News Archive for 06/11/13

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Diasonic ships iPod Dyanmic speakers

11/13, 5:25pm

iPod Dynamic speakers ship

Diasonic today announced that it hopes to address the common lack of flexibility found in most iPod audio systems with its new iPod Dynamic Speakers. The stereo system remains in one piece on-the-go to conserve space, but both of the 3-watt satellites detach from the base to deliver improved stereo separation, according to Electronista. The Dynamic Speakers also include a button to toggle an enhanced stereo effect, while a bass boost feature improves low-end frequency response. In its portable mode, the speakers can play for up to eight hours using four AA batteries. Plugging the system into an AC power outlet saves batteries and charges the connected iPod. The latest system works with all dockable iPods through a universal adapter, and ships in black or white trim for $70.

Universal: non-Zune owners steal music

11/13, 5:05pm

Non-Zune owners thieves?

Universal today accused all owners of non-Zune music players of stealing music, according to a report from Billboard Magazine. The major record label last week revealed that it had struck a deal with Microsoft to collect royalties on each Zune player sold. "We felt that any business that's built on the bedrock of music we should share in," Universal CEO Doug Morris said. Today Universal's chief revealed that the label refused to license its content to Microsoft's Zune Marketplace online store without royalties, arguing that his company requires compensation above and beyond direct music sales, regardless of whether Universal artists' music is ever copied to a Zune. "These devices are just repositories for stolen music, and they all know it." Morris' statement in effect suggests that players without such licensing schemes -- such as Apple's iPod -- are used primarily to listen to illegally copied songs.

Zune to face difficulty during holidays

11/13, 4:35pm

Zune holiday difficulty

Microsoft's Zune player is expected to hit store shelves tomorrow, marking the most legitimate competitor to Apple's dominance in the digital music industry so far. Senior analyst Gene Munster of research firm Piper Jaffray believes Microsoft has a lot of work to do before significantly impacting Apple's market share, however. "In the near term, we expect very little impact on Apple's holiday season iPod sales from Zune, given relatively low public awareness at this point," Munster wrote in a research note obtained by MacNN. Microsoft's launch of the Zune player and its music service tomorrow will have limited near-term impact on the iPod due to the initial limited usefulness of Zune's most touted feature -- the ability for Zune users to wirelessly share amongst each other. "If, at some point, there are millions of Zunes in the market, the wireless sharing capability may prove to be a more compelling feature," the analyst wrote.

iLuv ships i1055 portable video player

11/13, 3:50pm

iLuv portable video player

iLuv today began shipping the i1055 portable video player, a unique handheld device that plays both conventional DVD discs as well as video from any fifth-generation video iPod. A 7-inch screen on the front is connected to both a DVD drive and an iPod dock on the back, allowing the i1055 to play videos from either format in a single device. The gadget plays VCDs and audio CDs from the disc drive, or music and photos from the iPod. The system is completely portable, according to iLuv, and plays video for up to 2.5 continuous hours through its built-in NiMH battery. The device comes bundled with an AC power cable as well as a 12-volt car adapter, and the power cable recharges an iPod even during video playback, according to Electronista. iLuv has launched the i1055 in black and white editions for $230.

Beatles tracks to appear online

11/13, 3:30pm

Beatles online "soon"

Recordings of the Beatles will soon make their way online for the first time, according to EMI Group vice chairman David Munns. The executive made the announcement at a San Francisco-based music industry conference over the weekend, saying that the Beatle's content will be available online for download "soon." Apple Corps -- the Beatles' record label -- and EMI are readying the launch of the first Beatles official online merchandise store, according to Yahoo Music. Apple expressed interest in offering Beatles tracks via the iTunes Music Store in May of this year, voicing hopes that the Cupertino-based company and Apple Corps could reach some sort of agreement. Apple Computer made the announcement just two days after winning a lawsuit against Apple Corps, allowing the computer-maker to use the Apple logo and brand in conjunction with iTunes. The EMI executive failed to reveal where the classic tracks would be sold online, however.

