Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[ChevronWP7 team releases custom ringtone manager for 'unlocked' Windows Phone 7 devices]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/02/chevronwp7-team-releases-custom-ringtone-manager-for-unlocked/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/02/chevronwp7-team-releases-custom-ringtone-manager-for-unlocked/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/02/chevronwp7-team-releases-custom-ringtone-manager-for-unlocked/#comments While we patiently wait for the now-offline ChevronWP7 team to partner up with Microsoft and make homebrew awesomeness happen on the real, those that have already opened their Windows Phone 7 devices to sideloading will want to take a look at the team's second tool released earlier this week. The custom ringtone manager they've crafted works in a most unusual way: you select five ringtones you want installed, then let the tool craft a custom XAP (which represent WP7's application package files) which you then sideload -- assuming you've already used the original ChevronWP7 tool to allow such shenanigans.

ChevronWP7 team releases custom ringtone manager for 'unlocked' Windows Phone 7 devices originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevronwp7mobileringtoneringtoneswindows phone 7WindowsPhone7wp7Thu, 02 Dec 2010 14:18:00 EST<![CDATA[No custom ringtones for Windows Phone 7? (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/25/no-custom-ringtones-for-windows-phone-7/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/25/no-custom-ringtones-for-windows-phone-7/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/25/no-custom-ringtones-for-windows-phone-7/#comments We just sat through an eight minute long video of someone at Pocketnow sampling every ringtone on his HTC Surround. Why did we do this? Just wanted to see if we could stand it; suffice it to say, we never want to hear a ringtone again. Perhaps more importantly, our man points out that Microsoft seems to have left the ability to add your own custom ringtones out of Windows Phone 7 altogether. The Surround itself has a couple recognizable fan favorites that we recognize from AT&T and HTC phones past, so it looks like manufacturers and carriers will be able to bring their own to the table, but for the end user, it looks like you won't be able to roll your own -- at least for the time being. And now we're going to go put our phones on vibrate.

Continue reading No custom ringtones for Windows Phone 7? (video)

No custom ringtones for Windows Phone 7? (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attcustom ringtonesCustomRingtoneshtchtc surroundHtcSurroundringtonessurroundvideowindows phone 7WindowsPhone7Mon, 25 Oct 2010 15:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Ringtone creationism not for sale in iTunes 10, but DIY method still seems to work]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/02/ringtone-creationism-banned-itunes-10-but-diy-still-seems-to-wo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/02/ringtone-creationism-banned-itunes-10-but-diy-still-seems-to-wo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/02/ringtone-creationism-banned-itunes-10-but-diy-still-seems-to-wo/#comments Not that we've ever been a fan of paying an additional 99 cents to turn an already-purchased track into a seconds-long ringtone, but if you fancied the option in iTunes 9.2.1, we're sad to inform you that yesterday's update seems to have nixed said option. But hey, look at this way, now you can learn a new skill: how to make iTunes 10 ringtones free of charge with some filename finagling. The old method still seems to work just fine (instructions via More Coverage link below), so turn that .m4-frown upside down!

Ringtone creationism not for sale in iTunes 10, but DIY method still seems to work originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>.m4rappleitunesitunes 10itunes 9 2 1itunes 9.2.1Itunes10Itunes9.2.1Itunes921m4rring tonering tonesRingToneRingTonesThu, 02 Sep 2010 23:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre deets continue to trickle out; Office 2007 support in the mix]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/05/pre-deets-continue-to-trickle-out-office-2007-support-in-the-mi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/05/pre-deets-continue-to-trickle-out-office-2007-support-in-the-mi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/05/pre-deets-continue-to-trickle-out-office-2007-support-in-the-mi/#comments Still no word on pricing or a release date, but the kind chappie running Inside Sprint Now has posted up a little Pre FAQ to tide us over. If you're inclined to believe this information indeed comes from deep within Sprint customer service -- and we've no reason to not to -- you'll find some interesting factoids in the mix, including full support for Office 2007, ringback tones, and custom ringtones. There's also a promise of video recording support and wireless PictBridge printing sometime down the line. Great, great -- but we'd really rather learn all this stuff on our own after release, you know?

[Via PalmInfoCenter]

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Pre deets continue to trickle out; Office 2007 support in the mix originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 May 2009 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mobileoffice 2007Office2007palmpalm prePalmPrepreringback tonesRingbackTonesringtonesrumorrumorssprintvideovideo recordingVideoRecordingTue, 05 May 2009 18:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Pre deets continue to trickle out; Office 2007 support in the mix]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/05/pre-deets-continue-to-trickle-out-office-2007-support-in-the-mi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/05/pre-deets-continue-to-trickle-out-office-2007-support-in-the-mi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/05/pre-deets-continue-to-trickle-out-office-2007-support-in-the-mi/#comments Still no word on pricing or a release date, but the kind chappie running Inside Sprint Now has posted up a little Pre FAQ to tide us over. If you're inclined to believe this information indeed comes from deep within Sprint customer service -- and we've no reason to not to -- you'll find some interesting factoids in the mix, including full support for Office 2007, ringback tones, and custom ringtones. There's also a promise of video recording support and wireless PictBridge printing sometime down the line. Great, great -- but we'd really rather learn all this stuff on our own after release, you know?

