News Archive for 06/02/28

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Digital music trends

02/28, 10:30pm

Apple capitalizes on digital music

Digital music is eating into traditional stereo system sales (subscription required) and may help provide more color behind Apple's introduction of the Hi-Fi iPod boombox. While CD sales continue to decline, a new report in The WallStreet Journal says that "retail sales of home audio equipment, including stereo system components and surround-sound 'home theater in a box' rigs, dropped nearly 18 percent last year, to 10.2 million units" and that "even when consumers aren't using portable devices, more are shifting their music consumption away from stereos. Among 1,031 adult respondents to a consumer-behavior survey published last year by the CEA, 34% said they listened to music at home primarily on a PC, compared with just 26% who said they used a stereo or surround-sound receiver as their main home listening system." The article notes that while Apple has begun targetting the digital music users, other manufacturers have updated their strategies to offer more features to their home audio systems designed to make them easier to use with portable digital players.

Apple\'s iPod moves

02/28, 9:35pm

Apple worrying iPod accessory makers?

Apple's more aggressive move into the iPod accessory market with the introduction of the new high-end cases and the iPod Hi-Fi may have some iPod accessory makers nervous, according to a new report. Dubbed as the "home stereo reinvented for the iPod age" by Steve Jobs, some analysts believe that Apple is encroaching on others' territory, which could impact the $1 billion iPod economy. "Buyers of iPods spend $1 on accessories for each $3 they spend on the iPod, said Stephen Baker, an analyst with research firm NPD Group. In 2005 that amounted to $1 billion spent on everything from car adapters to clothing, Baker said. Furthermore, NPD research shows that the biggest chunk of spending 26.5 percent was for speaker systems. 'If you're an iPod accessories maker, (Tuesday's) announcement has to make you nervous,' said Rob Enderle, principal analyst for the Enderle Group in San Jose, Calif. 'The accessories market is clearly very lucrative, and Apple will be getting more aggressive.'"

iTMS adds shorts, 3 shows

02/28, 3:30pm

iTMS adds 5 short films, 3 Bravo shows

Apple today added five short films and three TV shows from Bravo to its iTunes Music Store offerings, bolstering the market-leading retailer's content. The expansion of iTunes came just prior to the company's special event in Cupertino, where it unveiled a new Mac mini, and its iPod Hi-Fi portable stereo system designed for use with the company's digital media players. Each of the five new films has been nominated for Best Live Action short film at the 78th annual Academy Awards which will be held this weekend. Bravo will contribute "Inside the Actor’s Studio," "Project Runway," and "Top Chef" to iTunes' ever-expanding selection of TV shows.

iPod Hi-Fi, iPod cases

02/28, 2:10pm

Apple debuts iPod Hi-Fi, iPod cases

Apple today debuted its new iPod Hi-Fi, a high-fidelity speaker system designed to work seamlessly with its iPod digital media player, as well as leather cases for fifth-generation iPods and the iPod nano. The iPod Hi-Fi features an innovative all-in-one design that can be powered by a wall socket or six D-cell batteries, and is easily controlled by an Apple Remote. A unique isolated enclosure system includes two custom designed wide-range speakers and a tuned, ported bass system to minimize vibration while maximizing sound quality and allowing users to listen to their favorite music with high sound clarity and deep bass. iPod Hi-Fi ships with the Apple Remote, a removable grille, an AC power cord, 10 universal dock adapters, and is available for $350. Apple's leather cases fit both 30GB and 60GB iPod models, as well as the iPod nano, and are available for $100 each.

iLoad-c video demo

02/28, 11:40am

Video demonstration of iLoad-c unveiled

Wingspan today unveiled a video demonstration of the iLoad-c, a device that can download music from over-the-air mobile networks to Apple's iPod nano without a computer. The iLoad-c clamps onto the Nano and connects to the cell carrier's music store to download music directly to the iPod, accessing such networks as Verizon, Sprint/Nextel, Cingular, and T-Mobile. Wingspan has said it will begin discussions with Apple and others to enable WiFi capability in the near future. Cellular carriers have recently made bold moves to join the digital music revolution, offering pay-for-play tracks as well as subscription services to mobile customers desiring music on-the-go. Wingspan's new device will provide iPod users with the same flexibility that cellular customers have enjoyed since numerous carriers launched their over-the-air services. The iLoad-c is slated for shipment by mid-Summer, and will be priced at $200.