Microsoft wrapped up the week with a significant firmware update to the Zune HD. The 4.3 patch sets the groundwork for upcoming 3D games and apps while also improving the web experience. Web browsing is now much faster and has the option of forcing it to show desktop websites and a better tap-to-zoom feature.
LaCie is without a doubt best known for its hard drives and other storage solutions, many of which are often particularly good-looking. The company's new Sound2 Speakers could also be described in just such a way. Shaped by French designer Neil Poulton and engineered by Cabasse, a French loud speaker manufacturer, the design comes across as a French supermodel. But does that mean the design is strictly superficial? Our Sound2 review finds an answer.
Sonos has released an update to its Controller app for the iPhone and iPod touch. Version 3.1 adds the ability to send Twitter updates with information regarding the current track. The interface has been refined, with new icons and logos on the Music Menu and a simplified layout. Users are also able to control the company's latest ZonePlayer S5 all-in-one device.
Orb Networks has launched a Mac port of its self-named media streaming software. The app funnels music, photos and video from a computer to other Internet-connected devices, including game consoles, notebooks and various cellphones, such as the iPhone when using the companion OrbLive app. Content is primarily sourced from an iTunes library, but can also be pulled from webcam feeds and connected gadgets.
Apple on Wednesday released an update to its audio burning app, Waveburner, for Logic Studio. Version 1.6.1 improves overall stability and provides a number of bug fixes. Mastering notes are now properly saved to disk, while the waveform display in the Mix Line renders more consistently.
Audio-Technica has released its latest noise-canceling headphones, the ATH-ANC7b QuietPoint. The active noise-canceling technology is claimed to reduce background noise by up to 85 percent. A closed-back design houses large-aperture 40mm drivers with neodymium magnets, which reproduce sound from 10Hz to 25.5KHz with a sensitivity of 109dB and a 300 ohm impedance.
Klipsch has made a rare update to its veteran ProMedia 2.1 speakers by unveiling the ProMedia 2.1 Wireless. It uses the same core 70W stereo satellites and 130W subwoofer as the original but receives its audio from a 2.4GHz RF-based USB transmitter that works with any computer that supports USB sound. Range is limited to 30 feet but is considered ideal for notebook users who want audio independent of their computer's exact location.
Sony's Creative Software division has released 1,000 Ringtones, a collection primarily intended for iPhone owners. The $20 DVD contains both M4R and MP3 files, the former of which can simply be added to iTunes for later device sync. The MP3s are meant for a broader selection of phones, such as those made by Sony Ericsson.
A leaked set of proposals for the Anti-Counterfeit Trade Agreement (ACTA) suggests the international deal will require harsh online anti-piracy measures. The draft will reportedly force Internet providers in all member states to actively police copyright on their networks. To qualify for safe harbor and reduce their liability, the ISPs would also have to implement "gradual response" rules like France's three-strike law that initially warn and eventually punish those said pirating content, likely forcing them offline.
The Beatles on Wednesday surprised the music industry by offering their collection outside of a disc for the first time. The Limited Edition USB Stick carries the entire LP collection of the British band in a stereo mix along with the mini-documentaries, album art and liner notes from the remastered CDs. Significantly, all of the songs come both in unprotected 320Kbps MP3 as well as in a similarly unguarded, lossless FLAC and should work on most any computer or portable player.
Sonos has begun shipping its all-in-one wireless music system controlled by iPhone or iPod touch, Sonos ZonePlayer S5. The device is designed for those who only need the player and provides two tweeters, two mid-range drivers and a subwoofer. Users can wirelessly stream music from either iTunes or the Internet and control what music is playing using the company’s free iPhone app (App Store).
SuperMegaUltraGroovy and toastycode have launched an upgrade to the their Mac audio recorder, releasing TapeDeck 1.3. The software behaves like an old-style tape recorder, with the ability to export to WAV, AIFF and MP3 formats. Users can customize content with animations and sound effects, while past recordings can be managed from within the application interface.
Cowon's second announcement regarding the US market on Tuesday involves another one of its personal music players, the iAudio E2. The iPod Shuffle-sized player has Cowon's well-known audio enhancement features, letting users pick from one of eight audio enhancement profiles. Each mode has a built-in voice guide that is used to preview the sound enhancement presets.
