11/30/2004
Sony Goes another 'round
"Sony President Kunitake Ando said this summer, at the launch of the new Walkman, that he was determined to take the spotlight in the market for portable music players away from iPod." [Via CNet]
Sony takes on iPod with new hard disk Walkman>
AMSTERDAM--Sony unveiled its first MP3-compatible, hard disk Walkman music player on Tuesday in an attempt to recover ground lost to Apple Computer's iPod.
Sony is trying to once again out do the undisputed champ of personal music players (the iPod). It realizes it's proprietary music format (ATRAC) is not catching on as they would like, therefore they have integrated support in the new player (which costs more than a 20gig iPod) for MP3 audio. In turn this will appeal to the much needed audience Sony desperately needs to tap into if they are serious about coming on top in the battle of personal music players.
The device comes in five colors, plays 2.5 times longer on one battery charge than iPod's 12 hours, and can contain 10,000 to 13,000 songs, at least twice as many as an iPod because of Atrac's better compression technology.
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11/29/2004
PocketMac iPod
" How many gadgets do you commonly carry around with you? What if you could consolidate to one device?..well you can!"
[Via extremeiPod.com]
PDA your Pod
If you have ever wanted a utility to turn your iPod into a more functional PDA device for use with calendars, and even email (yes, email), then the PocketMac app is your friend.
Information Appliance Associates, the make of the application, has created this great little app to fill the void Apple has neglected for iPod'rs to seamlessly sync data from programs like Entourage and integrate these data figures into iPods notes features for your PDA pleasures.
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Music industry lashes out at Kazaa trial
"Kazaa is an "engine of copyright piracy to a degree of magnitude never before seen," Tony Bannon, an attorney for the music industry, said during Monday's start of the Australian trial against peer-to-peer software distributor Sharman Networks."
[Via CNet]
The Sh*%t has hit Kazaa
Major record labels Universal Music Australia, EMI, Sony/BMG, and others are suing Kazaa for what they claim is a breeding ground of illegal music swapping all thanks to the software produced by software distributor Sharman Networks.
Sharman Networks says that it is not liable for what its users do with the software and has no intentions of the software being used as a music copyright infringement aid. The company claims that it has developed the software for other means of p2p usage. However, within minutes of a Google search, first three results showed a search for 'Kazaa' listed as "free mp3 downloads". The trial is only scheduled for a three - week time frame, but in all honesty we know it will take much more time than that!
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11/24/2004
The iPod taking effect
"People are dumping there PC's for a better machine!" [Via CNet]
...and the survey sez?
Financial analysis firm Piper Jaffray has concluded that users are switching to Macs from PCs and reflecting Apples success with higher numbers. Appartently the success of the iPod is the inspiration for this new wave of switchers.
These numbers, though small, reflect that people are realizing the quality and good product design of other Apple products like the iMac. Once exposed to Apple products and services like the iTunes Music Store and the iPod, consumers are now looking at other Apple products.
Pricing will remain the biggest factor as it always has with people debating to switch from the PC platform. Macs have, and will probably will always remain higher in up front costs compared to Windows and Linux boxes. However, consumers, such as these polled in the Piper Jaffray survey, are realizing the initial up-front costs of a Mac are well worth it, and that PC's are continuing to cost greater dollars in the long run with constant viruses, spyware and other daily headaches plaguing the average PC user.
More and more, little-by-little people are looking at Apple and there products much like BMW and other similar companies are perceived. That is, they contain only a portion of the overall market, but their products are known for style and quality above others more prominent in the business. That quality and style is what consumers have to consider in the purchasing decisions.
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Is Apple going Galactic?
"If the Mac rumor sites are correct, there may be an asteroid headed straight for San Francisco."
[Via CNet]
What is likely to srping up at the soon-to-come MacWorld Expo?
Rumors and speculation are floating abuzz that Apple is planning a major add-on that will allow music creators/editors the ability to quickly and painlessly plug-in there analog equipment to the Mac.
This could not be a better time and ability for musicians to take advantage of. Overall, the simplicity and incorporation with software like Garageband will enable a larger music-making user group. This will also mean that integration with computer systems in sound engineering and audio recording will only better itself.
