News Archive for 07/01/29

Choose an article from the archive listing on this page or refine your selection using the controls in the gray box below.

iTunes competition heats up in 2007

01/29, 7:35pm

iTunes competition

Despite the general popularity of iTunes and the iTunes Store, competitors are moving in to draw away Apple's userbase. A Redmond start-up called NexTune is offering its namesake music software which is aesthetically similar to iTunes, but can play both Apple's FairPlay as well as Microsoft's PlaysForSure files. NexTune also taps into a database with extensive file information that can include details down to mood, tempo, and what instruments were used. The company is further offering users 10 cents of credit for each song profile they submit, which is usable to purchase CDs from the NexTune Music Store. Digital purchases are said to be coming in the future.

iLuv dock records to iPods and flash cards

01/29, 4:40pm

iLuv video recording dock

iPod accessory creator iLuv today unveiled the i182 recording dock, according to Electronista. Rather than play back content, the i182 records video through its RCA or S-video input and transfers the footage to a storage device, including Apple's fifth-generation iPod. The videos themselves are not immediately playable on the iPod, the company is quick to note; instead, custom software on a host Mac or PC recognizes clips stored on the iPod's drive and converts them to files that synchronize through iTunes. An adapter is also included (shown at left) that plugs into the Dock Connector on the iLuv dock and records directly to SD/MMC cards or any USB external drives.

Recording can be left unattended, the developer says: a button on the dock sets recording time in 30-minute intervals, up to 180 minutes, while the video resolution can be formatted specifically for an iPod's 640x480 resolution or the full 720x480 widescreen resolution of DVDs. The i182 is due to ship in March at a price of $230.

Harvard Extension joins iTunes U

01/29, 2:55pm

Harvard Ext joins iTunes U

The Harvard Extension School today announced the release of select course content for free through Apple's iTunes U service. The school is providing free public access to video previews of 15 of the 50 Harvard Extension School distance education courses that are available this spring covering the fields of computer science, management, environmental science, history, and the liberal arts. Each 10-15 minute video introduction gives viewers a virtual taste of the Harvard classroom and the opportunity to experience Harvard Extension School distance education, according to the school. Audio of each complete two-hour introductory lecture is also available for via digital download, and courses are taught by distinguished faculty from Harvard and other universities as well as working professionals who bring their expertise to the classroom. The Harvard Extension School is offering online registration for complete courses through February 4th.