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iTunes Store now infected with variable pricing, Amazon still $0.99
As promised, variable pricing has now been implemented at the iTunes music store. Already, we're seeing most of the top 10 singles and 33 of the top 100 hitting the top price-point of $1.29 (encoded as DRM-free 256kbps AAC). Interesting as Amazon's uncomfortably similar top 10 list has all these tracks priced at $0.99 (encoded as DRM-free 256kbps VBR MP3). A handful of tracks (nine in the top 100) do hit the higher $1.29 price further down Amazon's list. Now, if you believe Steve (someone who originally postured against this price structure), then it appears that the music labels are charging Apple more for the rights to sell its music than Amazon based on this quote attributed to Jobs in the Apple press release from January: in April, based on what the music labels charge Apple, songs on iTunes will be available at one of three price points-69 cents, 99 cents and $1.29-with many more songs priced at 69 cents than $1.29. Regardless, we know where we'll be purchasing our Miley Cyrus from now on. [Thanks, Jesse]Read -- January "Changes Coming to the iTunes Store" press releaseRead -- iTunes top songs [Warning: iTunes App link]Read -- Amazon top songs
Downgrade Wii Photo Channel, keep playing MP3s
Would you prefer your Nintendo Wii to get jiggy wit' your Will Smith MP3s? Our first piece of advice would be to not download the new Photo Channel, version 1.1, which replaces MP3 support with AAC. If it's too late for you, then we recommend taking these simple steps, provided by Nintendo itself: From the main menu, click the "Wii" button Select Data Management Select Channels Select Photo Channel 1.1 and confirm you want to delete it Photo Channel 1.0, the original, automatically returns to the main menu If you change your mind yet again, then you can always re-download the update. Yes, Nintendo's providing instructions on how to downgrade your Photo Channel to keep playing MP3s - it even says in the description, "for instance if you'd rather have MP3 compatibility instead of AAC." Why Nintendo couldn't figure out how to support both formats simultaneously - a feature available in pretty much every other audio player out there - is beyond our comprehension. If audio quality is really their concern, we wonder if version 1.2 will continue the trend and abandon AAC for FLAC.[Via NWF]
Nintendo offers official downgrade to Photo Channel 1.0, MP3 addicts rejoice
Generally speaking, the reaction to Photo Channel v1.1 wasn't exactly positive -- especially when the MP3 faithful banded together to protest against the update's newfound adoration for AAC. Thankfully, Nintendo has created an official process for downgrading back to v1.0, and yes, users who choose to take advantage will indeed have MP3 support once again. Interested? All you have to do is hit up the Data Management section on your console, select "Channels," choose the Photo Channel icon and confirm that you want it deleted. Subsequently, Photo Channel v1.0 will immediately be available again from the Wii Menu. Oh, and if you get downgrader's remorse, you can apparently switch back and forth at anytime.[Via NintendoWiiFanboy]
Photo channel update avoidable and reversible
var digg_url = 'http://www.digg.com/nintendo/Wii_Photo_Channel_1_0_Downgrade_Available'; The update that will make the Photo Channel lose MP3 support is finally here, and we can only imagine how utterly gutted you are. Or maybe "utterly indifferent" would be more fitting.Fortunately, if you're like us and think this "upgrade" makes no sense (even though we don't even use the Photo Channel), there are steps you can take to resist switching to AAC compatibility. First, you can avoid downloading the Photo Channel 1.1 upgrade altogether, which is the easiest course of action, as this means you don't have to do anything. If it's too late and you've already downloaded the upgrade (for curiosity's sake, perhaps?), then you also have the option to downgrade the Photo Channel back to version 1.0, which allows MP3 playback. Just follow Nintendo's handy instructions here to get the downgrade.Of course, this will only work with Wiis sold before December 2007, so if you've gotten yourself a shiny new Wii for the holidays, you're out of luck.[Thanks, hollyw0od!]
