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Apple has posted a list of FAQs to cover most of the frequently asked questions about the iPod games. As you probably already knew, you need a 5G iPod or later to take advantage of the $4.99 games. Apple has developed the Vortex and Texas Hold'em games in-house. Other games like Zuma, Tetris, and so on are created by third-party companies.

Apple has to be loving the way iTunes growth chart is looking. Website Optimization.com is reporting iTunes grew by 47.5% in 2006. This growth rate crushed other media players that failed to post double digit increases. At the current rate of growth iTunes should surpass RealPlayer by Mid 2007.

Microsofts Windows Media player has slowed to a slow growth of 2%, but still remains the leader for now.   Full Story

Episode 77 we review the NanoMonster iPod case in this video episode. This case fits into the novelty/kids area of the market. They are cool little character style cases that feature a clip that allows you to connect them to backpacks, belts or keychains. Currently available for the iPod nano there are eight different characters available. They hold the Nano well and offer pretty good protection. The iPod slides in from the top and has opening on the bottom for headphones. I like the set yourself apart style of these cases and my kids absolutely love them. I think that the love children had for these speaks for itself. They even played with them without an iPod.  I believe there will be an iPod video version of these cases coming soon also.
 

Episode 76 we review the Nano leather flipcase from RhinoSkin in this video episode. There are four colors available for this case. (Black, Tan, White & Pink) I think the case design is just average and has been done by many vendors. Rhinoskin does use a nice quality of leather to build these cases, which produces a case that looks and feels good. The front cover opens by flipping it open and locks into place with a magnetic closure. There is a card slot inside the case to allow your to carry cards or other thin items. Item is available in one size, that accomodates all of the Nano players.
 

Episode 75 we review the Macbook Hardcase from RhinoSkin in this video episode. This is my first time reviewing a case like this. It's really a hybrid design that is part case and part bag. The case is made from hard ABS plastic and will easily stand up to everyday abuse that your Macbook would take. The case is held shut but two durable latches on the front that easily open to allow you to use the unit without needing to remove from the case. There are flip down access doors on each side that allow you to use the ports on left side and the optical drive on the right. The Apple logo is visable through the case via a small clear window. The bottom of the case has vented openings to allow for air circulation and prevent the Macbook from heating up. There are four rubber feet on the bottom which provide a solid footing and also act as the connection for shoulder straps to lock into. There are two straps that snap into the feet on the bottom of the case and allow you to use the case as a backpack or a messenger style case.

Episode 74 we review the Performance T-Shirt from ScotteVest (SeV) in this video episode. This is my first time reviewing a piece of Technology enabled clothing (TEC) as promoted by Scottevest. I was very surprised when the shirt arrived, it was well made, descrete and very comfortable to wear. I am reviewing the 1 pocket version in Black material, there is also a 3 pocket version of this shirt available in several colors. The pocket was located up by my left shoulder and offers a zipper to secure in any items. The pocket has ample room for ipods, mp3 players and smartphones. I even use it to stash some cash when I'm out and dont want to carry a wallet.  What is called a personal area network amounts to a design that allows you to feed the headphone cable through an opening on the inside of the shirt pocket and allows you to bring the cable up and out the neck opening. This allows for easy access and you do not have the wires all over the place. It is really a clean look when used.

Episode 73 we review the AluminumV2 iPod video case from PodsPlus in this video episode. The case is made from aluminum not unlike several other cases on the market, this case is seperated by one additional featrue. The clickwheel is protected by a silicone cover that is built into the case, this allows for additional protection without loose usability. Available color choices are black metal with 4 color choices on the wheel cover or a silver case with black wheel cover.  A built in durable clear screen protector is there to keep you from damaging the iPod's display. Overall the case is very tought and with added protection I would place this one infront of the other metal cases on the market. Other accessories included are the removable belt clip and lanyard cable.

