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MP3 Player News & Headlines
Music service Lala heralds MP3-killing iPhone app
(AP)
AP - Online music retailer Lala is preparing to launch an iPhone application that its co-founder says paves the way for the end of downloading songs in the MP3 format.
Apple's iTunes Update Again Blocks Palm Pre Syncing
(NewsFactor)
NewsFactor - Apple and Palm continue to play a cat-and-mouse game, and this time it was Apple's turn to do the chasing. Apple on Thursday released an iTunes software update that once again blocks the Palm Pre smartphone from syncing DRM-free music, photos and videos from the iTunes Store.
Gemini Announces iTrax iPod DJ Mixer
The iTrax joins the Numark iDJ, to allow users to mix the output of two iPods, with basic dj functionality.
Dutch court orders Pirate Bay to remove links
(AFP)
AFP - A Dutch court Thursday ordered Sweden's The Pirate Bay filesharing website to remove links to works of members of a Netherlands-based music and film copyright protection group.
Mac Laptop Explodes Flames
Apple laptops are known for their tendency to run hot; apparently, they run hot enough that they sometimes burst into flames....
Google, MySpace, Facebook make music moves
(AP)
AP - Internet power players Google, MySpace and Facebook are adopting strategies to better compete in a music industry that is rapidly shifting online.
NAMM Update: Denon DJ Intros DN-S3500 Tabletop CD/MP3 Player
Denon DJ introduced the DN-S3500 tabletop CD/MP3 player, featuring a powerful 12-pole Direct Drive motor, 7 on-board effects and intuitive control.
Apple Tries To Bury Stock Options Controversy
Based on an analysis of the findings of the independent investigation, Apple has recognized additional non-cash stock-based compensation expenses of $84 million.
MP3 Tech Commentary
Bridgestone Treading on Electronic Paper Displays An electronic paper device isn't exactly what comes to mind when one hears the name of tire maker Bridgestone. But e-paper is exactly what the company had on display at the FPD International 2009 convention in Yokohama, Japan. Bridgestone's "Quick Response - Liquid Powder Display" or QR-LPD features an electronic paperlike screen that can display color and is also flexible to boot. The device gets its name from the fact that it is has the characteristics of both liquid and powder, according to the company. Of particular interest for portable gadget lovers is the fact that the device consumes very little power and was designed specifically for displaying static images. It also doesn't require a backlight and can be viewed under direct sunlight, Bridgestone says. I don't know about you but those sound like the ideal characteristics for a device like an eBook reader. In fact, eBook reading is one of the applications for the device that Bridgestone lists on its QR-LPD site, along with displays for office presentations and at train stations, airports and supermarkets. Mankind has certainly gone a long way since the Egyptians first used papyrus. I can only imagine what kind of stuff we'll be seeing in 10 years. Photo © Bridgestone Bridgestone Treading on Electronic Paper Displays originally appeared on About.com Portable Entertainment on Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 at 14:45:40.
MP3 Tag Editors: Save Time by Tagging Your Music Files The Easy Way In order for you to organize your music library and use it efficiently, it's essential to have the correct tag information (sometimes referred to as ID3 metadata) embedded into your files. Examples of this type of data include: artist, album, genre, and other information normally displayed on your MP3 player or software media player. There's little doubt that manually tagging all your music files can be time consuming and a tedious exercise at the best of times. So, what's the best way? Even though most software media players come with built-in tag tools, they can be very limited in what they can do. If you've got a large selection of music tracks that need tag information added, then using a dedicated MP3 tag tool is often the best way. Not only are media tagging software programs capable of editing multiple files, but some of them even support metadata services such as Freedb - used to automatically add the data to your files. If you're looking for software to tag your music files, then consult our guide on the Top 5 Free MP3 Tag Editors to start tagging the easy way.
Related Articles:
MP3 Tag Editors: Save Time by Tagging Your Music Files The Easy Way originally appeared on About.com Digital Music on Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 at 09:00:25.
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7digital Music Service Launches in the U.S. The UK-based digital music service, 7digital, has announced that it has finally completed its U.S. roll out. 7digital which operates in several different countries (mostly in Europe) will now offer its 6 million+ MP3 music library to consumers in the United States. Prices for albums will be $7.77 while songs will cost 77 cents each. The pricing for both albums and songs is competitive when compared to major pay-per-click digital music services such as AmazonMP3 and iTunes, so it will be interesting to see over time how 7digital perform in the U.S. and how much market share they eventually control. For more information, be sure to read our 7digital Music Service Review. Related Articles:
7digital Music Service Launches in the U.S. originally appeared on About.com Digital Music on Thursday, October 8th, 2009 at 11:39:35.
