Gold-plated iPods signed by Lampard to be remade as Hello Kitty iPods

Well, the fact that the English lost out pretty early on their FIFA 2010 World Cup campaign hasn’t gone down too well with the people, and so, they seem to be avoiding any products endorsed by soccer players as well. The latest casualty is the 24-carat iPod Touch by Goldgenie that spots Lampard’s signature on the back. 5000 of the exclusive gold-plated iPods, priced at £599 apiece have flopped miserably with little or no buyers.

Microsoft Zune HD

It’s delusional to think the iPod (with 73 percent market share) can be toppled by another portable player. But you have to root for companies that try; innovative competition keeps products fresh and affordable. Microsoft has poured hundreds of millions into developing impressive players. Its latest is the Zune HD, a 3.3- inch touchscreen audio and video player available in 16GB and 32GB flavors. With brand-new touches like HD radio, wireless syncing and a powerful processor, the Zune is trying hard to get your attention. Even if you don’t bite, the competition should ensure that the next generation of your preferred device gets more than a spit shine. $290, www.microsoft.com

Swap your songs between iPods

One of the biggest problems that people have with iPods is that is extremely difficult to share your files, especially without getting a computer involved. That is of course until now. Want the latest album from your buddy iPod? Simply connect both iPods to the miShare unit, press the button and you are all set. It’s kind of like swapping football cards in the playground, just much cooler.

Providing that your files are not DRM protected, everything from movies to photos to songs can be transferred. There is however one downside – for now the unit does not work with the iPhone or iPod touch, although a firmware update is being looked in to.