News Archive for 06/08/17

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YouTube's music could dethrone iTunes

08/17, 1:45pm

YouTube vs. iTunes

YouTube's planned effort to offer "every" music video for free could dethrone Apple's iTunes as the leader in the digital music/media industry and eliminate the paid-for online content business model. Users watch 100 million clips each day via YouTube, and the video sharing site is in talks with EMI as well as Warner Music to offer music videos for free via download, according to Guardian Unlimited. The move threatens Apple's closed iPod/iTunes ecosystem which uses proprietary technology restricting tracks purchased from iTunes to play only on Apple's iPod and iTunes software. YouTube's popularity could mean free video-based music competition for Apple, and will likely leave iPod users out in the cold due to compatibility issues.

Real-world photo of Zune surfaces

08/17, 1:05pm

Zune real-world photo

A real-world photograph of Microsoft's forthcoming Zune portable media player has surfaced on the internet, revealing that the device has remained largely unchanged from the publicly sanctioned version which debuted earlier this summer. Every image so far of the Zune player has been a formal shot of the prototype; there has been little to suggest that Microsoft would keep the design or showcase the more practical features, according to Electronista. The new photo provides interesting new information about the player and its included earbuds, suggesting that Microsoft is clearly prepared to offer the Zune in colors other than white, as previously confirmed, though the pictured example was given a dark color in an attempt to identify the sources of any leaks. The earbuds are clearly meant to improve on the iPod's design by including magnets that keep the buds together while wrapping the cord.

Apple maintains dominance with iPod

08/17, 12:10pm

iPod maintains dominance

Apple continues to lead the U.S. digital music player market in the second quarter of 2006 with 75.6 percent share, according to a recent study by the NPD Group. "Apple has done a great job of focusing consumers' attention on digital music in their products through millions of dollars in advertising," said Ross Rubin, an NPD analyst. Mobile phone companies may eat away at Apple's sizable lead, however, as they continue to unveil new phones with built-in music playing capability, according to ITworld.com. SanDisk achieved 9.7 percent market share taking second place below Apple, while Creative holds third place with 4.3 percent of the digital music player market. Samsung obtained 2.5 percent of the market, and Sony managed to take 1.9 percent.

Lions Gate: iTunes movie deal in place

08/17, 10:10am

iTunes Movie Store soon?

Apple has already inked deals with some major studios for offering full-length feature films through iTunes. In recently held Lions Gate quarterly conference call, company executives revealed a digital licensing deal, indicating Apple is prepping the launch of an iTunes movie store. Lions Gate Chief Financial Officer Jon Feltheimer said that the company had digital delivery deals in place with several companies, including Apple: "We also have digital delivery deals in place with Cinema Now, MovieLink, and iTunes, with upcoming announcements with at least two more major industry players."

Logitech debuts two new iPod speakers

08/17, 9:30am

Logitech AudioStations

Logitech has released two new iPod speaker systems featuring an iPod-style design and plug-and-play simplicity. Both new speakers carry the Logitech AudioStation brand name and compatibility with the iPod mini, iPod nano, and all fourth- and fifth-generation iPods, including the iPod color and iPod U2. The AudioStation features a built-in AM/FM tuner, offers the ability to charge the iPod charging powered by AC, includes touch-sensitive controls and an LCD screen for clock and information, and features 3D stereo sound technology, removable speaker grills, an audio 3.5mm input jack, composite and S-Video outputs, and a remote control. The $300 system includes Universal Dock adapters, a protective case, and AM/FM antennas. [images included]