CNET tells us of a terrific way to transfer songs from iPods to Macs - without installing any sort of extra software or anything like that. It's completely free to boot (great, huh?).

There are, of course, caveats (you didn't honestly think something like this came without conditions, did you?)  Take it away, CNET:  First, this works only for Mac iPods (or iPods that normally sync with an OS X Mac)... Second, if you use this to transfer songs purchased from the iTunes Music Store, the computer you're copying to will need to have the same account on it in order to play those protected songs. Third, when using the information below, you should probably keep in mind the warning that Apple affixed to the iPod ("Don't steal music").

And oh, Windows users aren't left out in the cold: in the article CNET also provides a link to another tutorial on how to do the same for PCs and iPods that normally sync with them.

Okay with all that? Click on the link for a look at the detailed instructions.

The Beatles catalogue, which has created a hole unlike any other in online music stores from their non-presence, might be making an appearance very soon, according to remarks made by Apple Corps at its trial against Apple Computer in London.

The music company, which manages the Beatles name, has been embroiled in a litigious fight against Apple Computers for possible copyright infringement -- the music company feels that Apple Computers is using its name to further its success in the music world.

According to Bloomberg, a representative for the company confirmed the news: Moira Bellas, a spokeswoman for Apple Corps. "There are plans to do it," she said of offering Beatles songs for downloading. "There's no firm date yet" and no deals have yet been signed with downloading services, she said.

I guess we might say iTunes is definitely out of the picture, or may be very much in it if Apple Corps decides on some sort of agreement in its lawsuit against Apple Computers. In any case, get ready for the Beatles.

Fashion and technology have now collided creating the TuneBuckle. This fashionable belt is designed to hold your iPod nano and your pants in place. The Buckle itself is made from aircraft quality 6061 aluminum alloy which is machine crafted in the US to a beautiful sleek finish which will protect your iPod from any scratches. The Belt is make of high quality material and has red stitching details.

It comes in Black or White to match your nano and the sizes range from 26 inches to 51 inches (66-127cm). The belt is not the only item that has options the buckle itself comes in three different looks the original, full moon and full metal jacket.

Some of the other feature to this stylish  belt are:

• Insert, open window for control and display
• Large opening for most 3.5mm stereo headphone minijacks
• Capture system which holds the nano in the buckle even when unhooked
• Ipod can be removed simply and easily

This TuneBuckle sells for $59.95USD.

Some people have become suspicious with the iPod, a little device know one knew about before but all of a sudden has widespread support and success. This has some people wondering what would happen with their personal information on these devices, believing that the little chip inside of the iPod may impose on their privacy. The iPod is powered by a small piece of silicon called the Portal Player System-on-chip, the chip handles every piece of information and function for the device. Apple then introduced a clock function into the iPod and encouraged people to enter their personal data into the iPod. However, some people believe entering your personal information into an iPod could be an invasion of your privacy.

If you are one of those people who have to have their iPod with them at all times - if in fact the only time you pry yourself away from it is to take a shower - now you don't have to.

At Skymall.com they are selling a shower radio dock for your iPod or MP3 player. This waterproof docking station will allow you to listen to your audio library while providing you with a fog free mirror, light, AM/FM radio, built in stereo amplifier with a speaker. Plus it has a pullout stand for use outside the shower.

 

The dock is a bit on the large size, measuring in at 8"X 2"x10", but is easily mounted on the wall or from a hanging strap. It's powered by 4 AA batteries.

The two problems with using desktop technology in a laptop is heat and power. With the promise of improved battery life and more compact designs, Intel's Centrino should be helpful and capable for musicians needing mobility and powerful performance. In the past, Apple's Powerbooks have done much better than their Intel and AMD counterparts when it comes to music and audio software because G3 and G4 processors ran cooler than Pentium III or IV chips and required less power. Plus, the Powerbooks have had a longer battery life than Intel's battery.

Early last year rumors surfaced about Apple possibly expanding the iPod family further by adding a model that incorporated Bluetooth technology.

Now, these same rumors have now came back into focus. This is because of a UK retailer who was recently quoted as saying, 'Over the weekend, Apple has been adding the finishing touches'.

Is Apple merely days away from officially revealing a Bluetooth iPod?


A Bluetooth-capable iPod could take advantage of existing wireless headphone products, broadcasting your music very easily through car stereos or even potentially, streaming video. This could be Apple's first stab at a product that uses the new ultrawideband Bluetooth standard we talked about here.

You can find a link to the full article just below.

The recording industry is pressuring Apple to up their iTunes prices from their original $0.99 a song. Since iTunes launched, Apple has sold more than 1 billion songs and the recording industry wants a bigger payout from that (especially since iTunes has around 4/5th market share for online music downloads).

Would this move push more people to change back to illegal downloads? Only time will tell.

Here, we gave you guys a backgrounder on the long-running dispute between the music company named Apple Corps and Apple Computer.

The current case kicked off just a few hours ago at the London High Court.  In his opening statement, Apple Corps counsel Geoffrey Vos declared that Apple Computer could go into the recorded music business in any way - but they couldn't do so using the Apple trademark, as that would run counter to the agreement they both entered into back in 1991. 

Vos went to some lengths to prove that Apple Computer is indeed guilty of breaching the agreement.  He demonstrated how the iTunes software worked for the presiding judge, played a TV ad featuring Coldplay that clearly displayed the Apple logo, and said that what he showed is clear evidence that Apple Computer's logo is intimately associated with the process of purchasing a song from iTunes.

Apple Computer's own legal counsels will be giving their own opening statements later today. Check back with us for more updates.

As the popularity of Apple's iPod rises, so does volume level. Apple has come up with a solution especially for all the parents out there who are worries about there kids hearing.

You can now download a free maximum volume control for your iPod nano or fifth-generetion iPod. The download allows users to set maximum volume limits while listening to your favorite tunes. It also allows parents to set the volume limit and lock it with a combination code (sorry kids).