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Flip4Mac WMV tool launches public beta of v3
Mac owners who work in a Windows environment know how difficult it can be to play a Windows Media file on their laptop. One popular solution that lets customers play and edit a WMV/WMA file is Flip4Mac, a QuickTime component that is developed by Telestream and supported and hosted by Microsoft. The latest release is Version 3, which customers can now download as a public beta. This newest version includes support for 64-bit Core Audio in OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion. The package is now signed with a digital certificate that meets Gatekeeper's security requirements. Besides some changes for Mountain Lion, this release also includes a new Flip Player application. Flip player is a free, standalone media player that complements Flip4Mac's system-wide QuickTime integration. Customers who want more than a player can purchase an upgrade to a Pro (US$29), Studio ($49) or Studio Pro HD ($179) version. In addition to playback, these paid versions can edit and transcode WMV and WMA files.
Logitech Revue gets a Google TV v1.3 update too, WMA support for everyone
Looks like last weekend's Google TV update wasn't a Sony only thing, Logitech Revue units have a new firmware update awaiting them as well. Logitech's support forum indicates it has added WMA playback as well, while also fixing a few bugs including playback of files over 2GB in size from a USB device and incompatibilities with certain hardware. The official Google TV blog also indicates users should experience smoother transitions in the Pandora app, "better integrated" Netflix and CNBC Real Time apps and support for a broader range of Blu-ray discs (probably the Blu-ray player only.) Give it a whirl and let us know of any changes you've noticed, we'll just keep waiting for that Android Market icon to pop up one of these days.
Sony Google TV devices get a modest upgrade with Music Unlimited, WMA playback -- but no Android Market
It's been a few months since all Google TV devices got their first major update and while Logitech's Revue is standing pat, Sony started pushing the 2011030201ON update to its Blu-ray player and Internet TVs this weekend. As seen above it adds access to the new Music Unlimited part of the Qriocity service, the ability to play back WMA files and tweaks WiFi connection stability. That's all well and good, but we're probably not the only ones already looking forward to the next major update with its potential of a performance boost and access to the Android Market (without the need for any soldering irons) however that appears unlikely to arrive this far ahead of Google's I/O conference in May. [Thanks, Andrew, Kyle, Dan and Felipe]
Mac 101: Import Windows Media Audio files into iTunes
One of the biggest concerns for computer users making their first tentative steps in the Apple ecosystem is file format support for all the data they've collected over the years, especially media files. Users coming over from Windows that haven't been using iTunes and iPods often have a mountain of WMA audio files. WMA or Windows Media Audio is the default format created when ripping CDs with Windows Media Player. So how do you get iTunes, iPods and your iPhone or iPad to play your music? WMA files will need to be converted to a more universally accepted format like MP3 or even AAC. On a PC, you can simply drag and drop non-DRM WMA files into iTunes, and they will automatically be converted. If you are starting with DRM-managed files from an online music store, you'll have to go through a more convoluted process. To convert those WMA files, try All2MP3. As the name implies, All2MP3 only outputs to MP3, but it does support more input formats including MPC, APE, WV, FLAC, OGG, WMA, AIFF and WAV. Using All2MP3 is as simple as launching the app, selecting the output quality and dragging the files to be converted to the window. Upon completion, all of the MP3s can be brought into iTunes or whatever media player you select for your listening enjoyment. PC World has a couple of other options for WMA, Ogg and FLAC audio conversions as well.
A car stereo built for the King (of phones)
No, you didn't click on the wrong link. We haven't changed our name to The Unofficial Audio Weblog. "Why, then, is my beloved Apple-centric site doing a review of a car stereo?!" you're no doubt asking yourself. 'Cause this thing rocks your iPhone like you've never heard before! Sony was nice enough to send us one of its newest models, the Xplod MEX-BT5700U, which happens to be the company's flagship head unit. With things like iPod integration via the front-mounted USB port and Bluetooth audio streaming, the $299 single-DIN stereo has an interesting mix of features that you'd expect to come at a higher price. First off, some ground rules. I'm not an audiophile. This isn't going to be a review chock full of decibel ratings or fancy audio terms. While I've had quite a few aftermarket stereos in my time, and I've installed my share of head units, car stereos aren't my living. Instead, I'll be focusing on its interface and various connections to iDevices. The specs The Xplod MEX-BT5700U is no slouch when it comes to traditional stereo benchmarks. It outputs 52W per channel without external amplification and has a separate subwoofer out. It'll play nearly any audio source including HD Radio (via an optional kit), satellite radio, CDs (the store-bought pressed ones in addition to CD-Rs and CD-RWs with MP3, AAC, or WMA data files), USB sticks and drives, a CD changer, and of course MP3 players. Oddly enough, there is no Memory Stick slot. (Thank goodness!) Oh yeah, it even gets AM!