[Via PalmInfoCenter]

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Pre deets continue to trickle out; Office 2007 support in the mix originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 May 2009 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>office 2007Office2007palmpalm prePalmPrepreringback tonesRingbackTonesringtonesrumorrumorssprintvideovideo recordingVideoRecordingTue, 05 May 2009 18:38:00 EST<![CDATA[C2C coats windows of "quiet" train cabins to block cellphone rings]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/30/c2c-coats-windows-of-quiet-train-cabins-to-block-cellphone-rin/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/30/c2c-coats-windows-of-quiet-train-cabins-to-block-cellphone-rin/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/30/c2c-coats-windows-of-quiet-train-cabins-to-block-cellphone-rin/#comments
For UK citizens willing to have their privacy infringed upon in the name of peace and quiet, C2C is the train company for you. The outfit has introduced a special "quiet" carriage in its trains in order to nix conversations and unexpected cellphone noises for those who would prefer. The cabin in question sports a special coating on the windows that allows light in but rejects WiFi and cellular signals. In order to keep the lawyers at bay, folks who sit in this jammed-up area are asked to agree to those terms beforehand, and just in case you sign while inebriated, there are a number of signs and announcements (um, defeating the purpose much?) informing them that no calls will be allowed. Happy trails!

[Image courtesy of quetzy, thanks ugotamesij]

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C2C coats windows of "quiet" train cabins to block cellphone rings originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blockerC2Cenglandfilmjammerlondonmobileringtonessciencesignal blockersSignalBlockerstrainukThu, 30 Oct 2008 10:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Stewart Copeland composes BlackBerry Bold soundtrack with negative effects]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/04/stewart-copeland-composes-blackberry-bold-soundtrack-with-negati/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/04/stewart-copeland-composes-blackberry-bold-soundtrack-with-negati/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/04/stewart-copeland-composes-blackberry-bold-soundtrack-with-negati/#comments
You know how Stewart Copeland plays that insanely slick triplet hi-hat part in "Message in a Bottle," and every time you hear it you wonder how it's possible for him to stay so perfectly in time? And you know how his drums fit so perfectly in the pocket with Sting and Andy Summers on pretty much anything The Police ever touched despite the fact they all hated each other? Well, Copeland's "soundtrack" for the BlackBerry Bold -- commissioned by RIM -- should rid you of all of those amazing memories real fast. The drummer provided six ringtones, an alarm sound, and a Bold "theme" for the company's new device, yet not one of them is remotely pleasant to listen to. In a word or two? They stink.

[Via CrackBerry; Photo courtesy of spisharam]

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Stewart Copeland composes BlackBerry Bold soundtrack with negative effects originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alarmblackberryblackberry boldBlackberryBoldboldcomposedcomposerCulturemobileresearch in motionResearchInMotionrimringtonessoundtrackstewart copelandStewartCopelandthe policeThePoliceMon, 04 Aug 2008 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Stewart Copeland composes BlackBerry Bold soundtrack with negative effects]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/04/stewart-copeland-composes-blackberry-bold-soundtrack-with-negati/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/04/stewart-copeland-composes-blackberry-bold-soundtrack-with-negati/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/04/stewart-copeland-composes-blackberry-bold-soundtrack-with-negati/#comments
You know how Stewart Copeland plays that insanely slick triplet hi-hat part in "Message in a Bottle," and every time you hear it you wonder how it's possible for him to stay so perfectly in time? And you know how his drums fit so perfectly in the pocket with Sting and Andy Summers on pretty much anything The Police ever touched despite the fact they all hated each other? Well, Copeland's "soundtrack" for the BlackBerry Bold -- commissioned by RIM -- should rid you of all of those amazing memories real fast. The drummer provided six ringtones, an alarm sound, and a Bold "theme" for the company's new device, yet not one of them is remotely pleasant to listen to. In a word or two? They stink.

[Via CrackBerry; Photo courtesy of spisharam]

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Stewart Copeland composes BlackBerry Bold soundtrack with negative effects originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alarmblackberryblackberry boldBlackberryBoldboldcomposedcomposerresearch in motionResearchInMotionrimringtonessoundtrackstewart copelandStewartCopelandthe policeThePoliceMon, 04 Aug 2008 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Ringtones for dogs coming to Japanese cellphones]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/20/ringtones-for-dogs-coming-to-japanese-cellphones/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/20/ringtones-for-dogs-coming-to-japanese-cellphones/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/20/ringtones-for-dogs-coming-to-japanese-cellphones/#comments
Just when you think you've given your dog everything it could ever want (gold plated water dish, rhinestone collar, a copy of Tegan and Sara's "The Con" on vinyl) the Japanese go and one up you. A Tokyo-based content provider named Dwango announced today that it would start selling specialized ringtones which can be heard only by dogs. The service, called Inu ni shika kikoenai chakushinon (ringtones only dogs can hear) will make free downloads available to current DoCoMo i-mode subscribers. No word on whether the company will provide Bluetooth headsets and holsters suited to our canine friends, but we understand plans are in the works for a line of bacon-themed wallpapers. [Warning: read link is a PDF, and it's in Japanese]

[Via CrunchGear]

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Ringtones for dogs coming to Japanese cellphones originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caninesCulturedogsdwangojapanmobilentt docomonttdocomoringtonestokyoFri, 20 Jun 2008 20:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Ringtones for dogs coming to Japanese cellphones]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/20/ringtones-for-dogs-coming-to-japanese-cellphones/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/20/ringtones-for-dogs-coming-to-japanese-cellphones/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/20/ringtones-for-dogs-coming-to-japanese-cellphones/#comments
Just when you think you've given your dog everything it could ever want (gold plated water dish, rhinestone collar, a copy of Tegan and Sara's "The Con" on vinyl) the Japanese go and one up you. A Tokyo-based content provider named Dwango announced today that it would start selling specialized ringtones which can be heard only by dogs. The service, called Inu ni shika kikoenai chakushinon (ringtones only dogs can hear) will make free downloads available to current DoCoMo i-mode subscribers. No word on whether the company will provide Bluetooth headsets and holsters suited to our canine friends, but we understand plans are in the works for a line of bacon-themed wallpapers. [Warning: read link is a PDF, and it's in Japanese]

[Via CrunchGear]