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Ice > Link Plus ... connecting iPods to car stereo
"ice>Link Plus is expected to ship on Dec 1, 2004!" [Via Denison USA]
Expandability, and firmware update set to come out next month to Ice > Link iPod accessory
Denison Technologies will shortly release an upgrade to it's Ice > Link stereo connector product. This product enables you to connect your iPod to your car stereo and operate it as if it's a CD changer. The upgrade (aka Ice > Link Plus) will include added support for earlier modeled car stereos like BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Kenwood, Panasonic and Sony.
In addition, a firmware update will be applied to this new and improved product.
Ice>Link Plus comes with a docking cradle for either the 3G/4G iPod or the iPod mini. With prices not specified on Denison’s site at the time of this posting, it leads to believe that this may be an over-priced product competing in an already saturated market for the iPods expandability into the music lover’s car.
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11/23/2004
Solar Powered Pod
"The Solio is a portable charger and battery back-up for the iPod that charges its internal battery from its ergonomically designed solar panels " [Via WEBSITENAME]
Screw the charger...Use the sun!
Runners and travellers will love this item. No more stepping into a dingy diner just to give your pod an extra ten minutes of power for that last 2 miles of jogging. Now, you can charge while you are mobile! It's unknown how strong the solar receptors are as of yet, and I would wait until there are some reviews on the item before I took the solar plunge. The item is going to sell around $100. All iPod accessories, available here.
Screw the charger...Use the sun!
Runners and travellers will love this item. No more stepping into a dingy diner just to give your pod an extra ten minutes of power for that last 2 miles of jogging. Now, you can charge while you are mobile! It's unknown how strong the solar receptors are as of yet, and I would wait until there are some reviews on the item before I took the solar plunge. The item is going to sell around $100. All iPod accessories, available here.
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11/22/2004
JFK Reloaded
"A new video game is being released today in connection with the 41st anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's assassination, but not without controversy.
The objective is to fire three shots at Kennedy's motorcade in Dallas from assassin Lee Harvey Oswald's sixth-floor perch in the Texas School Book Depository, all of which has been digitally re-created." [Via worldnetdaily.com]
Q: Who really killed JFK?
A: You.
What better way to celebrate the assassination of JFK than killing him yourself? Maybe this game wasn't such a good idea after all. Releasing it on the anniversary of his assassination is even more twisted.
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Music industry tests digital-only releases
"As an unsigned band, the Shazam has never gotten the perks enjoyed by acts attached to major record labels."
[Via CNet]
SHAZAM!...there went the CD's.
When the internet can provide endless room for music services such as Apple's iTunes and record labels do not have the money or ability to produce hundreds of millions of CD's for a band that is little known, what do you do? You promote the band for very little risk and promotional costs via the web.
Many music labels and enterprises are simply finding that the web and music services offer not only a wide access gate to new and established artists, but to upcoming and rising bands/artists who really don't have the money in their budgets to distribute millions of CD's to a shrinking CD sales at music vendors shops. This is all tru for Nashville based rock band Shazam. Not only this, but the touring schedule simply used to get the band exposed is very taxing and un-reasonable for a band un-known or with a small following.Universal Music Group is using bands like Shazam for an experiment to test these digital waters and the potential which they may possess.
What labels are realizing is the power of distribution via music services (iTunes, Rhapsody etc..), and the low over-head that is associated with promotions this way.
Also, small and independent artists are flourishing more and more on these Internet based music stores, which opens huge and un-ending possibilities for the music labels that support them.
Fans and music enthusiasts eagerly always want that next album and are just not patient enough when it is available for purchase. Music lovers want the release intsantly, and that is where these music services and marketing campaigns directed for the bands via the web are effective.
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11/21/2004
Amazon iPod Accessories Discount
Buy More, Save More on Apple iPod Accessories
Apple iPod Remote and Earphones
The earbud-style headphones rely on Neodymium transducers, a rare earth magnet that significantly enhances frequency response and overall sound quality -- in fact, five times as powerful as other headphones that use aluminum, cobalt, or ceramic drivers. Price: $45.99
Apple iPod In-Ear Headphones
The iPod In-Ear Headphones have great sound quality and bass response, and come with three different sized caps to ensure the headphones fit comfortably and securely in your ear. Price: $49.84
Apple iPod (V Cable) Dock Connector to FW & USB
Use as an extra iPod Dock Connector to FireWire and USB 2.0 Cable for charging and syncing your iPod to your Mac or Windows PC. Price: $20.99
Apple iPod Dock Kit
Just plug, unplug, and go. The iPod Dock makes charging and syncing easier than ever. A convenient and elegant home base for iPod on a desk or connected to a home stereo system, the dock provides syncing via FireWire or USB 2.0, charging via FireWire and a stereo line out for simple connection to. Price: $44.99
Click here for more discounted items.
