News Archive for 06/07/07

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MS responds to media player rumors

07/07, 5:10pm

MS responds to rumors

Microsoft has responded to reports that the software giant is developing a digital media player to compete with Apple's market-leading iPod, claiming that such reports are based on rumor and speculation. Microsoft said it has nothing to announce at this time, denying statements from unnamed music industry executives who said they received briefings about the alleged product, according to BBC News. Earlier today a report surfaced suggesting that Microsoft will, in conjunction with its presumed "iPod-killer," offer consumers free musical tracks to match those already purchased from Apple's iTunes Music Store in an attempt to lure consumers away from the iPod/iTunes ecosystem. Apple's competitors have failed to dent the company's successful leadership of the digital music industry so far, continuously falling short of claims that consumers will warm up to non-iPod products and services.

iPod blamed for Chicago radio demise

07/07, 2:15pm

iPods replace radio

Apple's iPod has played a major role in the death of one Chicago radio station. WBEZ, Chicago's National Public Radio (NPR) member station and one of the oldest public radio outlets in the U.S. has elected to scrap scheduled music programming, which was mostly jazz, in favor of a 24-hour news and public affairs format, according to Reuters. A major contributing factor proved to be the growing popularity of Apple's iPod, as the portable device generated a culture of listeners who dictate their own musical selections. Loyal jazz fans are crying out in response to the change, while WBEZ and other public stations say they haven't kept pace with the changing U.S. population. "Local news has simply been abandoned by the commercial broadcasters and sometimes even the commercial newspapers," said Ken Stern, vice president of National Public Radio. "What you see as a trend is stations like WBEZ investing heavily in local news and information," Stern said.

MS to match iTunes purchases?

07/07, 12:25pm

MS to match iTunes sales?

When Microsoft launches its own iPod-killer later this year, the company may be planning to lure iPod users to its own camp by offering iTunes customers free musical tracks to match those purchased from Apple's online store. Microsoft's software will actually scan the iTunes Music Store for purchased tracks and automatically add those songs to a users' account, while the software giant foots the bill for rights-holders in an attempt to take market share from Apple. Microsoft's portable media player -- which is rumored to be under development and will take aim at the market-leading iPod -- features a screen larger than that of the video iPod, and will include built-in Wi-Fi enabling users to download content directly to the player. Users of the new device will also be able to participate in an Xbox Live-like social network to help people connect to others with similar tastes and interests, according to engadget.

Roku releases SoundBridge 2.5, Firefly

07/07, 12:30am

Roku SoundBridge 2.5

Roku has released its free Roku SoundBridge 2.5 software upgrade and its open-source Firefly Media Server. The software update increases the number of Internet Radio stations that can be played, and also provides an easy, one-step process to find the address of almost any Internet Radio station and create a preset for that station. Available for all existing and new SoundBridge customers, the update is compatible with all four models of SoundBridge, SoundBridge Radio, and Pinnacle SoundBridge. Version 2.5 brings Microsoft WMA internet radio support with the ability to browse a library of internet radio stations. Users can use Roku Radio Snooper to easily find and set most Internet radio stations from around the world--with up to 18 presets. SoundBridge is an attractive and easy-to-use network music player on the market that connects to a stereo to play digital music via an Ethernet or Wi-Fi home network. Pricing is $150 (M500) or $200 (M1000).