Online digital music market is getting warmed up, as US retail giant, Best Buy, announces it will acquire Napser for an astonishing $121 million price tag. The transaction is set to be accomplished in Q4 of this year and we have no doubt it was carried out in order to try snatching a substantial share from iTunes’ market dominance. Napster allows its 708,000 subscribers to access an unlimited library of music or using the “Napster Mobile” platform, on their mobile phones, for a small monthly fee of $15. Having said that, the company has never turned a profit, during its long years of existence.
Best Buy president Brian Dunn confirms the company’s desire to expand Napster services and to use “Napster’s capabilities and digital subscriber base to reach new customers with an enhanced experience for exploring and selecting music and other digital entertainment products over an increasing array of devices.” Be sure it’s just the beginning and we expect more developments to take place in the near future. We do hope this move will increase the competition and at the end of the day, will be profitable for the consumers.
[via ZDNet]
iTunes 8 officially goes live at Apple’s “Let Us Rock” event, introducing HD shows from ABC, NBC and Showtime, to run for $2.99 per episode (the rest priced at $1.99). In addition, the 8 version comes with the new “Genius” sidebar feature, which lets you automatically create playlists from songs in your music library that go great together. Meaning, iTunes has a smart music reccomendation tool that helps users to rediscover favorite songs in their existing music library and suggests related music on the iTunes Store they might want to add to their music collection (sort of Pandora like). Furthermore, you can visualy browse your iTunes’ music / video libraries, using your album or video cover art and enjoy some new stunning Magnetosphere visualizations, once you turn your favorite music on. Tunes 8 is now available for download via Apple’s website.
[Apple]
iSlsk is a Soulseek P2P client that enables jailbroken iPhone or iPod Touch owners to download MP3 songs directly from their own devices. To do so, just connect to the Soulseek network with the iSlsk application and start importing your favorite music via your wifi connection. The application lets you manage your downloads and allows more than one song to be downloaded at the same time. Mind you, there’s one glitch that hopefully will be fixed, if you sync your device with the iTunes library, your iSlsk songs will be erased, but it’s still worth a try. To install the application, just goto the Installer.App and find the iSlsk in the BigBoss repo at the Community Sources package. Checkout the video after the break.
[via lifehacker]
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I really like the new CD-T300 Pro, it has a unique illuminated “out of space” design and aluminum alloy body that turns it into a 2 ton heavy thing, well to be more accurate it weights “only” 24lbs, but you got the message – very heavy. The CD player is equipped with two remote controls, gold plated tube legs, and four amplification valves, but the most juicy piece of info is the $12,000 price tag, which makes the T300 unaffordable for most of us, so I guess I’d stay with the ipod after all.
[via slashgear]
If you’re a DJ or someone who wants to mix, scratch, pitch shift, beat match, crossfade, and even add special effects, all wirelessly, you can do it with the new Hercules Mobile DJ MP3 Controller that enables mixing and organizing stored computer tracks via wireless networks. This up-to-date DJ device is equipped with 2 jog wheels (emulating 2 CD/vinyl decks), 2 deck controller, 1 cross fader, 2 volume & pitch sliders, 25 control buttons and 2 backlit LCD screens that display artist, track name, BPM, elapsed time, or track length. In addition, it has “AutoMix” function that can automatically create the mix, as you seat on the couch, controlling the action with the on-board wireless USB. The Mobile DJ Controller supports MP3 and WMA formats, to seamlessly synchronize with your PC or laptop, so you can draw a nice party to your friends wherever you are. To get this cool DJ equipment, you can visit J&R stores and snack one for merely $99.