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Ringtones for dogs coming to Japanese cellphones originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caninesdocomodogsdwangojapanringtonestokyoFri, 20 Jun 2008 20:11:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T pays out for shady third-party charges]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/05/atandt-pays-out-for-shady-third-party-charges/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/05/atandt-pays-out-for-shady-third-party-charges/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/05/atandt-pays-out-for-shady-third-party-charges/#commentsIt's just the tip of the iceberg for the legal fallout from deceptive charges rung up by cellphone users hoping for a shot a free ringtones, wallpapers, and winning shots at contests simply by sending off a text message or an online form with their mobile number. Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, and others are likely going to have to end up taking it on the chin after AT&T was taken to task -- first by the state of Florida and now by a series of class-action lawsuits that the carrier has chosen to settle (without admitting any wrongdoing in the process, for the record). It seems that customers will be able to file for refunds for such charges rung up between January 1, 2004, and May 30, 2008, for a total of up to three bill cycles' worth. AT&T will be sending out notifications of the settlement to its subscribers shortly; meanwhile, the lawyers involved in the suits collect a nice paycheck of $4.3 million -- a shade more than the average class action member is liable to get, we'd imagine.

[Via Phone Scoop]

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AT&T pays out for shady third-party charges originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atandtattclass actionClassActionlawsuitmobileringtoneringtonesThu, 05 Jun 2008 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple looks to OTA downloads for 3G iPhone, record labels look for cash]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/19/apple-looks-to-ota-downloads-for-3g-iphone-record-labels-look-f/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/19/apple-looks-to-ota-downloads-for-3g-iphone-record-labels-look-f/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/19/apple-looks-to-ota-downloads-for-3g-iphone-record-labels-look-f/#comments
According to a churning rumor-mill, Apple desperately wants to make over-the-air downloads of iTunes content a reality on the 3G iPhone. Apparently, a record label executive "familiar with the discussions" states that the Cupertino gang is hoping for a "big launch in June" which includes OTA music downloads, ringtone sales, and ringback tones (the substitute music you hear instead of a ring when calling someone). There's only one problem: the labels want a higher premium for those services than a typical MP3 download. Of course, Apple's iTunes pricing has been a point of contention for some time, though its recent rule-bending for HBO could lead to upped charges for the new services. Something tells us Apple has the tenacity and bullheadedness to make this work -- let's just hope they can temper the labels' greed with the end user's economic realities.

[Via AppleInsider]

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Apple looks to OTA downloads for 3G iPhone, record labels look for cash originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 May 2008 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g iphone3gIphoneappledownloadsiphoneiphone osiphoneositunesitunes storeItunesStoremobileotaover the airOverTheAirringback tonesRingbackTonesringtonesMon, 19 May 2008 13:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple looks to OTA downloads for 3G iPhone, record labels look for cash]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/19/apple-looks-to-ota-downloads-for-3g-iphone-record-labels-look-f/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/19/apple-looks-to-ota-downloads-for-3g-iphone-record-labels-look-f/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/19/apple-looks-to-ota-downloads-for-3g-iphone-record-labels-look-f/#comments
According to a churning rumor-mill, Apple desperately wants to make over-the-air downloads of iTunes content a reality on the 3G iPhone. Apparently, a record label executive "familiar with the discussions" states that the Cupertino gang is hoping for a "big launch in June" which includes OTA music downloads, ringtone sales, and ringback tones (the substitute music you hear instead of a ring when calling someone). There's only one problem: the labels want a higher premium for those services than a typical MP3 download. Of course, Apple's iTunes pricing has been a point of contention for some time, though its recent rule-bending for HBO could lead to upped charges for the new services. Something tells us Apple has the tenacity and bullheadedness to make this work -- let's just hope they can temper the labels' greed with the end user's economic realities.

[Via AppleInsider]

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Apple looks to OTA downloads for 3G iPhone, record labels look for cash originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 May 2008 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3g iphone3gIphoneappledownloadsiphoneitunesotaover the airOverTheAirpricingringback tonesRingbackTonesringtonesMon, 19 May 2008 13:41:00 EST<![CDATA[AT&T gets slapped for deceptive third-party charges]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/03/atandt-gets-slapped-for-deceptive-third-party-charges/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/03/atandt-gets-slapped-for-deceptive-third-party-charges/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/03/atandt-gets-slapped-for-deceptive-third-party-charges/#commentsSuffering a rash of complaints after allegedly free ringtone downloads from shady random companies started showing up on AT&T subscribers' bills, the state of Florida stuck it to the carrier -- and they've agreed to pay up. AT&T and the state have jointly announced that as much as $10 million or more could ultimately be refunded to customers, depending on how many folks file claims, in addition to a $2.5 million fine payable to the state itself and $500,000 for educating consumers on "safe internet use." What's really funny about the whole deal is that Florida's attorney general has flat-out admitted that they went after AT&T only because the actual offenders -- the fly-by-night shops operating the free ringtone schemes -- were too difficult to round up and sue. The carrier has said that it has since made unauthorized charges more difficult to rack up, and is quick to point out that other carriers have been just as guilty of allowing the shady dealings; indeed, Florida says there are other investigations underway.

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AT&T gets slapped for deceptive third-party charges originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atandtattflordialawsuitmobilering tonering tonesRingToneRingTonessuitMon, 03 Mar 2008 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[GarageBand 4.1.1 brings custom tones to iPhone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/14/garageband-4-1-1-brings-custom-tones-to-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/14/garageband-4-1-1-brings-custom-tones-to-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/14/garageband-4-1-1-brings-custom-tones-to-iphone/#comments
As the pic says ladies and gents, Apple has decided that if you're clever enough to work in GarageBand -- and really, aren't we all? -- you deserve custom tones. To get this working all you need do is grab at the fresh GarageBand 4.1.1 update released yesterday, select a cycle region in your song -- a cycle region is just an area in the song's timeline you want to repeat -- then "share" and select "send ringtone to iTunes" option. Of course, your iPhone will need to be at version 1.1.2 to accomplish this little feat of magic, but we're sure most of you out there have sorted updates by now. Enjoy the music and feel free to drop us a note with how things go.

