News Archive for 05/08/10

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Speck debuts Metal iPod Protection for Shuffle

08/10, 6:15pm

Metal iPod Protection

Speck Products today announced Metal iPod Protection, its first hard case for the iPod shuffle. Described as "sleek, ultramodern, ultra hip," the Metal iPod Protection offers full access to the iPod shuffle while "keeping it out of harm's way." Machined from lightweight aluminum and finished with the eye-catching shine of nickel plating, the two-part design with included Metal USB cap make it easy to sync and update your iPod. "The Metal Shuffle case offers consumers hip 'bling style' for their iPod Shuffle." said Tim Hickman, general manager of Speck Products. "Speck's Metal Shuffle case is the only the nickel-plated case and the only case to feature a metal USB cap so you can easily charge it without removing the case." It is available now for $25.

Sony exec: digital music growth continuing

08/10, 11:40am

Digital music growth

Sony expects digital music to grow to as much as 20 percent of the market by 2008, according to Thomas Hesse, president of Sony BMG's Global Digital Business. Hesse delivered a keynote speech at the Music 2.0 conference in Foster City, CA. This is a "fundamental transformation," Hesse said. Not only are music fans buying songs and albums online, they are also embracing new music formats. Ringtones offer the biggest example, with artist Cassidy selling over one million jingles prior to his album reaching store shelves. Hesse said he also favors a transformation in the ways that labels do business, including a simplification of artist royalties based on total revenue rather than units sold.

iPod helping Apple regain college market

08/10, 11:10am

iPod helps edu sales

The iPod has made Apple hardware a "nearly ubiquitous presence" on campuses across the U.S., reports MacNewsWorld. Although Apple has seen discount computer makers eat into its PC market share in the education market, the company is finding "new footholds in the collegiate universe." Needham & Co. analyst Charles Wolf said, "my sense is that the success that Apple has had with digital music in general and the iPod in particular are influencing other purchasing decisions." Apple has also benefited from the trend toward laptops replacing desktops, with its iBook and PowerBook increasing in popularity among students. "If there is a halo effect, they are positioned and ready to capitalize on it," Wolf said.

Real: Apple could undermine Harmony, file lawsuit

08/10, 7:35am

Apple could affect Real

Real Networks says its Harmony technology, which allows consumers to securely transfer music purchased at its Rhapsody music service to digital music devices such as the iPod, puts the company at risk of a lawsuit by Apple. Macworld UK reports that in its latest SEC filing, Real warned investors that possible litigation by Apple could cost the company millions in legal fees and affect its future operating results and that its Harmony technology may be undermined. ""Apple will continue to modify its technology to 'break' the interoperability that Harmony provides to consumers, which Apple has done in connection with the release of certain new products. If Apple chooses to continue this course of action, Harmony may no longer work with Apple's products, which could harm our business and reputation, or we may be forced to incur additional development costs to refine Harmony to make it interoperate again."

'Sony artists', others defect to Apple's iTunes

08/10, 7:15am

Sony vs. Apple battle

Some Japanese musicians say that they working to get their music on iTunes, despite being under contract with Sony and other labels, who have failed to reach a deal with Apple. The Associated Press reports that "at least one artist has already gone against his label to offer his songs on iTunes," while another major agency that manages Japanese musicians said it was interested in a possible deal with Apple, regardless of the recording companies' positions. The move by musicians to place their music on iTunes may escalate the online music battle on Sony's home turf. Rock musician Motoharu Sano, who has a recording contract with Sony--although no longer considered a 'Sony artist' by the company--is making some of his songs available on iTunes, according to his official Web page. 'It is an individual's freedom where that person chooses to listen to music. I want to deliver my music wherever my listeners are," Sano told The Nihon Keizai Shimbun.

RadTech's Ice Creme v2 restores iPod, iBook surfaces

08/10, 2:30am

RadTech\'s Ice Creme v2

RadTech today announced Ice Creme v.2, a comprehensive solution for restoring scuffed and damaged Acrylic and bright (plated) metal surfaces, including Apple'd iPod and iPod shuffle. "Ice Creme enables most anyone to quickly and easily remove the scuffing, scratching and abrasion that tends to occur on highly polished acrylic panels, like those used in several consumer devices and popular computers. Products like Apple's popular iPod and iBook notebook computers, hand-held PDA's and cell phones can all benefit from Ice Creme's power and ease of use. Ice Creme is available in two versions: Regular ($21) for Acrylic and minor metal damage, and "Ice Creme M" ($26) for Acrylic and severe metal damage.