Wii to drop MP3 support, add AAC in Photo Channel update
While we're sure that some Wii updates have been more highly regarded than others, it seems that MP3 diehards will want to pass on a forthcoming Photo Channel update if you just can't bear to lose support for your favorite music format. Apparently, the aforementioned channel will be revamped early next month, and while users will then be able to personalize their menu by implanting an SD-based digital image into the Photo Channel icon, gamers who previously used their Wii to play back MP3s will no longer be able to do so. For whatever reason, the Big N will be axing MP3 support and adding in AAC compatibility, and the company even goes out of its way to make sure that you realize downgrading will not possible once you install v1.1. Mark it down folks -- don't be left full of regret (if you're partial to MP3, that is) after carelessly downloading an update without reading the changelog first.[Via GameBrink, thanks J]
Wii Photo Channel gets better, worse in December
While most Wii owners are too busy playing Super Mario Galaxy or checking out Miis to care, Nintendo has announced through their web site some pending updates to the Wii's Photo Channel. Call it a bad news sandwich on good news bread. The good news: After the update you'll be able to choose a favorite picture as the channel's Wii menu icon. The bad news: MP3 music playback will be replaced with support for the higher-quality but much less-accessible AAC format. The good news: The AAC files can be played back in a random order. Mmm... sandwich.While the added features are nice, we're pretty amazed that Nintendo has managed to make the potentially-useful-but-in-practice-pretty-annoying music playback feature even worse by changing up the formats. As Wii Fanboy points out, even those with copious, iTunes libraries in the proprietary AAC format are unlikely to be able to play them on the non-Apple-endorsed Wii (and don't go restarting those pesky merger rumors -- no one is getting bought out) due to the DRM issues. But, again, unless you're one of the three people who uses the channel regularly, you're probably too busy to care. Go back to your business ... nothing to see here.
Photo Channel to become less useful in December
Nintendo will be making some changes to the Photo Channel next month, including two neat features and one annoying feature. First, the neat feature: you'll be able to create your own Photo Channel icon for the Wii Menu from one of your pictures. Also, random song selection will be enabled for music files.But about those music files. The other feature seems to have been added with the best of intentions, but is a misstep as far as we're concerned: the MP3 support is being removed in favor of AAC format support. Nintendo cites the improved sound quality of AAC files versus MP3's, but the files won't sound very good at all if you can't play them. Unless the file is 4'33", which may sound even better.The problem is that most of the AAC files on anyone's computer are songs downloaded from the iTunes Music Store. These songs are protected by DRM and, thus, won't work if they are moved to a system that is not authorized by iTunes. Since there's no iTunes client for the Wii (only programs that let you stream iTunes-controlled music), the files just won't do a thing.Only if you have ripped your CDs to AAC, or if you've paid out the extra the same amount for "iTunes Plus" versions of your music will you be able to play AAC's. Unless Nintendo works some kind of DRM-breaking magic, which won't happen. Of course, if you're like us, this update probably won't impact you in any real way. We personally have never used the Photo Channel for anything.[Via GoNintendo]
Ringtonator Studio makes ringtones from any QT format
We wrote about Ringtonator a while back, reader Joe's GUI program that used Cleverboy's hack to make ringtones. At the time, we were looking for a program that didn't require AAC, where you could pull any mp3 out and turn it into an official ringtone on iTunes. Then 7.4.2 hit, and we had bigger problems with ringtones than just converting them from mp3.But now, Joe's sent us his new version, called Ringtonator Studio, and he tells us that not only will it accept any Quicktime formats, but it will also let you crop your tunes, and then translate them directly into ringtones. And, he says over on his blog, it will work with iTunes 7.4.2. That's probably a YMMV thing, but if you're really frustrated that you haven't found a way to get around Apple's lockout, it's worth a try.And no guarantee, of course, that any ringtones made won't disappear with 7.4.3. But kudos to Joe for putting this all together, and doing his part in the fight to give us control over our ringtones.
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.
