News Archive for 06/07/24

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Amazon preps video service

07/24, 6:45pm

Amazon readies ad-free video service

Amazon is preparing the launch of its ad-free video download service in mid-August with a subscription service, as well as individually priced movies and TV shows. The move would pit the e-tailer against Apple's iTunes Music Store, which currently sells video shorts and TV shows online with fixed-rate pricing. Amazon's new service will require users to install software to purchase videos on-demand or rent video via a subscription plan, according to AdAge.com. Executives at various TV networks said they have been working with Amazon, and hope to be participants when the service launches. ABC -- which was an early adopter of Apple's iTunes Music Store distributing TV shows digitally online -- however, is absent from that movement. An executive familiar with ABC's digital-distribution strategy noted that the network is "not close to any type of deal with them," according to the report.

Analyst on Zune battery

07/24, 3:15pm

MS Zune may have limited battery life

Wall Street analyst Shaw Wu is skeptical of the battery life on Microsoft's "Zune" digital media player, reports AppleInsider. The first business day after Microsoft confirmed plans to rival the iPod + iTunes offering with its own hardware and software solution, some are already skeptical of the Zune system. In a note to clients today, Shaw Wu wrote that Wi-Fi power requirements of the Zune may weaken the battery life the new player. As a reference point, the PSP reportedly has a battery life of 45 minutes when Wi-Fi is active. Wu also believes that the effect of Zune's entry may be minimal on the iPod, but he stated that, "While the focus is on Apple, we believe this move will likely have a much larger competitive impact on Creative, SanDisk, Sony, Samsung, iRiver, Archos, and others." Shawn Wu also pointed out that many see the Xbox as a success in terms of user experience and sales, but he states that it has been a financial failure for Microsoft.

Apple to counter Zune

07/24, 3:00pm

Apple to counter Zune with innovation

Analysts are expecting to Apple to respond to Microsoft's forthcoming Zune iPod rival with new features and more innovation. Bear Stearns Equity Research analyst Andrew Neff, who maintains an 'outperform' rating on Apple with a price target of $88, said that while Microsoft's Zune offering will pose a "clear challenge" to Apple, the company will likely respond by adding new features to the iPod. Specifically, the analyst is looking for innovations to Apple's iPod in four areas: wireless, content, storage, and platforms, according to a research note obtained by Forbes.com. Ironically, another analyst said that Microsoft's rumored inclusion of Wi-Fi technologies will limit the device's battery life, while other industry watchers believe that Zune will hurt Microsoft's partners and has little room to succeed.

Zune is doomed

07/24, 12:40pm

Zune is doomed, will alienate partners

Microsoft's confirmation of its development of an iPod competitor is doomed, and is expected to alienate the company's partners. Microsoft's new "Zune" player -- which was announced July 21st and is expected to launch some time this year -- will turn the company's partners into competitors, according to one News.com blogger. Wired News reports that Microsoft's new "iPod killer" is doomed, citing Apple's hefty lead in the market as well as the Redmond-based company's "typically tone deaf approach to usability." Based on Microsoft's hardware track record -- with the exception of the Xbox 360 -- "it will be a miracle if [Zune's] next nickname isn't the 'iClod' (iPod + clone + awful)."

Ubercaster beta released

07/24, 11:50am

Ubercaster beta released

Pleasant Software has released the beta for Übercaster, its new podcast production studio software. The production suite is designed for podcasters featuring tools to help with voice management, voice input (from Skype, iChat, and Gizmo), and a variety of encoding options including MP3 and AAC. The company is inviting all podcasters to try out the beta, by obtaining a license key for free. The beta was originally announced last week, as was the beta sign up. Übercaster requires Mac OS X 10.4.4 or later.

Custom iPod, laptop skins

07/24, 10:45am

Custom iPod, iBook, PowerBook skins

Skinit has released Skinit Skins, a series of vinyl covers designed for more than 1,000 different mobile devices which include Apple's iPod, iBook, and PowerBook. Skinit categories include art, collegiate, comics, entertainment, fashion, flags of the world, military, models, music, sports, skin it stock images, and rides. The skins leave no sticky residue when removed, and the company offers a service to turn personal photos into custom skins. Visitors can upload personal photos for approval, after which the company produces a tailored skin for the device of choice. Skinit iPod skins -- both custom and pre-made -- are priced at $15 and fit all iPod models. Skinit iBook and PowerBook skins are priced at $30.

Splash Case for iPod nano

07/24, 10:10am

Power Support unveils Nano Splash Case

Power Support has unveiled the Splash Case for iPod nano, a protective shield of water resistant silicone built to guard the portable media player against water and sand. Designed as an outdoor case that won't compromise the Nano's style or function, the Splash Case encloses the iPod with specially formulated medical grade silicone offering screen visibility and access to all controls without removing the player from the case. Power Support warns buyers, however, that the iPod should never be fully submerged in water. The Splash Case is priced at $35, and is slated for shipment some time this month.