPod (see the application's Help menu).
• Backup an iPod. (see the application's Help menu).

A demo version is available so you can try before you buy (the demo skips some content during synchronization). One license is 24.90 Euro (about 39 USD). There is currently a special "Friendpack"-offer running where an additional full license cost 7 Euro.

Link: iPod.iTunes

TuneWear Stereo Sound Recorder for iPod

PR: TuneWear Stereo Sound Recorder for iPod adds a stereo microphone to iPod and works using the built-in iPod recording functionality.

TuneWear Stereo Sound Recorder for iPod is perfect for recording business meetings, school lectures, or your own rock band. There are two built-in high quality omnidirectional microphones which record stereo sound directly to your iPod. Select either mono or CD-quality stereo recording, depending on your needs.

The audio line-in is compatible with external microphones having 3.5mm plugs. It also accepts line-in cables for recording from cassette decks or other analog equipment. While using the line-in function, turn on the built-in gain control to reduce distortion and control recording levels.

Record a long meeting or a long set with your band while simultaneously charging your iPod with the mini-USB port. The included USB cable is compatible with standard iPod USB chargers.

When used with iPod nano 2G and iPod 5G, pressing the recording hot button jumps directly to the 'Voice Memo' recording menu.

TuneWear Stereo Sound Recorder for iPod supports iPod classic, iPod 5G, iPod nano 2G, and iPod nano 3G.

Size: approx. 62(W) x 35(H) x 20(D)mm

weight: approx. 20g

Recording quality and capacity:

• High Quality mode (Stereo, 16-bit/44.1 KHz) approximately 10 MB/minute
• Low Quality mode (Mono, 16-bit/22.05 KHz) approximately 2.5 MB/minute

Recording format: WAV

$49.95

Link: Stereo Sound Recorder for iPod

iTrip Auto SmartScan FM Transmitter and Car Charger for iPod

PR: Griffin brings exclusive SmartScan technology to its precedent-setting iTrip FM Transmitter/charger. SmartScan automatically finds the three clearest frequencies wherever you are, and saves them for you as Presets.

Designed specifically for use in the car, iTrip Auto's large, easy-to-read backlit LCD screen affords quick status at a glance.

iTrip Auto plugs into the dock connector of your iPod and automatically optimizes output volume. Control speaker volume from your car stereo controls; you won't have to touch your iPod to adjust the volume level.

iTrip Auto brings with it all the innovations of its iTrip lineage, including selectable stereo and mono modes for best-quality audio under real-world conditions, Griffin's trademark world-class industrial design, and, now, SmartScan - the easiest-to-use FM transmitter, ever.

$79.99

Link: iTrip Auto SmartScan FM Transmitter and Car Charger for iPod

ShadesCases Releases Shades iPod Cases for iPod nano 3G & iPod Classic

PR: ShadesCases Inc. announces the release of its Shades iPod Cases for the new iPod Classic and nano 3rd Generation models. The new cases are now available to purchase online at www.shadescases.com , starting at $16.95 for the iPod classic and $14.95 for the iPod nano 3G.

The new cases keep the same thin, sleek look as the original cases - measuring only .4mm thin and weigh an airy 0.5ozs with built-in ultra-clear screen protection and full clickwheel protection. The new cases will come in "10 different colors" for iPod Classic and 9 colors for the iPod nano 3rd Gen. Shades for iPod have a sleek cool appearance that both compliments and enhances the iPod portable music players.

In Addition, ShadesCases.com Will be giving away free "Shades" iPod Cases, a 8 GB nano 3G, and a Free 8 GB iPhone.

Shades iPod Cases are a great product and are exactly what customers have been looking for!

To help our cases get out into the iPod Case market we will be offering a free iPod case with every 100th case ordered, a free 8 GB iPod nano 3G to the 1000th case ordered, and an 8 GB iPhone to the 2,007th case that is ordered through our website.

Link: Win a Free Case, iPod nano 3G, or 8 GB iPhone!

MacAlly Releases New Cases for iPod nano

PR: MacAlly has released a new line of cases for Apple's third-generation iPod nano.

Mirage: A reflective hard protective case for iPod nano Mirage features a mirror- finish, a belt clip and a polyurethane Click Wheel protector. $19.99

Masquerade: A decorative stainless steel overlay for iPod nano with an etched-filigree motif, with cutouts for the iPod's controls and ports. $19.99

Bella (nano): A protective Leather Case for iPod nano, the Bella features large stitch seams and a soft back panel, a microsuede interior and cutout for the Click Wheel. Also bundled are a dark brushed carabiner clip. $29.99

Icesuitn3: ICESUITN3 is a protective sleeve for iPod nano with a cable management system, crystal clear screen protection, and a non-slip two-tone rubber-like cladding. $19.99

Divo (nano): Another protective Leather Case for iPod nano featuring two-way stretch ballistic nylon side panels and leather lanyards that allow it to be worn around your neck or wrist. $29.99

Sportivo: Protective neoprene band case case for iPod nano designed for wearing an iPod nano while running, hiking or during other activities. Features include a belt loop, crystal clear screen protection and a neoprene click wheel cover. $29.99.

Metro: A leather holster For iPod nano with microsuede lining. Metro can be worn on a belt or on your arm using the included armband. $29.99.

And the IceSuitN3 is a rubber sleeve that features a no-slip grip and two-tone design. The rubber protects the Click Wheel while keeping it operable, and the case has a cable manager on its back. It costs $19.99.

For more information, visit:

Link: MacAlly iPod Accessories