News Archive for 06/01/19

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iTunes usage skyrockets

01/19, 5:00pm

iTunes reaches 14% of active internet

Traffic to Apple's iTunes website and use of its iTunes application has skyrocketed 241 percent over the last year, from 6.1 million unique visitors in December of 2004 to 20.7 million in December of 2005, reaching nearly 14 percent of the active internet population across the globe. A recent study by Nielsen NetRatings found that teens are disproportionately represented among iTunes users; 12 to 17 year-olds are nearly twice as likely to visit the iTunes website and use the application as the average internet user. iTunes users are also more likely to be male, according to the study; the iTunes website traffic is 54 percent male and 46 percent female. "The rapid growth of iTunes is an important phenomenon in the online media marketplace," said Jon Gibs, director of media analytics for Nielsen NetRatings. "Consumers have clearly indicated that they are eager to control their own music libraries, one song at a time," Gibs said. [updated]

Podcasting spec changes

01/19, 4:10pm

Apple updates, expands podcasting spec

Apple today sent an email to podcasters, letting them know about its revised and expanded guidelines: "Since you’ve got an active podcast listed in iTunes, we would like to let you know about a few valuable new resources: First, the technical spec has been revised and expanded. Check here for all questions or problems related to your podcast, or if you’re interested in enhancing the appearance of your listing with iTunes-specific tags. There is also an Apple Discussions Forum exclusively for podcast producers. If you have a question or a problem that the technical spec cannot answer, the community of iTunes podcasters there should be able to provide valuable guidance."

Rhino skin for Nano

01/19, 1:50pm

Saunders' Rhino Skin case for iPod nano

Saunders announced a new hard case for iPod nano, the Rhino Skin. Made with a 100 percent aluminum backing and clear polycarbonate front, the Rhino Skin case is shatter- and heat-resistant. The case offers easy access to the Click-Wheel, function buttons, charger port and headphone jack, while providing protection. A lanyard and removable belt clip are included. The Rhino Skin is available for $30 for the iPod nano and $35 for both the 30GB and 60GB iPod video models.

Disney looks beyond iTunes

01/19, 1:50pm

Disney sells 1.5M, looks beyond iTunes

Walt Disney said it has sold 1.5 million downloads via iTunes, but will look to expand beyond iTunes, according to a report in The Hollywood Reporter. Disney executives have admitted they are seeking iTunes competitors, such as Google, to further their distribution abilities. Disney Chief Financial Officer Tom Staggs noted that using iTunes "has not been a giant mover in terms of the bottom line," but that iTunes is "an important catalyst for where the business is going." The company noted that iTunes sales were not reducing the value of the shows' other income streams, including advertising and syndication.

Music dominates earnings

01/19, 12:30pm

iPods, music dominate Apple earnings

Apple's December earnings were driven by record sales of iPods and its strong music business. The company posted a profit of $565 million, which was driven by sales of nearly 14 million iPods, and revenues of just over $5.7 billion--both of which were historic milestones for the company, surpassing all other quarters in its history. The 207 percent year-over-year increase was fueled by demand across the globle from over 35,000 points of sale and along with over 2000 accessories, generated 59 percent of the company's overall revenue. Apple also previously announced it had sold 850 million songs and 8 million videos via the iTunes Music Store, which operated at just above "break-even" for the quarter. Despite the historic earnings, the company's stock price fell due to a conservative forecast, in part driven by Mac sales pause as people waited for the new Intel. Analysts noted Apple's conservatism and offered higher guidance, but some saw Apple's stock expenses weighing down earnings for the 2006 fiscal year, while others increased estimates, but cut their target price.

Digital music tops $1B

01/19, 11:35am

Digital music sales top $1 billion

Digital music sales have broken the $1 billion barrier, and Apple's iTunes Music Store is still leading the way. Apple sold 14,043,000 iPods during its last quarter alone, while the iTunes Music Store accounted for 83 percent of legally downloaded music in the month of December. The IFPI (International Federation of Phonographic Industry) said digital music sales tripled to $1.1 billion from $380 million in 2004, and predicted "further significant growth" this year, according to a report from the Financial Times. Music lovers legally downloaded 420 million tracks in 2005--20 times more than two years ago--even as music licensed by record companies doubled to more than two million songs. Digital music now accounts for roughly 6 percent of record companies' revenues. iTunes currently reaches 90 percent of the global music market and has sold 850 million songs and 8 million videos to date.

\"Actual\" video iPod coming

01/19, 10:20am

Analyst expects "actual" video iPod soon

Needham and Co. analyst Charles Wolf today raised his earnings estimates for Apple, but reiterated a "hold" rating with a $71 target due to Apple's current valuation-- despite higher targets by both Citigroup and Piper Jaffray. Wolf expects new product introductions by Apple to accelerate in 2006 and that the Intel-transition will "materially" increase Mac sales; he also said that the "actual" video iPod will make its debut in the the first half of 2006. Many believed that the first iPod video model, which debuted in November, was a "holdover" to grab attention and marketshare, while the company was feverishly working on an improved version for release at a later date. The analyst also said that Apple will announce new "major content deals" in the coming months as well as try to move into the living room with a revamped Mac mini, although he does not expect the much-rumored "iPhone" to be introduced in 2006.

Fiber optics cables

01/19, 10:00am

Gefen's fiber-optic HDMI, DVI cables

Gefen has announced new DVI and HDMI all-fiber cables for HD displays. Most HD devices are subject to electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can corrupt data and slow down information processing, but the use of fiber optics in lieu of copper helps to remove those issues, according to the company. All-fiber versions of both DVI and HDMI cables are available in varying pre-cut lengths with either DVI or HDMI connectors on both ends to support digital video computers, audio/video sources and displays. Prices vary from $105- 3,075 , depending on cable length (25-1000 feet) and cable-type.

MLB Sport Iconz cases

01/19, 9:50am

New MLB Sport Iconz cases for iPod

XtremeMac today expanded its line of Sport Iconz iPod cases to include Major League baseball. The Iconz Sport MLB joins XtremeMac's other lines of limited edition sports casings for iPods. The cases are molded to the iPod's specific size, featuring fully licensed team graphics on the front, protecting the iPod from scratches and nicks. The Sport Iconz cases allow for Click Wheel play-through, and are usable on iPod video for $30, and iPod nano for $25. [updated]