Wil Wheaton's Geek in Review: The Musical Future
Years ago, I had a conversation with my son about my record collection, and he couldnt believe that we used to put records in crates that were heavy and bulky, and actually took them with us to parties. I remember holding up my iPod which was big and bulky by todays standards and telling him that I could hold more music in this little thing than I could fit in my entire apartment on vinyl when I was in college. I may as well have told him how great it was that we didnt have to worry about Indian attacks in our house, he was so unimpressed.
And why would he have been impressed? Hes grown up in The Future. My kids have never seen a floppy disc, heard the sound of a modem connecting, blown into a NES cartridge in the futile hope of making it work, or looked up an address in a Thomas Guide. I have experienced all of these things, and though Im grateful that I dont have to deal with them in any meaningful way now, unless I want to, its odd to me that, at just 36 years-old, I straddle this tremendous and significant technological rubicon, while my children can barely see it in on the distant horizon behind them, as they speed away on their jet packs and rocket bikes. I mean, they hardly remember cassettes, let alone cassingles, and occasionally I will consider this fact and quietly weep for them, alone, while they play Call of Duty against some stranger on the other side of the world in real time.
This memory came to me over the weekend, when I commented on Twitter that I loved side two of Abbey Road. Mentioning side two of a record made me realize that my kids have grown up in a world where records are as relevant to them as Kodak Disc cameras
or being afraid of the bubonic plague. If I close my eyes, I can see the apple on Abbey Roads label spinning on my parents turntable, and know that side two begins with "Here Comes The Sun" from personal memory. The only apple my kids will see if they listen to the Beatles now is the one on the front of the computer, and if they didnt have me holding up my Sansabelt slacks and filling their heads with musical trivia whenever they cant outrun me, the only way theyd know where side two started was if they visited Wikipedia on a lark. You know, to examine ancient history, for fun.
But, ever mindful of what the world was like when I knew the pops and skips in my records as well as I knew the lyrics, and recalling a time when I listened to them through giant headphones connected to the turntable by a 20 foot long coiled black cord, Im grateful that the album spins in my memory while a digital copy that will never degrade currently plays in iTunes, streaming wirelessly via Airtunes to a set of small speakers behind me in my office. While I dont need to look up the track listing on Wikipedia to know how the record was originally heard, having access to the most extensive collection of liner notes in history just a few clicks away makes my inner music geek squeal with excitement, then quickly look around and make sure nobody saw him break his carefully-crafted facade of cool disinterest.
For example:
Toward the end of [the album], immediately prior to [the] "And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make" line played over piano chords, are eighteen bars or measures of guitar solo: the first two bars are played by Paul McCartney, the second two by George Harrison, and the third two by John Lennon, then the sequence repeats. Each had a distinctive style which McCartney felt reflected their personalities: McCartney's playing included string bends similar to his lead guitar work on "Another Girl" from the Help! album; Harrison's was melodic with slides yet technically advanced and Lennon's was rhythmic, stinging and had the heaviest distortion. Immediately after Lennon's third solo, the piano chords of the final line "And in the end...." begins.
Ive been listening to Abbey Road as long as I can remember, and I didnt know any of that until just a few hours ago. Damn, living in the future is so cool!
Just dont tell my kids, because they wont believe you.
Wil Wheaton lives in the future, is from the future, and has come back from the future to warn you about
Brooklyn State Senator Wants Ipod Ban
Given the tumultuous political climate in which we're living, with a host of problems facing the nation, it's good to know that politicians are keeping their priorities in order and only spending their valuable time and taxpayer money tackling the major issues of the day. Like New York state senator Carl Kruger (D-NY) who represents part of Brooklyn, a New York City borough facing the challenges of gentrification, rising housing costs, pollution by ExxonMobil and a new stadium forcing out residents. Given all of these enormous issues to deal with Kruger has chosen one that clearly trumps them all; the menace of Ipods threatening pedestrian safety.
The senator said forcing pedestrians to face court and pay the fine would make them realise the "potentially deadly dangers that lurk outside the 'deceptive serenity' of your iPod".
"When they're tuning into their iPod or Blackberry or cell phone or video game, they're walking into speeding buses and moving automobiles," he said. "It's becoming a nationwide problem."
Mr Kruger says it was impossible for people to be aware of their surroundings when distracted by gadgets.
"Tuning in and tuning out can be a fatal combination on the streets of New York," he said.
The senator, who prides himself on his tough-on-crime policies, told Reuters news agency it was the government's responsibility to protect its citizens from a major "public safety crisis".
