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Rhapsody on Android now works offline, but still goes online too (video)
Rhapsody member on Android? Your life just got a little sweeter. Following up on August's iPhone update and in the footsteps of other downloadable streaming services like Slacker Radio, Rhapsody's Android app now offers playlists that don't turn into pauselists when you go offline. Subscribers paying the $10 per month can now make a list of whatever tracks they want (including full albums of content available on the service) and download those to the phone, where they can be played back even if there isn't even a whiff of network connectivity in the air. Naturally we're guessing the DRM is strong with these tracks and they'll surely only be playable through the Rhapsody app itself, but if you have a long flight ahead and need a bunch of fresh tunes to come along you could certainly do worse.
Rhapsody for iPhone updated, now takes its music offline (in a good way)
We heard back in mid-March that Rhapsody for iPhone was getting an offline mode for downloading music and playing at times of no reception (like most subway rides). Good news, folks, today is the day the app get this coveted update. Lest we forget, too, with this summer's OS 4 release finally enables background music, Real's aural offering just got even more enticing. Press release after the break, or hit up the iTunes link to download now -- don't forget, though, that a monthly subscription plan is still required for playback.
Rhapsody on an iPad
No, not the music service. I'm talking about OS X's grandfather. And here it is booting on an iPad. Developer Steven Troughton-Smith saw the video of Windows 95 running on an iPad in emulation and was inspired to try the same thing with Rhapsody -- the development OS was developed by Apple in the time between the purchase of NeXT and Mac OS X. He used a modified version of the Bochs emulator to accomplish the feat. Why? "Just had to one-up Engadget's post." He notes that it took a good five minutes to boot, and another five just to log in. Icons and a desktop appeared that. Unfortunately, a mouse cursor was left out of the equation, which Steven noted could have been due to installing the VMWare mouse driver for Rhapsody. This isn't the first time he's thrust an obsolete OS onto his iPad via emulation. Check out these screen shots of Windows 1.01. As for the BeOS, "I tried BeOS 5.1. It didn't load." Drat. Check out the gallery below for more screen shots. %Gallery-90361%
Rhapsody now available to all comers on Android
Following a limited beta, Rhapsody is using the occasion of its newfound independence from RealNetworks to launch the public version of its Android-based client. Technically, this is still a beta that we're dealing with here, so the big difference is that anyone that wants to download and use it is more than welcome to -- it's not the on-the-downlow affair we were dealing with before. Folks new to the all-you-can-eat subscription service are welcome to check out a trial for 7 days, after which point you'll be paying the same $10 a month for access from one device or $15 for access from up to three that everyone else pays -- arguably not bad for a 9 million song library, assuming you've got a taste for anything other than live Fugazi bootlegs.
MOG bringing unlimited music streaming to iPhone and Android, Rhapsody taking iPhone music offline
While we all wait patiently for Apple to concoct its own subscription-based, unlimited music streaming service (hello, Lala acquisition!), MOG is jumping on the opportunity right away. Er, almost right away. Down in Austin this week, the company announced that an iPhone and Android app would be out "in early Q2" in order to bring unlimited music streaming to both operating systems for $10 per month. We're told that a catalog of seven million songs will be available, but there's no way to know if 6.99 million are of the "no one cares" variety. At any rate, your monthly fee will also allow unlimited streaming from the desktop, but alas, you'll be left with nothing but hollow memories should you ever stop ponying up. In related news, Rhapsody has announced (video after the break) that offline playback support is coming to the iPhone, with the updated app expected to be passed along for Apple's confirmation "shortly." Granted, the Rhapsody to Go subscription is $5 per month more than MOG's option, but with all this competition popping up, we wouldn't be shocked to see that slide lower in due time.
RealNetworks to spin off Rhapsody, give up control
Seems like times are tough in the streaming music game -- Warner is making noise about dropping free streaming rights to its catalog, and now RealNetworks and Viacom have announced plans to spin off the Rhapsody subscription service. The new company will obviously be known as Rhapsody, and both Real and Viacom will hold a sub-50 percent stake in the outfit and remain on the board of directors. Real's also contributing $18m in cash to the cause, while Viacom's committed to providing $33m in advertising -- we'll see if Rhapsody can make it on its own once that all runs out.
