“However fair you think that is, it seems Microsoft may be set to imitate Apple with its next iteration of the Zune HD portable music player. According to ZDNet, the new XNA 4.0 game development platform for Windows Phone 7 Series mobiles, which has already produced promising results, will not be compatible with the original Zune HD.

Developers using XNA 3.1 will still be able to make games for the Zune HD, but Microsoft is encouraging them to port their titles to Windows 7.

On top of this, ZDNet has heard on the grapevine that Microsoft is currently working on a Zune HD2, which will basically be what an iPod touch is to an iPhone – a non-telecommunications device that has more or less the same guts as its phone counterpart. It may be available later this year.”

Coming from Pocket Gamer, what I’d like to take from this part of their blog post is the following. Whatever Microsoft produces I’m sure it will be good, but it will never match up to Apple’s iPod Touch. Also they mentioned something about Steve Jobs and appearing in the Microsoft advert saying “I’m Steve Jobs and Windows 7 was my idea”. We all know this wouldn’t happen, as it is a joke but what the heck is up with this whole Windows idea?

Share your opinions through the comment box below. I’d love to hear your opinion about the topic at hand.

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The MP3 converter software allows you to change bitrates so you can
compress your standard MP3 files, allowing you to fit more onto your iPod / MP3 player. The OGG converter and AAC converter allows you to convert all your music formats to AAC / OGG and vice versa. The WMA converter enables you to convert your protected WMA files to OG.

It’s the kind of application that comes in very handy if you need to convert a file quickly and can’t do it in iTunes. Previously we covered how to convert video for iPods.

Well, we could engage in a frightfully deep conversation about the final iPhone spec, possible apps that will be on the phone and whatever iPhone accessories will be launched alongside it. I think that’s probably going to be the best way possible to stay sane while we wait it out for the release date.

I for one already have a savings tin collecting pennies to put towards it.

• Integrated power supply
• 6 D-size batteries
• Speakers: 2 x 80mm wide-range speakers
• Bass: 1 x 130mm dual voice coil woofer
• Ported bass reflex design
• Universal iPod dock connector
• Integrated handles
• Sealed resin enclosure
• Rear auxiliary input for iPod shuffle
• Can be controlled using the Apple Remote
• Price: $349

iPod support for the iPod Hi-Fi isn’t lacking either. Apple have released an iPod update that puts a speaker icon in the menu. Selecting this starts to play back music, then makes the screen go black and display album art.

Looking forward to this one!

The new cases do not have access to the screen and controls, presumably to offer better protection. They are only available in black.

Apple will offer the new cases priced at $99 each and will start shipping them to customers in mid-March.

New Mac mini

• Same form factor
• Single (Intel Core Solo) and dual chip (Intel Core Duo) versions
• 4 USB 2.0 ports
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Analog audio output
• SPDIF audio output
• Front Row built in with support for shared music, photo and video libraries
• Can stream iTunes TV shows
• Infrared port on front beside disc drive
• Apple Remote included
• From $599

When you see the military integrating the iPod in such a large scale you really have to stand back and ask, just what would be able to knock iPod off the top roster?

There’s no denying that these are a statement – they’re big and bold. Put it this way, you’ll be seen wearing these. But considering that your precious iPod is attached rather visibly to the side of your head, would you really want to make it that easy for a thief to knab it? Moving on, it’s available now priced at $49 / £40.

Starbucks already sell a range of funky-jazzy-coffee-music CDs that get airtime in the shop, but they currently don’t offer music downloads. But all that may change with a deal where customers can fill-up with coffee and music.

“A lot of our customers are asking for device fill-up, and going forward we’ll do that,” said Ken Lombard, president of Starbucks Entertainment, at the Midem music industry conference in Cannes.

Right now there is no definite link between Apple and Starbucks, but both companies have such popular products and complimenting demographics that any affiliation would certainly benefit both – and all those Starbuckers out there!