This sounds like a half-completed statement, but bear with us here: "icube will begin marketing a Bluetooth peripheral called BluRing that links the Apple's iPod to a cell phone so calls can be received while listening to music without the need to take out the phone." Umm, okay. We're not sure how that could work, but let's assume that the BluRing product has some sort of microphone built-in. Yep, check. Ok, whew -- we feel better now. The icube BluRing will come with a remote control (with embedded mic) with a connection to the iPod's 3.5mm earphone connector found on all iPods to date. While we're not sure most customers will want to abandon the iPod's signature clickwheel for music navigation, the BluRing can also be used to "select songs and adjust volume on the iPod." Hmm -- seems like this product really (really) wants to marry an actual iPod and a Bluetooth accessory (with wires to boot). Seems kinda complicated to us, with all all tangly wired mess potential and everything.

[Via textually.org]

Ah, yet another round of conflicting evidence. This time it's Griffin's word against Amazon's product page, and we're honestly not quite sure who to believe just yet. We knew that Microsoft had solicited help from iPod add-on makers, and we'd been under the impression that Griffin was on the Zune accessory bandwagon since day one of the Zune launch, but now the company might be singing a different tune. iLounge has it that a Griffin spokesperson all but denied its future involvement with Microsoft's media player, and to add insult to injury, claimed the company would rather continue focusing on iPod accessories "due to its close relationship with Apple." Fairly strong words from the "leading PMP accessory maker," but they've certainly lost at least some credibility thanks to Amazon; clearly labeled as Griffin's "Tempo Armband for Zune," the product page is even accompanied by dimensions, a description, and a specific model number (8098-ZNTMPO). So, what's the deal here Griffin? Are you going to ignore all the future Zuneheads out there, or was that spokesperson just blowing smoke?

Read - iLounge
Read - Amazon

[Thanks, chs]

If you haven't been paying close attention to the theoretical glass ceiling that the iPod has struck, you may not realize that Apple's darling has been capped at 60GB for quite awhile now. While the iPod with video is, in our humble opinion, very ripe for a refresh, the holdup could be history if Seagate has anything to do with it. The world's "largest hard drive manufacturer" isn't fazed by the recent flash-based memory craze, and feels that even NAND can't oust the tried and true storage platters on its own. William Watkins, the company's CEO, recently stated that he felt quite secure in his operations, and that while flash memory had its place, consumers needing spacious drives for backup and home / vehicle media storage will be skipping over the small stuff and heading straight for the hard drives. Regardless, recent analyst reactions to the less-than-stellar financial performance from the company has sparked questions about how it plans to stage a comeback in a flash-driven world, and the answer just might be the iPod. Watkins noted that Seagate hasn't been competitive in the high-capacity 1.8-inch drive arena, but we latched onto a certain comment regarding his intentions to change that -- in regards to 60GB and 120GB 1.8-inch drives, Watkins claimed that the company "will have one in the December quarter," which is obviously prime fodder for new iPod speculation (you know, since that's the holiday shopping season and all). While we weren't told outright that Seagate was in line to supply Apple with these larger drives, we sure hope somebody hooks it up with more capacity, and besides, there's never a time like the present to crank up the rarely-stagnant Apple rumor mill once again.

We don't know whether we should laugh or cry (or both) at the apparently booming market for keeping iPod-swipers at bay. Sure, some last-resort options for protecting your iPod while strolling are a bit comical, but the folks at Secure-It obviously think that guarding your iPod is a rather serious affair. Not to be confused with the oh-so-closely named PodSafe or the numerous alternative lock-down solutions out there, the Pod Safe attempts to be a "stylish" portable locking security case for your nano, video, or fourth-generation iPod. Composed from "high impact PolyCarbon strengthened ABS material" (i.e. can be easy demolished with a hammer -- along with the iPod it contains), the Safe sports a four-digit user-changeable passcode to keep thieves guessing. A steel cable loop is there to latch your precious media player to your desk, briefcase, bicycle, or possibly your wrist, should you so desire. This lock doesn't hinder any playback functionality of the iPod, so even stolen units would operate, but the fun wouldn't last long for thieves considering the sole charging port is under lock and keycode. We see this unit more as a theft deterrent system than an all-out personal security guard for your 'Pod, but if your neck of the woods is seeming a little sketch, you can apprehend a Pod Safe for $39.95.

[Via Popgadget]

While factory integration for Apple's iPod was already a commodity found on some vehicles, it has remained noticeably absent from many of the dashes of America's most financially-unstable automakers. Apple has now inked a deal with Ford, General Motors, and Mazda that could make iPod owners hold off just a bit longer before throwing down for those new wheels, though. Now the iPod will have integration in every single 2007 US Mazda and the "majority" of '07 Ford and GM vehicles as well. While less-than-ideal options have long been available for getting your iPod to function within the confines of your ride, the ability to pump tunes directly from the 'Pod to the speakers without hissy FM transmitters or elaborate wiring schemes is certainly a fresh alternative. According to the statistics, this move will ensure that "70 percent of US automobiles" have factory iPod integration right off the showroom floor. Apple hasn't been in danger of losing its grip on the digital media player market (although a certain corporation has other plans), and giving Ford, GM, and Mazda drivers this functionality should do nothing but good things for those quarterly sales figures. Nevertheless, Steve can't bask for too long in the glory of this deal, for he has a lot of explaining to do come Monday -- starting with all the wondrous possibilities that are already being envisioned due to that damned banner.

You've got a lot of options when it comes to carrying your iPod around: armbands, belt clips, pockets, lanyards, and a few choice methods reserved for strolling through the less savory areas. But unless you're sporting a set of wireless earphones, all of those methods could get you right tangled up if you're not careful. Enter iSoundCap, a startup focused solely on selling their iPod-holster-on-a-hat contraption for carrying your iPod nano or Shuffle right on your dome, and keeping your headphone cord neatly wrapped up and away from flailing limbs. A compartment above your ear holds your Apple tight, while a wire spool gives you just enough length to keep your 'buds in-ear without the excess cabling becoming hazardous. These two components, along with a questionably styled cap, make up this "innovative" approach to toting your tunes, which seems like a good fit for gym rats and joggers who don't mind the extra headgear -- or something for DIYers to tackle alone. But if you're not down with using your own noggin, you can pick up this lid for $29.95 in mid-August.

[Via MacMinute]

So we've been on the Nike+iPod Sport Kit's jock (har) since it was announced way back in May, and after some false starts its finally materialized. Beginning on July 13th (i.e. today), retail Apple stores as well as Niketowns will stock the $29 kit, which as you may recall utilizes a proprietary wireless protocol to transmit data from the sneaker-bound sensor to your data displaying iPod nano. If you thought Apple and Nike weren't gonna do this up real big on launch day, they're proving otherwise with some big city celebrations -- Niketown New York is holding an extravaganza to kick off the release by having superstars Mariano Rivera from the NY Yankees and AJ Pierzynski from the Chicago White Sox on site, just to name a couple. If you've been looking an excuse to start exercising again, now's your shot, so run -- don't walk -- to your local joint to pick one up. While you're at it you might as well keep track of your pace as you hoof it back.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]