News Archive for 07/04/12

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Music labels look for iTunes subscriptions

04/12, 7:35pm

iTunes subscriptions?

The music labels will ask Apple to add a subscription model to its industry-leading iTunes Store as part of their negotiations to renew their music licensing agreements with the Cupertino-based company. According to the Financial Times, the discussions will begin next week when Universal Music, the largest of the "Big Four" music labels, begins its licensing negotiations with Apple. The other major labels, Sony-BMG, Warner Music and EMI, have either already begun talks with Apple or will in the near future, according to the report. The negotiations come on the heels of a revolutionary DRM-free music agreement by EMI and while Apple is in a unique and powerful position in the industry: iTunes, which accounts for 75 percent of the digital music, has sold over 2.5 billion songs.

DLO unveils VideoShells for 5G iPod

04/12, 1:50pm

DLO 5G iPod VideoShells

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) today unveiled its newest line of VideoShells for Apple's fifth-generation iPod. The special edition DLO VideoShells come in six colors, and feature a durable polycarbonate back with a colorful brushed-aluminum snap-on faceplate to showcase the portable player. The form-fitting cases offer protection against everyday wear and tear, according to DLO, and are available for $25. Case colors include red, blue, green, silver, pink, and violet. Additionally, Best Buy and dlo.com are both offering a special two-faceplate bundle for $30 for a limited time. Bundles are available in red/blue, pink/green, and silver/violet combinations.

Beatles, EMI settle royalty dispute

04/12, 9:05am

Beatles settle with EMI

Music fans may soon finally be able to digitally purchase songs from The Beatles. Apple Corps, the company representing the pop band, has settled a $59 million royalty dispute with EMI Group. Heralded as the last hurdle before digital distribution of the Liverpoool's band music, the royalty settlement comes on the heels of a revolutionary DRM-free music distribution agreement by EMI and this week's announcement of the departure of a key Apple Corps executive.