Stories by: Peter Cohen

Quark this week released QuarkXPress 7.31, an update for its desktop publishing software for the Macintosh and Windows. QuarkXPress 7.31 is a free update for QuarkXPress 7 users.

PayPlay takes stand against DRM

Logitech has introduced its new mm50 portable speakers for Apple's iPod. The Speakers feature a built-in rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery and a wireless remote control. When connected to an AC power source, the mm50 can simultaneously charge its own battery and the iPod's -- it supports any iPod model that features a dock connector (that includes third and fourth-generation iPods and all iPod minis). Available in September, the Logitech mm50 will cost US$149.99.

Market research firm In-Stat said the market for hard drive and flash-based digital music players reached US$4.5 billion in 2005, a 200 percent increase over 2003. The company also said that Apple is the leader in worldwide portable audio players, with an estimated 30.2 percent of the combined market.

FastMac on Monday announced the availability of a battery replacement for Apple's first, second and third-generation iPods that features 70 percent more capacity than the original and up to 7.5 times more charge cycles. The battery comes with a two-year warranty and 30-day money back guarantee.

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) on Thursday announced they're now shipping black and silver versions of their TransPod Direct, a device that lets you charge your Apple iPod or iPod mini while driving and listen to the device's music using a line-out signal instead of FM transmission or a headphone jack connector. The TransPod Direct costs US$69.95 and is available through Everything iPod.

Digital Mind Corp. on Wednesday announced the release of its DMC 8280, a digital music player compatible with Macs and PCs. The USB 2.0-based device features a 30GB hard disk drive and built-in FM transmitter, enabling its music to be heard on a car stereo without requiring an external adapter. It costs US$299. A 20GB version is also available for $249.

Bains Software on Thursday released accessTunes, billed as "always-on music sharing via iTunes and the Web." The software enables you to start sharing your iTunes Music Library as soon as you turn on your computer, and makes the music available on the local network through iTunes, or from anywhere on the internet via a Web interface.

Apple Computer Inc. has quietly removed a feature of its online iPod Store -- a ratings system that arbitrarily gave any Apple-branded product an instant '5 Apple' rating. Apple's iPod Store is an extension of the company's online retailing efforts. The store lets iPod buyers purchase new iPod models and a variety of third-party accessories, gift certificates for use on the iTunes Music Store, as well as Apple's extended "AppleCare" warranty coverage.

Some may have thought Apple Computer's iPod Socks, first show at Apple's special event in San Jose, Calif. in October, were an elaborate joke. If so, the joke's on them, because iPod Socks are now available for pre-order from the Apple Store for US$29. Apple plans to ship the iPod holders in early December. iPod Socks ship six to a box, and come in hues including green, purple, grey, blue, orange and pink. The knit holders fit all iPod models, according to Apple.

After hinting around for the last several days, Blizzard Entertainment today came clean with details about its forthcoming expansion pack for Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos. Entitled Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne, the new expansion pack will, in the tradition of past Blizzard add-ons, augment both the single and multiplayer experience.