iriver Story reviewed, incites rebellion over price
If you didn't feel you got the whole Story yesterday, here's a pleasing helping of seconds, this time in the form of a full-on review. The PC Pro team rates iriver's Kindle emulator as a "serious contender," and places its readability on par with Sony's touch-less Readers. While congratulations are also meted out for a decent integrated MP3 player, 3.5mm headphone jack, and the wide variety of supported formats, two issues stood out for the reviewers. One was that the support for Word, Excel and Powerpoint files was somewhat hit-and-miss, with zooming sometimes not working and rendering some files unreadable. But the major gripe related to the asking price of £230 including taxes (around $380), which the Story was not considered capable of justifying. Hit the link below for more -- even if your interest is purely academic.
Netflix CPO gets technical about encoding for streaming
Go on, confess. If you're reading this now, chances are you have at least a passing interest in learning how all of this glorious streaming content actually gets to your TV set / computer while still managing to look at least halfway decent. If you're willing to be honest with yourself, there's a lot in the read link that you'll love. Without going too in-depth here (wouldn't want to scare anyone off, you know?), Netflix's Chief Product Officer covers the basics of first- and second-generation encoding as well as how it handles the wonderful high-def encodes that are used to deliver Watch Instantly content to the Xbox 360. Oh, and now that the New Xbox Experience is live, you can chime in below and let us know if all that hard work that's being done behind the scenes is paying dividends on your HDTV.[Via CNET]
Visteon looking into multi-use DS and Wii devices
Those of you who like all-in-one devices might be familiar with Visteon's Dockable Entertainment system. Even though we see this as more of a "we like the idea but wouldn't actually buy one" item, this portable player supports Game Boy Advance games, as well as DVDs and music. Therefore, it's the perfect device for people who were looking for a GBA-meets-music-player-meets-DVD-player to keep them (or their children) busy on long drives.This is all old news and exposition, though. The interesting part is that Visteon told GamerTell in an interview that they hope to come out with two new Dockable Entertainment systems, one featuring the Wii and the other the DS. These plans are nowhere near definite, but the fact that Visteon is looking into them is enough to get us excited. Granted, a portable Wii device that can also play DVDs and CDs is the more appealing of the two, but a DS version isn't too shabby of an idea, either. Of course, the potential pricing on these devices has us nervous, considering that the GBA version cost a cool $1,200 with installation when it came out.
Apple sued over supposed iTunes monopoly, being mean to Microsoft
Apple's been hit with antitrust lawsuits over the dominance of the iPod / iTunes system before, but there's a new case brewing down California way that argues not that Apple has illegally tied the iPod to iTunes, but that Apple has abused its dominant market position by not supporting WMA. That's right, we've come full circle -- Apple is now being accused of locking Microsoft out of the market. The case, brought by San Diego attorney Stacie Somers, claims that since Apple disables the WMA functionality of the PortalPlayer chip inside many iPods, it's shipping "crippleware," and that it's doing so deliberately to abuse its position as the market leader. Of course, unprotected WMA files import into iTunes on Windows just fine, so this is really a DRM compatibility issue -- and given Apple's official position on DRM and the fact that Microsoft's own Zunes don't exactly play nice with all the flavors of WMA DRM, this suit could be over sooner than expected.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.
