Contrary to a study presented last May, a new U.S. Food and Drug Administration study shows that iPods, and other portable media players, are unlikely to cause cardiac implantable pacemakers to malfunction. FDA researcher Howard Bassen and colleagues tested a variety of iPods, and found they did not produce enough of an electromagnetic field to interfere with installed pacemakers. The researchers used a saline-filled bag to simulate the human body, a coil sensor to pick up electromagnetic emissions, and tested four different iPod models: both a fourth- and fifth-generation iPod, an iPod nano, and an iPod shuffle. “We measured magnetic field emissions with a 3-coil sensor placed within 1 cm (half an inch) of the surface of the player. Highly localized fields were observed (only existing in a one square cm area),” the researchers wrote in a report published in the journal BioMedical Engineering OnLine. “Based on the observations of our in-vitro study we conclude that no interference effects can occur in pacemakers exposed to the iPods we tested.”

Tunewear has introduced its new line of Tuneshell hard polycarbonate cases for the iPod touch, iPod classic, and iPod nano (with video). The three models of Tuneshell for iPod nano — Tuneshell, Tuneshell Mirror, and Tuneshell BlackBack — all feature full screen protection, while allowing open access to all ports and controls. The previously announced Tuneshell for iPod nano is made from clear polycarbonate, and includes a lanyard. Tuneshell Mirror features a mirrored front and a matte finished black back plate with built-in clip; Tuneshell BlackBack features the same clip-enabled back, while offering a clear face. Tuneshell for iPod touch is made from clear polycarbonate, offers full access to all ports and controls, including the touch screen, and features holes on the back for attachment of a user-supplied lanyard. Finally, the Tuneshell for iPod classic is available in two sizes to fit both 80GB and 160GB models, is made from clear polycarbonate, and offers built-in screen protection and open access to all ports and controls. Tuneshell for iPod touch, iPod classic, and Tuneshell BlackBack for iPod nano all sell for $25. The standard Tuneshell for iPod nano sells for $20, while Tuneshell Mirror sells for $26. All five cases are available now.

With over 3,000 votes counted, our most recent poll-"Are iPod touch's 5 new apps worth $20?"-is now closed. Though the results changed a little from day to day, the proportion of voters saying "yes" and "no" stayed close during the last two weeks, with 40% of responding readers voting yes, and 60% of readers saying no. Interestingly, users who actually own iPod touches were somewhat more likely to say "no" to the question, while "yes" responses were even between owners and non-owners. Thanks for your vote!

In a recent research note, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster said he believes Apple is working on more internet-enabled iPods in an effort to move the brand beyond the portable music player market. “We believe that the iPod touch is the first of several Internet-connected iPods that Apple is currently developing,” Munster said in the note. “With 70% market share, we believe Apple is in the driver’s seat in terms of transforming the portable music market into a portable computing market.” Munster’s comments in some ways reflect those made by Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer during the company’s first quarter results conference call, in which the exec described the iPod touch as “the first mainstream Wi-Fi mobile platform.” Munster also reiterated his buy rating and $250 price target on shares of Apple’s stock (AAPL).

With over 3,000 votes counted, our most recent poll-"Are iPod touch's 5 new apps worth $20?"-is now closed. Though the results changed a little from day to day, the proportion of voters saying "yes" and "no" stayed close during the last two weeks, with 40% of responding readers voting yes, and 60% of readers saying no. Interestingly, users who actually own iPod touches were somewhat more likely to say "no" to the question, while "yes" responses were even between owners and non-owners. Thanks for your vote!

In a recent research note, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster said he believes Apple is working on more internet-enabled iPods in an effort to move the brand beyond the portable music player market. “We believe that the iPod touch is the first of several Internet-connected iPods that Apple is currently developing,” Munster said in the note. “With 70% market share, we believe Apple is in the driver’s seat in terms of transforming the portable music market into a portable computing market.” Munster’s comments in some ways reflect those made by Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer during the company’s first quarter results conference call, in which the exec described the iPod touch as “the first mainstream Wi-Fi mobile platform.” Munster also reiterated his buy rating and $250 price target on shares of Apple’s stock (AAPL).

Anticipation is growing for developers awaiting Apple's software development kit for the iPhone and iPod touch, a new report suggests. The SDK, promised to be released sometime in February by Apple CEO Steve Jobs, will allow third-party developers to develop native applications for the touch screen devices. In the meantime, many developers are left wondering how Apple will handle the implementation, installation, and distribution of the applications. "We definitely want the SDK," says Christopher Allen, who runs online developer community iPhoneWebDev. "But the real questions are, ‘How is it going to integrate with iTunes? Are we going to be able to get paid? If so, how much?' "

PumpOne, producers of personal training programs for the iPod, has launched Pump10, a new exercise video site designed specifically for use on the iPhone or iPod touch. Pump10 offers users weekly 10-minute video workouts, fitness tips, and personal training advice. “We designed Pump10 workouts to help iPhone users get in shape, 10 minutes at a time,” said PumpOne exercise physiologist Declan Condron. “The iPhone’s fantastic portability and access to rich internet content anywhere and anytime means there are no excuses for not getting into better shape in the new year.” Pump10 is a free service and is accessible by visiting Pump10.com from any iPhone or iPod touch.

Following Apple's release of the latest software for iPod classic, version 1.1, some users are reporting that the device now emits pulses of electrical current through its bottom line-out audio pins when it is turned off. According to a series of reports on the Head-Fi audio forums, in which users frequently connect high-end headphones to their iPods using bottom-connecting amplifier accessories, static-like noises and distortion can be heard from the turned-off iPod classic, resulting from what user Nine from Littleton, Colorado reports as "~.5v of DC on the line out whenever the iPod is off."

iLive has introduced its new iT188B sound bar-style speaker system for iPod. The iT188B features a remote-controlled, motorized iPod Dock, dual built-in subwoofers, auxiliary input, dual A/V inputs, video output, an AM/FM Radio, a built-in clock, and a full-function remote with iPod controls. "We worked very hard to bring the very best quality sound and functionality with this product," said Bill Fetter, CEO of DPI, Inc. The iLive iT188B will be available in April for $100 at major retailers including Wal-Mart, Sears, and Target.