Engadget

Four HUBOs 'Come Together' for a Drexel Engineering MET-lab demo

Billy Steele — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:43:00 EST

Robot Beatles cover band? Check. Students at Drexel University's Music and Entertainment Technology Lab (MET-lab) have developed software that allows HUBO robots to create tunes following a musical score. The Roboband plays the song without human control during the performance -- a demo that combines humanoid tech and creative expression research. Four HUBOs jam the arrangement of the Beatles' "Come Together" by MET-lab student Matthew Prockup on Ringo's mini-kit and three "Hubophones." Drexel and seven other universities in the States are part of a humanoid research collaboration with KAIST, the designer of the HUBO robot.

Four HUBOs 'Come Together' for a Drexel Engineering MET-lab demo originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paul McCartney: 'You can keep free streaming for the birds and bees, now give me money'

Daniel Cooper — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:57:00 EST

A wise man once told Engadget that streaming and bought music services could live side-by-side like a piano keyboard. It looks like impoverished multi-millionaire Sir Paul McCartney didn't hear that particular song, as he's withdrawn all of his music from streaming service Rhapsody, after doing the same to Spotify some time ago. He's the latest in a long line of impecunious artists including Adele, Coldplay and Tom Waits, who have done the same as they feel they're not getting fair compensation for their labors. It would be cynical to point out that McCartney's move comes just ahead of a live performance that's exclusively streamed on the iTunes music store and Apple TV, so we won't.

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Paul McCartney: 'You can keep free streaming for the birds and bees, now give me money' originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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European Union extends Beatles' copyright, still gonna have to buy the White Album

Daniel Cooper — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:39:00 EST

If you've been waiting for the hits of the '60s to lapse into the public domain, prepare to be disappointed. The European Union has agreed to extend the term of protection for sound recordings -- which previously lasted for 50 -- to 70 years. That means the White Album won't be free to own until 2038. The extension was granted to guarantee income for performers in their old age who would otherwise lose out, such as impoverished multi-millionaire Sir Paul McCartney. Opinions are divided, with record companies praising the move and open-rights groups being a lot less enthusiastic. An interesting point to note is that the move was done in spite of government-funded research to the contrary. Either way, ever increasing copyright legislation means it's far more likely we'll see even more extreme anti-piracy adverts, just like the one after the break.

Continue reading European Union extends Beatles' copyright, still gonna have to buy the White Album

European Union extends Beatles' copyright, still gonna have to buy the White Album originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Beatles show up in iTunes

Nilay Patel — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:42:00 EST

We're still holding out hope for a cloud-based subscription service to make that full-page teaser on Apple.com seem worthwhile, but it looks like today's unforgettable iTunes announcement will indeed just be the arrival of the Beatles to the store -- the Fab Four's page just went live, about 20 minutes before the official announcement. It looks like the entire catalog is available in a $149 box set complete with iTunes LP content, and there's also a few videos for your enjoyment. We're sure some of you are super-stoked about being able to buy this stuff in yet another format -- and we're glad Steve and Yoko worked it out -- but unless something else happens today we're feeling like we just witnessed a lot of empty hype.

Update: Yep, it's official -- the Beatles are on iTunes. No streaming announcement, no subscription service. Apple's given its entire front page over to a full-size shot of the boys, and as a bonus the "Live at the Washington Coliseum, 1964" video will stream for free for the rest of the year. Ringo, can you sum this up for us?

"I am particularly glad to no longer be asked when the Beatles are coming to iTunes," said Ringo Starr.

You were always our favorite, Rings. PR after the break, along with a screencap of Apple.com for posterity.

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The Beatles show up in iTunes originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Beatles catalog being released on limited edition USB stick

Paul Miller — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:32:00 EST

You know what's kind of like online digital distribution, and yet not at all like that? Selling the entire re-mastered Beatles catalog on a USB drive that slots into a fake apple. The fine folks at Apple Corps Ltd. and EMI Music have teamed up to build a limited edition run of 30,000 USB apples to be sold on December 7 in the UK and December 8 in freedom-loving America. Included on the 16GB drive are the 14 stereo titles in FLAC 44.1 Khz 24-bit, in addition to 320 Kbps MP3s and a whole digital stack of special materials like liner notes and mini-documentary films, all for the low, low price of $279.99. The drive is up for pre-order as of now, which means you could be a mere month away from plugging this drive into your computer, dragging the files into your iTunes library and then pretending that you bought them online in some sort of forward-looking content distribution model.

