Playboy's free come-on turns iPod into iBod

The adult entertainment icon has posted a download called "iBod" on its Web site that delivers pictures for viewing on Apple Computer's new iPod photo device.

The free gallery consists of 25 PG-rated images sized for the iPod photo's display. Digital content with nude pictures is available on Playboy's subscription site Playboy Cyber Club.

A Playboy representative described the download as a soft launch for services that will target a variety of portable devices capable of displaying photos. A formal launch is planned for January, but the company figured many iPod photo devices would be given out for the holidays and made the feature available now.

"We aimed at the iPod first because its owners know how to download images," said Rob Walton, entertainment senior editor for Playboy.com. The feature is meant in part to show Playboy.com visitors how to download Playboy content onto a portable device, according to Walton.

Playboy has been active in signing deals to make its content available on portable devices, such as cell phones. Earlier this month, Playboy inked an agreement with Dwango Wireless to develop and deliver Playboy-themed games, images, video clips, voice clips and ring tones for cell phones.

The photo iPod is Apple's latest portable player device allowing owners to display digital images, as well as play digital audio files and store other data.

In its promotion, Playboy called the iPod photo this year's "must-have geek gadget."

"Now you can view individual images or entire slide shows in the palm of your hand, at the tap of a button, to beautify your dull commute or just to pass the time in the lecture hall," the company said