Nokia: Comes with Music tracks are WMA 192kbps and 128kbps
Slowly, ever so slowly, a picture is beginning to form of Nokia's all-you-can eat, free-for-1-year, keep-your-songs-for-life, Comes with Music (CWM) service. We know what it's not -- Universal's Total Music (the similarities are just a coincidence) -- and now we know more about what it is. The following details were just confirmed to us directly by Nokia: Audio is wrapped in an old-school, WMA DRM wrapper Songs can be burned to CD only after purchasing an upgrade of undisclosed cost Nokia has not announced any CWM devices, yet You can download music directly to your CWM device or computer using a unique PIN Songs will play only on your CWM device and the computer you registered with your CWM account Oh, and tracks will "typically" be delivered in 192kbps, while "older tracks may be delivered at 128kbps" There's no mention of registering the music to new devices after the phone or PC gives up the ghost. Understandably, Nokia was not willing to discuss the financial arrangement they are offering the labels. But come on Nokia, surely you can convince 'em to drop the DRM by mid-2008, right? There are plenty of places to hide any added costs.
Pioneer intros Elite X-Z9 audio system
Pioneer hasn't forgotten the audiophiles out there, and their new X-Z9 is for those who still listen to stereo music. The X-Z9 combines a SACD/CD deck and integrated digital amplifier (50W to each channel) in one chassis. All you have to do is connect the included speakers and you've got an audio listening station. In case you prefer music of the ripped variety, there are additional inputs available: Sirius/XM; interoperation with a PC via Home Media Gallery; iPod integration and USB drives. Supported digital formats include WMA, MPEG4-AAC, MP3 and FLAC. Available in October for $1799.
Technonia announces Slimline DAP
While we're pretty sure the world doesn't need too many more thin, black MP3 players, Korean manufacturer Technonia thinks otherwise. The company has announced a rather MPIO-ish portable audio player -- the 7.5mm thick Slimline. This little guy does pretty much everything you'd expect from something in its class, and really, truly nothing you wouldn't. Those things include playing MP3 and WMV files, tuning in FM radio, and displaying your images on its 1.5-inch OLED screen. 1GB unit on sale by the end of the month in Korea for 90,000KRW (or about $97US).[Thanks, Doom]
Greenhouse Kana GT DAP sports voice recorder, FM transmitter
We've watched Greenhouse's wee Kana grow up from its early Kana-SD stages and evolve into the entirely more mature Kana D, and now the next logical growth spurt is in order as the device makes the leap to include a voice recorder and FM transmitting capabilities. The Kana GT packs the same 1GB of internal memory that was seen in its predecessor, still lasts just seven hours on a full charge, handles MP3 and WMA files, and connects to your PC via USB 2.0. This iteration, however, also includes an OLED display, up to 140 hours of voice recording potential, a built-in FM tuner and FM transmitter, a dedicated antenna, and even a car cigarette USB charger to keep the music flowin' on lengthy road trips. The newest Kana will come in black, red, and silver motifs, and should land in mid-June for an estimated ¥7,980 ($66).[Via Impress]
Olympus unveils VJ-10 clock radio, touts 37GB hard drive
Although the recording industry is making quite the stink around here about satellite radio receivers with internal storage, that's not stopping Olympus from kicking out a svelte clock radio with gobs of room for backing live broadcasts up. Granted, the VJ-10 only tunes into AM / FM transmissions, but the whopping 37GB internal HDD gives users the ability to store between 1,250 and 2,500 hours of footage based on quality into WAV files. Moreover, the USB 2.0 connector allows users to access the drive from any PC if you're looking to consolidate your radio and external storage, and the SRS WOW XT stereo speakers should provide decent office enjoyment as well. As expected, users can queue up recordings based on time, and thanks to the large integrated LCD screen, all the information you need will be front and center. Currently, the VJ-10 is slated to land in Japan on March 16th for the ever elusive "open price," but it looks like an English version will only be a fortnight or so behind.[Via AkihabaraNews]
Pure Digital's DMX-25 DAB mini system handles MP3 / WMA