Kruger may or may not be aware of this already, but portable music listening devices have been commercially available and popular for almost thirty years. And despite the obvious dangers they pose to the citizenry of all cities, but a crowded one like New York City especially, the vast majority of pedestrians go through their day without being run over. Most states have made the operation of a motor vehicle while listening to headphones an illegal activity, and with good reason - a motorist who is willfully oblivious of his or her surroundings is a serious danger to public safety. A pedestrian listening to an Ipod, talking on a cellphone or otherwise tuning out the outside world is a danger as well, but only to himself or herself, and so bans on trans fats notwithstanding, it would appear to be beyond the purview of the state government to decide whether one can choose to act recklessly by preferring to listen to music rather than oncoming traffic. However, rulings elsewhere on issues like mandatory seatbelt laws, which are similar in theory in that they exist solely to protect individuals from themselves, have upheld the right of the state to make some decisions about safety for people, so a legal challenge (if the bill passes) could fail on ideological grounds.
In totally unrelated news, cigarette smoking remains completely legal in New York city.
iPhone: Apple Reinvents the Phone
Apple has announced the real iPhone, not to be confused with the iPhone.
Following literally years of speculation and rumors, Apple CEO Steve Jobs today introduced the iPhone, a sleek all-in-one device combining a mobile phone, widescreen iPod, and internet communicator. The iPhone boasts a 3.5-inch widescreen display and runs a version of Apples Mac OS X operating system with an innovative new user interface for using just a finger to control the device on-screen.
It comes in two capacities4GB and 8GBand includes support for quad-band GSM, EDGE, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0 EDR wireless technologies. The iPhone also sports a built-in 2 megapixel camera and will work with Macs or PCs. Apples Jobs confirmed that the exclusive carrier for the iPhone will be Cingular. iLounge.
The iPhone will be available in June ($499 = 4GB and $599 = 8GB) and was pretty much the only major announcement from Apple at this year's Macworld San Francisco. The only other items worthy of mentioning are the AppleTV (formerly known as the iTV), and 802.11n Airport Extreme.
Apple To Announce _______ Soon
Apple CEO Steve Jobs will soon be making his keynote speech at 9AM PST from San Francisco, California. The keynote speech is expected to be Jobs' launching platform for a variety of new wares with rumors ranging from an Apple cellphone, to new iPods.
For live coverage of the keynote you can tune into MacrumorsLive.com for text feed coverage, as well as potentially still images.
If you happen to be attending the event you can find me sitting in the West Hall in The Moscone Center reading text feeds because they wont let me into the keynote. Supposedly, SuicideGirls doesn't warrant press access.
Apple: Welcome to 2007
If you head over to Apple.com, you may notice the giant monolithic Apple logo accompanied by the statement, "The first 30 years were just the beginning. Welcome to 2007."
So what exactly is Apple referring to?
In 2006 Apple celebrated its 30th birthday and made considerable gains by cementing the iPod into the very fabric of the music industry, as well as potentially selling more computers then they've ever sold in a single year. In fact, it is being suggested Apple moved close to 1.8 million Macs in the last three months alone. A considerable feat for a company who's active user base was once estimated at around five million just seven-years ago. Meanwhile, Apple also helped spark the HD revolution that took place during 2006 by bringing HD editing software to the masses with an onslaught of HD enabled applications ranging from iMovie HD to Final Cut Pro.
With Apple's famed cult expo (Macworld San Francisco) coming as soon as next week, the company is rumored to be announcing a wide variety of new and updated products ranging from the "true" Video iPod, more powerful Mac Pro desktop computers, an Apple designed mobile phone, iTV, information concerning an update to Mac OS X (otherwise known as Leopard or Mac OS 10.5), as well as new displays with built-in iSight Web-cams, and software updates for iLife and iWork. Other speed-bumps, and surprises are always a possibility as well.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs will be presenting a keynote speech Tuesday the 8th from San Francisco which is where he will be announcing said rumored gizmos above. So keep an eye out for more Apple bytes as we get closer to the expo.
Jonathan Kesselmans Suicide Watch: Support My Namibian Children
Im a sucker for advertisements. When the iPod billboards went up, I went down to the Apple store and bought one. Im lactose intolerant, but when the American Dairy farmers asked me if I Got Milk? I was, like, No, and then bought gallons of the stuff. So, it was only a matter of time before I got me some Namibian children.
I dont know how much of their marketing budget the Namibian Tourism Board spent on Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, but let me tell you it was worth every penny -- God damn, those two are hot together! However, for those of you already planning your Namibian vacation, let me give you a heads up; it isnt your typical Club-Med-type-situation down there. The restaurants are pretty weak, the chicks are kind of stand-offish, the nightlife is like, totally non-en-fuego, and no one speaks any English
I mean, like, WTF, right? All week, I was all, Hola. Te hablas, Ingles, and people down there stared at me like I was talking in another language or something!
But I will give the Namibians credit for one thing; they sure as hell know how to pump out some cute ass kids! From the moment I landed at the airport in Winhoek I was mobbed by tons of those little fuckers. With their distended bellies, toothless smiles, and their endless supply of Chiclets, the Namibian kids have the same sad/cutesy appeal that pugs have. Theyre cute because theyre weird looking! PLUS, they DONT SHED! Now, how cool is that!? Anyone who knows me knows that Im a sucker for a distended belly and some Chiclets. Needless to say, I had to have a few of them!