Rhapsody's Android app goes live in beta form
It's not being flaunted on Rhapsody's mobile apps page yet, but the music service has quietly started pushing out a beta version of its Android-compatible app that does pretty much exactly what you expect: gives you streaming access to your Rhapsody account from the comfort of your Android handset the same way its existing iPhone version does. Since this isn't an Android Market app -- at least, not yet -- you'll need to enable installation from unknown sources on your phone before hitting the link to grab the APK, but otherwise, it should be smooth sailing. As with any other Rhapsody client, there's a 7-day trial available if you don't have an account, so it's worth a shot -- particularly if you haven't had a chance to score any Ke$ha tracks yet.
Rhapsody App approved by Apple: 8 million tracks streaming to the ether (update: video!)
We had a feeling this day was coming. After Spotify's subscription music app was approved, offline listening intact, there was every indication that Rhapsody was next for christening. Especially with the feds watching Apple's every move. The free download just went hot and requires a $15 per month Rhapsody To Go subscription -- you can try it for free for a week -- and streams 64kbps quality (ugh) music over WiFi or cellular data (only, no off-line access) from a catalog of about 8 million tracks offered by the MTV and RealNetwork tie-up. Now go 'n get it.Update: Added video demo after the break.[Via Komo News, thanks Bill Y.]Read -- Rhapsody App [iTunes link]
Entelligence: Stream on
Entelligence is a column by technology strategist and author Michael Gartenberg, a man whose desire for a delicious cup of coffee and a quality New York bagel is dwarfed only by his passion for tech. In these articles, he'll explore where our industry is and where it's going -- on both micro and macro levels -- with the unique wit and insight only he can provide. With the introduction of the iTunes Music Store, Apple brought the business model of buying music online to the masses at 99 cents a song. iTunes changed the dynamic of the music business: consumers re-discovered the single and no longer had to buy a whole CD to get the one song they might want. It's a model that's worked well: I've bought a lot of music from the folks in Cupertino over the years, and so has everyone else: Apple's one of the largest music retailers in the industry. Having said that, Apple's model isn't the only one out there. Microsoft, Real, Napster and others have all tried to push the subscription model that allows users to consume as much music as they wish from a catalog of millions of songs for a monthly fee. Some services, such as Microsoft's Zune Pass, also allow users to keep a certain number of songs each month in unprotected format. Although subscription services will likely continue to need be protected by some sort of DRM I don't really have an issue with that. Technology like DRM should be used to create new business models, not protect old ones.
Apple approves Spotify app
The Telegraph from the UK reports (via Paid Content) that after more than a month in limbo, the music-streaming app Spotify for the iPhone has been approved. Spotify is to Europe what Rhapsody is to the U.S. -- and we even took a look at Rhapsody's iPhone offering just a couple days ago. Spotify will allow access to the service's full catalog from the iPhone, create playlists from it -- and allow offline use of those playlists. The YouTube video above gives insight into exactly how the app works. It is available for paid subscribers only. A subscription costs £9.99 per month or £119.88 per year. The approval of Spotify certainly opens the door for Rhapsody's app and other potential software that allows duplication of iPhone functions -- or it could be yanked ala Google.
Real Networks submitting Rhapsody music service for iPhone. Duck!
Now this will be interesting to watch. RealNetworks, not always best of friends with Apple, is submitting an iPhone app so subscribers can access the Rhapsody music service. The app is designed to be full-featured, and will let Rhapsody subscribers get easy control of the on-demand music service. Real Networks has described the app's operation on its Rhapsody blog: You'll see a menu bar across the bottom of the screen, as is found in many apps. You'll have the option to check out the queue, your library, browse the Rhapsody library (ahem, all 8 million + songs of it), search, and settings. The app has all the functionality of the client, or Rhapsody.com, only super portable. The Rhapsody app is designed to stream music over 3G, EDGE or Wi-Fi networks. If approved, it will require a Rhapsody To Go account, which is US$15.00 per month. Spotify, a similar European music service, also has an app awaiting approval for the iPhone. Apple already allows the Sirius/XM app, which is a different, but still a paid subscription service, and of course Pandora, Last.fm and other streaming music services. All these apps are competition to iTunes, so the world will be watching to see if Apple draws the line with RealNetworks, or keeping a careful eye on the FCC, approves it.