[Via TUAW]

Read - Create custom ringtones in iTunes
Read - GarageBand 4.1.1 update

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GarageBand 4.1.1 brings custom tones to iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applegaragebandiphoneitunesringtoneringtonesFri, 14 Dec 2007 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[GarageBand 4.1.1 brings custom tones to iPhone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/14/garageband-4-1-1-brings-custom-tones-to-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/14/garageband-4-1-1-brings-custom-tones-to-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/14/garageband-4-1-1-brings-custom-tones-to-iphone/#comments
As the pic says ladies and gents, Apple has decided that if you're clever enough to work in GarageBand -- and really, aren't we all? -- you deserve custom tones. To get this working all you need do is grab at the fresh GarageBand 4.1.1 update released yesterday, select a cycle region in your song -- a cycle region is just an area in the song's timeline you want to repeat -- then "share" and select "send ringtone to iTunes" option. Of course, your iPhone will need to be at version 1.1.2 to accomplish this little feat of magic, but we're sure most of you out there have sorted updates by now. Enjoy the music and feel free to drop us a note with how things go.

[Via TUAW]

Read - Create custom ringtones in iTunes
Read - GarageBand 4.1.1 update

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GarageBand 4.1.1 brings custom tones to iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applegaragebandiphoneiphone osiphoneositunesmobileringtoneringtonesFri, 14 Dec 2007 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon sells a "Don't tase me, bro" ringback tone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/10/verizon-sells-a-dont-tase-me-bro-ringback-tone/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/10/verizon-sells-a-dont-tase-me-bro-ringback-tone/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/10/verizon-sells-a-dont-tase-me-bro-ringback-tone/#comments
We're not exactly certain how a clip of Andrew Meyer politely asking the University of Florida cops to refrain from Tasing him ended up on Verzion's ringback tone web shop, but you know a million phone lines just got that much more annoying.

[Thanks, Yamin]

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Verizon sells a "Don't tase me, bro" ringback tone originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Dec 2007 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrew meyerAndrewMeyerdont tase me broDontTaseMeBromobileringback toneRingbackToneringtonestaserverizon wirelessverizonwirelessMon, 10 Dec 2007 16:37:00 EST<![CDATA[iTunes 7.4.2 hits, say goodbye to DIY iPhone ringtones (for a while)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/17/itunes-7-4-2-hits-say-goodbye-to-diy-iphone-ringtones-for-a-wh/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/17/itunes-7-4-2-hits-say-goodbye-to-diy-iphone-ringtones-for-a-wh/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/17/itunes-7-4-2-hits-say-goodbye-to-diy-iphone-ringtones-for-a-wh/#comments
Apple might be neutral towards third-party iPhone software development, but it's apparently downright hostile when it comes to DIY ringtones -- just 10 days after releasing iTunes 7.4.1, which killed off an easy way of getting your own ringtones on the iPhone, the company has dropped iTunes 7.4.2, which obsoletes the latest ways of getting your own sounds on the phone, including popular apps MakeiPhoneRingtones and iToner. DIY ringtones still make it into iTunes' ringtones folder, but aren't copied over to the iPhone -- a problem we're certain hackers will get around sooner rather than later. C'mon Apple, we know you're smarter than to play these cat-and-mouse games.

Update: Well, that didn't take long. According to Shadowfax in the MacRumors forums, all you've got to do to get ringtones back is flip a metadata bit and change the file extension back to .m4r -- something MacRumors says is more indicative of Apple "solidifying the format" than actively trying to kill ringtones. We're also hearing iToner still works, although we've yet to confirm. Check the read link for Shadowfox's instructions.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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iTunes 7.4.2 hits, say goodbye to DIY iPhone ringtones (for a while) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Sep 2007 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphoneitunesportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideoringtonesMon, 17 Sep 2007 18:56:00 EST<![CDATA[iTunes 7.4.2 hits, say goodbye to DIY iPhone ringtones (for a while)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/17/itunes-7-4-2-hits-say-goodbye-to-diy-iphone-ringtones-for-a-wh/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/17/itunes-7-4-2-hits-say-goodbye-to-diy-iphone-ringtones-for-a-wh/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/17/itunes-7-4-2-hits-say-goodbye-to-diy-iphone-ringtones-for-a-wh/#comments
Apple might be neutral towards third-party iPhone software development, but it's apparently downright hostile when it comes to DIY ringtones -- just 10 days after releasing iTunes 7.4.1, which killed off an easy way of getting your own ringtones on the iPhone, the company has dropped iTunes 7.4.2, which obsoletes the latest ways of getting your own sounds on the phone, including popular apps MakeiPhoneRingtones and iToner. DIY ringtones still make it into iTunes' ringtones folder, but aren't copied over to the iPhone -- a problem we're certain hackers will get around sooner rather than later. C'mon Apple, we know you're smarter than to play these cat-and-mouse games.

