News Archive for 06/09/28

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Apple, carriers agree to UK royalties

09/28, 6:35pm

UK music royalty agreement

Apple's iTunes and mobile operators including Vodafone on Thursday agreed on royalty rates to pay song writers and music publishers for digital downloads in Britain to partly resolve a dispute, according to Reuters. Under terms of the deal, Apple and four mobile operators will pay 8 percent of gross revenue, excluding VAT, for all music sold digitally excluding ringtones--extending a reduced price agreement that has been in place for four years. Under a previous deal, the law stated that the song writers and publishers must receive 12 percent; however, the royalty had been temporarily reduced to 8 percent based on a mutual agreement. The new agreement also implements a 6.5 percent royalty rate for non-on-demand services such as streaming, according to the report. The deal was announced in a joint statement by the trade group representing record labels, BPI, and MCPS-PRS Alliance, which fixes and collects royalties on behalf of the composers, song writers and music publishers.

DLO supports new iTunes movies

09/28, 5:45pm

DLO, iTunes movie support

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) today announced that its HomeDock Deluxe enables iPod owners to play Apple's new iTunes movies on a big-screen TV with 640x480 DVD-quality resolution. The device features On-Screen Navigation, allowing users to view and select their iPod's music on a television screen using the included 18-button remote control that navigates through the iPod's music, videos, and photos. DLO's included remote allows users to control over 14 playback functions via an original, customizable interface. Song information is large and easy to read from anywhere in the room, according to DLO. The HomeDock Deluxe has two distinct modes: On-Screen Navigation Mode (for music interface on a TV) and iPod Mode (to play videos or photo slideshows on a TV directly from the iPod). The HomeDock Deluxe is priced at $150.

iSkin unveils Claro iPod video case

09/28, 1:25pm

iSkin unveils Claro case

iSkin today unveiled its clear polycarbonate iSkin Claro case for Apple's 60GB and 80GB video iPods. The Claro features anti-scratch "ClaroCoat" technology combined with iSkin's "silicone inside" design philosophy to provide increased protection. The inner layers, dubbed "Claro slims," are available in multi-color theme packs which include "Chill" and "Cruise" to suit personal taste. The Claro ships with a belt clip, an integrated kick-stand that allows users to watch videos hands-free, and Cerulean XLR earphones to ensure colors match (online purchases only). The iSkin Claro is available for $40, while the Claro Slim Packs are priced separately at $25 each.

GizMac ships Titan Gear for 2G Nano

09/28, 10:30am

GizMac ships Titan Gear

GizMac Accessories today began shipping its Titan Gear case for Apple's new second-generation iPod nano. Titan Gear includes a carabineer clip, armband, belt clip with 360-degree rotation, and lanyard accessories to provide a wide range of ways to wear and show the new anodized aluminum Nano. Titan Gear is designed to go one step further, enabling iPod owners to easily change whether the top or bottom of the aluminum media player faces up or down, and attachments provide further flexibility for carrying the small gadget. The case attachments are modular, making upgrades and customization easy for a more personalized look, according to GizMac. Titan Gear is available for $25, and additional accessories are slated for shipment in the near future. [image]

Microsoft matches iPod, iTunes pricing

09/28, 9:40am

Microsoft matches pricing

Microsoft on Thursday said its forthcoming Zune music player will sell for $249.99 and that songs from its own music service will sell for $0.99, matching the price of Apple's 30GB iPod and iTunes' songs. Because of the aggressive pricing by Apple, the company says it will lose money on its Zune player this holiday season. Microsoft said it needed to put a comparable price on Zune--which launches November 14--even if it meant that the company will suffer a loss from the device's sales this holiday season, according to Reuters: "We had to look at what was in the market and offer a competitive price," said Scott Erickson, Microsoft's senior director of product marketing for Zune. "We're not going to be profitable this holiday but the Zune project is a multiyear strategy." Microsoft has said it plans to invest hundreds of millions of dollars to develop and market the Zune--which bundles a few more features than Apple's iPod, including FM radio and wireless connectivity between players to beam photos and music. In addition, the company acknowledged the investment "may take years to bear fruit."