Rhapsody brings subscription music to the iPhone, pending Apple's approval
If the maniacs at RealNetworks have their way, you'll soon be rockin' out to Rhapsody on your iPhone or iPod touch, streaming all those pop tunes you crave over WiFi, Edge, or 3G, courtesy of your $15 Rhapsody ToGo account -- pending approval from Apple, of course. Sure, we can't imagine the company allowing Pandora but dissing Rhapsody, but stranger things have happened. If this isn't enough to get subscription music fans spinning in their office chairs, the company is also working diligently on Rhapsody for other mobile platforms and carrier app stores, including Google Android. And there's more! Check out the app in all its glory -- on video, no less -- after the break. [Via PC World]
Creative Sound Blaster Wireless 'for iTunes' works with other software too
You've known how to wirelessly connect the music on your computer with your massive hi-fi speakers since about the dawn of the caveman, but that doesn't mean Creative won't try to make it seem revolutionary. The company has this week announced immediate availability of its Sound Blaster Wireless for iTunes, which essentially functions as a wireless adapter for any pair of regular old speakeroonies. The name is a marketing-inspired misnomer as the device will work with all manner of software, including Windows Media Player, Napster, Rhapsody, LastFM and even YouTube. The relative straightforwardness of this unit is appealing, though we're skeptical about Creative's claims of zero signal drop-offs, given that transmissions are done via the already crowded 2.4GHz wireless frequency. If you just have to hear it for yourself, entry fee is $149.99.
VIZIO Internet App HDTVs launch later this year, for less than you might expect
Sure VIZIO only just showed off new updates in its high end XVT series, but it's already planning the next generation of LCDs with VIZIO Internet Apps included. Packing widget functionality, 802.11n wireless networking and slider QWERTY Bluetooth remote, the SV422XVT, SV472XVT and VF552XVT Connected HDTVs are coming home in November, October and December, respectively. Already on deck to serve up content for your widgets are Vudu, Revision3, Facebook, Twitter, Rhapsody, Blockbuster OnDemand, Showtime, Flickr and more. The biggest surprise? There's apparently no price premium planned for these features, with the 55-inch clocking in at the same $2,199 price as the model it's replacing, though the 47-inch jumps $200 over the previous edition to $1,699, while adding the local dimming LED backlit technology previously reserved for the 55-inch. The 42-inch will be the first and cheapest available at $1,199 (sans LED) -- we'll see if that bar is low enough to get viewers to jump into the internet-connected display future.Read - VIZIO Announces High Performance XVT HDTV Line Up with 240Hz SPS(TM), TruLED(TM) and Smart Dimming(TM) Technology, VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA), and Slim Line(TM) 120Hz LCD HDTV Models Read - VIZIO Unveils Rhapsody Digital Music Service for VIZIO Internet Apps (VIA(TM)) Connected HDTVs Read - VIZIO Reveals Dynamic New Content Partners for VIZIO Internet Apps Connected HDTV Feature
Pearl Jam returns in new 'Rock Band project' with fan-voted set list
Rock Band fans are already familiar with Pearl Jam. The band has twelve tracks (all from the "Ten" album) available in the game, on disc and as DLC. However, it looks as though there's much more Pearl Jam coming down the line. A collaboration between MTV Games, Rhapsody, and the band's premium 10 Club will allow fans to vote on songs for a forthcoming "Rock Band project." This new project will be Rock Band's "first-ever fan voted set list."The release is decidedly vague, and opens the possibility for a brand new game (a la Guitar Hero: Metallica, or The Beatles: Rock Band), a retail track pack (a la Rock Band: AC/DC), or simple DLC. Considering the upcoming "project" will exclusively feature live music, we're leaning on a retail track pack -- who's up for some Rock Band: Pearl Jam?[Thanks, Eric!]