Update: Well, that didn't take long. According to Shadowfax in the MacRumors forums, all you've got to do to get ringtones back is flip a metadata bit and change the file extension back to .m4r -- something MacRumors says is more indicative of Apple "solidifying the format" than actively trying to kill ringtones. We're also hearing iToner still works, although we've yet to confirm. Check the read link for Shadowfox's instructions.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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iTunes 7.4.2 hits, say goodbye to DIY iPhone ringtones (for a while) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Sep 2007 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphoneitunesmobileringtonesMon, 17 Sep 2007 18:56:00 EST<![CDATA[The lowdown on ringtone changes in iTunes 7.4.1?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/12/the-lowdown-on-ringtone-changes-in-7-4-1/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/12/the-lowdown-on-ringtone-changes-in-7-4-1/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/12/the-lowdown-on-ringtone-changes-in-7-4-1/#commentsRemember how Apple rushed out 7.4.1 on the double after folks hacked 7.4 to enable free ringtones in mere hours? Turns out we may now know exactly what Apple did to patch it up -- and, naturally, how to enable 'em once again. It looks like Apple added new metadata to music in 7.4.1 that was missing in 7.4, a value called "stik" (what that could possibly stand for, we're not sure). Anyway, the value needs to be present and set to "14" on any AAC tune for iTunes to identify and sync it as a ringtone. That's it. Turns out there's an open source package to let you play with the metadata, too, so the whole procedure really couldn't get less expensive. Give it a shot and let us know how it goes!

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The lowdown on ringtone changes in iTunes 7.4.1? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 13:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7.47.4.1appleiphoneitunesmobileringtoneringtonesWed, 12 Sep 2007 13:14:00 EST<![CDATA[iTunes now serving-up Ringtones]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/11/itunes-now-serving-up-ringtones/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/11/itunes-now-serving-up-ringtones/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/11/itunes-now-serving-up-ringtones/#comments
If paying for ringtone snippets of the songs you already own is your idea of a good time, then get on over to iTunes trust funders, Apple's now serving up ringtones at $1.98 a pop. But they're only $0.99 you say? Nope, remember, you have to buy the rights to the song too. Fun. Keep it safe, kids.

[Thanks, Pinsleric, Michael F. and everyone who sent this in]

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iTunes now serving-up Ringtones originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 02:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphoneitunesmobileringtonesTue, 11 Sep 2007 02:16:00 EST<![CDATA[iTunes now serving-up Ringtones]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/11/itunes-now-serving-up-ringtones/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/11/itunes-now-serving-up-ringtones/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/11/itunes-now-serving-up-ringtones/#comments
If paying for ringtone snippets of the songs you already own is your idea of a good time, then get on over to iTunes trust funders, Apple's now serving up ringtones at $1.98 a pop. But they're only $0.99 you say? Nope, remember, you have to buy the rights to the song too. Fun. Keep it safe, kids.

[Thanks, Pinsleric, Michael F. and everyone who sent this in]

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iTunes now serving-up Ringtones originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 02:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphoneitunesringtonesTue, 11 Sep 2007 02:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Music industry has another death-spasm, coughs up "ringles"]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/10/music-industry-has-another-death-spasm-coughs-up-ringles/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/10/music-industry-has-another-death-spasm-coughs-up-ringles/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/10/music-industry-has-another-death-spasm-coughs-up-ringles/#comments
It seems like every couple months one of the major labels announces yet another harebrained scheme to entice consumers to purchase CDs, regardless of what people actually prefer, and right on schedule, Sony BMG and Universal have announced their latest three-martini-and-a-cocktail-napkin plan: the "ringle," a $6 CD single featuring a remix and ringtone. There's really not much more to say -- trying to revive the CD single by adding in something that consumers are used to getting over-the-air seems like it speaks for itself -- but it's certainly interesting to see the labels desperately try and nab as much of the ringtone market as they can, even as their partners try and move forward. We'll see you at the funeral, boys.

[Image courtesy of Boy Genuis Report]

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Music industry has another death-spasm, coughs up "ringles" originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Sep 2007 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdcd singlesCdSinglesportable audioportableaudioringlesringtonessony bmgSonyBmguniversalMon, 10 Sep 2007 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Music industry has another death-spasm, coughs up "ringles"]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/10/music-industry-has-another-death-spasm-coughs-up-ringles/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/10/music-industry-has-another-death-spasm-coughs-up-ringles/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/10/music-industry-has-another-death-spasm-coughs-up-ringles/#comments
It seems like very couple months one of the major labels announce yet another harebrained scheme to entice consumers to purchase CDs, regardless of what people actually prefer, and right on schedule, Sony BMG and Universal have announced their latest three-martini-and-a-cocktail-napkin plan: the "ringle," a $6 CD single featuring a remix and ringtone. There's really not much more to say -- trying to revive the CD single by adding in something that consumers are used to getting over-the-air seems like it speaks for itself -- but it's certainly interesting to see the labels desperately try and nab as much of the ringtone market as they can, even as their partners try and move forward. We'll see you at the funeral, boys.

[Image courtesy of Boy Genuis Report]

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Music industry has another death-spasm, coughs up "ringles" originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Sep 2007 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdcd singlesCdSinglesmobileringlesringtonessony bmgSonyBmguniversalMon, 10 Sep 2007 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[iTunes 7.4.1 ringtones re-rename workaround discovered]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/08/itunes-7-4-1-ringtones-re-rename-workaround-discovered/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/08/itunes-7-4-1-ringtones-re-rename-workaround-discovered/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/08/itunes-7-4-1-ringtones-re-rename-workaround-discovered/#comments
So last night iTunes 7.4.1 came out which, among other things, blocked off the custom ringtone renaming method, which allowed users to add their own ringtones to their iPhone without buying them on iTunes. Well, as posters in our own comments have already discovered, it's back, and here's how to do it:

First, follow the steps of the original method
  • Create your ringtone, save it as an AAC file.
  • Rename the m4a extension to m4r.
  • Double-click to play in iTunes.
Now, if you're upgraded to 7.4.1
  • Go back and re-rename that m4r file back to m4a. That's it.
  • Plug in your iPhone and that ringtone will be added to your syncable ringtones list -- and it won't pop up the error from before.
  • Play your ringtones constantly for the next 10 hours until 7.4.2 comes out.
[Thanks, Engadget commenters! More here.]

