News Archive for 05/04/19

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Apple vs. mobile carriers

04/19, 1:50pm

The future of digital music: iPod or phones?

Apple will soon be facing increased competition from mobile carriers in the US, according to BusinessWeek. As widely expected, the publication says that Verizon Wireless, Sprint, and Cingular are expected to unveil services for downloading music directly to wireless phones later this year. "With innovative services and snazzier phones, the telecom players figure they can swipe a chunk of the digital music market that Apple cracked open with its iconic iPod. That sets the stage for a battle between two industries. On one side are Apple and the other tech players concentrated in Silicon Valley that see the computer as central to the future of music. On the other are telecom companies, from Finland to South Korea to the U.S., that think the mobile phone can become the center of this emerging world." Carriers are looking for direct-to-mobile downloads for about $2 per song, according to the report.

iPod envoirnmental concern

04/19, 1:05pm

Environmental activists urge iPod to go green

The environmental crusaders at The Green Guide have started a campaign (and a Web site) encouraging Apple to clean up its iPod act. In an open letter to company CEO Steve Jobs the activists claim that Apple lags behind companies such as Dell and HP in offering programs to take back broken or obsolete products from consumers -- especially in regards to the iPod. With already 10 million iPods in circulation, the group says within 1-3 years landfills will begin filling up with discarded iPod batteries that contain toxins like lead and mercury. In order for Apple to live up to its self-proclaimed commitments to the environment, The Green Guide says the company should: offer direct, affordable take back policies for the iPod and other electronics; design iPods so that batteries can be easily and affordably replaced with rechargeables; and support legislation that requires responsible manufacturing and recycling. A copy of the letter to Jobs, as well as an applicable phone number, are accessible from the FixItApple.com site.

iPod theft on the rise

04/19, 10:50am

iPod devotees rocked by thefts

Thefts of digital music players are rising, according to police in the Washington D.C. area. Earlier this month a man was critically wounded when he was stabbed and robbed of his digital music player as he walked near the National Zoo, the Washington Post is reporting. "Fences," who traffic in stolen property, are putting out the word that they are in the market for the players, said Detective David Swinson. "Burglars are taking things they can carry with them, and iPods fall into that category. They are not going to take something they don't have a market for or they don't think they have a market for." But victims of iPod theft aren't taking the loss of their players lightly, as they often form strong emotional bonds with their music libraries, and hence, players. "Everybody has a lot of memories they associate with music, and musical taste is usually very important to people," said Anita Boss, a forensic psychologist in Alexandria, Va., who has counseled crime victims. "You actually have a piece of identity theft here."

Pay-per-song favored

04/19, 8:00am

Pay-per-download music models favored by buyers

Subscription-based online music services still face significant challenges from traditional pay-per-song models, according a new research report. Digital music services such as Napster and Rhapsody face an uphill when trying to convert music buyers to their new purchase paradigm, according to a BillboardPostPlay report. According to research by Ipsos-Insight, buyers prefer the pay-per download model made popular by Apple's iTunes. “With all of the recent media attention surrounding this rapidly changing market, these findings indicate that many downloaders still prefer a transactional payment structure over one that is subscription-based,” said Matt Kleinschmit, a Vice President with Ipsos-Insight and author of the TEMPO research.

PodGear JumpSuit Shuffle

04/19, 7:35am

PodGear debuts JumpSuit Shuffle for iPod shuffle

UK-based iPod accessory maker PodGear today announced the launch of the JumpSuit Shuffle for the iPod shuffle. The Shuffle case allows users to protect their miniature device from daily wear and tear; it is made from high-quality "super thin" silicon, which offers protection without diminishing the Shuffle's original styling. The protective case securely holds the iPod shuffle and is available in a variety of color combinations. Function keys are embossed on the JumpSuit Shuffle allowing it to be easily operated through the casing. They are available in packs of two for £10 (including VAT).