Ms Pacman now on your iPod

Apple today released Ms pacman for the iPod Video. The release coincides with the 25 year anniversary of the game which was originally a bootlegged hack for the original Pacman.

In the game the main objective is to swallow the dots while avoiding the ghosts.

ms Pacman is available from iTunes for £3.99.

iTunes popularity grows

Usage of Apples iTunes software has grown by 47.5%, while other media players have grown by only single digits.

"At current growth rates, iTunes should pass RealPlayer in unique users by the second quarter of 2007. Apple should be whistling a happy tune this year. While iTunes continues to show strong double-digit growth rates, Windows Media Player growth appeared to slow over the past year," the report concluded.

Introducing the Xtrememac Luna

The Luna has landed, Xtrememac have launched a new speaker system with the added bonus of an alarm clock.

The Luna boasts outstanding audio throughout the day from two precision speakers and a two-channel amplifier. It also features an AM/Fm radio with 4 presets. The Luna is available from
www.pulsetechnolgy.co.uk for £119.99 with free shipping.

Delay to Apple TV

Apple have pushed back the shipping date for the Apple TV. It will now be shipping in Mid March instead of February.

There was no official reason although Apple spokesperson Lynn Fox said that production was`taking a little longer than we expected.''

Apple TV has been widely wanted and has the ability to broadcast your iTunes through your TV.

European Playstation 3 not 100% Back Compatible

The PAL version of Sony’s Playstation 3 will not be 100% compatible with older PS2 Games. A statement said they were looking at a "new hardware specification" and "won't concentrate on PS2 backwards compatibility,"

The move comes as Sony hope to lower the production cost for each unit, while offering software updates. At the moment the US and Japanese versions are 98% compatible with PS2 games. Sony’s reasoning is that gamers are less likely to worry about backwards compatibility with the new generation of machines.

The PS3 will be released in Europe and the UK on March 23rd.

iPhone name settled

Apple and Cisco have finally come to an agreement over the use of the name "iPhone".

Both companies will use the name, Apple for its new mobile phone and Cisco for their VOIP phone. while both companies will dismiss any pending actions regarding the trademark.

"In addition, Cisco and Apple will explore opportunities for interoperability in the areas of security, and consumer and enterprise communications. Other terms of the agreement are confidential."

Digg

Bill Gates and Steve Jobs to share stage

Apple CEO Steve Jobs and Microsoft chairman Bill Gates will make a historic appearance togather at the Wall Street Journal's ``D: All Things Digital'' conference this year.

The pair will discuss the future of digital products in an unrehearsed, unscripted environment. They will also appear separatley to discuss their current projects including the iPhone and Windows Vista.

The conference will take place between May 29th and May 31st with the Jobs/Gates event on the 30th in San Diego, California.

Griffin Introduces Spring Case Collection

Griffin Technology Inc., creator of all things iPod, today announced its latest line of stylish cases for iPod. Just in time for Spring, the fresh cases will hit retail shelves over the next month.

Griffin's Spring Case Collection includes:

Reflect for iPod with video & nano (MSRP - $24.99) - Find out why Griffin's Reflect cases were the buzz of MacWorld and CES this year. Reflect's tinted reflective polycarbonate shell protects the iPod and hides the screen from prying eyes. But whenever backlighting is activated, the screen becomes visible through the tinted case. Think of it as privacy glass for your iPod. Two Reflect models are available: one for iPod nano, and the other for 30GB, 60GB and 80GB iPod with video.

Centerstage for iPod with video with mirror finish (MSRP - $24.99) - Griffin's Centerstage case with the integrated flip stand receives an update, adding a tinted, reflective finish. A tinted, reflective, polycarbonate shell protects the iPod and hides the screen from prying eyes, but the screen shows through whenever backlighting is active. Centerstage's unique flip stand design uses an anodized aluminum stand to prop the case at the ideal viewing angle.

iClear Photo for iPod with video & nano (MSRP - $24.99, 19.99) - The iClear Photo case for iPod (first announced as iClear Custom) is a totally customizable clear polycarbonate case that allows you to insert your own artwork ... photos of dogs in cowboy hats, drawings, tiny watercolors that reveal the depths of your innermost soul... it's your call. The case protects both artwork and iPod in a thin, lightweight durable shell that allows access to all ports and controls. Two models are available to fit iPod nano and 30GB, 60GB and 80GB iPod with video.