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iTunes 7.4.1 ringtones re-rename workaround discovered originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Sep 2007 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphoneitunesmobileringtonesringtunesSat, 08 Sep 2007 13:21:00 EST<![CDATA[iTunes 7.4.1 ringtones re-rename workaround discovered]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/08/itunes-7-4-1-ringtones-re-rename-workaround-discovered/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/08/itunes-7-4-1-ringtones-re-rename-workaround-discovered/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/08/itunes-7-4-1-ringtones-re-rename-workaround-discovered/#comments
So last night iTunes 7.4.1 came out which, among other things, blocked off the custom ringtone renaming method, which allowed users to add their own ringtones to their iPhone without buying them on iTunes. Well, as posters in our own comments have already discovered, it's back, and here's how to do it:

First, follow the steps of the original method
  • Create your ringtone, save it as an AAC file.
  • Rename the m4a extension to m4r.
  • Double-click to play in iTunes.
Now, if you're upgraded to 7.4.1
  • Go back and re-rename that m4r file back to m4a. That's it.
  • Plug in your iPhone and that ringtone will be added to your syncable ringtones list -- and it won't pop up the error from before.
  • Play your ringtones constantly for the next 10 hours until 7.4.2 comes out.
[Thanks, Engadget commenters! More here.]

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iTunes 7.4.1 ringtones re-rename workaround discovered originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Sep 2007 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphoneitunesringtonesSat, 08 Sep 2007 13:21:00 EST<![CDATA[iTunes 7.4.1 already released -- free ringtone workaround is NOT ok]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/07/itunes-7-4-1-already-released-free-ringtone-workaround-is-ok/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/07/itunes-7-4-1-already-released-free-ringtone-workaround-is-ok/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/07/itunes-7-4-1-already-released-free-ringtone-workaround-is-ok/#comments
Just thought we'd let the droves of paranoid upgraders know in on a small bit of good bad news. Yes, Apple did already release a new version of iTunes tonight, 7.4.1, and we tested to see if said update "fixes" the ringtone-renaming hack (if you really want to call it a hack) that lets users supply their own ringtones sans Apple's $0.99 fee. Breathe not so easy: it may be legal (probably), but the hack did not continue to work just fine for us. More below.


Update: So yes, our previous ringtones carried over and we were able to add new renamed ringtones to iTunes -- but our readers are right in that 7.4.1 DOES block the renamed ringtone workaround moving forward. Our initial syncs went unblocked, but only until we tried to add new ringtone files. Once you actually attempt to sync new renamed ringtone files, well, then you're in for a heap o' pain (see above).

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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iTunes 7.4.1 already released -- free ringtone workaround is NOT ok originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Sep 2007 23:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applehackiphoneitunesmobileringtonesupdateFri, 07 Sep 2007 23:35:00 EST<![CDATA[iTunes 7.4.1 already released -- free ringtone workaround is NOT ok]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/07/itunes-7-4-1-already-released-free-ringtone-workaround-is-ok/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/07/itunes-7-4-1-already-released-free-ringtone-workaround-is-ok/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/07/itunes-7-4-1-already-released-free-ringtone-workaround-is-ok/#comments
Just thought we'd let the droves of paranoid upgraders know in on a small bit of good bad news. Yes, Apple did already release a new version of iTunes tonight, 7.4.1, and we tested to see if said update "fixes" the ringtone-renaming hack (if you really want to call it a hack) that lets users supply their own ringtones sans Apple's $0.99 fee. Breathe not so easy: it may be legal (probably), but the hack did not continue to work just fine for us. More below.


Update: So yes, our previous ringtones carried over and we were able to add new renamed ringtones to iTunes -- but our readers are right in that 7.4.1 DOES block the renamed ringtone workaround moving forward. Our initial syncs went unblocked, but only until we tried to add new ringtone files. Once you actually attempt to sync new renamed ringtone files, well, then you're in for a heap o' pain (see above).

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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iTunes 7.4.1 already released -- free ringtone workaround is NOT ok originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Sep 2007 23:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applehackiphoneitunesringtonesupdateFri, 07 Sep 2007 23:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Know Your Rights: Is it illegal to make my own ringtones?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/07/know-your-rights-is-it-illegal-to-make-my-own-ringtones/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/07/know-your-rights-is-it-illegal-to-make-my-own-ringtones/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/07/know-your-rights-is-it-illegal-to-make-my-own-ringtones/#commentsKnow Your Rights is Engadget's new technology law series, written by our own totally punk copyright attorney Nilay Patel. In it we'll try to answer some fundamental tech-law questions to help you stay out of trouble in this brave new world. Disclaimer: Although this post was written by an attorney, it is not meant as legal advice or analysis and should not be taken as such.

We hate to do another Apple-related KYR so soon, but this week's announcement of Apple's pay-and-pay-again iPhone / iTunes ringtone maker (followed up by statements made by Apple VP Phil Schiller) has had a lot of people asking us the following question:

So, is it illegal to make my own ringtones?

No!

Come on.

No, really!

What's the catch?

Nothing!

You wouldn't be doing this if there wasn't a catch.

Oh, alright. But you're not going to like it.

Continue reading Know Your Rights: Is it illegal to make my own ringtones?

