Google, Yahoo maps on your iPod

Apple's iPod was designed to listen to music and watch videos, but users have been finding otherways to make the popular device even more useful in our daily lives. One user has posted a tutorial on transferring Google maps to an iPod photo, while a new web service aims to ease the transition of directions to the iPod. Called iPod-iWay, the free Web-based service streamlines the aforementioned process, automating the transfer of driving directions from Yahoo! popular maps service to Apple's iPod. "iPod-iWay is a powerful step-by-step directions saving tool that will export online driving directions from results by Yahoo Maps and import them into your iPod Photo. It’s an easy solution for getting Yahoo Map directions saved and displayed onto any iPod photo or Nano, and without the need of additional software." Users can simply enter their starting and ending addresses and the service will generate a file that can easily be loaded into iTunes and then automatically synchronized with an iPod.

Apple posts 'Best of 2005' on iTunes

The iTunes Music Store has posted its Best of 2005 listings, which includes "a look back at the music that made this year so memorable with a variety of carefully chosen favorites from our staff and a concide list of some of the top sellers. Whether you are looking for the songs tha really made an impact or the albums that stuck with us." iTunes offers best seller lists for songs and albums as well as staff favorites for both songs and albums. PayPal is offering up to 25 free songs with purchase of iTunes gift certificates (via iTunes) when users use PayPal to purchase $20 or $50 gift certificates using PayPal through the end of the year.

Apple design guru Ive honored by Queen

London-born Apple design guru Jonathan Ive has been recognized as part of Queen Elizabeth's New Year Honors list, according to the BBC. Ive has been awarded the title of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) by the Queen. "Mr Ive started working for Apple in 1992 but exerted a big influence on its products only in 1997 when Steve Jobs returned to the company he co-founded. Mr Ive's first design for Apple, the iMac, was hugely influential and has been followed by a series of other widely admired gadgets," including the iPod. Apple responded to the honor bestowed on the nearly 13-year Apple veteran by saying, "We are as proud as could be that Jony is receiving such a prestigous commendation," according to the report. "Although many drool over the sleek look of Apple products, Mr Ive has always emphasised the need for a close union of form and function. Famously private and rarely giving interviews, Mr Ive always seeks to stress the teamwork that goes into creating Apple's products."