Cowon has priced its iAudio 9 portable digital media player and confirmed the device is coming to the US within a week. The first versions of the devices will be available only in black, with an 8GB capacity and 16GB version. The device will sport a 2-inch color screen with a 320x240 resolution and a capacitive touch strip for navigation, as well as Cowon's well-reputed sound processing technology.
Native Instruments on Tuesday introduced the Traktor Kontrol X1, a new controller for DJ software. The device is based on the Traktor DJ platform and designed to be used with timecode-controlled configurations including hardware mixers and turntables or CD decks. Two X1 units can also be combined for setups with four turntables.
MacNN has reviewed the iP88, a new alarm clock built by iHome. The unit differs from most by allowing two iPhones and/or iPods to be docked simultaneously, solving an issue created when couples or individuals have multiple devices. Multiple alarms can be set, correspondingly, triggering a buzzer, AM/FM radio or a playlist.
Sirius XM today began shipping its promised XM SkyDock. The cradle gives any iPhone or iPod touch a satellite radio tuner that plays all of XM's channels, including the Best of Sirius package and others normally kept out of the Internet streams. A companion XM SkyDock app (free, App Store) ties directly into the tuner and provides both the main interface as well as support for iTunes song tagging.
Plantronics today launched a rare Bluetooth headset aimed primarily at the desktop. The Voyager Pro UC bundles a USB Bluetooth adapter with the familiar Voyager Pro and lets any Mac or Windows PC handle calls over the wireless earpiece if they don't already have built-in Bluetooth. Its functions can work natively with many VoIP apps, including Skype and business-class apps from Cisco.
Several months after the original unveiling, iLuv today began shipping the iMM183. The clock radio can charge and play two iPhones or iPods but is unique in its addition of NOAA weather radio that can provide alerts with text when a storm or another imminent threat is close to the radio's location. It handles 10 pre-programmed channels and will archive 10 alert messages for those who miss messages when they appear.
A US patent filing published today suggests Apple has been researching the prospects of a wireless headset with its own media playback support. The device would operate as a typical wireless headset as a companion for an iPhone or similar device but would play music from storage built into the earphones. It could have basic music controls and a display, but with a microphone it could also use voice commands to play specific content without looking.
Apple has inadvertently hinted at a major refresh for the Apple TV through an update to its iTunes Store Terms and Conditions. The new agreement, which has shown up in iTunes 9 but isn't yet reflected on Apple's website, references an as yet unreleased Apple TV 3.0 update and says it will enable both iTunes LP and iTunes Extras, both of which so far only work on a computer. The LP standard is already known by AppleInsider to be formatted for 720p and to include HDTV metatags but hasn't had any definite migration plans until today.
Google at a Los Angeles event tonight unveiled its widely expected advanced music search feature. The addition (a video of which is available below) automatically parses regular searches for music from all four major labels and automatically filters it by artist, album or track; users can then either sample or buy the tracks through Lala or MySpace's iLike. Those who use recommendation-based Internet streaming service like iMeem, Pandora or Rhapsody can also find related music.
MacNN has reviewed the Scosche solCHAT, a solar-powered, hands-free speakerphone kit. The Bluetooth-based device can mount either to a car's windshield or its visor, and it is USB powered, either through a car charger or a computer. The solChat automatically pairs with a Bluetooth-enabled cellphone, and uses an audio-based interface.
Revo has introduced Heritage, its latest multi-format digital radio with an iPod docking station. It earns its name from a classic European table radio design from the 50’s and 60’s, that includes aluminum, soft plastics, and walnut trim. Sound is nonetheless more modern with a custom designed 3-inch neodymium speaker driver, a 7W amplifier, and an OLED display. It supports a series of different broadcast types such as the UK's DAB and DAB+ digital radio broadcasts as well as FM and Internet radio over Wi-Fi.
The Mac OS X media software Plex has been updated with several Snow Leopard optimizations and bug fixes. Version 0.8.3 now works with 5.1-channel audio, a feature that had proven problematic with Apple's latest operating system. The developers have also addressed an issue with low volume when listening to downmixed 5.1-channel audio. Custom settings now allow for three different levels of dynamic range compression for AC3 and DTS audio.