Episode 72 we review the Trail Vue iPod video case from Marware in this video episode. The Trail Vue case offers a durable and urban style case with a inter-changable bungee system that allows you to customize the look of the case. The bungees offer 5 color choices and are easy to switch out. The case offers good protection and is a flip front style of the case. There is screen protection via the built in plastic covering. With the cut outs for headphones and docking port you can use the iPod with much need for removing it from the case.

Episode 71 we review the Marware SideWinder iPod video case in this video episode.  Overall case design is on the talk side of things. The case is a little bulky but not too big. If you are looking for a really tough case and don't like the armor cases. This will be a good option for you. The case is made from durable plastic and includes screen protection, belt clip, desk stand and heaphone cord winder. The case also stands up nice on your desk to watch video with the built in leg. The sidewinder feature of the case has a slide out drawer that allows you to wrap cables around to cut down on the mess cable cause. I like the fresh design of this case compared to the typical aluminum ones for this market segment.

Episode 70 we review the Rhinoskin leather iPod video case in this video episode. There are two colors available for this case. (Black & Pink) I think the case design is just average and has been done by many vendors. Rhinoskin does use a nice quality of leather to build these cases, which produces a case that looks and feels good. The front cover opens by flipping it open and locks into place with a magnetic closure. There are a couple of card slots inside the case to allow your to carry cards or other thin items. Item is available in two sizes, one that accomodates the 30gb and one for 60/80Gb iPod Video players.
 

Episode 69 we review the Waterfield iPod Gear Pouch in this video segment. This case was designed to fit all iPods and additional accessories. It offers several compartments with seperate holders to keep cables, charger, earbuds and your iPod safe and organized. The inside of the case is made from very soft padded material and feels almost like your favorite pair of pajamas. The compartments keep the items seperate and tangle free. This case worked great for keeping all of my accessories and cables in once place while traveling and even when storing at home.

Episode 68 we review the Waterfield Speaker case in this video segment. This case was designed to fit speakers from several vendors. It offers several compartments with seperate holders to keep cables, charger, earbuds and your iPod safe and organized. The inside of the case is made from very soft padded material and feels almost like your favorite pair of pajamas. The compartments keep the items seperate and tangle free. This case worked great for keeping all of my accessories and cables in once place while traveling and even when storing at home.

Episode 67 we review the new games for Apple iPod w/video in this video segment. I downloaded a couple of the new games relased for iPods. There are several popular titles available with more sure to be coming soon. There is also talk about a software development kit that might be coming to allow others to create games for iPods. I thought both games looked great and were a little harder to get the controls mastered at first. But once you get the hang of it they are sure to provide hours of fun.
 

Episode 65 we review the iPod Nano silicone case from iFrogz. There are endless silicone iPod cases available on the market currently. Most of the companies keep turning out basic cases focused on the cheap side of the market. iFrogz has created a line of cases that offers a large selction of color choices matched with awesome customization at an affordable price point. This case offers screen and clickwheel protection.

 Episode 22 we review the 5G Video iPod Case from iSkin in this video segment. The iSkin EVO3 iPod Video case is available in six colors (Blush Pink, Arctic Clear, Sonic Blue, Eclipse Black, Blaze Red and Atomic Green). A clear hard plastic screen protector called the VISOR protects the front of the iPod. The Visor floats just above the iPod's front in between two layers of the silicone case.  The EVO3 also features the Revo2 belt clip which has been redesigned to be stronger than previous versions. The belt clip is rotable and will lock into several different spots. The revo2 clip can be removed from the case that allows a flat back for users that do not need a belt clip. The click wheel is covered by a thin layer of silicone that protects the wheel from scratches, moisture and dust. The wheel is still fully usable with the covering. The hold switch is also covered by silicone, but is designed to allow the switch to still function. iSkin has also included their docking port connection cover on the EVO3 case like previous versions. This is a flip open piece of the case that keeps the docking port on the bottom of the iPod clean and is easily opened for cable connections.