News Archive for 05/10/06

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Japanese artists, iTunes

10/06, 3:05pm

Japanese artists signing exclusive deals with iTunes

Apple is continuing to struggle with iTunes licensing terms with the music labels in Japan, forcing artists to go direct to make their songs available via iTunes. Sony Music Entertainment (Japan), BMG Japan, Warner Music Japan, and Victor Entertainment still haven't reached an agreement with iTunes Japan to offer their tracks to the masses, leaving artists frustrated and leading them to sign exclusive deals with iTunes. One industry insider noted that "as much as industry people tried to convince the press and the public that iTunes would fail in Japan or take years to get anywhere, the reality is that iTunes is doing very well, and artists and their fans want their material available on iTunes," according to a report from The Daily Yomiuri [updated].

Nano scratches

10/06, 2:55pm

Mossberg looks at iPod nano scratch susceptibility

Walter Mossberg addresses recent concerns about the iPod nano's apparent susceptibility to scratches. "Based on my own experience of about a month with the product, and emails I've received from readers, I believe the tiny, thin iPod nano is much more prone to scratching than earlier iPods, even though they, too, picked up scratches." However, Apple says it uses exactly the same clear coating on the nano as on some earlier iPods. The company also says "its engineers have conducted tests that show the nano isn't any more vulnerable to scratches than other current iPods." Company officials speculate that, because of its small size, some users may have carried their Nano in places and ways that differ from how they carried larger iPods, and which increased the possibility of scratching.

BBC video iPod

10/06, 8:50am

BBC hints to video iPod release on the 12th

Several reports this week suggested Apple may be planning to unveil a video-capable iPod at its special event on October 12th. Yesterday, BBC reportedly stated in a broadcast that “Apple is set to unveil a new video iPod at the BBC Television Centre in London on October the 12th." On Tuesday, Apple sent out invitations to the October 12th event. The invitation shows closed theater curtains with the words "One more thing…" written on top. The event, planned for Wednesday, October 12, is one day after the company announces its financial results for its fourth fiscal quarter. Apple CEO Steve Jobs is known for using the "One more thing…" gimmick to make surprise announcements towards the end of a keynote or special event.