May 28 - 7:25pm EDT   Speck has announced its latest TechStyle case, created specifically for the second- and third-generation iPod shuffle. The case features a compact, hard shell covered in nylon fabric that is designed to protect the device from scrapes and scratches. An integrated organizer allows users to wind the earphone cord, while a removable carabiner clip is located on the side. A removable adapter enables the case to fit both the 2G and 3G Shuffle. [full story]

May 27 - 12:50pm EDT   Apple on Wednesday released a software update for the third-generation iPod shuffle, Version 1.1, along with a new VoiceOver Kit. The software addresses a rare issue that occasionally caused playback to stop. A number of other bug fixes have been added, along with support for the new VoiceOver Kit. The 3.9MB download is available directly from iTunes. [full story]

May 7 - 5:05pm EDT   USBfever is shipping two additions to its line of iPod shuffle 3G accessories: a dual-pack of silicone cases, and a triple-pack of metal cases. The silicone package includes "frost white" and "smoke black" options, which guard Shuffles against bumps and scratches, along with moisture and dust. Access remains open to a player's ports and buttons. [full story]

April 14 - 9:05pm EDT   GizFever.com has announced its latest iPod accessory, the Crystal Case for the third-generation iPod shuffle. The case features a lightweight ergonomic design and is made from hard clear plastic to help protect the iPod from bumps and scratches during everyday use. The form is designed to closely fit the Shuffle 3G, without covering the clip, and provides full access to all ports and controls. [full story]

April 13 - 9:55am EDT   Apple has produced a minor update for the third-gen iPod shuffle, VoiceOver Kit 1.0.1. VoiceOver is the technology used to synthesize, sync and play speech on the new Shuffle; the update fixes the pronunciations for a number of unspecified artists. Also addressed are a collection of minor bugs, again unnamed. The patch is currently available only through Software Update. [full story]

April 13 - 9:35am EDT   On a per-unit basis, the third-generation iPod shuffle may be one of Apple's most profitable products, says iSuppli. The research firm observes that even when factoring packaging and headphone costs in with those of the actual player components, a modern Shuffle costs approximately $21.77 to produce, or just 28 percent of the retail cost. By comparison, 49 percent of the first-gen iPod touch's $299 retail price was swallowed up by component costs. [full story]

April 8 - 11:55pm EDT   GizFever.com has announced its latest iPod accessory, the iPod Shuffle 3G Silicone Case. Each case is created to fit firmly around the iPod shuffle 3G, to protect against bumps, scrapes and scratches, and comes in an ergonomic design. The cases are made from a light-weight silicone and come with an anti-dust coating. Six colors are currently available, blue, black, ice, pink, green and yellow. The silicone case can be purchased from the company’s website and is priced at $2. [full story]

April 2 - 4:05pm EDT   Despite the player only being a few weeks old, problems are already being reported with the third-generation iPod shuffle, specifically in relation to contact with moisture. According to support discussions, play and volume controls may malfunction when used during activities associated with sweat, such as a run or a workout. Volume may suddenly ramp up to the loudest setting, or down to the quietest; play controls can become unusable, and some iPods may shut off completely. [full story]

April 1 - 3:00pm EDT   DLO has announced its Action Jacket armband for the 3rd generation iPod shuffle. Designed for use while working out, the iPod accessory helps keep the device attached to the person’s arm. Featuring moisture-resistant neoprene to protect the iPod from sweat, the Action Jacket comes complete with a built-in pocket and outer panel. The outer panel can be used to clip the iPod to so users can place other objects in the pocket, such as a key or money. Each armband is completely washable and sized to fit most arms. [full story]

March 26 - 3:55pm EDT   iLuv has a launched a new pair of case options, designed for the third-generation iPod shuffle. The iCC12 and iCC14 are both intended to provide protection against various scrapes and scratches. The iCC12 is a pack that includes four silicone cases, arrayed in black, white, blue and pink colors. [full story]

March 24 - 4:45pm EDT   Deals at DealNN today include iPods, storage, Macs and more. Most noteworthy today is a deal on the second-generation 2GB iPod shuffle in blue. It is priced at $39 at eCost.com, which is $20 less than Apple charges for this refurbished model. It holds up to 500 songs and can get up to 12 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. [full story]

March 20 - 4:50pm EDT   Apple's online store is offering a wide range of refurbished products including unibody MacBooks, current-generation iPods and more. For a limited time get the previous-generation 2GB iPod shuffle for $39. Other Shuffle selections include the 1GB model in current-generation green, pink, and blue is also $39, while the 2GB version is $59 and is available in the same color options. The 8GB iPod nano is priced at $129 and comes in orange, green, purple, blue, pink, silver, yellow, and black. Unibody MacBook models start at $1099 for the 2.0GHz model with 2GB of memory and 160GB hard drive and go up to $1899 for the 2.4GHz model with 2GB of memory and a 128GB solid ... [full story]

March 20 - 11:30am EDT   A Michigan repairman has been charged with fraud and money laundering perpetrated against Apple, writes the San Francisco Chronicle. Nicholas Woodhams is said to have fraudulently stolen over 9,000 iPod shuffles, of which "thousands" were then sold for $49 apiece. Filings at a federal court in Grand Rapids suggest that Woodhams took advantage of Apple's website, which lets users ask for a replacement Shuffle if they have a valid serial number under warranty. [full story]

March 19 - 10:00pm EDT   iLuv has launched its latest media player accessory, the iEP505 earphones featuring a sound-isolating design. The earphones provide an in-line volume control, which the company plans to upgrade with support for navigation controls on the latest iPod shuffle. The company claims the drivers are engineered for improved audio reproduction and frequency range. [full story]

March 18 - 10:45am EDT   Apple has been granted five new patents by the US Patent and Trademark Office, documents note. Among the more interesting to the public may be one for a unique iPod dock, shaped to fit a car's cupholder; the device would solve the problem of creating a solid mount in a car while potentially charging a player and/or feeding audio out of it. A spool could be included to keep cords organized, and sleeves could be supplied to cope with different cupholder sizes. As the patent was originally filed in 2005 however, Apple may be unlikely to turn it into an end product. [full story]