Bling's Podmaxx takes on iTunes

Software allows users to buy iPod music anywhere.

US developer Bling Software took a swipe at Apple this week with the launch of a software application aimed at giving iTunes a run for its money.

Podmaxx '07 allows users to buy iPod music anywhere and transfer it to their device.

Users can also copy music and playlists from any iPod to their PC, create free ring-tones from any music file in their collection, transfer any DVD to their iPod and burn music to CD directly from an iPod.

The application also supports turning the iPod into a portable hard drive allowing users to back-up valuable data, synchronise email and contacts including Outlook and view internet content.

Bling Software director Lyn Bel said that, while 2006 was another banner year for iTunes, many other online music retailers have sprung up to compete with Apple.

"Apple designed the iPod/iTunes experience in a 'walled garden' format funnelling users to their iTunes store to buy their music and making it difficult to buy music elsewhere," she said.

"Podmaxx '07 offers a real solution to this problem by enabling iPod owners to buy music anywhere they like.

"TV networks have quickly agreed to offer new and classic shows for the first time. Downloads are great for new releases but, if users already have DVD movies they want on their iPod, Podmaxx '07 will copy it perfectly every time."