Lala is readying an iPhone app that will serve as a portal for the company's music services, according to the Associated Press. The app will allow users to purchase the right to stream songs for $0.10 each, which pays for an unlimited number of plays. The sound quality, however, is lower than standard iTunes MP3s.
Many Zune users, including Electronista, have discovered a fault with their Zune HD multimedia players, saying Zune software does not update song play counts from the Zune HD device. Another forum user who is also a Zune Device Product Team member was able to reproduce the problem, and the team is supposedly working on a fix for the issue. Only Zune HDs with firmware 4.1 are apparently affected, Microsoft says.
China's i.Tech has released a solar-powered Bluetooth headset, the SolarVoice 908. The built-in solar charger replenishes the battery while users are wearing or using the headset. On a full charge, the device is rated at five hours of talk time, while standby is rated at 140 hours. Other standout features of the handset include a noise-reduction feature and the ability to connect to two cellphones at the same time.
Korea-based MPIO is once again returning to multimedia players with the V7. The device sports a 3-inch color touchscreen with 400x240 pixel resolution and will be available in 4, 8 and 16GB capacities. The MPIO V7 has a built-in text reader, voice recorder, and FM tuner and transmitter.
Miraizon has released Reframe, an app for converting audio and video between standards. Users can for instance convert video from PAL to NTSC, SD to HD, and film to video. Advanced settings make it possible to alter video properties such as frame rate or size, as well as audio details like sampling rate. Other settings help fine-tune video conversion through scaling, resampling, and tweaks to the precision and dynamic range of decoding.
Slacker will stop building its only hardware digital streaming music player, the G2 in the second half of 2010, according to a Wednesday WSJ report. The 2GB device was launched in 2007 and grew to include 4GB and 8GB capacities. Slacker is still selling a 4GB version for $129, while Best Buy has some 8GB models in stock, priced at $249.
Disney is developing an approach to digital media that would eliminate the need for device-specific rights, the company said late yesterday (subscription required). Unofficially known as Keychest, it would copy protect content but give lifetime permission to access that content a given number of devices. It would behave as a more universal form of the rights management of Amazon Video On Demand and let users save space by streaming content, though downloads wouldn't be an option.
MySpace has expanded its music-oriented services to include a new Artist Dashboard utility and Music Video portal, while users can now download tracks directly from iTunes, Amazon or Jamster. The new Music Video hub provides recommendations, browsing tools, and a new video player with "Buy" buttons for ads.
Shure this evening launched its first set of in-ear headphones with an integrated remote control. The SE115m+ passes up Shure's usual music phone adapter for a smaller, in-line microphone and remote made just for Apple devices, including the iPhone 3GS and the third generation for both the iPod shuffle and iPod touch. While it gives up flexibility in the choice of earphones, it reduces the likelihood of the remote detaching or becoming lost.
Google's rumored Audio music service will be less controversial than rumored at first based on two follow-up leaks. Multiple contacts tell Reuters that it will automatically provide players for MySpace-owned iLike or Lala when users search for songs on Google and provide at least the option of playing a sample or else buying the MP3. EMI, Sony, Universal and Warner are all believed to have linked their music to the service.
Monster Cable today catered to audiophiles with a special earphone and music combo. The Miles Davis Tribute set includes both a set of Monster's current in-ear headphones branded with the jazz musician's signature as well as a deluxe copy of Kind of Blue that brings two music CDs, a DVD and extended liner notes. The audio gear continues to center on the company's signature eartips claimed to provide better isolation than usual silicone pieces.
A rumor today hints that Google may be on the verge of launching its own music service. More than one source claims to TechCrunch that a service dubbed Google Audio is "imminent" and that it has involved securing rights from music labels over the course of the past few weeks. At least a US release is supposedly confirmed.
Altec Lansing on Tuesday introduced a new gaming console speaker system, its Stage-Gig. Resembling a guitar amp, the amplified speaker is made to work with Rock Band, Guitar Hero, and DJ Hero titles on any gaming console. The 6.5-inch woofer contains a horn-loaded silk tweeter and has 40W of power. For easy portability, a carrying handle is built in, and the device can be daisy-chained with others thanks to a built-in AC outlet and RCA connections.