[Hercules via engadget]
For some people, it’s hard to forget old music formats like cassettes and records, so they keep them somewhere at the attic and take a peek once a year. Now they can actually have them, for a daily use, with the new cassette player, features an MP3 player built into a standard cassette tape that can be used as a standalone old-school music player or with any in-car radio cassette device. In addition, and as part of the new technology updates, this DAP is equipped with an SD/MMC card slot (up to 2GB), so you play your favorite music wherever you are. Further more, it has 7 buttons interface, a 3.5mm earphone jack and USB 2.0 port. Dimension are 2.5″ x 4″ x .45″ and the price stands on $39.99 (without an SD card).
[via techdigest]
SanDisk plans to launch Sansa Sessions, a new initiative to distribute music and movies on microSD cards. Their first steps will probably take place with the purchase of a new 8GB Sansa Fuze player, as SanDisk intend to give the buyers a free microSD card, loaded with 55 DRM-free tracks from more than 50 new artists, including All Time Low, Ladytron, Magnet, Nada Surf, Of Montreal and The Coup. The cause is twofold, first reason is to attract music junkies to buy the new Fuze and second, is for promotional sake. In any case, we get 512MB microSD card, free of charge, and novice artists earn free exposure.
[ via engadget]
Mpio unveils the new MG200 mp3 player with a 1.5-inch OLED display and a Black or White sleek design. The MG200 is compatible with almost any current available format and might be a cheaper solution, as its price stands on less than $100. The player comes with 3 different Nand Flash storage sizes (1GB/2GB/4GB) and sports multi-language support.
specifications:
- Display: 1.5″ OLED screen, 65,000 colors (128 × 128).
- Storage Size: 1GB, 2GB or 4GB.
- Audio: MP3, WMA, MPEG 1/2/2.5 Layer 3.
- Video: MTV, WMV, AVI, MPEG1, MPEG2.
- Pictures: JPEG, BMP, GIF.
- Features: SD card slot, USB 2.0, multi-lingual interface.
- Size: 39.1 × 10.8 x 85.6mm, 42gm.
[via akihabaranews]
Check the video after the break.
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Korean company, Minigigi, launches the U-Player, a USB stick mp3 player with double-color OLED, 3D sound, USB2.0 and 7 EQ. The player features voice recording, FM tuner and 1GB ($36) or 2GB ($47) storage size. Looks like one of those innocuous products.
[via Aving]
Transcend announces a new series of T.Sonic mp3 players with colorful flavors and a skinny design. The first line of players is the T.Sonic 320, with 2GB and 4GB storage size, and the second line is the upgraded version of the T.Sonic 650, offering 8GB storage size. Check out the specs:
T.Sonic 320
- Display: a small OLED screen.
- Storage size: 2GB or 4GB.
- Audio: MP3, WMA, WMA-DRM, WAV.
- Features: FM tuner, microphone, 7 EQ.
- Battery Life: 15 hours.
- Dimensions: 85.5 x 25.5 x 13 mm, 29gm.
- Price: $63 and $86 respectively.
[via Aving]
More about the T.Sonic 650 after the break.
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It’s super Tuesday, and Apple has a new announcement to make. This time the company slashes the iPod Shuffle 1GB price to merely 49$ and introducing a new 2GB model for 69$. No other changes concerning specs or colors. The new Shuffle 2GB will be available at the end of this month.
[via Apple]
I guess it was just a matter of time for iPhone bands to start showing up, playing their own repertoire with their handset, now that the Cupertino phone received virtual piano and guitar applications. One of those bands is the iBand, presenting very impressive abilities, combined from 2 iPhone devices and 1 Nintendo DS. Check out the video:
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[via gizmodo]
Coby aims the touch market, as the company unveils the new MP-835 PMP with a slick design and a 3-inch touchscreen. The new player already received FCC certifications, so you might find it on US retailers very soon. With a smooth look and the right features, it might be a cheaper alternative to other touchscreen players available on the market. Check out the specs:
specifications:
- Display: 3″ TFT LCD (480 × 272).
- Storage Size: 2GB or 4GB.
- Audio: MP3, WMA, OGG.
- Video: WMV, AVI.
