July 3 - 12:50am EDT   Microsoft is attempting to convince Australian users to use its Live search engine by offering products from industry competitor Apple as bait through a local venture with the Nine Network, Ninemsn. The Brisbane Times reveals that the software giant is offering the iPod nano, Shuffle, and Touch to users who perform searches through Ninemsn. Ninemsn head Alex Parsons said that it would have run the contest using the Zune, but the Microsoft-made player does not currently sell in Australia. [full story]

June 13 - 3:15pm EDT   MacNN recently posted reviews for the iHome Dual Alarm Cube Clock and the iFrogz Audiowrapz Treadz for the iPod Nano, Expressivo is offering users 50 free e-books, and Primera has a new renting program for the Bravo SE Disc Publisher. What makes the Audiowrapz Treadz stand out from the crowd is its thick (2mm) silicone case that contains a hard plastic liner with a built-in speaker system. The three integrated silver speakers use passive speaker technology and do not use any more power from your iPod than your standard headset or earphones. [full story]

June 5 - 9:00am EDT   VIA this morning continued a string of announcements for its computer platforms with the launch of Mini-ITX 2.0, its latest platform for mini desktop PCs. The spec for mainboards is designed to allow small (6.7in square), quiet systems using processors such as VIA's own Nano but is unique in mandating a full-speed, 16-lane PCI Express 2.0 slot; the requirement gives all systems room for a fast video card, virtually guaranteeing support for DirectX 10 and OpenGL 2 in games and other apps that demand advanced 3D; an integrated DirectX 9-class chipset is also present as a fallback. [full story]

May 29 - 3:35pm EDT   Earlier today, VIA Technologies made public details on its new Nano processing chip family that comprises five processors. VIA claims improved performance compared to its own C7 processors, and has provided test results it says prove the fact. The competition is also squarely in sights, as the Nanos' x86 instruction set allows it to run the same software as Intel's Atom and AMD Celeron M CPUs, with which the Nano was designed to compete. Performance comparisons are already surfacing from independent sources. [full story]

May 26 - 7:45pm EDT   MacNN has reviewed the Treadz for the 3G iPod nano, Sonnet repositioned the Fusion F2 with a new price, and two new eBooks to train users on Garageband. This extra-thick polished silicone case offers good corner protection and covers the basic nano form. Don't let the extra-thick marketing fool you though, it is only 1mm thicker than other cases I tested, which means it's 2mm thick instead of one. iFrogz is currently offering 40-percent off all products for its Memorial Day Sale. [full story]

May 2 - 12:20am EDT   Griffin on Thursday unveiled two new cases for the iPod nano and Touch, the FlexGrip and FlexScreen, as well as the Screen Care Kit for iPod Touch. The FlexGrip is a dual-color ribbed case which offers complete protection for both the Touch and the Nano, while leaving access to the screen and touchwheel uninhibited. The case currently only ships with a black front and grey backing, offering a refined look. Griffin is selling the FlexGrip for $15, and is available directly from the company's website and select retailers. [full story]

April 30 - 7:20pm EDT   As the impending 3G iPhone release approaches, rumors of its potential design, specifications, and features are abound, but some theorize that people are confusing multiple devices which could indicate an "iPhone nano". iLounge writes that select launch partners have supposedly received design templates that point to a 3.5-inch screen on the new version, countering observations that put the screen size at 2.8-inches. [full story]

April 18 - 6:35pm EDT   Apple has second-generation iPod Nanos and several versions of the Santa Rosa-powered MacBook Pros on clearance in the online store. The silver 2GB iPod nano can store upwards of 500 songs, and is capable of displaying pictures, but not video content, as is the case with the third generation Nano. The iPod nanos come with Apple earphones and a USB dock cable, and are currently available from the online store for $100. [full story]

April 11 - 7:30pm EDT   In brief: There is a stark pricing discrepancy for Australian iPods, iPresentee themes for Keynote have debuted, Sonnet has cut prices on its Fusion line of SATA devices, Aspyr has updated its Game Agent and a Middle East Mac newsletter is now one year old ... There are some substantial differences in iPod pricing between the US and Australia. With the Aussie dollar at 0.92 US, you might expect US and Aussie prices for iPods to be relatively similar, but this is not the case. The 1GB iPod Shuffle: USD$49 = AUD$54 exchange, selling for AUD$65. The 8GB nano USD$199 == AUD$221 exchange, selling for AUD$279. The 16GB iPod classic USD$349 == AUD$387 exchange, selling for ... [full story]

April 7 - 5:20pm EDT   Grantwood has announced the release of tuneband for iPod nano, an armband product designed to comfortably secure the iPod nano in place during exercise, including Nike+iPod compatibility. The product consists of a comfortable and flexible armband strap that can accommodate both large and small arms, a durable silicone skin that allows access to all ports on the iPod nano, and a low-tack, cut-and-peel screen protector that helps guard against smudges, moisture, and daily wear-and-tear. The tuneband is compatible with all generations of the iPod nano, and the current 3rd generation model has skins available in eight colors: black, gray, navy blue, neon green, pink, purple, ... [full story]

April 7 - 5:15pm EDT   The European Trademark Office recently published 55 newly registered iPod icons, and were originally filed with Munich office of Bardehle, Pagenbert, Dost, Altenburg, and Geissler. The icons more or less cover the gamut of those offered by the iPod, relating to videos, podcasts, notes, iPod radio, games, voice memos, and the Nike+ sport system. The icons appear on current generation iPod nanos and Classics, as users navigate menus to examine their libraries, among other things. [full story]

April 4 - 4:20pm EDT   GizMac today began shipping orders for its DuraSport silicone case for the 3G iPod nano, which offers users a shock absorbent material to protect their Nano. The case includes a clear polycarbonate shield for the front of the case, providing protection for the screen, while the silicone skin protects the rest of the iPod, including the scroll wheel. GizMac is currently shipping the DuraSport for 3G Nano for $30, which comes with two colors of silicone skins. [full story]

April 2 - 4:25pm EDT   Creative recently unveiled the TravelSound for iPod nano 3G, a new compact speaker system with a built-in rechargeable battery. The system features four independent micro drivers and a digital amplifier, and Creative claims that it puts out more sound than comparably priced larger systems. The TravelSound charges through USB 2.0, and can play for 15 hours. Creative is currently only selling the system in Singapore for $130 (~$100 USD). [full story]

March 27 - 5:25pm EDT   Digital Lifestyle Outfitters has made several additions to its Jam Jacket family of iPod cases, including new models for the iPod nano and iPod touch. Available today are the Jam Jacket with MultiClip for iPod touch, which features a unique, multi-function "MultiClip," and the Jam Jacket for iPod nano featuring a laser-etched design on the back of the case. Both cases are available immediately for $20. The Jam Jacket with MultiClip for the iPod touch features a unique 3-in-1 integrated clip built into the back of the case. The silicone-covered MultiClip acts as a clip/stand combo, as well as a cable management solution. Users can clip it on their belt, or pop out the ... [full story]

March 24 - 1:35pm EDT   Memorex has begun shipping a new clock radio for various iPod models, includin the iPod Touch, Classic, nano and mini. The device, dubbed iWake, features a digital AM/FM radio, dual alarm function and a gradual volume increase for the alarm. There's also a clock backup capability that is invoked in the case of a power failure -- that function requires 2 "AAA" batteries (which aren't included). Other standard features include a snooze function. The iWake powers and charges any iPod with dock connector. The iWake clock radio is priced at $80. [full story]