Digital World Insider: iPod and iTunes Entertainment Extras

If you've been thinking about losing the gawky tape recorder and using your iPod as a digital recording device, Belkin's new TuneTalk Stereo might be the incentive you need. TuneTalk Stereo plugs into any video iPod and can record interviews, lectures, podcast fodder, etc., in full stereo. It features two omnidirectional mics, a 3.5mm stereo input jack (for recording with an external microphone), and a stand so you can carefully position your 'Pod. TuneTalk Stereo will be available in June for $70.

Belkin's TuneStage is a great idea. Connect a wireless receiver to your stereo, plug a Bluetooth transmitter on your iPod, and you've connected your portable music collection to your sound system with a minimum of clutter.

Today Belkin announced that it's extending that great idea; the $179 TuneStage for iPod Nano appears to be identical to its older sibling (which means it should also work with Bluetooth headsets and be just as easy to set up), but as the name indicates, it works with the tinier iPod. The new TuneStage will be available in July.

One thing that annoys me about the video iPod is the fact that I have to hold it in order to attain the perfect angle for watching all those darkLostscenes. Pacific Design understands what a pain that is, so it's created the GrandStand case , a case that can stand on its own. Fold back the front flap, and snap it to a second flap that folds underneath, and your iPod will be propped up for hands-free viewing. It also includes a screen protector made from material used in the aerospace industry; the material is supposed to lie smoothly over the screen and reduce glare. The case comes in five colors and will set ya back about $40.

A few weeks ago Tokyo Anime Insider dropped a nice little bomb in one of their video podcasts, yet somehow no one noticed: Toei Animation , one of Japan's oldest animation studios still in existence is in talks with Apple to distribute anime from its catalog via iTunes.

There's currently no word on what titles they're considering releasing, or even if non-Japanese consumers will be able to access them. But a glance through their catalog still makes me jittery with anticipation. Several Toei titles are already distributed in North America, such asDragon Ball,Digimon, andSailor Moon; but there are plenty of other classic/fascinating/geeky/just plain weird titles that I'd love to see, likeKen, the Wild Boy,Cutey Honey, and--crossing fingers!--the delightfully bizarreBoBoBo-Bo Bo-BoBo.

Prime-Time CBS Shows Now on iTunes: Network announces that it will be making current prime-time shows likeSurvivorandCSIavailable on the Apple file distribution outlet.

iPod Video Goggles: The MyVu personal media viewer hooks up to your iPod's headphone port and simulates the feel of watching video on a 27-inch TV.

DLO's Spiffy Leather iPod Case: The black-and-red case, designed for Apple's U2 Special Edition iPod has a flip top, a belt clip, and an inside pocket that works as a miniature wallet.

This column presents a selection of what ourDigital World bloghas to offer. Be sure to visit the blog often to keep up-to-date on the latest high-tech gadgets and cool software.