News Archive for 07/03/06

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BBC preps alternative to Apple's iTunes

03/06, 6:35pm

BBC to take on iTunes

As Apple's iTunes faces growing pressures from Europe, the BBC this week began planning its own alternative to the iPod-maker's dominance in the music and media industries. According to The Financial Times the BBC's commercial arm yesterday invited other UK broadcasters to put their programming on its new online media player in an effort to create an alternative to Apple's iTunes jukebox and media player software that could available this year. Hoping that the new service will provide "free" alternative the closed iPod/iTunes ecosystem, the BBC hopes to build a suitable alternative to customers. Called iPlayer, BBC Worldwide's chief executive likened the software to Freeview, a free digital terrestrial television service.

iStyles releases new artistic skins for iPod

03/06, 4:55pm

New iStyles artistic skins

iStyles has released its spring collection of skins, fitting the iPod video and the second-generation iPod nano. Each one is created with custom artwork, such as an argyll pattern, a Cuban collage, or stylized cats. The iPod skins are made of adhesive-backed vinyl, and use UV-resistant inks and a clear protective layer to prevent damage. Application and removal is promised to be mess-free. The collection is on sale now, with Nano skins priced at $7 apiece, while iPod video skins are $8. Zune versions are also available.

iTunes 7.1 runs on Vista, not perfect

03/06, 2:40pm

iTunes 7.1 runs on Vista

Apple has posted an update on the compatibility of its iTunes software with Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system, noting that a new version of iTunes addresses numerous compatibility issues with Vista but that the Cupertino-based company is actively working with Microsoft to resolve a few remaining known issues. Apple recommends using iTunes 7.1 with most editions of Windows Vista, and suggests that users who are upgrading from Windows XP or Windows 2000 to Windows Vista prior to the next release of iTunes take several steps to improve the experience when syncing an iPod or playing iTunes Store purchases. Apple encourages upgrading users to deauthorize all iTunes Store accounts, perform a clean install of Windows Vista, upgrade to iTunes 7.1 or repair iTunes 7.1 if version 7.1 is already installed, open iTunes, and choose "Authorize Computer" from the "Store" menu. [updated]

Keyspan updates TuneView for iPod firmware

03/06, 12:10pm

TuneView firmware update

Keyspan has released a firmware update for its TuneView for iPod remote control. The remote features a color LCD screen and two-way RF connectivity that enables users to browse and manage an iPod throughout a home or office. The update increases scrolling speed, adds the ability to jump to a specified first letter within a large list, and improves overall wake-from-sleep performance. The TuneView for iPod includes a dock that connects to a stereo or TV, and an RF remote to browse as well as manage iPod music and videos. Users can sync an iPod with iTunes running on a Mac or Windows system, and the device supports German as well as French and Spanish languages. Keyspan's TuneView for iPod is priced at $180, and the firmware update is available as a free download.