News Archive for 05/12/02

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Fox, Clear Channel, iTMS

12/02, 6:05pm

Fox, Clear Channel to supply iTMS videos?

Apple is reportedly preparing to announce a host of new iTunes video content early next year, with Fox and Clear Channel's radio division expressing interest in selling their content via iTunes. James Gianopulos, Fox Film Entertainment co-chairman said he is open to a deal with Apple's iTunes music and video service. "Of course, we'd be open to that. We believe it would be a great opportunity," Gianopulos said. Clear Channel's radio division chief executive John Hoga said his company could ink distribution deals with Yahoo or Apple's iTunes music service by next year, according to a report from AppleInsider. The company is seeking as many distribution outlets as possible for its programs, and has been in talks with Apple, Yahoo, and Microsoft over the past year. Meanwhile TiVo recently announced a timeframe for its highly-anticipated Mac version of TiVoToGo, targeting mid-2006 for Macintosh support.

iTMS video sales double

12/02, 4:05pm

iTunes video sales double

American Technology Research analyst Shaw Wu has said his proprietary checks with industry sources indicate that iTunes video sales from music videos, ABC TV shows, and Pixar short films continue to come in ahead of expectations. Apple is also reportedly planning a major update to its video services that includes possible new partners, set to launch as early as January. Wu said "Apple disclosed that it sold one million videos on October 31st, 2005. We are picking up indications that sales have more than doubled since then and that this strength is attracting attention from other content providers including NBC, CBS, and Fox eager to participate in this new market opportunity." The analyst said he would not be surprised to see Apple announce new content partners over the next few quarters, even as early as Apple's CEO Steve Jobs' keynote at Macworld Expo during the second week of January.

Flotshop iPod store

12/02, 11:30am

Flotshop launches one-page iPod shopping site

Flotshop has launched a one-page website to display top-selling iPod products with an image-based approach that offers more than 80 items without clicking, scrolling, or opening additional windows. An overall map provides a quick, clear landscape of the entire shopping category. Rolling the cursor over a product on Flotshop.com instantly pops up a balloon with details, price, and Amazon product ratings. "This is primarily an experiment to solve a crummy user experience," said Eric Antonow. "On almost every online store, it still feels like I'm staring at a database--or at least an interface that only a database could love. We're hoping that other people provide feedback and direction on ways they want to see the idea improved." The project is openly soliciting comments and criticism from designers and user experience professionals to expand on the prototype, with plans for revisions and additions before the year's end.

Europe iTMS 100M downloads

12/02, 10:30am

Europe iTMS celebrates 100 million downloads

Apple is running a special promotion to thank customers for helping it make history: Music fans in 17 countries around Europe are clicking their way to 100 million downloads on the European iTunes Music Stores. To celebrate this milestone in the digital music revolution, Apple is offering a grand prize that includes a 10,000 song gift card: "Selling 100 million songs on the iTunes Music Stores in Europe marks a dramatic acceleration in the purchase of legally downloadable music on the internet." The music fan who purchases the 100 millionth song in Europe will receive a 17-inch iMac G5, a 30GB fifth-generation iPod, a 10,000 song gift card for the iTunes Music Store, and two tickets to see Robbie Williams live in concert on his 2006 tour.

EarThumps earbuds for iPod

12/02, 9:45am

Griffin launches EarThumps earbuds for iPod

Griffin Technology today announced EarThumps, earbuds engineered specifically for Apple's iPod. Earthumps are designed to isolate the listening experience from outside sound by fitting comfortably inside the ears, and come in "Status Symbol White" or "Undercover Black" to match the Apple's fifth-generation iPods and iPod nanos. EarThumps weigh 12 grams, and ship with three different sizes of silicone inserts for comfort. Neodymium dynamic micro-drivers boast greater sound output and enhanced bass, while the iPod-specific design touts "excellent" noise isolation. The earbuds include a nylon zippered carrying case, and are available for $20.