News: Apple updates Remote for iPhone, iPod touch to 1.3.3
Apple has released Remote 1.3.3, the latest update to its remote control application for the iPhone and iPod touch. Remote allows iPhone and iPod touch users to access and control their iTunes installations or Apple TVs directly from their devices, doubling as a keyboard and touchpad navigator for the latter. According to Apple’s release notes, Remote 1.3.3 provides bug fixes, as well as the previously added compatibility with iTunes 9 and Apple…

First Looks: Aiaiai Tracks Headphone with Mic
Following up on its earlier Pipe earphones, Danish design house Aiaiai has worked with Kilo Design to develop Tracks ($TBD), a stylish pair of 40mm driver-equipped padded earpieces connected to a fully metal headband using your choice of one of three colors of slider joints. An in-line microphone and single-button remote are included, as is a simple carrying bag. Delayed from a planned August release, Tracks appears set to appear in stores soon....

First Looks: XGear Octane External Battery + Mobile Charger for iPod and iPhone
As another of the mobile battery pack options for iPhone (and iPod) users, XGear's Octane ($70) is distinctive largely in that it integrates a USB charging cord into its rear shell, and is capable of recharging the battery while serving as a charging dock for the connected device. It arrived for testing with its front glossy black surface pre-scuffed, and promises to recharge an iPhone 3G model's battery once, and ships with a Dock Connector cap....

News: Handbrake version 0.9.4 adds 64-bit support
Popular open-source DVD to MPEG-4 converter Handbrake has been updated to version 0.9.4. The new version offers a host of improvements, including speed, size, and quality improvements taken from the x264 project, support for 64-bit and parallel builds for added speed improvements on 64-bit capable machines, support for soft subtitles, a live preview feature, better input support, constant quality encoding which varies size to meet a given quality…

News: NewerTech rolls out Charge and Sync+ battery
Newer Technology has introduced its new Charge & Sync+ portable battery for the iPod, iPhone, and other USB devices. The Charge & Sync+ packs a 1400mAh battery inside its white chassis, and can also function as an AC charger for connected devices. Features include battery and power status lights, three included interchangeable cables, one for Dock Connector devices, one for mini-USB, and one for micro-USB, and the ability to allow a connected…