News Archive for 05/06/07

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iPod leads in PC World audio player rankings

06/07, 5:30pm

iPod leads PC World

The iPod dominates PC World's list of the best large-capacity audio players. In first place is the 30GB iPod photo, which offers a "terrific color LCD screen that enables you to look at images synced from your PC's photo library." The review also credits the new model for improved battery life over previous versions, plus "quick operations, intuitive menus, and easy-to-create playlists." In second place is the 20GB iPod, which "shares the same impressive features except that it lacks a color screen and image-playback support." The iPod mini placed second the "midcapacity" category, trailing behind Rio's Carbon.

Roxio to offer "Boom Box" suite for iPod owners

06/07, 5:15pm

Roxio offers The Boom Box

Roxio is working to launch the first software bundle designed to personalize iPod content. The Boom Box is a collection of applications for iPod owners that will help users customize and personalize iPod content--from music to podcasts. The bundle will include four applications: MusicMagic Mixer, CD Spin Doctor, Audio Hijack, iSpeak It, and iPodderX. The Boom Box package will sell for $50 and will include special offers for iPod owners, including those from Audible.com and other iPod accessory manufacturers. The Boom Box features two applications for podcasting, two applications for converting various audio sources to iPod-friendly formats, and an automated DJ application for playlist generation, according to various sources.

Digital music quickly gaining popularity: NPD Group

06/07, 10:15am

Digital music research

Although radio, television, and portable devices dominate overall music listening, the computer is an increasingly significant medium. According to the latest MusicLab report from The NPD Group, more than a doubling of consumers are ripping music onto computers and transferring music to MP3 players. Listening to music stored on a computer rose by 22 percent (63.2 million to 77.2 million), online radio listening increased 18 percent (45.3 million to 53.5 million) and free streaming of online music increased 37 percent (33.7 million to 46.1 million). NPD also noted a decline in those listening to the radio.

Apple pressures accessory maker to change naming

06/07, 10:00am

Apple on iPed

Apple is requesting that Thought Out, a maker of iPod accessories, cease and desist the use of the word "iPed" in its product names. A letter from Apple Legal was sent to the company yesterday regarding the use of the word in the names of three iPod accessories made by Thought Out. According to Apple, the term "iPed" likely confuses the consumer and it also weakens Apple's brand strength, so that consumers will no longer be able to rely on the "marks" to identify authorized Apple products and services. Thought Out's position on this matter is currently neutral with "no wishes to construe Apple or any consumer of either product brand."

iTunes Japan expected in August, to undercut Sony

06/07, 7:35am

iTunes coming to Japan

Apple will launch its iTunes online music service in Japan in August and will undercut existing players by charging about 150 yen ($1.40) per song, according to the Nihon Keizai. The report says that record companies including Avex Group, Columbia Music Entertainment and Toshiba-EMI will provide songs via iTunes Japan, but that Apple has yet to come to terms with Sony Music Entertainment. However, UFJ Tsubasa Securities analyst Motoharu Sone expects that mobile phones will be music device of choice rather than the PC, according to Reuters: "In Japan, there has been virtually no market for music downloading via PCs, while mobile phone users spend an estimated $190 million a year to download music via the Internet to their phones."

Sonnet bundles car cradle with FM transmitters

06/07, 12:05am

Podfreq gets car cradle

Sonnet Technologies today announced that PodFreq, PodFreq black, and PodFreq photo now include a custom-designed car cradle at no additional cost. The holder is designed for a secure, rattle-free fit and attaches to a vehicle mount (sold separately) with included hardware to create a "holder" for PodFreq while you drive. The cradle features a soft liner that protects the back of PodFreq, and uses the standard AMPS/NEC mounting hole pattern (commonly used for cell phone mounts) that makes it compatible with a wide variety of vehicle mounts. Current PodFreq owners may also purchase a car cradle $15.