Offer Offer valid November 15 through November 27, 2004.
- $50 - Spend $50 on these Apple iPod accessories and get $5 off your purchase using promotional code IPODACCSSAV5 at checkout.
- $75 - Spend $75 and get $10 off your purchase using promotional code IPODACCSAV10 at checkout.
- $100 - Spend $100 or more and get $15 off your purchase using promotional code IPODACCSAV15 at checkout.
Apple iPod Remote and Earphones
The earbud-style headphones rely on Neodymium transducers, a rare earth magnet that significantly enhances frequency response and overall sound quality -- in fact, five times as powerful as other headphones that use aluminum, cobalt, or ceramic drivers. Price: $45.99
Apple iPod In-Ear Headphones
The iPod In-Ear Headphones have great sound quality and bass response, and come with three different sized caps to ensure the headphones fit comfortably and securely in your ear. Price: $49.84
Apple iPod (V Cable) Dock Connector to FW & USB
Use as an extra iPod Dock Connector to FireWire and USB 2.0 Cable for charging and syncing your iPod to your Mac or Windows PC. Price: $20.99
Apple iPod Dock Kit
Just plug, unplug, and go. The iPod Dock makes charging and syncing easier than ever. A convenient and elegant home base for iPod on a desk or connected to a home stereo system, the dock provides syncing via FireWire or USB 2.0, charging via FireWire and a stereo line out for simple connection to. Price: $44.99
Click here for more discounted items.
Offer Offer valid November 15 through November 27, 2004.
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11/20/2004
Waterproof iPod Mini Case
"Designed for extreme wear and tear, the new H2O Audio SV-iMini includes H2O Audio's durable waterproof housing featuring easy-to-use controls and a comfortable waterproof headset."[Via designtechnica.com]
Now you can surf through your songs...while you...uh, literally surf.
The first underwater housing unit for the iPod mini...This should attract a whole new subculture of iPodians to the audio player phenom. Take it to the pool to swim laps or to the beach to prevent sand...Bring it snowboarding or skiing and worry not about the snow ruining your display...The only down side, being that it is only available for the iPod Mini.
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11/19/2004
Apple begins European adventure
"As Apple puts the finishing touches to its new London store for Saturday's grand opening, it appears that punters eager to lay their hands on the firm's iconic iPod music player when the doors open could be disappointed."
[Via BBC News]
Can Europe be the Apple of Apple's eye?
Apple has once again expanded its retail division and this time on the other side of the Atlantic. It was said that Apple eagerly waited for only the most precise location to open this retail store. Owned by the Royal Crown, though it is not discussed, Apple is sure to be in it for the long haul and make serious profits to their investment in the location they choose. "We only open stores that we know are going to be profitable," said Mr. Johnson - Apple Senior vice President of Retail. "Here in London we're going to make money from day one."
However, on opening day, the store may be short of iPods as it suspects an overwhelming number of visitors for its debut. Also, and for whatever reason, Apple significantly marks up all merchandise (computers and accessories) more than in the US market. A typical iMac G5 is approximately $500 US dollars more in the UK than in the US market. Though asked, Apple avoids in depth discussion as to why this factor exists and appears to be so significantly steep.
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11/18/2004
Free SIRIUS radios for Howard Stern fans
Shock jock Howard Stern was in Union Square handing out FREE SIRIUS radios on Thursday to a crowd of thousands. Only 500 radios and a free one-year subscription were handed out personally by Stern among a throng of Scores girls and the Stern radio show personalities. Truly devoted fans who were fortunate to receive the "electronic turkeys," as Stern had previously alluded the day before, had camped out Wednesday evening. Speculation is mounting that SIRIUS will buyout the remaining year on Stern's contract with Infinity and the Union Square rally seems to confirm the suspicion.
Howard Stern fans who would like to receive a FREE SIRIUS system can:
1. Log on to: http://www.sirius.com/offer/sternrally/
2. Enter promotional code 263
3. Choose a home or car kit
4. Enter certificate number HS7436 (they are all the same)
A FREE Audiovox SIR-PNP2 is included with the purchase of an annual SIRIUS subscription for $142.45.
