News Archive for 06/08/04

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Speck ships FlipSkin case for 5G iPod

08/04, 1:25pm

FlipSkin case iPod ships

Speck Products today began shipping its FlipSkin case for 30GB and 60GB fifth-generation video iPods. The case features a two-toned black and grey design, as well as an adjustable stand to watch videos without holding the device. "Not everyone has control over their viewing environments, like if you're using your iPod on a plane or train," said Tim Hickman, general manager of Speck Products. "This new FlipSkin case gives control back to the user, by letting us choose how to set the angle of the screen for the best picture quality, any time or place." The FlipSkin offers easy access to all iPod controls, includes a removable screen protector, and is priced at $35.

Warner may offer iTunes music on DVDs

08/04, 12:00pm

iTunes music on DVDs?

Warner Music is reportedly close to a deal with Apple [subscription required] that would make digital tracks--essentially identical to those the computer company sells through its iTunes Music Store service--on DVD albums, a new format the company hopes will replace the popular CD and spur more retail music sales. The Wall Street Journal reports that Warner is in the final stages of securing technical licenses that will enable it to sell a bundle of music and extra features on a single DVD: the DVD would include a music album that plays in both stereo and surround-sound on a standard DVD player as well as include video footage that plays on a DVD player or a computer. The report says that the DVD album will include song remixes, ring tones, photos and other digital extras that can be accessed on a computer, although it is unclear whether the non-music content will support Macs. The music, however, will likely be provided by Apple, as Apple has been reluctant to license its FairPlay digital rights management (DRM) technology, which helps copy-protect songs sold through iTunes. T

Napster loses subscribers, future uncertain

08/04, 10:55am

Napster loses subscribers

Napster's falling subscription base may be the first sign that the struggling company is ready for sale. On a conference call with analysts, Napster told anlaysts that its future was not as bright as previously thought and that it had lost about 7 percent of its subscriber base as it focused on promoting a new free Web site. Reuters repors that Chief Executive Officer Chris Gorog would not rule out a sale of the company. "We do not have our heads in the sand regarding an M&A (merger and acquisition) transaction. We continue to receive a lot of interest in the company. We will always carefully weigh any valuation alternative against the opportunity and risk associated with continuing as a stand-alone company," Gorog told analysts on a conference call. While facing the a growing prospect of a sale, The company said it was still looking for a "working business model"--a bad thing for the company's operations, the CEO acknowledged.