Olive has introduced a new home music server with its Olive 4 HD which sports a 2TB capacity and the ability to rip music CDs. Compared to the earlier and similar looking Opus N°4, there is a digital to analog converter (DAC) and all the ports are now gold-plated. The DAC is a high resolution unit in the form of Texas Instrument's 192kHz/24-bit Burr-Brown PCM1792A.
Samsung has announced the release of its latest portable multimedia player in its home market of South Korea with the YP-R0. The device has a 2.6-inch color LCD screen and is available in two models: one with 4GB of built-in memory, the other with 8GB. Either sports a microSDHC memory card slot for adding up to 16GB of storage space.
Snarb.tk has released a public beta of its new iTunes controller, Everplay. The new media player offers playback of music from iTunes libraries and Last.fm online radio services. It can browse and search for individual tracks, with metadata and playcounts both updated on the next launch of iTunes. Everplay also supports a jukebox mode for making playlists on the fly.
Sleek Audio on Monday launched its wooden SA1 in-ear headphones which can be tuned and worn either as wired headphones or wirelessly. The SA1 set has 6mm drivers housed in a Siam rosewood body. Thanks to Sleek's optional Kleer wireless system, the wires can be detached and users can listen to music wirelessly. Frayed, pinched or otherwise damaged wires can be replaced anytime.
Cynical Peak has released v2.3 of Rivet, its Mac media streaming software. The app shares music, video, photo and podcast content with consoles on a local-area network, namely the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3. Material can be pulled direclty from Aperture, iPhoto or iTunes libraries, though video can only be streamed from custom folders.
Native Instruments has released Sonic Fiction, a new Kore instrument featuring "otherworldly" samples. The software provides a variety of field recordings such as volcanic mudpots and television static, among others. Users can select a sample and apply the synthesis and sound processing functionality of Absynth, Kontakt and Kore engines.
Yamaha late yesterday introduced two new mini audio systems built for iPhones and iPods, the MCR-140 and MCR-040. The former is unique in that it can play back music from an iPod wirelessly through Yamaha's proprietary yAired standard. The MCR-040 lacks this feature, but both systems otherwise sport a CD player, a front panel USB port, an FM radio and auxiliary audio jack inputs.
Wondershare Software has launched its newest audio/video conversion software, iPhone Ringtone Maker for Mac. The app enables users to convert almost any audio or video file for use on the iPhone, while providing options to create and transfer ringtones. Its equipped with a wave-form function, an editor which allows users to choose what specific sections of files they want. The utility provides control over both the starting and stopping time of ringtones. Additionally, users can add fade-in and fade-out effects to their edited audio or video clips.
Panasonic on Thursday introduced the MW-10, a device that combines a photo frame with an audio system and iPod dock. The system integrates a CD player, AM/FM tuner, 45-station preset memory, and a 9-inch WVGA LCD with 4GB of internal memory for picture storage. Users can add memory or offload photos from a CD or SD memory card.
MOTU has introduced its latest device, the UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid audio interface. Musicians can choose from both FireWire and USB 2.0 connection options, while the hardware supports Mac and Windows platforms. The interface provides two mic/instrument inputs, six line-level analog inputs, ten channels of analog output, S/PDIF digital output and a headphone port.
Native Instruments has released Maschine 1.1, an update to the sequencer half of its hardware/software bundle of the same name. Users are able to generate pattern-based music tracks, founded either on custom samples or those taken from a 5GB library. Effects options include beatmashers, dynamic processors and mastering tools.
Bang & Olufsen on Wednesday introduced a new addition to its BeoVision 7 HDTV lineup in the form of a 55-inch model. It becomes the largest BeoVision 7 offered, readily beating out the 40-inch set available in North America. Most notably, Bang & Olufsen has doubled the panel's refresh speed to 120Hz but has also added motion compensation. There is also a new LED backlight with progressive scanning and local dimming that improves the contrast ratio.
Vestax, in collaboration with Algoriddim, has introduced Spin, a DJ controller for Macs. The device works in conjunction with the DJ software djay 3, enabling users to mix and play music from their iTunes playlists. Touch-sensitive jog wheels can be used in analog mode to mimic the scratch and mixing functions of genuine turntables.
Loudspeaker company Bowers & Wilkins has announced its latest set of computer speakers, the MM-1. Each speaker integrates one 3-inch woofer and a 1-inch tweeter, with each driver powered by a dedicated 18W amplifier. The tweeters feature B&W's Nautilus tube-loaded design claimed to dampen resonance and improve high-frequency sounds.
Blue Microphones has expanded its line of consumer products with the Yeti, a USB-attached condenser mic with THX certification. The mic features three of the company's 14mm condenser capsules arranged in a triple array, with support for omni, cardioid, stereo or bidirectional polar patterns. Users can attach headphones directly to the 16 ohm, 130mW amp for direct zero-latency monitoring.
iTunes is the only music store seeing a significant boost to the number of purchases at its shop, online banking site Mint notes in a recent look at its own data. While those visiting Apple's music store have always bought more frequently, shopping about 2 to 2.5 times a month, the introduction of variable pricing in April has actually led to customers now buying an average of nearly 3.5 times a month as of July. In contrast, none of its competitors have ventured significantly past 1.5 visits.
Gigaware and iBiquity Digital have unveiled a new app and peripheral combination for the iPod touch and iPhone that endows the devices with HD Radio tuning support. The wired Gigaware HD Radio receiver mates with both the user's headphones and a free iPhone app to provide the digital-only radio format. The add-on lets listeners pick up local, analog FM radio stations as well as HD Radio stations, including sub-channels.
Bowers & Wilkins signaled its intent to get into portable audio on Monday by previewing the P5, its first portable headphone set. The over-ear, cupped headphones have received few details but should include a built-in microphone and remote compatible with the iPhone and newer iPods, such as the iPod touch and iPod shuffle. They're also claimed to be partly noise isolating and will passively reduce most background sounds.
Apple in a rare weekend update released Apple TV 3.0.1. The firmware upgrade, accompanied by a support document, mends a flaw which made music, video and other content from "disappearing" until the Apple TV next syncs with its host iTunes computer. The company urges customers to apply the update "immediately" and suggests rebooting the Apple TV followed by checking for an update in the Settings menu.
Venturing into Sonos' world has historically been expensive and partly redundant: listeners have usually needed at least two pieces of equipment, and it isn't at all uncommon to see setups that cost over $1,000. The ZonePlayer S5 aims to fix this with a single-piece $399 speaker and receiver that relies on what you already have -- such as a computer or an iPod touch -- to provide its multi-room audio. Our full S5 review will let you know whether the drop in cost is a better bargain.
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.
