DougMorris
Latest
How a file format brought an industry to its knees
MP3. It's the format that revolutionized the way music's been consumed since the late '90s. When Karlheinz Brandenburg, a German acoustics engineer, discovered that an audio file could be compressed down to one-twelfth of its original size without distortion, he created the file-shrinking technology. Stephen Witt's debut book, How Music Got Free, traces all digital music piracy back to the invention of that format, which inadvertently made it possible for people to download and share music illegally. The book details the science and struggle behind the widely used audio technology. And his investigation uncovers the politics and the manipulative men who kept MP3 files from seeing the light of computer screens for years.
Sony Music chief says Apple's streaming service arrives 'tomorrow'
In case there was any doubt that Apple is unveiling its self-branded streaming music service at the Worldwide Developer Conference this week, one loose-lipped executive just let the cat out of the bag. Sony Music CEO Doug Morris told guests at the Midem Music Industry Festival that Apple's announcement of the Beats-based service is "happening tomorrow" (that is, at the WWDC keynote). He didn't confirm any rumors surrounding features or pricing, but he believed that Apple's offering would represent a "tipping point" where streaming hits the mainstream. However popular Spotify may be, it generally doesn't advertise because it's "never been profitable," Morris said -- Apple has both the cash to market its service and hundreds of millions of potential subscribers. Whether the exec is realistic or looking through rose-tinted glasses, you'll know the truth in a matter of hours. [Image credit: Adam Berry/Getty Images for Apple]
Universal Music CEO says iPods are "repositories for stolen music"
Universal Music Group CEO Doug Morris is the latest tech exec to call iPod users thieves. Ballmer started it. Then came Glaser - who also dared call His Steveness "pigheaded." The comment was made in the context of the UMG boss stumping for Zune and applauding Microsoft's agreement to pay protection money extortion royalties to the bag man Universal with every Zune sold. About the iPod, Morris said "These devices are just repositories for stolen music, and they all know it,. So it's time to get paid for it."Gee, Doug, you're not still bitter about Apple rebuffing trying to buy your company, are you? Never mind. That was a rhetorical question.