Know Your Rights: Is it illegal to make my own ringtones? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Sep 2007 12:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresknow your rightsKnowYourRightsringtonesFri, 07 Sep 2007 12:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Simple hackery enables free iTunes ringtones]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/07/simple-hackery-enables-free-itunes-ringtones/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/07/simple-hackery-enables-free-itunes-ringtones/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/07/simple-hackery-enables-free-itunes-ringtones/#comments
Well, this is a handy (and well-timed) find! User Cleverboy over at Macrumors has discovered a simple trick to get your own music onto your iPhone using the just-released iTunes 7.4, and it'll cost you precisely nothing. To get this to work, we hear you only need to rename an AAC track to .M4R, then double click it and iTunes will automagically load it into iTunes for you. Next time you plug in your iPhone to sync up, just check off the song in the Ringtones tab and voila, instant tone gratification. Thanks, Apple -- free ringtones for the songs we already own or ripped from our own CDs, this is how it should have been from the get-go. On a happy note, Macrumor's forum users are reporting the magic works via both Apple and Windows flavors of iTunes, but feel free let us know how you all get on.

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Simple hackery enables free iTunes ringtones originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Sep 2007 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleatandtattiphoneiphone osiphoneosiTunesmobilering tonesringtonesFri, 07 Sep 2007 11:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple's "The Beat Goes On" event news roundup]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/05/apples-the-beat-goes-on-event-news-roundup/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/05/apples-the-beat-goes-on-event-news-roundup/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/05/apples-the-beat-goes-on-event-news-roundup/#comments
Apple came out swinging today, with three entirely new iPod models, a color refresh of the shuffle, the launch of the iTunes WiFi Music Store, iPhone ringtones and a price cut, and a partnership with Starbucks -- if you blinked and missed something, here's a brief recap of what went down at Moscone West:

Live Coverage / Hands-on
iPod / iTunes
iPhone

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Apple's "The Beat Goes On" event news roundup originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Sep 2007 19:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphoneipodipod classicipod nanoipod shuffleipod touchIpodClassicIpodNanoIpodShuffleIpodTouchitunesitunes wifi music storeItunesWifiMusicStoreportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideoringtonesstarbucksWed, 05 Sep 2007 19:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple adds iPhone ringtones to iTunes]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/05/apple-adds-iphone-ringtones-to-itunes/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/05/apple-adds-iphone-ringtones-to-itunes/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/05/apple-adds-iphone-ringtones-to-itunes/#comments A new version of iTunes supporting custom ringtones for the iPhone ships this evening. They'll run 99 cents on top of the cost of the song, but in trade, you'll be able to make your own custom ringtone from the song. They can run up to 30 seconds in length, denoted by bells that appear next to "ringtoneable" songs -- which'll be 500,000 of 'em at launch. Apple flips the switch to enable the feature "next week."

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Apple adds iPhone ringtones to iTunes originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Sep 2007 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebreaking newsBreakingNewsiphonemobileringtonesWed, 05 Sep 2007 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[iToner makes adding iPhone ringtones ridiculously easy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/itoner-makes-adding-iphone-ringtones-ridiculously-easy/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/itoner-makes-adding-iphone-ringtones-ridiculously-easy/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/itoner-makes-adding-iphone-ringtones-ridiculously-easy/#comments
Want to add iPhone ringtones? iToner's your solution, it's the easiest (and most graphically purdy) method we've seen yet, and it works without even jailbreaking your iPhone. The down side (yeah, there's always a downside) is this simple utility could teach a course in Nagware 101, bugging you incessantly and imposing increasingly longer delays before carrying out its function until you buy the thing. Still, it's worth it if you've been waiting for an excuse not to use marimba anymore. We'd just suggest waiting until next Wednesday before making the buy, we hear Apple might just do this thing themselves. More shots after the break.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading iToner makes adding iPhone ringtones ridiculously easy

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iToner makes adding iPhone ringtones ridiculously easy originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Aug 2007 23:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphoneitonermobileringtonesFri, 31 Aug 2007 23:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple set to launch ringtone service for iPhone September 5th?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/apple-set-to-launch-ringtone-service-for-iphone-september-5th/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/apple-set-to-launch-ringtone-service-for-iphone-september-5th/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/apple-set-to-launch-ringtone-service-for-iphone-september-5th/#comments
The New York Post is reporting that Apple's September 5th dog and pony show is set to usher in the age of iTunes as ringtone-management software for iPhone. Apparently the rumored service will see iTunes able to convert any song into a ringtone -- for a fee, of course -- and you'll even have the ability to dictate which portion of the song becomes the tone. The offering will also include the ability to use previously purchased tunes as ringtones, and we're hoping your own music in iTunes, too. We're feeling this is long overdue, but can assume that Apple could have been in conversation with the labels to sort out the financials of all this magic. Watch this space next week for more news on pricing and availability -- if indeed, it actually pans out.

[Via AppleInsider]

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Apple set to launch ringtone service for iPhone September 5th? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Aug 2007 14:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple eventAppleEventiphoneitunesmobileringtonesFri, 31 Aug 2007 14:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple set to launch ringtone service for iPhone September 5th?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/apple-set-to-launch-ringtone-service-for-iphone-september-5th/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/apple-set-to-launch-ringtone-service-for-iphone-september-5th/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/31/apple-set-to-launch-ringtone-service-for-iphone-september-5th/#comments
The New York Post is reporting that Apple's September 5th dog and pony show is set to usher in the age of iTunes as ringtone-management software for iPhone. Apparently the rumored service will see iTunes able to convert any song into a ringtone -- for a fee, of course -- and you'll even have the ability to dictate which portion of the song becomes the tone. The offering will also include the ability to use previously purchased tunes as ringtones, and we're hoping your own music in iTunes, too. We're feeling this is long overdue, but can assume that Apple could have been in conversation with the labels to sort out the financials of all this magic. Watch this space next week for more news on pricing and availability -- if indeed, it actually pans out.