Filed under: Portable Audio

The Beatles catalog being released on limited edition USB stick originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Beatles finally coming to iTunes, according to Yoko Ono (update: EMI says not tomorrow)

Ross Miller — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:17:00 EST

Even more than in past years, the build-up to Apple's iPod event this Wednesday has been nothing if not a bevy of The Beatles / iTunes rumors -- the company even broke with its traditional Tuesday event date to have it instead on "09-09-09," the same day The Beatles Rock Band and a new box set are due to hit store shelves. Now it looks like we've heard it from none other than Yoko Ono herself, who in a now-pulled Sky News article confirmed that the Fab Four's headed for digital distribution. All that's left of the piece is a Google cache of the first sentence, so for the full skinny, it looks like we'll have to wait until tomorrow.

Update: EMI is telling Financial Times that, while conversations are still going on, no announcements will be made tomorrow.

Read - Yoko Ono reveals Beatles on iTunes
Read - Google cache

Filed under: Portable Audio, Internet, Software

The Beatles finally coming to iTunes, according to Yoko Ono (update: EMI says not tomorrow) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Beatles: Rock Band hands-on!

Joshua Topolsky — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:02:00 EST

We don't know if you're like us, but we've basically been waiting our whole lives to play The Beatles: Rock Band. Well, we got one step closer at E3 2009, as we were able to actually snuggle up close and personal with the full kit and see what was what (and show off our totally sick harmonies on "Here Comes the Sun"). We have to say, Harmonix has absolutely outdone themselves with this bundle -- from the Ringo-style Ludwig drum set to Paul's unmistakable Höfner Violin bass... it's all here, and it all looks brilliant. We took the boys out for a little spin (you can see our own Ross Miller on drums there), and captured just a few photos for your enjoyment. Hit the gallery below for all the goods!

Gallery: The Beatles: Rock Band hands-on!

Filed under: Gaming

The Beatles: Rock Band hands-on! originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Beatles Rock Band books surprise gig at Xbox 360 meetup

Ross Miller — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 07:10:00 EST

Last night Microsoft held an E3 2009 post-press conference event, and while Natal wasn't anywhere within our reach, we did happen upon Harmonix's Beatles Rock Band stage, an appropriately cliché setup on the rooftop of The Standard Hotel. We'll be getting more thorough hands-on time with the instruments later in the week, but for now, enjoy a glimpse at the concert ensemble, blasting forth with (confirmed!) three-part harmony.

Filed under: Gaming

Video: Beatles Rock Band books surprise gig at Xbox 360 meetup originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 07:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Beatles Rock Band trailer, screenshots, Ludwig drums unveiled at E3

Laura June — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:40:00 EST

Today at E3 some seriously awesome Beatles Rock Band awesomeness was unloaded upon the world. In addition to getting a look at the full band set-up, confirming that you will, in fact be able to perform multiple vocals (read: harmonies), Harmonix also showed off the general in-game madness we can expect. We're filled with glee to see that no corners were cut here, and we agree with Ringo's estimation: the game is good. The Beatles: Rock Band will be released simultaneously for XBox 360, PS3 and Wii in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and other territories. Check out the totally rad trailer, our first shot of the Ludwig drums and another screenshot after the break and in the gallery below.

Gallery: Beatles Rock Band trailer, screenshots, Ludwig drums unveiled at E3

Continue reading Video: Beatles Rock Band trailer, screenshots, Ludwig drums unveiled at E3

Filed under: Gaming

Video: Beatles Rock Band trailer, screenshots, Ludwig drums unveiled at E3 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Beatles Rock Band pre-order is on, custom guitars are a go

Laura June — Tue, 05 May 2009 12:26:00 EST

If you're like us, you're literally counting down the days until The Beatles: Rock Band is released (127). So, the news that it's now available for pre-order is, shall we say... exciting to us. Even more enthralling is confirmation of our wildest dreams: there will be two custom guitars available for purchase on top of the Special Edition bundle (the game itself, Höfner bass and Ludwig drums microphone and mike stand). The guitars -- a Gretsch Duo-Jet and a Rickenbacker 325 -- will retail for $99.00 each when the game arrives on September 9th. Until then, may we suggest you use the video after the break to work on your harmonies.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Gallery: Rock Band: Beatles guitars

Continue reading Beatles Rock Band pre-order is on, custom guitars are a go

Filed under: Gaming

Beatles Rock Band pre-order is on, custom guitars are a go originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 May 2009 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Beatles: Rock Band limited edition bundle priced, detailed

Darren Murph — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:03:00 EST

Finally, a few whispers straight from the horse's mouth. While we've heard rumor after rumor regarding the actual hardware to be bundled in with the sure-to-be-hot The Beatles: Rock Band, MTV Games, Harmonix and EA have come forward today with a few succulent tidbits to keep you interested until the 09.09.09 launch. We're told that the Limited Edition Premium Bundle will include the game itself, a Höfner Bass (which will undoubtedly do Sir Paul McCartney and southpaws the world over no favors by being right handed), a microphone, a microphone stand, undisclosed "additional special content" and the real kicker -- a Beatles-inspired and Ludwig-branded Rock Band 2 drums, complete with a classic pearl finish and vintage replica Beatles kick drum head.