Trio Plus for iPod nano (MSRP - $29.99) This update bundles interchangeable covers in assorted colors along with Griffin's popular 3-way leather case: 1. Trio Plus' slim inner sleeve protects the iPod, screen and all, while you use it. 2. Snap on one of the five included wraparound covers for added protection while while carrying. 3. Snap on a cover with a secure steel clip for belt, bag, or armband use on the run. Two color configurations are available: a black sleeve with red, blue and silver covers, and a white sleeve with pink, sky blue and yellow covers.

California Roll (MSRP - $19.99) - Griffin's soft-sided roll-up case is great for stashing your iPod, earphones and other accessories in a single wrap-and-go design. California Roll uses three mesh pockets to hold your iPod snug in a no-scratch sleeve. Two additional pockets hold earphones, cords, whatever. Roll the case up and secure it with the wide elasticized fabric band. It's free-form and efficient -- perfect for riding in a computer bag, purse or backpack.

Life Fitness introduce iPod Connectivity

Life Fitness, a manufacturer of gym equipment have started adding iPod intergration with their products. Users will be able to access the music and watch video's from their iPod while working out.

"We are excited to introduce products that take the integrated entertainment experience to the next level," said John Stransky, president of Life Fitness. "In the last decade Life Fitness has led the revolution in merging entertainment with exercise equipment, so it's only fitting for us to offer integration with the iPod, which many of our customers use while they exercise."

"We're delighted that Life Fitness offers seamless iPod integration to their customers," said Ron Okamoto, Apple's vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. "We think iPod owners are going to enjoy this innovative way to use their iPods while working out."

The first line of equipment will be previewed in March this year at the HRSA Convention in San Francisco.

PlayStation 3 To Get Movie Downloads

The New Sony Playstation 3 will be getting a movie download service. Sony is hoping to compete with Microsoft, who last year launched "Xbox Live Video Marketplace" for the Xbox 360.

The move comes as news that Sony will be making a loss on each system sold and hoping to make money back via games rights. The new service will also take full advantage of the Playstations built in hard drive.

Sendstation announces Dock extender for ipod

SendStation Systems, creators of popular iPod accessories such as its PocketDock line of iPod adaptors, today announced the SendStation Dock Extender for iPod.

The Dock Extender enables iPod & iPhone users to dock and connect their device with iPod speaker systems and docking stations, as well as FM transmitters and voice recorders, without prior removal of its protective case.

Dock Extender is designed to work with all iPod cases with a dock connector opening. A matching Universal Dock insert for easy and secure docking is included.

New consumer electronic store launches in the UK

A new consumer electronic store launched today, with a host of amazing opening offers they have a 32" LCD TV which is HD Ready for less than £550 inc VAT. The site is called www.pulsetechnology.co.uk and will be selling iPod accessories
Laptop cases and much more.

BMW rumoured to working on iPhone integration

Rumours abound are that BMW are working with Apple on an in car docking station for the new Apple iPhone. BMW was the first manufacturer to work with Apple on the iPod in 2004.

The dock should come with the new version of the 7 Series sedan.

New Shopping Channel “BuyTech.TV” goes Live on Skydigital!

New Shopping Channel “BuyTech.TV” goes Live on Skydigital!

Buytech TV, a new shopping channel has hit Skydigital with a storm. . Launched on 1st February by James Nicholson, founder of Microheaven, this channel offers viewers a mass of wonderful hi-tech products. James Nicholson, aged a mere 25 comments “this is the first shopping channel that meets the needs of consumers in this market segment”.

This channel is positioned at Hollywood TV 163 in the entertainment section of Skydigital and is the first shopping channel in the high-tech sector in the UK! The show runs for three hours every evening from 9pm to 12pm. With products ranging from 32” LCDs to Jivo FM Transmitters to 160 GB Scart drives, ever viewer will find something they wish to purchase. This channel focuses on a target audience of men aged 20-45, but also attracts female viewers looking to buy a gift for a friend or loved one.

The presenters are interesting and entertaining and their passion for the products is obvious throughout the show. An absolute attribute of teleshopping is the detailed product demonstration that viewers receive. This instils customer confidence when purchasing from the TV channel. Backed by an e-commerce site

Lionsgate Films on iTunes

Lionsgate studios are the latest company to allow their back catologue of films to be downloaded from iTunes.

The company responcible for distributing films like “Terminator 2″ and “The Blair Witch Project” will be available along with another 150 later this month.

“We’re delighted to offer these incredibly popular Lionsgate films on iTunes, and look forward to adding even more films in the future,” said Steve Beeks, president of Lionsgate. “iTunes lets users download these wonderful films to watch on their computer, TV or iPod, so movie fans can take their favorite Lionsgate films with them anywhere.”