News Archive for 07/02/07

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

Boomwave's unveils new 2G Nano cases

02/07, 3:20pm

New 2G Nano cases debut

Boomwave's has unveiled its Bearaphim and Diablo Spectrum special edition protective cases for second-generation iPod nano owners. The Bearaphims collection includes colorful creations with six various designs that ship in pink, lime green, blue, white, black, and red. The company's Diablo Spectrum special edition cases are an extension of its Diablo Spectrum range of cases that features horns, a tail, pointed ears, and a sterling silver earring. The special edition includes all the features of the Diablo Spectrum while adding two distinctive cases, including the "Ever Reddy" and the "Whacko Blacko" cases. Bearaphim and Diablo Spectrum special edition cases are priced at $20 each.

New York may ban 'iPod crossings'

02/07, 2:40pm

'iPod crossing' ban?

New York senator Carl Kruger today said he will introduce legislation to ban the use of gadgets such as iPods and Blackberry devices while crossing the street. "Government has an obligation to protect its citizenry," the senator said. "This electronic gadgetry is reaching the point where it's becoming not only endemic but it's creating an atmosphere where we have a major public safety crisis at hand." Under the proposed legislation, New Yorkers attempting to cross streets while using Blackberry devices, video games, or iPods will face a $100 fine. The proposed law comes following the deaths of three pedestrians in his Brooklyn district since September. The victims stepped into traffic while distracted by electronic devices, and in one case bystanders screamed "watch out" to no avail. "What's happening is when they're tuning into their iPod or Blackberry or cell phone or video game, they're walking into speeding buses and moving automobiles," Kruger said. "It's becoming a nationwide problem."

Music execs insist on protected music

02/07, 12:40pm

Music execs stand fast

Executives from the music industry have made it clear that while they may not stick with digital rights management (DRM) as a means to protect their digital catalogs, they are not willing to abandon copy protection altogether as requested by Apple CEO Steve Jobs in an open letter published yesterday. Responding to the letter, a senior executive at one company who asked to remain anonymous said "we're not going to broadly license our content for unprotected digital distribution." Another executive said record companies are concerned that lifting restrictions on digital music might have serious ramifications on the parallel market for protected video content, according to the New York Times.

Italy joins movement against iTunes, DRM

02/07, 10:00am

Italy joins music movement

Following an official response to Apple CEO Steve Jobs' open letter on digital music, senior advisor Torgeir Waterhouse of the Norwegian Consumer Council told MacNN that Italy is joining other European countries in applying pressure to Apple and the iTunes Store. According to Altroconsumo -- the largest consumer association in Italy that prints it's own periodical magazine with tests as well as reviews -- Italy is hoping to achieve an online music market with no barriers. Altroconsumo has formally contacted the Italian Antitrust Authority, the Italian trade ministry, and the minsitry for the economic developement that Apple reviews its DRM policies for a more open model that could serve as an example for other operators and major music players, according to Macity.

Amazon to offer videos to TiVo users

02/07, 9:25am

Amazon Unbox on TiVo

Apple continues face pressure by third-party video download services, including a new service from Amazon and TiVo and Wal-Mart's multi-studio digital video store. TiVo, best known for its digital video recorders, has partnered with the leading online retailer Amazon.com to offer "Amazon Unbox on TiVo," a service that will provide TiVo subscribers with the ability to rent and purchase movies and television shows. Confirming reports from last September, the "soon-to-be-launched service" will include content from studios and networks including CBS, Fox Entertainment Group, Lionsgate, Paramount Pictures, Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Warner Bros. Entertainment.