[Via AppleInsider]

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Apple set to launch ringtone service for iPhone September 5th? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Aug 2007 14:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Apple EventAppleEventiphoneitunesringtonesFri, 31 Aug 2007 14:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola and ARIA release MOTOROKR Z6 DUO ARIA Edition]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/22/motorola-and-aria-release-motorokr-z6-duo-aria-edition/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/22/motorola-and-aria-release-motorokr-z6-duo-aria-edition/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/22/motorola-and-aria-release-motorokr-z6-duo-aria-edition/#comments
What's better than the music-centric MOTOROKR Z6 slider you ask? One that is brought to you in conjunction with the Australian Recording Industry Association -- think RIAA, but Australia's version -- of course. Released exclusively through Crazy John's on a minimum plan of AUD $35 over 24 months (that's AUD $840), this fella definitely doesn't come cheap. Included as pack-ins are the MOTOROKR S9 Bluetooth stereo headphones, a 1GB memory card, and a $25 ringtone and wallpaper pack. The impetus behind this partnership -- other than to collect info about all your stolen music and get you busted (wink, wink) -- is to give Z6 owners direct access to ARIA's music chart from their handset and hopefully give Moto's flagging sales performance a much needed boost. Nice handset, nice headset, but these two may make strange bedfellows -- at least in the public's eyes -- if the ARIA is as unpopular as the RIAA is over here.

[Via mocoNews]

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Motorola and ARIA release MOTOROKR Z6 DUO ARIA Edition originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ARIAmobileMOTOROKRMotorolamultimediaRIAAringtonesS9Z6Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:41:00 EST<![CDATA[iFuntastic 2.0 enables mortals to mod their iPhone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/28/ifuntastic-2-0-enables-mortals-to-mod-their-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/28/ifuntastic-2-0-enables-mortals-to-mod-their-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/28/ifuntastic-2-0-enables-mortals-to-mod-their-iphone/#comments
If you were enthralled by the sound of what the Dev Wiki crowd was cookin' up, yet you just couldn't understand the majority of what they were telling you, you're in luck. bitSplit, the man that brought you iFuntastic, has released version 2.0 of the software, which goes the extra mile and enables mere mortals (read: folks who aren't down with code speak) to "add ringtones, change the carrier logo, and reorder their iPhone applications." Best of all, this here software is completely free to use, but unless you've got an Intel-based Mac, you won't get very far. So go on, tag the read link and see what fun awaits you.

[Thanks, Dustin]

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iFuntastic 2.0 enables mortals to mod their iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jul 2007 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleatandtattbitsplitdev wikiDevWikidownloadhackiFuntasticiphoneiphone dev wikiiphone osIphoneDevWikiiphoneosmobileringtonessoftwareSat, 28 Jul 2007 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 3 site offers ringtone downloads]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/28/halo-3-site-offers-ringtone-downloads/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/28/halo-3-site-offers-ringtone-downloads/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/28/halo-3-site-offers-ringtone-downloads/#commentsFor all of you waiting to pick up your prepaid copies of Halo 3, the Microsoft Halo 3 site has a few mobile goodies to get at while you wait. Finish the Fight, Last Spartan, and the Halo theme can all be grabbed as ringtones for your MP3 playing handsets. Also up are a collection of pics and avatars and while not specifically for mobiles, a wee bit of Photoshoppery --or an online resize with Imageshack -- can correct that. So if you dig the game, dig ringtones, or just like new things, pop on over to the site to have a look-see.

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Halo 3 site offers ringtone downloads originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Jul 2007 01:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halo 3Halo3microsoftmobileringtoneringtonesSat, 28 Jul 2007 01:24:00 EST<![CDATA[New chip curbs misplaced cellphone syndrome]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/26/new-chip-curbs-misplaced-cellphone-syndrome/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/26/new-chip-curbs-misplaced-cellphone-syndrome/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/26/new-chip-curbs-misplaced-cellphone-syndrome/#commentsThose who are contemplating some type of bizarre surgery to ensure your dear cellphone stays permanently attached to your person should probably hold off, as a couple of companies are teaming up to curb the oh-so-typical problem of misplacing one's handset. New Japan Radio Co. and Superwave Corporation have reportedly joined forces to "develop a chip that uses weak radio waves to communicate with mobile phones, paving the way for devices that tell users when a handset is misplaced." Supposedly, the chip would communicate with one's phone "every few seconds," and if you bolted from the subway sans your cellphone, a sound or vibration would apparently be there to alert you of your mistake. Hold tight folks, the firms have plans to distribute samples to manufacturers this October. [Warning: Read link requires subscription]

[Image courtesy of GLIRC]

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New chip curbs misplaced cellphone syndrome originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jul 2007 22:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alertlostMisplacedmobilenew japan radioNewJapanRadioperipheralsradioradio chipRadioChipringtonessuperwaveThu, 26 Jul 2007 22:24:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhoneRIngToneMaker makes adding custom tones a breeze]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/25/iphoneringtonemaker-makes-adding-custom-tones-a-breeze/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/25/iphoneringtonemaker-makes-adding-custom-tones-a-breeze/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/25/iphoneringtonemaker-makes-adding-custom-tones-a-breeze/#comments
We love ease of use and Apple is usually on top of that game, but on this outing they seem to have forgotten a few things. The creators of iPhoneRingToneMaker are trying to take some of the pain out of transferring tones to your beloved by presenting you with a GUI and working the magic backstage. The site's FAQ states that there is no danger to your handset and that they are not employing hacks, but are simply transferring the music to your handset -- we aren't sure how, isn't the iPhone locked up tight? The tool will let you transfer your favorite ringers or enable you to create your own from songs you already own in MP3, WAV, or OGG formats. The software -- Windows only -- will run you $10 but they also have a try before you buy package if you just want to test the waters. As with any tools like this, fiddle at your own risk.

[Thanks, Chris W]

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iPhoneRIngToneMaker makes adding custom tones a breeze originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Jul 2007 06:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iphonemobileringtonesWed, 25 Jul 2007 06:27:00 EST