Griffin debuts Amplifi iPod speakers

11/13, 12:35pm

Griffin Amplifispeakers

iPod accessory maker Griffin Technology has unveiled its new Amplifi iPod speaker range, a 2.1 sound system designed for Apple's iPod that features an acoustically tuned wooden enclosure. The device comes with six iPod adapters that accommodate all dockable iPods, as well as a 3.5mm stereo input jack to support other digital media players. Sound is delivered through two 2.75-inch neodyme front firing high/midrange drivers and a 5-inch woofer with a bass reflex port. A large volume control knob is situated on the front of the unit surrounded by a blue glow, and a six function slim remote allows users to control the unit from a distance. Griffin says the Amplifi will be available next year for $150.

MS addresses key iTMS complaint

11/13, 10:55am

Zune Marketplace vs. iTMS

Microsoft has announced that users will be able to re-download files from the Zune Marketplace -- its online store for digital media content -- to a certain extent at no extra cost. Users can download songs and videos up to five times past the initial point of purchase, according to Electronista, which should ensure that users are able to receive desired content in the event of a download failure or loss of an existing copy. Microsoft is addressing one of the key complaints customers have with Apple's iTunes Music Store, which allows one-time downloads with a few rare exceptions. Apple customers have historically resorted to speaking with Apple technical support to secure second copies of purchased content from iTunes, and Microsoft is hoping to gain ground on Apple by improving on this aspect of digital purchases.

SpotDJ adds radio DJ to iTunes

11/13, 10:10am

SpotDJ for iTunes

SpotDJ today announced the launch of its new internet-based social service that enhances the experience of listening to digital music by intelligently adding interesting audio spots between songs. SpotDJ enables people to record and share audio commentary about music through media players such as iTunes, bringing context and community to a user's music experience. The free service (requires registration) works with iTunes and plays short audio tidbits, or spots, about a user's favorite songs and artists while they listen to music. SpotDJ scours its database of unique audio content, and when the song ends SpotDJ plays the most interesting and relevant audio spot based on user preferences and listening habits, the company said. "Users hear background on the artist or band, the story or meaning behind a song, or announcement of an upcoming album or concert tour directly from artists and other music fans," SpotDJ said. "They can also become a SpotDJ by recording comments for others to hear." It requires Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger and a microphone.

Vacuum tube amplifier stereo debuts

11/13, 9:45am

Vacuum tube stereo debuts

VUUM Audio has unveiled a vacuum tube amplifier stereo system with speakers, an iPod docking station, and a remote control. The new system is designed to provide audiophile quality sound in a hi-fi stereo system that works with iPods as well as other MP3 players and audio sources. The system includes a vacuum tube amplifier (two 15W) with dual inputs, as well as an adjustable iPod docking station that allows users to charge an iPod. Video output connects a video iPod to a nearby TV, and a pair of speakers in a "piano finish" cabinet the 27 key full-function remote control. The vacuum tube amplifier stereo system also comes bundled with a dust brush and glove cleaning kit, RCA cables, and a pair of speaker cables with "banana" connectors (pricing and availability were unavailable).

iHome debuts iH26 iPod alarm clock

11/13, 9:40am

iH26 iPod alarm clock

iHome today introduced its new, compact iH26 iPod alarm clock. Designed as a portable system for travelers seeking both an alarm clock and iPod playback in their hotel rooms, the iH26 has a low-profile design that can fit in a small carrying case. The new model features a built-in dock for the first- generation iPod shuffle, allowing it to play music directly from the iPod shuffle and charge it as well as a Dock Connector-based iPod at the same time, according to Electronista. The system can also wake to any audio device plugged into the auxiliary input jack. Users can also use a sleep timer with its own separate volume level. Versions of the iH26 ship in black, white, and silver from iHome for $100. It includes a protective carrying case with handle and full function remote control.