The European Commission today reached a roundtable agreement with several music stores and labels to ensure more widely distributed music for the continent. Apple, Amazon, BEUC, EMI, Nokia, PRS for Music, SACEM, STIM, and Universal now say they will work with the Commission to desegregate music licensing in European Union countries and have labels produce licenses that work across multiple if not all member states. They will also more freely exchange information so that companies can get rights outside of a musician's home country.
TomTom this morning changed its usual formula with the launch of an installable in-dash GPS unit. The GO I-90 occupies two DIN slots in any car and provides a large touchscreen with both TomTom's staple GPS as well as media features the company normally has no reason to use. Owners of iPods can plug the Apple devices into a USB port to both play and charge their devices; the unit also has generic MP3 player support and its own FM radio tuner.
Jabra early today launched the Stone as its signature Bluetooth headset. The earpiece is just a slim curve that escapes the bulky look of most headsets and even eliminates buttons, opting instead for touch-sensitive controls. It earns its name from a distinctive charging dock that exactly matches the earpiece's shape and creates the effect of a smooth stone when the two are together.
New figures provided to music labels show Nokia's Comes With Music unlimited music service has had a relatively poor uptake despite having a year to expand. Data from July obtained by Music Ally shows just 107,227 active users worldwide for the service, which lets buyers of specially-labeled phones get a year's worth of unlimited music downloads they can keep after the subscription ends. The news comes despite heavy promotion by Nokia and the support of all the major music labels.
A Southern District of New York federal court yesterday ruled (PDF) that ringtones don't constitute performances and so are exempt from separate royalties. The decision by Judge Denise Cote rejects beliefs by royalty group ASCAP that the carrier is responsible for royalties for any ringtone played in public and grants the complainant Verizon a summary judgment that the only valid royalty is the original for the music file itself.
Avid has revamped its M-Audio Oxygen collection of USB-attached MIDI controllers. Each keyboard features DirectLink technology, which maps controls to production suites including Pro Tools, Cubase, Reason, Logic and GarageBand. Models are divided into 25-, 49- and 61-key versions.
JVC has introduced its latest home theater audio system in Japan. The 1.2-inch thick system, made up of the AX-FT amplifier and SP-FT speakers, is thin enough to be hung on a wall or stood up on its stand on a bookshelf. The amplifier is rated at 4x20W and supports both Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound formats but will also play AAC audio files.
Stepping even further beyond its familiar realm of in-ear buds, Shure today added the SRH750DJ over-ear headphones to its roster. These are tailored to DJs and audio editors and have pivoting ear cups made explicitly for turntablists or producers who need to quickly remove one earpiece during a mix. Shure vows balanced audio out of the 50mm drivers but also both strong bass and an extended high-end.
Sonos adapted to the changing nature of its market today through the ZonePlayer S5. Rather than bundle a dedicated controller or a bridge unit, the S5 depends on either the iPhone app or computer software to let an iPhone, iPod touch, Mac or Windows PC on the local network steer all its playback. It still provides access to all the same media streaming sources, such as an iTunes collection, Internet radio (including Deezer/Last.fm/Pandora/Rhapsody/Sirius), NAS drives and the device's aux input.
Apple on Monday released an update to its professional audio production software that’s part of Logic Studio, Logic Pro 9.0.2. The software delivers tools for studio and stage production, including the ability to record, edit and mix song tracks, as well as import or share projects with other users. The latest update is said to improve overall stability, provide I/O and TDM plug-in improvements, and delivers several bug fixes and enhancements.
Power Technology has launched iDFX, a new app claimed to improve playback quality of MP3 and AAC files on an iPod or other mobile device. The software works as an iTunes accessory and recodes the user's music files in an attempt to recover the same quality that existed in the original CD recordings. In order to do this, the software re-synthesizes damaged or missing harmonics while improving the low frequency range of the track.
HP this afternoon provided fuller details of its special-run Envy 15 Beats (link active soon) notebook. It expands on the reference version by bundling a pair of Beats over-ear headphones as well as bundling Traktor LE for live DJing. Cosmetically, the model comes in the same glossy black and red as most Beats earphones.