Denon delivers a pair of packed tabletop radios
Denon has launched a pair of tabletop music players with plenty of features, including wireless streaming and the nearly-ubiquitous dock for your iPod. The $500 S-32 can decode MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC, WMV, and Rhapsody subscriptions, while the $700 S-52 adds a CD player, HD radio tuner, satellite radio support (no mention of which service, although won't that be a moot point soon, anyway?) and a USB port for future expansion. Both players will start rocking your desk in October.
iTunes 7.2 Gallery
%Gallery-3526% If you're stuck at work and can't get away to take a peek at the new iTunes 7.2 update, we've put together this handy gallery of screen shots showing you the new 7.2 features. In iTunes 7.2, you'll find a new link to iTunes Plus in the iTunes Quick Links. Select it and iTunes will prompt you to update preferences (whether to use iTunes plus for your albums whenever possible) and your licensing agreement--that's another agreement on top of the one you had to agree to just to install the program. TUAW's 7.2 gallery is a work in progress. Expect updates throughout the day as the new features come on line.
iTunes Plus DRM-free music now official(er)
We knew it was imminent after this morning's iTunes software update. Now, after all our collective bitching and moaning, they're here: DRM-free tracks on Apple's iTunes Plus store. Sure, there are plenty of other on-line music stores offering similar 256kbps AAC quality music, DRM-free for less than a $1.29 iTunes Plus cost per track ($0.30 upgrade for each song already downloaded or about $3.00 for "most albums"). Ok, still no Beatles tracks and we're only talking about EMI music for now, but this is iTunes kids -- the big download daddy of on-line music. Now put down that BitTorrent client and get out there and support Fair Use kids, the future is yours.
Sony's new NW-E Walkman series loosed in Japan
We first peeped Sony's latest NW-E series of Walkman audio players in the UK of all places. Now they've made their rightful debut in Japan where the 4GB (NW-E016), 2GB (NW-E015), and 1GB (NW-E013) flash players will hit on April 21st for ¥20,000 ($168), ¥14,000 ($117), and ¥11,000 ($92), respectively. However, at least in Japan they'll also be hitting in a flourish of springtime colors supporting uncompressed Linear PCM audio and AAC support to get your DRM-free EMI on. Otherwise, these appear to be the euro-equivalent of what we've already seen: three-line OLED display with album art, a slight 29-grams, and up to 30-hours of audio playback... you know, when listening to all those ATRAC3 files you don't have.[Via Impress]
EMI deal allows PSP users to use iTunes?
As reported on Engadget, Apple and EMI today announced their plans to offer music files without DRM protection on the iTunes Store. Although the new files will cost 30 cents more ($1.29), they will come at a much higher bitrate (256kbps) and will no longer have copyright protection. PSP-Vault intelligently points out that these unprotected files should work in PSP systems, as most firmware revisions allow the playback of AAC audio files.For now, the option to purchase unprotected files will only apply to artists under the EMI label. Wikipedia lists many of the artists signed to the record giant. While it'll be great to have fully unrestricted access to music in the future, this is a great first step for PSP owners that want to purchase their music legally from a service other than Sony's failing Connect store.See also:Comprehensive guides for making your PSP a better music playerStream music from your PC to your PSP
Turn audiobooks into Audiobooks
Playlist Magazine has a nice little tutorial for converting audiobooks you obtain from somewhere other than Audible.com or the iTS into iTunes recognized Audiobooks. For instance if you rip an audiobook CD, or download free audiobooks from any of a number of sites, you can convert them so that they will appear as Audiobooks on your iPod and in iTunes which gives you access to bookmarking and speed controls. Basically, it consists of joining the tracks and converting the result to a special type of AAC (.m4b), but check out the tutorial for full details.