The whole kit is slated to launch worldwide this September, with USers having to pay $249, Europeans paying €199 and Britons paying £179. Finally, we're told that North American and European fans who pre-order any version of the game will be eligible to join the The Beatles: Rock Band Pre-Order Club and "receive breaking news and access to exclusive game elements including art and behind-the-scenes footage directly from MTV Games and Harmonix." Oh, goody!

Gallery: The Beatles: Rock Band limited edition bundle priced, detailed

Filed under: Gaming

The Beatles: Rock Band limited edition bundle priced, detailed originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Beatles Rock Band features multi-mic support, harmonious performances?

Ross Miller — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 07:28:00 EST

Wouldn't it be great if you and your mop top-clad friends could all sing together in the upcoming The Beatles: Rock Band? According to a rumor found in the latest issue of Game Informer, Harmonix is doing just that: including multiple-microphone support for players to harmonize on the tracks. Not much else is given, but a NeoGAF forum poster who last week claimed to have played an early version adds that three mics were being used -- one for each instrument -- and there was also a new harmony trainer mode to ensure your vocal talents were up to snuff. We'd advise a good bit of skepticism, no matter how much sense it seems to make or how many of you dreams would come true if this turned out legit. In the meantime, you can go back to deciding which of the Fab Four you're gonna pretend to be first when the game launches on September 9.

[Via Joystiq]

Read - Multi-mic support
Read - Harmony trainer

Filed under: Gaming

Beatles Rock Band features multi-mic support, harmonious performances? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Beatles come to 'Rock Band,' instruments and all (update)

Joshua Topolsky — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 10:13:00 EST

Do you love the Beatles? Do you love Rock Band? Are you ready to totally lose it? If you said yes, that's good -- because MTV Games and Harmonix have just announced a partnership with Apple Corps, Ltd. to bring the band's music and instruments to the Rock Band universe. According to the PR, the game (which apparently lets you do all kinds of awesome Beatles-related rocking) will also premiere with a set of new hardware "modeled after instruments used by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr throughout their career." Right now they've just got a holder page up with a launch date of September 9th, but as soon as we get our eyes on the gear, we'll let you know.

Update: Here's some more information to cleanse your pallet. The game, known henceforth as The Beatles: Rock Band, will be sold software-only for $60 on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii (note the extra Hamilton over the usual Nintendo pricing). The standalone guitars will be sold separately for $100, and if you're opting for the Limited Edition Premium Bundle, featuring the game and all instruments, it'll set you back $250. No word on pricing outside of US just yet. Despite the Rock Band branding, it's considered a standalone title and no one is talking right now about any connectivity, downloadable content or transferring of songs between Beatles and other RB games. According to Joystiq, you'll be able to rock out to 45 songs from the band's 1962 to 1969 EMI catalog. Full press release after the break.

Continue reading The Beatles come to 'Rock Band,' instruments and all (update)

Filed under: Gaming

The Beatles come to 'Rock Band,' instruments and all (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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John Lennon eerily returns to push OLPC cause

Darren Murph — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 10:49:00 EST

John Lennon may have departed this planet 28 years ago, but that's not to say he can't still have an impact. With the assistance of technology and the consent of Yoko Ono, the heralded Beatle has returned in a new OLPC spot. In the ad, the late musician proclaims: "Imagine every child no matter where in the world they were could access a universe of knowledge. They would have a chance to learn, to dream, to achieve anything they want." If this sounds like just the inspiration you needed to get your donation on, hop on past the break to see the vid in its entirety.

[Via Laptop Mag]

Continue reading John Lennon eerily returns to push OLPC cause

Filed under: Laptops

John Lennon eerily returns to push OLPC cause originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 10:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Beatles Collector's Box includes limited edition 120GB iPod classic, leaves the ripping to you

Darren Murph — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 05:38:00 EST

Listen up, ~~Ringo~~ Beatles fans -- your holiday gift has just been located, and it's on aisle 17 in Bloomingdale's. The somewhat janky limited edition collector's box is a dream come true for fanatics of the Fab Four, packing 13 original Beatles' CDs, an engraved guitar pick, two masters and the "Love" CD -- none of which are available via the iTunes Music Store, mind you. Just 2,500 of the $795 sets are available, but -- humorously enough -- you'll be stuck ripping and transferring every last disc onto your individually numbered, etched-with-a-Beatles-logo 120GB iPod classic. Ah well, at least this scenario lets you choose your own bitrate, right?

Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video

Beatles Collector's Box includes limited edition 120GB iPod classic, leaves the ripping to you originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 05:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Beatles' catalog coming online at long last?

Joshua Topolsky — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 13:37:00 EST

Word on the street (and by street, we mean mostly British tabloids) is that Paul McCartney's deal to sell the Beatles back-catalog is done, and the Greatest Works of Musical Art Ever Recorded will be appearing on the iTunes store "within months." Of course, we've been hearing whispers about this for what seems like a million years, and since both Apple Corps and Apple are delivering "no comment" and "rumor and speculation" responses on the topic, we won't get too excited. Still, there does seem to be some serious movement on this front, with everyone and their mother saying the lot is to be sold any day now for around $400 million -- which is no small sum. We will, of course, keep you abreast of any developments which will lead to you stocking your music players with the Fab Four's work.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Filed under: Portable Audio

Beatles' catalog coming online at long last? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 09 Mar 2008 13:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mixed meme of the day: Beatles coming to Optimus Maximus

Evan Blass — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 09:56:00 EST

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Peripherals

Mixed meme of the day: Beatles coming to Optimus Maximus originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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McCartney "pretty sure" The Beatles will go digital next year

Donald Melanson — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:58:00 EST

Well, it looks like the long saga of The Beatles slow transition to digital downloads could finally be nearing a close, at least according to one source that has a fairly big say in the matter. According to Reuters, Paul McCartney recently told Billboard that "It's all happening soon," adding that, "Most of us are all sort of ready. The whole thing is primed, ready to go -- there's just maybe one little sticking point left, and I think it's being cleared up as we speak, so it shouldn't be too long." McCartney then went on to get a bit more specific, saying that, "It's down to fine-tuning, but I'm pretty sure it'll be happening next year, 2008." Of course, there's no indication as to exactly how The Beatles' catalog will be distributed in digital form, although there's certainly be no shortage of rumors on that front.

Filed under: Portable Audio

McCartney "pretty sure" The Beatles will go digital next year originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Steve Jobs presenting in London at EMI event, Beatles rumors flow again

Ryan Block — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 13:53:00 EST

Looks like El Jobso is coming out of his busy, busy office in Cupertino to, of all things, present "exciting new digital offering" at an EMI media event in London. Now, EMI is, as many know, where much of The Beatles catalogue resides, and none of that music has ever been made available online; we've long heard rumors of Apple getting the digital exclusive -- especially since Apple Corps and Apple, Inc. have settled their differences -- so to you, dear reader, we submit this: wouldn't any kind of real Beatles fan already have all the cuts on vinyl or CD -- or at least have downloaded or copied all they need? And hell, anyone who doesn't already have this stuff can always go pick it up relatively cheaply at any local record store and rip it -- at least then you won't have to deal with the DRM. In other words: we're still not sure why we should care about the world's most ubiquitous rock band selling music on the world's most ubiquitous digital download service in an all out DRM-love-in.

[Thanks, Josh]

Filed under: Portable Audio

Steve Jobs presenting in London at EMI event, Beatles rumors flow again originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Apr 2007 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple and Apple bury the hatchet, planning iTunes push?

Paul Miller — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 10:50:00 EST

There really hasn't been a whole lot of love lost between Apple Computer and Apple Corps over the years -- especially since that whole "we won't sell music" debacle -- but it seems that Stevie J and co. might finally be getting through to the guardians of all things Beatles, and could be on the verge of an exclusive iTunes launch of the elusive catalog, reports Fortune. From the sound of things, plenty of millions are set to change hands if the deal goes through, with Apple Computer potentially providing a good bit of advance cash for the marketing push and prospective sales. The Beatles haven't been incredibly receptive to the use of their music in marketing so far, though there was word recently of a downloadable offering somewhere, but it sounds like Steve is hoping they'll make an exception to be featured in one of those snazzy iPod ads -- it was good enough for Dylan and Bono afterall. Purportedly EMI Group, the band's label, is the catalyst behind these talks, and while nothing is quite legit yet -- in fact, it's all still hearsay as far as we're concerned -- hopes are high for Strawberry Fields, Revolution, LSD and all that jazz down in Cupertino any day now.

[Thanks, Mack S]

Filed under: Portable Audio

Apple and Apple bury the hatchet, planning iTunes push? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Nov 2006 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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