Moxi's spring updates brings PlayOn, DLNA and a little home automation
In Digeo's latest move into the consumer DVR market it is rolling out first big update since the launch only a few months ago. The list of additions is pretty nice, but our most anticipated feature, the Moxi-mate, is still just "coming soon." Although all the new features are interesting, the most notable is the DLNA certification which allows your Moxi to play all kinds of media from your PC, including from a PlayOn server. What's even better is that Digeo is actually throwing in the PlayOn software -- famous for its Hulu and Netflix support -- for free with the update, which $40 normally. The other new Moxi features users will have access to within the next few days is an expansion of Moxi Net outside its walled garden, as well as a few new home automation tricks that'll let you take advantage of Z-Wave lights and various IP cameras -- also configured via Moxi Net. Believe it or not though, there is actually more, but rather than go on and on covering the Flickr improvements and Rhapsody support, we'll just provide the entire release after the break.
Ibiza Rumble prototype hands-on: a touchscreen PMP with Rhapsody, webkit browser
Behind closed doors at the Haier booth, we got a chance to check out two Ibiza Rhapsody PMP prototypes, codenamed Rumble and Rumble mini. Here's what we know so far: the Rumble's got a 2.8-inch WQVGA capacitive touchscreen, 8GB NAND flash, and a Freescale i.MX37 ARM 11 processor. It also has a Webkit-based browser, but it -- along with most of the operating system and virtual keyboard -- wasn't functional at the moment. There's support for AAC, MP3, and WMA, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, H263, H.264, VC-1, and DivX. The Rumble mini trades out touchscreen in favor of an input pad and a smaller 2.2-inch screen. Beyond Rhapsody service, both models will feature integration with Flickr, Audible, and the ever-vague "popular social networking" sites. Battery life for the Rumble is expected to be about 15 hours for audio and 6 for video, while for the mini it's 14 and 4, respectively. It's surprisingly lightweight at the moment, but other than that we really don't have much to say until we can see the interface in action. Both players are on track for a June release for a penny under $150 for the touchscreen and $100 for the mini. %Gallery-41548%%Gallery-41561%
Haier's Ibiza Rhapsody Sport plays audio and video, fails to impress
The ibiza Rhapsody was one of those curious devices that spent so long in development that by the time it saw the light of day, the rest of the world had moved on to bigger and better things. Sure, we liked the device in theory (WiFi, Bluetooth, and support for Rhapsody and AOL Video are all good things), but its Gameboy-esque looks and mere 30GB storage pretty much guaranteed that it would never be a hit. Unfortunately, a quick look at Haier's new, "sportier" PMP doesn't give us much reason to reconsider the device. Aside from a rugged and weather-resistant new look (is "uglified" a word?), all it seems to offer us is diminished storage capacity. But wait -- all you ever wanted was a plastic orange MP3 player? Then it looks like you're in luck -- the 4GB model sells for $179, while the 8GB size will set you back a cool $199.
TiVo queues up holiday bundles to spread the TiVo HD cheer
If you were tempted, but held off, on biting into TiVo's Blue Moon special earlier this year, the outfit is out to get your hard-earned dollars again. We've already discussed the merits (and disadvantages) of becoming a TiVo user, but if you're convinced that it's right for you, you might should make your way into Best Buy. TiVo has inked a deal with said retailer to give any HDTV buyer $100 off of a TiVo HD box, not to mention 3 free months of TiVo service, 3 free months of Rhapsody and 3 free movies from Jaman. Sure, it's not the most awesome deal of all time, but it's the perfect way to get your buddy going with a TiVo HD if you were already planning on snagging that new set from BB anyway. Check the official verbiage after the break.
Disgaea and Rhapsody: A Voice Acting Adventure
Siliconera spoke with NIS's Jack Niida about the DS versions of Disgaea and Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure, both of which happen to be out this week. Much of the interview focuses on the voice acting in the two games, which we imagine is somewhat of an important issue for the otaku who comprise the majority of the Nippon Ichi audience. There's more to read, as well, about Rhapsody's battle system and new characters in Disgaea, among other things. Rhapsody will use the original Japanese songs from the PlayStation game, along with new tracks recorded by the original cast. The voice acting outside of songs will be in English. The English musical tracks will not be present due to space concerns. The script is also pulled from the PlayStation release, but the English text has been cleaned up! As for Disgaea, the same seems to be true. Niida told Siliconera that "All the voice acting is there, but unfortunately, we had to compromise on the dual language and English musical songs." %Gallery-17933%