LG to bring KG208 candybar to China
There's not a plethora of details behind this one just yet, but it looks like LG plans to bring a hint of Chocolate (or least serve up a candybar) to the Chinese market with the KG208. Apparently a rather low-end handset, the device does manage to sport a 1.3-megapixel camera, MP3 / WMA / AAC music playback, 64MB of internal memory, microSD slot, and a 160 x 128 resolution TFT screen. Aside from that, we're pretty much in the dark, but we don't suspect that this one will carry a large pricetag when it purportedly lands later this month.[Via Electronista]
Logitech's Wireless DJ Music System reviewed
While the portable (and semi-portable) boombox market has grown out of control, the sound quality you receive from these mini systems can't exactly match up with the larger, more powerful, and more robust sound systems more suited for home theaters or living rooms. Although a dedicated HTPC can pipe digital audio directly into a receiver without too much fuss, the rest of us need a clean, wireless solution to that dilemma. Enter Logitech's Wireless DJ Music System, a remote-controlled, Bluetooth-based system that BlueTomorrow praises as "simple to install," easy to use, and as intuitive as anyone could hope for. Reviewers were stunned at the sleekness and stylishness of the black / silver remote, and found that the button layout, LCD screen, and overall functionality were all "top notch." Additionally, they found the system incredibly simple to set up, claiming that wireless connections were set and ready to rock "within seconds." While piping audio from internet radio streams, iTunes / MusicMatch playlists, and using the included StreamPoint software, the crew declared its operations seamless from 100 feet away. The only digs came from the inability to search from the remote, no loop scrolling, and the apparent inoperability with Macs. Overall, however, the system was deemed a glorious success, and was said to be an excellent value for those looking to channel their audio to that svelte home stereo for just $250.
Denon's D-F103HRDAB Network Hi-Fi rocks DAB, CDDB capabilities
There's nothing like a good upgrade now and then, but when it comes time to throw down for yet another Denon product, your wallet can't help but cringe. Nevertheless, the firm is upping the ante on its D-F103 digital mini system by adding DAB radio functionality as well as CDDB Gracenote support. Sure, the system still touts the same FM and internet radio reception abilities, support for AAC, MP3, and WMA, and it can rip CD tracks directly to its hard drive, but thankfully Denon figured out that coloring the speakers in the same tone as the device itself was a bright idea. The device is also compatible with the ASD-1R iPod interface, and sports USB connectivity to play tunes from your ultraslim flash drive. Reportedly, users can even add WiFi via an "optional adapter," but we're not sure how much this subtle luxury will cost you. For £1,000 ($1,950), you can snap up the full monte -- FS-103 HiFi speakers included, or you can forego said drivers for a pair of your own if you've only got £850 ($1,658) lying around.[Via ShinyShiny]
FairGame, a new(ish) way to unDRM iTunes tracks on your Mac
While we'd love an easy (and legal) way to strip DRM from our iTunes-purchased songs on our Macs, that probably won't happen anytime soon, so we'll just have to settle for the next-best thing: re-encoding those protected AAC files using Apple's own iMovie software. While we first heard about this hack in the summer of 2004, it was a bit too labor-intensive on a per-file basis to be troubled over. However, we just caught wind of a new program called FairGame that serves as an automated interface to re-encode your audio files using that technique, and converts a protected iTunes track into an unprotected AAC file; it's not quite DRM-stripping in it's purest form, but for many a Mac user it's going to have to do.[Via iPodNN]
dCube unveils HD XviD-playing MV-8600HD at KES
The flashy gizmos that keep popping up at this year's Korean Electronics Show continue to impress, and next up is dCube's media-playing extraoridinaire, the MV-8600HD. This stylish box boasts an optical drive that plays nice with a myriad of formats, including HD XviD, MPEG1/2/4, AVI, VOB, IFO, ASF, and WMV on the video side, while supporting MP3, WMA, AAC, OGG, PCM, and AC3 on the musical front. The device can output video at 1080i resolution (no word on upscaling, however), and rocks DVI, component, composite, and S-Video outputs to complement the stereo, coaxial, and optical digital audio ports. It even sports a pair of USB 2.0 ports and integrated Ethernet / WiFi, presumably for attaching external storage and making it accessible over a network. As expected, there's no skinny on pricing or availability details, but you should be able to import this all-in-one wonder stateside real soon.
