Essential Tech have released the iUSB, which allows you to connect your iPod Shuffle to a USB port without without having to use the Shuffle 2G Dock.

It allows for song transfer and charging and is compatible with both Mac and PC, which is excellent aswell to plug straight into a laptop while travelling. The iUSB also comes with a convenient lanyard loop on the side so you can attach it to backpack or laptop case.

The iUSb is available from iPod Accessory retailer Easyishop for only £5.99.

Buffalo have launched a USB Mouse, which resembles the iPod. 8mm thin and includes a iPod style scrollwheel in place of your wheel. The scrollwheel rotates to control a window’s vertical scroll bar, but pressing the left or right edges scrolls horizontally in that direction and includes a retractable USB cable.

Nvidia has beat Broadcom to the contract to supply multimedia chips for the next iPod video which is expected next year. “Based on our analysis, we believe Nvidia is designed into the next-generation vPod socket at the expense of Broadcom,” said American Technology Research analyst Satya Chillara. “We believe the Nvidia chip adds 3D graphics functionality in addition to all of the existing features (such as H.264) that Broadcom supported with the existing vPod.” Apple’s current fifth-generation (video) iPod uses an audio chip from PortalPlayer and a multimedia chip from Broadcom. Apple’s “true” video iPod is rumored to be delayed until the first half of 2007.

While cases and clips for iPod s may be a dime a dozen, bags designed to hold the plethora of accessories that many carry with their iPod s have been a bit thin on the ground – not so, any longer.

The iSnug accessory case is a small, convenient and cushioned bag made by Handstands to keep cables, the iPod power brick and any of the host of other accessories that iPod users tend to lug around.

Padded with EVA foam and featuring pockets and holders that will fit most accessories, the iSnug will appeal to many travelling iPod cognoscenti.

Jade Hansen, Handstands iPod product manager said: “The best part of the iSnug Accessory Case is the simplicity and durability.

“iPod users will also like the fact that they can store their ipod accessories separately, and only take them when they need them…This [iSnug Accessory Case] is perfect for just tossing into a suitcase or back pack, and allows users to not be concerned with damaging their iPod accessories.”

Retailing at about £16, the iSnug is available online.

Founded in 1983, as one of the first companies to manufacture and sell mouse pads, Handstands has now developed into a company makes and sells a range of products, from computer accessories to sporting and automotive accessories.

Business week is reporting that some users are starting to leave their iPods at home in favour of their MP3 phone. It comments that with the rise in storage on phones that people are choosing to leave the iPod at home and take their phone. I feel this could be a small threat to Apple’s iPod but not for a while as the storage on phones is around 100 songs at the moment. Coupled with fact that users upgrade their phone every year they do not do this with their iPod.

Apple have decided that following the success of live music in its UK stores they would follow up in the US with a similar idea. Alien Ant Farm will be performing at the Apple retail store in Santa Monica on July 20th. Also Indie band The 88 will be live at Apples Grove store in LA on july 21st. There is a chance that this will be available to download to iPod via itunes.

www.blog.easyipod.co.uk has details on what could be the new MP3 player expected from Microsoft to rival the Apple iPod. With a very similar design to the iPod it has a similar wheel. The main thing Microsoft would need to get right is the way the software and the device work together.

Apple plans to use an iPod mini-like aluminum casing on the next generation iPod nano, according a report by AppleInsider. In an effort to cut down on scratching, Apple has been “experimenting with aluminum anodized enclosures similar to those used in the company’s iPod mini,” the site claims. Apple has reportedly “committed to the transition away from the nano’s polycarbonate-coated shell and towards aluminum enclosures.” AppleInsider says the new casing is expected to debut in “color variations similar to those used with the iPod mini.”

A Texas man who admitted to storing illegal images and videos of children on his iPod has been sentenced to 40 years in prison. The state’s Attorney General office said this was the first case it investigated in which an iPod was used to store child pornography.