- Pictures: JJPG, BMP, GIF and TXT.
- Features: microSD slot, FM radio tuner, USB 2.0, multi-lingual interface.
- Size: 52 × 97 x 10mm.
- Price: Not Available
[via gmp3]
I like the idea of a virtual orchestra inside the iPhone, allowing you to demonstrate your musical skills in front of the inebriate guests of the local bar. First, it was the virtual guitar, now it’s the virtual piano and i hope we’ll get the trumpet, next. With iAno, you can start practicing your fingers all the way up to the stages of Carnegie Hall, as a pianist. To do so, you will need a jailbroken iphone/ipod touch and some talent. Looks groovy.
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Toshiba announces an update release for its Gigabeat lineup, including the Gigabeat V81, T802, U407 and U408 players.
Gigabeat V81 (Replacing the V41 model)
- Display: 3.5″ LCD TFT screen (320×240).
- TV Tuner: 1Seg (Japanese digital signal).
- Storage: 8GB.
- Audio: WMA , Lossless, MP3, WAV.
- Video: AVI, WMV.
- Pictures: JPEG.
- Features: portable digital TV, USB 2.0, SD slot.
- Battery: audio – 40 hours, video – 13 hours, broadcasting – 10 hours.
- Size: 115 x 75 x 14.2 mm 168gm
- Price: $330. Available in Japan from this month.
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The Chinese corporation, Newman, storms the market with plenty of new media players. Two of the latest are the Momo X2 and Momo X5 which remind us the Meizu M6 and M3 players.
Momo X2
- Display: 1.5″ QVGA screen.
- Storage size: up to 4GB.
- Audio: MP3, WMA, APE, FLAC.
- Video: AVI.
- Features: two audio chipsets RK2706 and Wolfson WM8987, FM tuner, microphone.
- Unknown price and availability.
Momo X5
- Display: 2.4″ QVGA screen.
- Storage size: 2GB and 4GB.
- Audio: MP3, WMA, APE, FLAC.
- Video: AVI, RMVB, FLV.
- Features: two audio chipsets RK2706 and Wolfson WM8987, FM tuner, microphone.
- Unknown price and availability.
[via gmp3]
Teclast unveils a new PMP with a multi-touch screen. The T50 might be just another multimedia player, but with multi-point touch sensors, it pretends to compete with the iPod Touch. The player features a wide ultra-high-resolution screen with the same iPod Touch capacitive touch-screen, RMVB / RM / FLV / AVI video support and dual-core independence high-quality audio processor. Teclast says a new T59 version is in development and will be released with larger screen, GPS, DMB-TV, multi-point touch and more. No further details regarding price or availability.
[via engadget]
Super Tuesday is a big US political celebration but also Apple’s announcements day. As we speak, the Cupertino company unveiled the rumored 16GB iPhone for retail price of 499$ and the surprising 32GB iPod Touch for the same price of 499$. Both devices are available immediately worldwide and no other changes were reported. I guess we should be wondering if a 32GB iPhone is coming out this year.
[via Apple]
Super Tuesday is a big US political celebration but also Apple’s announcements day. As we speak, the Cupertino company unveiled the rumored 16GB iPhone for retail price of 499$ and the surprising 32GB iPod Touch for the same price of 499$. Both devices are available immediately worldwide and no other changes were reported. I guess we should be wondering if a 32GB iPhone is coming out this year.
[via Apple]
To those of you who haven’t decided what to buy to your partner for Valentine’s day, this new mp3 player from Newman might be a reasonable solution. “Couples” mp3 music device is actually 2 individual players, turning into one big red heart, once combined together. The players come with 1/2GB storage capacity, mp3 and WMA audio support, clean two touch buttons design, FM tuner, recording function and strap attached, so you can…you know, put them around the neck, like those corny necklaces we had 20 years ago. Price is around 55$ so you have 10 days to decide.
[via imp3]
More pictures after the break.
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