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What's Your Holiday Portable Wish List? So Halloween's not even done yet and I'm already seeing Christmas displays go up. I swear the holidays seem to come earlier each year. As I ruminate the many ways I'll likely go broke while buying gifts this year, my thoughts wander to just what kind of portable device I'd really like to get if given the choice. Do I want a new portable media player? Maybe an eBook reader would be nice. A portable battery pack for all the times that I'm on the road? Come to think of it, a GPS device would fit the bill nicely, too. Whatever device I end up wanting, one thing's for sure: I definitely won't be getting it as a present from someone else. Personally, I spend a lot of effort to stealthily figure out what my "targets" really like, so my presents end up being quite diverse. Last year, for example, gifts I gave out to loved ones included a Nintendo Wii, a laptop, a leather jacket, and a Coach handbag that made me wonder just what special cow was used to make a bag that expensive (the little thing was more expensive than the big jacket!). I, on the other hand, got sweatshirts, sweatpants, sweaters and the same colorful pajamas I've been getting every year since I was 12. Apparently, certain relatives don't realize that I've gotten a lot taller since then. Still, I don't mind such presents since I actually like sweaters and sweatshirts and I haven't had to buy any new ones for years now thanks to my family. The interesting thing for me, though, is just how intimidated my relatives are to give me anything electronic because they're afraid they'll get something that isn't good and they think I already have every gadget anyway. I'm sure a lot of folks feel exactly the same way. I, for one, have the hardest time picking presents for women, something I'm sure comes as no surprise for my fellow guys. Come to think of it, I'm sure that comes as no surprise to women either. On that note, I figured it would be interesting to see what kind of devices people would like to get this year. What device would top your wish list this holiday season? Is there a particular device that you simply must have no matter what? What do you think is the hardest part about picking a present for someone? Regardless, never forget that it's the thought that counts! What's Your Holiday Portable Wish List? originally appeared on About.com Portable Entertainment on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 19:42:23.
Free Music Downloads This Week In our music discovery spotlight this week, we showcase another selection of free promotional tracks that cover a wide range of genres designed to broaden your musical horizons :
The free music download, No Light Escapes Here, is a track from the electronic band, The Prairie Cartel. There's also the No Light Escapes Here music video that you can stream or download. Incidentally, their music has also been featured in the video game, Grand Theft Auto IV. The Prairie Cartel's new album, Where Did All My People Go is now available via their MySpace page; the digital release is slated for release on Oct. 27.
- Toxic is Dead (5:11)
- God Damn Best (2:48)
Related Articles:
- How can I record streaming music from the Internet?
- How to store and stream your own music from the Internet
- How to create a music library using Windows Media Player 11
Free Music Downloads This Week originally appeared on About.com Digital Music on Friday, October 23rd, 2009 at 09:00:29.
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Google to Launch 'Search and Buy' Music Service According to an article published by NPR, Google will shortly be announcing the launch of a new music search service that you can use to buy songs. Rather than directly providing a music library, Google will be extending its search facilities to provide links to songs that can be purchased from select digital music services. Google are hoping that consumers who already use the popular search engine to find resources on the Internet will like the familiarity of their interface and use it for purchasing digital music too. Google is certainly a mighty power on the Web, but can it really compete with the king of the digital music services - namely the iTunes Store? Related Articles:
Google to Launch 'Search and Buy' Music Service originally appeared on About.com Digital Music on Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 at 11:52:10.
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Free Music Downloads This Week Here is another weekly helping of free music downloads designed to help you discover new bands and artists. These full promotional tracks can either be streamed or downloaded and will hopefully give you a good idea on the style of music that the artist/band produces before splashing that cash. The free music promo tracks this week are:
The free promo track, Wonder Stranger, is a good example of Via Tania's unique sound that blends Björk-style vocals with dreamy melodies. This free music download is taken from Via Tania's new forthcoming album, Moon Sweet Moon, (The:Hours) which is due to be released digitally on Oct. 13, and physically on Oct. 20.
- Greenmoney's exclusive live mix (33:01)
- Young Blood (3:06)
Related Articles:
Free Music Downloads This Week originally appeared on About.com Digital Music on Friday, October 2nd, 2009 at 09:49:10.
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Portable Power on the Go The portable battery pack market is getting another addition to its stable come Nov. 1 with the release of Technocel's new $49.99 PowerPak. The PowerPak is designed to work with devices that can charge via USB and is reportedly compatible with 95 percent of all handheld USB devices in the market. I asked the manufacturer what the power output was and I'm being told its 5 watts (5V/1A), which falls within the sweet spot of many USB-charged devices. The PowerPak can also double as a direct charger when plugged to a wall outlet. As far as power storage, the device can hold enough extra juice for about 3 hours of talk time for smartphones (that typically translates to more than 30 hours if you're just listening to MP3s). Expect a full review once I get a hold of the device. Photo © Technocel Portable Power on the Go originally appeared on About.com Portable Entertainment on Saturday, October 17th, 2009 at 17:32:58.
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