News Archive for 06/03/23

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US backs Apple in DRM

03/23, 10:10pm

US backs Apple against French DRM law

The US government is backing Apple's stance on a draft French law that may force the company either to open up its FairPlay digital rights management (DRM) technology in iTunes or pull out of the country. US Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez backed angry protests by Apple, saying that companies need to protect their intellectual property: "But any time something like this happens, any time that we believe that intellectual property rights are being violated, we need to speak up and in this case, the company is taking the initiative," Gutierrez said on CNBC. "I would compliment that company because we need for companies to also stand up for their intellectual property rights." The proposed law was passed by the lower house in France, but still needs to be debated and passed in the French Senate. Apple responded to the passing of the draft law, calling it "state-sponsored piracy" and said that if this happens, legal music sales will plummet just when legitimate alternatives to piracy are winning over customer." However, some analysts believe the law may actually increase iPod sales, if Apple opens up its FairPlay DRM.

Universal vs iTunes U.K.

03/23, 11:20am

Universal Pictures takes on iTunes U.K.

Universal Pictures has launched a service in the U.K. to sell digital downloads of full-length movies with a DVD copy to complement the download, plunging the studio into competition with Apple's iTunes Music Store. iTunes as yet offers only one full-length film that Disney and Apple silently added in January of 2006, and which industry watchers suspect may be Apple's way of testing the waters before delving into widespread full-length film downloads. Starting April 10th, users of Universal Pictures' new service will be able to download two digital copies of selected movies, with one for a computer and one for a portable device, and will receive a DVD in the mail, according to a report from Reuters. The service operates on a download-to-own basis, and utilizes Microsoft's digital rights management technology to prevent consumers from duplicating the movies and distributing them. "It gives instant access, it gives portability and it gives much greater flexibility for the consumer to consume his product any way they want," Universal Pictures U.K. Chairman Eddie Cunningham said.

Speck ships CableGuys

03/23, 10:05am

Speck ships CableGuys for iPod

Speck Products today began shipping CableGuys for iPod, its audio/video cables designed with a "hip, friendly look." CableGuys feature a small face embossed and indented into the plastic ends of the cables. The cable for fifth-generation iPods allows users to plug an iPod into a TV, and is available for $20. Speck's audio cable three-pack includes a home stereo cable, computer speaker cable, and a headphone splitter for $25. An iPod to USB cable is also available for $20. Speck today also announced its mystery case offer, where customers pay $10 to receive a random Speck case that retails from between $20-35.

Marware iPod nano stand

03/23, 9:05am

Marware debuts Stand For iPod nano

Dr. Bott today announced that the Marware Stand For iPod nano is exclusively available through its authorized resellers. "Designed to hold your iPod nano upright for quick syncing and easy viewing of the screen, the Marware Stand for iPod nano will provide hours of listening enjoyment. Audio line out provides easy listening while docking or the ability to connect with surrounding speakers (audio cable not included)." The stand includes a USB cable for connecting the device to a computer, power outlet or external speakers as well as two line-out ports. Marware's Stand for iPod nano retails for $25 and is available today in both black and white models.

Sony MiniDisc Walkman

03/23, 8:45am

Sony MiniDisc Walkman to support Macs

Sony for the first time will offer Mac compatibility with its new MiniDisc Walkman, according to Macworld UK. "The company took the wraps off its all-new MiniDisc product, the MZ-RH1, this morning. This portable device is being marketed as a mobile recording studio. Sony plans to make the device Mac compatible, 'bringing greater choice in digital audio devices to Mac users.'" The report says that Sony will release Mac software for the new product this summer, following the May availabiity of the player in Europe. Sony's new MiniDisc player will support audio recording with different modes and several different file formats, including LinearPCM, MP3, or Sony's proprietary ATRAC (ATRAC, ATRAC3, ATRAC3plus) formats and that it will be able to record audio.