News Archive for 05/10/19

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XRB offers new kits, new beats for iDrum

10/19, 5:50pm

XRB enhances iDrum

Glaresoft today released XRB, its collection of 256 new kits and 2,057 new beats, designed for use with iDrum, its software drum machine. XRB includes over 2,000 drum and effect samples in industry-standard AIFF format, and each type of drum is neatly organized into a set of easy-to-navigate directories. Included sounds and beats cover a large range of popular styles -- from breakbeat to house to hip-hop -- along with cutting edge genres like glitch and retro-electro. Use of the AIFF sound format extends XRB's usefulness to users of third-party drum machines and samplers. XRB is available for $70, as is iDrum. iDrum requires Mac OS X 10.3 or later.

Apple, ABC offering marks major turning point

10/19, 4:40pm

Apple, ABC a turning point

Video content services, despite stiff competition from other sources, will become a leading-edge portion of all premium subscription services offered via the internet, and the recent deal between Apple and ABC marks a major turning point for video over the internet, according to In-Stat. The research firm predicts that by 2009, non-adult video content delivered as subscription or pay-per-download over the internet will have a worldwide retail value of $2.6 billion. "The video desires of most consumers will continue to be served by free-to-air broadcast TV, and by pay-TV services like cable TV and satellite, but a thriving premium video market will develop over the internet. Really Simple Syndication (RSS), audio podcasting, and upcoming video podcasting initiatives will certainly drive demand for lots more video on the internet." said Gerry Kaufhold, In-Stat analyst.

Analysts offer doubts about 5G iPod success

10/19, 3:30pm

5G iPod doubts by analysts

Some analysts are skeptical of the potential success of Apple's fifth-generation (5G) iPod with its video capabilities, some suggesting that the company risks identifying itself with a project that could flop, while the author of one article from The Christian Science Monitor posed the possibility that the gadget is simply "Steve Jobs' folly". "Uncertainty surrounding the level of demand for the product, the sources for compelling content, and its possible use to view pornography seems to leave more question marks than exclamation points." Randy Giusto, however, a follower pf mobile and consumer markets for IDC said "yes, it's the next step in the video evolution, it makes perfect sense to put certain types of videos with the [iPod] audio. It's a natural fit." Avi Greengart, principal analyst of mobile devices for Current Analysis said "the screen isn't large enough to be a real video iPod," but noted that the new device is "really not a video iPod -- it's an iPod with video."

Media offers reviews of new video iPod player

10/19, 12:10pm

Video iPod reviews

Commenting on Apple's fifth-generation iPod, David Colker of latimes.com remarks that the device "is clearly superior to that of other hand-held video players," but says "it might be prudent to wait [...] especially if you already have an iPod." Colker cites the fact that video content currently available for the player is meager, but states that "the screen was so good, that after a half hour or so, the novelty wore off. Suddenly, I wasn't conscious of watching a tiny screen, or testing out a new toy. I was just watching the ladies of Wisteria Lane." David Pogue of The New York Times wrote about the new video-capable devices, saying that "they play back beautifully, with no network logo in the corner, no yearlong wait for the DVD, and no commercials." Pogue calls the device "deliciously thin," and also remarks on the screen size -- noting that "watching video on the tiny, 2.5-inch screen (320 by 240 pixels) is completely immersive." Pogue points to the lack of included accessories as a definite downfall.

iTunes' ad-free video content worries industry

10/19, 11:30am

Ad-free videos at iTunes

Apple move to sell ad-free video content for its iPod via iTunes 6 is worrying the advertising industry. Reuters says that the pay-per-ad-free episode strategy has the industry rethinking its reach to users with portable media players. "The announcement sent a new chill through an advertising industry struggling to reach consumers amid an explosion of media outlets. ABC and rivals like Viacom's CBS are seeking new ways to deliver entertainment out of the television box, whether on the Internet or with new devices. The bigger fear, and some say opportunity, for advertisers is how to keep their brand messages in front of consumers as iPods, other portable media players and increasingly sophisticated cellular phones pick up speed and vie for time once dominated by television and the 30-second commercial."

Icewear, Prie Ambassador cases offered for 5G iPods

10/19, 10:10am

Tunewear 5G iPod cases

Tunewear today announced new cases for the fifth generation ("5G") video iPod. The new Icewear 5G series brings the Icewear line of high-density transparent silicone cases to the new iPod 5G digital music players. The Icewear series uses the same high density silicone found in diving masks which allows for both scratch protection and a clear view of the iPod 5G's original color. The caseo ofers access to all ports including the headphone jack, dock connector, hold switch and click wheel. It is available in both 30GB and 60GB models and includes Tunefilm protective coverings for the screen, clickwheel, and back. Icewear 5G will ship in November for $25. Tunewear also announced that it would produce a 5G version of its Prie Ambassador, a versatile genuine leather case that can be attached to a belt loop or strap, around your neck (strap not included), or as a protective case (by removing all the hooks, straps, and clips). The Prie Ambassador for iPod 5G will be available in November for $50.

Eminem iPod ad references return to Apple website

10/19, 8:35am

Eminem iPod ad

Several Apple fans point out the similarity between Apple's Eminem "silhouette" ad and a Lugz footwear spot from 2001. Ad Freak looks at the issue closer, and concludes, "First and foremost, the similarities between the Eminem/Apple spot and the Lugz spot are striking—nay, stunning—and worth taking a second to check out." After Apple premiered that ad at a special event where it unveiled new iPods, the company mysteriously pulled the link from its website. However, the ad was played on television over the weekend, and appears to be returning to the Apple home page. A small Eminem icon has been added to the “TV ads” section, but it still directs users to the ad featuring U2.

Apple to launch iTunes for Australia on Oct. 25th?

10/19, 6:50am

iTunes for Australia

Apple may be preparing to launch iTunes for Australia later this month, according to a report by AppleTalk. The blog reports that Apple has organized a press briefing on October 25th, where is Apple's vice president of the iTunes Music Store and iPod Marketing will appear: "Apple Australia has organised a major briefing on Tuesday at which the worldwide head of iTunes Music Store and worldwide head of iPod Marketing will appear. It's highly unusual for Apple to hold a press briefing unless a product announcement is being made, and it's hard to imagine the head of iTMS flying from the US to Australia for any other reason than the announcement of iTMS Australia. Other corroborating evidence is that Australian music video producers have recently shot some videos specifically for playback on small screens - likely to be iTMS exclusives for the launch."