Apple Considering Offering Unlimited iTunes Music Downloads for iPhone, iPod
An article published today by the Financial Times reports that Apple is in the process of exploring offering unlimited music download from iTunes at no cost to customers who purchase an iPhone or iPod. The concept is basically the same as the Nokia "comes with music" program which the handset manufacturer offers in partnership with Universal Music.
Essentially, either program would allow customers, who have purchased a handset or MP3 player at an inflated price, to download unlimited music and keep that music permanently (no DRM). The deal is based on partnerships with the record labels within which Apple (or Nokia) pays a flat fee to allow their customers unlimited access to the labels' libraries.
Research has shown that customers have strong appetites for such bundled packages, but bidding wars are holding up these programs becoming a reality. The word is that Nokia is offering the record labels around $80 per handset - divided proportionally between the record companies based what material is downloaded. For the same privilege, Apple is rumored to only be offering $20.
Apple is supposedly also considering a subscription model, where users would pay a monthly fee for unlimited downloads of music they could keep. There is no indication as of yet whether this subscription would be for a fixed period or only month-to-month.
Apple, who most agree is considering the move in order to boost iPod sales, declined to comment on the Financial Times report.
Does paying more for your handset or MP3 player in exchange for unlimited music downloads appeal to you?
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Essentially, either program would allow customers, who have purchased a handset or MP3 player at an inflated price, to download unlimited music and keep that music permanently (no DRM). The deal is based on partnerships with the record labels within which Apple (or Nokia) pays a flat fee to allow their customers unlimited access to the labels' libraries.
Research has shown that customers have strong appetites for such bundled packages, but bidding wars are holding up these programs becoming a reality. The word is that Nokia is offering the record labels around $80 per handset - divided proportionally between the record companies based what material is downloaded. For the same privilege, Apple is rumored to only be offering $20.
Apple is supposedly also considering a subscription model, where users would pay a monthly fee for unlimited downloads of music they could keep. There is no indication as of yet whether this subscription would be for a fixed period or only month-to-month.
Apple, who most agree is considering the move in order to boost iPod sales, declined to comment on the Financial Times report.
Does paying more for your handset or MP3 player in exchange for unlimited music downloads appeal to you?
Sony Walkman - NWZ-A820 and A720 Series
Sony decided to launch new MP3 Players on the Walkman series, which will go directly to the Korean market.Named NWZ-A820 and NWZ-A720, the fresh portable media players support video in different formats - MPEG4 at 30 frames-per-second, and also the AVC - Advanced Video Coding - codec which includes H.264/AVC.
Along with the player you also get headphones, more specifically the Sony 13.5mm EX series. Both players are available in 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB, but the color options are limited on the NWZ-A820, that will only exist in black and pink. The other model adds white and gold on top of the black+pink combination.
Retro-terrific CBX-300 tabletop audio system from Onkyo
The CBX-300 houses a goodly modern audio system- complete with CD player compatible with MP3 and WMA CDs, an iPod slot along with an radio tuner with timer that lest you set it like an FM alarm-inside a very elegant retro plastic and faux wood exterior.The tabletop system also boasts of superior sound quality delivered by Active Bass Control and 8cm OMF diaphragm speakers with Aero Acoustic Drive which is most powerful yet natural sound you can get for under £230.
Labels: iPod
Boston Acoustics Duo-i - stylish iPod sound system with AM/FM radio
If you are going to have an iPod sound system in your room, make sure it’s a decent looking one - like the newly-launched Boston Acoustics Duo-i.
It’s the company’s first iPod dock, offering high-end sound via two Boston 3.5 inch drive units, ported acoustic enclosures and BassTrac for a clean sound at all levels. Add to that iPod charging (and of course, playback), connectivity for the iPhone, full remote control, dual alarm and clock radio, AM/FM reception with 15 presets, a unique 360 degree snooze bar, backlit display and the ability to customise with coloured grilles (sold separately).