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Love goes Hi-Tech
"Technologies, from e-mail, to net chatrooms, instant messaging and mobiles, have proved to be a big pull with those looking for love."
[Via BBC News]
The end to the "blind-date"
Technologies, specifically videophones with the 3G specs, are revolutionizing dating services as we may or may not know them. Mobile service providers and the manufacturers behind the phones, are realizing a huge potential for video based content and services, especially relating to dating services that currently flourish online.
However, what this means is that both the phone providers and services need to somehow securely assure users and the general public that only those old enough can access adult services such as a dating venture. The last thing you or any parent wants is their child accidentally calling a videophone of an unsuspected user of a dating match-up. Now, this technology comes as only another means to connect people who usually feel embarrassed or uncomfortable talking to people they just met (particularly in a date scenario). If someone is not comfortable with how there night and acquaintance is going, he or she can simply end their chat instantly. While at the same end of things, the other person on the line knows whom they are actually having a discussion/meeting with. Traditional online meet-ups pose the question of whether or not that person they’re talking to is really who they say they are.
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NBA fouls iPod
"The National Basketball Association has notified the Toronto Raptors' shooting guard that using the iPod during pregame warm-ups violates the league's dress code. "Everyone has to be the same," NBA spokesman Brian McIntyre told CNET News.com. "It's just the uniform guidelines."
Carter told The Globe and Mail, a Toronto newspaper, that the lack of tunes will hurt his pregame routine.
"I like to listen to music when I'm working out--doing all that," Carter said. "That was my chance to really kind of relax yet focus in. I focus in when I have music on."
[Via C|NET.com][an error occurred while processing this directive]
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11/17/2004
TiVo Will No Longer Skip Past Advertisers
"By March, TiVo viewers will see "billboards," or small logos, popping up over TV commercials as they fast-forward through them, offering contest entries, giveaways or links to other ads. If a viewer "opts in" to the ad, their contact information will be downloaded to that advertiser... so even more direct marketing can take place." [Via LA TIMES.com]
Shame on you TiVo!
One of the main reasons people bought TiVo was to skip the commercials. After paying $300 or more for a TiVo box and $250 for the TiVo Lifetime Service, it's hard to believe that TiVo is going to betray their millions of customers like this. However, it appears that a greedy fever has over-taken TiVo CEO Martin Yudkovitz. His is shifting the company's focus away from the consumer and attempting to court advertisers.
This major policy shift for TiVo is just the latest example of the company turning its back on their customers. TiVo still hasn't enabled AAC audio support for their Home Media Option even though they promised to do so over a year ago.
Hopefully consumers will protest this pro-commercial policy shift at TiVo. Back in the late 1990s when TiVo first launched, many people sung the praises of the company for being the consumer's final savior against a neverending onslaught of advertising. Apparently those days are numbered.
Perhaps it's time for TiVo CEO Martin Yudkovitz to step down. [an error occurred while processing this directive]
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11/16/2004
FREE iTunes Weekly Download
Napalm guitar. Tornado drums. Cement-truck bass. Top that with the searing vocals of Tyson Yen and you get the free iTunes Single of the Week from Drist, "Push Me Off."
You can download the free song "Push Me Off" from the iTunes Music Store all week.
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11/15/2004
Apple's Jobs vs. Microsoft's Gates : The Rematch
"The history of Apple Computer can be told through its advertisements as well as its products. There was, of course, the commercial that introduced the Macintosh. It was broadcast exactly once, during the 1984 Super Bowl, and signaled the company's bid to reclaim leadership in personal computers from IBM and its tiny, little-known software partner, Microsoft."
[Via CNet]
When asked about each other’s presence and competition, both Microsoft’s' Bill Gates and Apples' Steve Jobs only display a mellow and confined response. Both Jobs and Gates go way back together and have been in constant battle for share of the market for quite some time now. Jobs more so than Gates, undeniably lost the fight years ago with regards to PC distribution and manufacturing. Gates won and continues to win this front by his partnership with an array of manufacturers producing computers able to run Microsoft Windows (their native OS). However, Apple has lately flipped the table in this brawl. Though Apple realizes the PC war was won, the home electronics unit, specifically digital mobile devices is whats currently being fought. A war Apple was first on the ground for and seems to be the