iPod iTunes Zone

Apple has just released the latest version of its iPod Reset Utility, an emergency tool which completely reverts iPods when the normal iTunes option refuses to work. The utility should not be used lightly, as it will erase all music and other data on an iPod, and install the very latest iPod firmware. The v1.0.3 update expands support, including reset options for both first- and second-generation iPod shuffles. The Mac version is a 3.6MB download, and requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later; the Windows software is 4.9MB, and requires either Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4, or XP with Service Pack 2.

source: ipodnn.com

Apple has announced that in the first four days following the release of the beta iPhone SDK, over 100,000 downloads have been processed through the Apple Developer Connection, to which people must officially belong before they can use the software. “Developer reaction to the iPhone SDK has been incredible with more than 100,000 downloads in the first four days,” reads a statement by Apple’s senior VP of Worldwide Product Marketing, Philip Schiller. “Also, over one million people have watched the launch video on Apple.com, further demonstrating the incredible interest developers have in creating applications for the iPhone.”Apple has also let slip the names of some more companies planning iPhone software. These include Intuit, the makers of Quickbooks; NetSuite, who plan to upgrade SuitePhone; and Six Apart, who are developing a native iPhone application for TypePad. Apple has also revealed that PopCap is porting games such as Bejeweled, Zuma and Peggle to the iPhone platform, while Namco is bringing updated versions of Pac-Man and Galaga.

source: ipodnn.com

Apple has officially announced the grand opening of its newest retail store in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Thursday, March 6th. A media event begins at 9:00 a.m. CST, and the store will officially open to the public at 10:00 a.m. The Apple Store in the Mall of Louisiana at 6401 Bluebonnet Boulevard offers all the standard amenities customers expect, like personal training through the company’s One to One program and face-to-face support via a Genius Bar.Apple opened its 14th UK-based retail store in Milton Keynes on Saturday, while a new store in Sydney Australia is entering the final stages of construction. That store is expected to open around the first week of April. Apple is also planning to open four new stores in Europe, branching out with retail outlets in Monaco, Zurich, Geneva, and Ireland. Apple posted job listings for three of those stores, but refrained from specifying opening dates or exact locations. The fourth outlet will serve as Apple’s first store in Northern Ireland, located on the upper floor of the new Victoria Square shopping center in Belfast. That store is scheduled to open March 6th.

source: ipodnn.com

UK-based Solar Technology today unveiled the Freeloader 8.0, a portable solar charger with a built-in battery, designed for the iPod and several other electronic devices. The Freeloader comes in silver and pink, and features two small sold-away solar panels that can charge the internal battery within 5 hours, supplying up to 18 hours of power for the iPod. Solar Technology is selling the Freeloader 8.0 for £30 (~$60 USD); as of now, it is available only in the UK. In addition to charging the iPod, the Freeloader comes with several adapters for Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, and LG phones. Nintendo DS Lite and PSP users will also be able to use the charger, and it includes several generic USB connections for other devices that can charge through USB. Solar Technology also sells the enlarged Supercharger solar panels that reduce the Freeloader’s charge time by 50-percent, which it sells for £20 (~$40).

source: macnn.com