While it had been a few ticks since Pure Digital gave you DAB listeners out there anything new to chew on, the Euro-based radio maker is back with yet another mini system designed to blast out tunes from the comfort of your living room. Encased in the firm's traditionally simple, classy design, the DMX-25 handles both DAB and FM signals and boasts dual 10-watt amplifiers, 4-inch mid-range drivers, 1.5-inch tweeters, scrollable text, RDS support, an LCD display, CD / MP3 / WMA compatibility, and two 3.5-millimeter line-in jacks for your DAP of choice. Furthermore, users will find the SD card slot and USB port handy for loading up flash-based media, and the wireless remote should keep you planted while scrolling through the stations. Still, all this functionality in such a decorative package won't exactly run you cheap, as you'll be ponying up £129.99 ($254) for this setup when it lands in April. [Via Digital-Lifestyles]
ZVUE 260 mimics iPod, sports built-in speaker
HandHeld Entertainment is keeping the streak alive, as its latest PMP features about as little innovation as possible, yet still manages to seem mildly attractive if you're interested in just the basics. Making a ripple a CES, the ZVUE 260 sports an unmistakably iPod-esque appearance, rechargeable Li-ion cell, built-in speaker, a pocket-friendly 4.16- X 2.4- X 0.5-inch enclosure, and a 2.5-inch backlit LCD screen. This device plays nice with WMA, WMV, and WMA-DRM, and can reportedly play back 320 x 240 video at 30fps without a hitch; moreover, the ZVUE isn't much of a burden, as the SD-based unit doesn't house any sort of internal hard drive to weigh it down. Possibly the best thing about the otherwise ho hum ZVUE 260 is the price, as it should fit in nearly anyone's budget when it lands in mid-2007 for just $99.[Via MobileWhack]
Rotel unveils pricey 1080p upcoverting RDV-1093 DVD player
For the person who just has to have everything, or is willing to spend more money to stick with DVD than cave in and buy two separate high definition players (or not), Rotel has announced the forthcoming RVD-1093 upscaling DVD player. The high-end boutique has cranked out yet another snazzy looking standalone flagship device, which touts 1080p upcoverting, a built-in scaler, HDMI, component / S-Video / composite outputs, and silkly smooth progressive scan playback. Additionally, the device plays nice with recordable discs, SVCDs, JPEGs, MP3 / WMA CDs, and even the lost-but-not-forgotten DVD-Audio format. To somewhat justify the lofty pricetag, the company points to its "switching power supply" which reportedly touts "an advanced pulse circuit and individually regulated supply stages to generate optimal voltages," and also boasts about the wideband DA converters, "Adaptive Geometrical Chroma Mapping," optical / coaxial digital audio outs, NTSC / PAL-compatibility, RS-232 interface, and discrete IR commands. We're still not entirely convinced this player is worth the $1,499 asking price, especially considering the forthcoming price drops in the Blu-ray arena, but those still interested can pick one up sometime this quarter.
Greenhouse intros pocket-friendly 1GB Kana D DAP
Greenhouse is apparently taking a break from TV tuners and USB ashtrays to update its wee Kana-SD MP3 player, this time giving it a more refined look, a (tiny) LCD screen, and removing the "S" from the nameplate. The Kana D touts a 1.12- x 3.27- x 0.87-inch enclosure, USB 1.1 connectivity, USB-stick design, 1GB of storage, about seven hours of battery life from a single AA battery, and six pre-packaged EQ settings. The unit comes in black, white, or blazing red color schemes, plays nice with Windows, and supports both MP3 and WMA. Best of all, the pocketable DAP can be had for just €39 ($52) when it drops later this month.[Via Akihabara News]
ZVUE's ZP3, the new definition of boringDAP
So, ZVUE has a new audio player out to compliment its lineup of chubsy PMPs, and while we're happy for 'em and all, we can't quite figure how they've managed to get so dang excited by such an incredibly boring DAP. The 512MB ZP3 player is just as feature-vacuous as it looks, featuring MP3 and WMA playback (we're guessing of the PlaysForSure variety, like its big siblings), a voice recorder, and a AA battery which promises a lizame 8 hours of battery. ZVUE is particularly proud of its inclusion of "30 of the top hits of 2006" as pre-loaded tracks on the player, but we're still not feeling it. Now, given the fact that ZVUE has a video player under the $100 mark, we're sure this thing will be priced plenty competitively when it's released this fall, but it might not make much of a difference when everybody and their mother bought a player with this feature set four years ago.
Hot new DAP comes in Japanese chili powder container
Who says you can't have your audio player and eat it too? Not that we recommend ingesting consumer electronics, but you just might be tempted to if your DAP was encased in a small container of shichimi Japanese chili powder (we're betting that they've rinsed it out, though). This 2.6-inch tall 128MB player will play back both WMA and MP3 files, and features a headphone cable integrated into the neckstrap. It'll set you back a scorching ¥8800 ($74), and while that may not buy you the kawaii-est player in Nippon, it'll surely get you the hottest. We'll be here all week.[Via Engadget Japanese]