Im proud to report, that on December 8th, 2006, I adopted Uukule, Kanamununa, and Na{click, click} Simataa (I think). Heres a picture of my kids.
Awesome, right!?
Their names seemed cool at first, but I kept getting them all mixed up. My kids were coming back to the United States of America for a fresh start, and I didnt want them to get their asses kicked as soon as we landed. On the flight home, I racked my brain for some bad ass, new school, original names. My friend, Ari, made a good point that many Americans pick Pollyanna-ish names for their kids; names like Hope, Faith, and Charity. Other new parents have even tapped into flower genus territory to come up with names such as Daisy, Iris, Lily. So lame! There was no way I was going down that road. My kids are African warriors, so the names Id pick for them had to represent their inner spirit! Ari suggested that I look at an untapped source of nomenclature for original names -- pharmaceutical drugs! You ready?
From left to right, meet: Xanax, Lunesta, and Mordechai!
The options in the Pharmaceutical world are endless! For awhile, I considered the names Kaopectate, Thorazine (Thor), and Cialis, but I ended up throwing those out for obvious reasons. I almost named Mordechai, Lexapro (Lex), but decided at the last minute I should probably Jew him up in case he wanted to work in the film or television industry. You never know.
Wait, you know what? I just totally got them mixed up! Im such a dork! Mordechai is the one on the left side, and Xanax (which is a Palindrome, BTW) is on the right with the Thompson Twins faux hawk. When all else fails, I can always tell them apart because Xanax has Ringworm. This new parenting stuff is harder than I thought!
When we got to Brooklyn, we had some adjusting to do. Right off the bat, there was the whole figuring out of the sleeping situation. I live in a one bedroom apartment, and I couldnt afford to buy beds, or blankets, or pillows
or stuff. But when we got home after the flight, they immediately curled up on the hardwood floor and just knocked out. They were totally psyched! It hit me that they were used to sleeping on dirt, and so for them, my hardwood floor must have been a step up! I was already making a difference in my kids lives! Being a dad is so sweet sometimes.
The first couple of days were a trip. I was, like, living in this crazy fantasy world. You see, I always imagined being a father would be just a whole bunch of fun. Me and my kids would watch Wrestling, and Id coach them in Marathon practice, and wed stay up late and play the didgeridoo
but I have to be honest, this having kids stuff is a lot harder than I thought. For starters, when I gave them a didgeridoo, they looked at it like it was a stick. But the worst part is my kids like, need stuff, and, like, constantly want attention, and that can get kind of annoying after awhile. Its as if theyre tethered to you ALL THE TIME. Personally, I got shit to do. I cant be having my style cramped 24/7.
So, to free up some of my time and get them to stop being so damn clingy, I enrolled the kids in school. But apparently, because they dont speak any English, and sometimes make weird clicking noises, the principal said they were disruptive. What the hell!? Isnt that what school is for? I pay taxes for that stuff. I think.
So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and homeschool my kids. My babies werent going to be brought up with no learningness issues. I even came up with my own killer curriculum! Want to see it? Okay, here it is:
THE JONATHAN B. KESSELMAN CONSERVATORY OF SCHOOL
(Headmaster) Jonathan Kesselman
(Faculty) Jonathan Kesselman
(Adjunct Faculty) Skyler, my neighbor downstairs, when I have to go and do stuff.
Classes Offered For The Winter Term:
1) How to cook breakfast, clean around the house, do laundry, and other stuff for the person paying rent so he doesnt feel like youre an ungrateful little shit, lazing around the house all the time.
2) Hygiene 101: Getting rid of that stench, and those annoying flies that seem to follow you around.
3) Sweatshop Technologies: An exploration into the technical aspects of working in a Queens clothing factory.
4) How to learn English by watching Sesame Street. Taught by new adjunct professor: Big Bird.
5) Music 101: Starting a successful Boy Band.
That last ones pretty cool. My kids cant sing, but they can dance, AND Ive got Xanax taking bleach baths!!! Michael Jackson, watch your back!
Now, while parenting can be a joy, thats not the real reason Im writing. I dont want to get all Sally Struthers on you, but my kids and I are starving! Like, big time. I tried to make some money on the side by selling their collectors edition headshots. As theyre still working on their literacy issues, I had them individually autograph each headshot by placing their hands in some day-glo paint before touching the bottom of the photos.
Ultimately, we didnt sell many of those. Apparently Madonna is doing the same thing with her Namibian, and shes famous, so her kids autographed headshot is worth way more. Damn you Madonna! Like you dont have enough money already!?
Below, you will find a link which will allow you to donate money to support my Namibian Children. I promise the money will go to good causes. Things like: clothes from the Banana Republic (for me), a Nintendo Wii (also for me), and probably some beef jerky for the kids. Oh, yeah. I also need some drinking money.
I know what youre probably thinking about the drinking money, but Im a responsible parent, I swear. You have my word that the money will be spent on MY drinks only...and potentially on a few drinks for any of the hot chicks I might meet at a bar who I'd like to bang. Did I mention that my kids need a mommy?
I hate to beg, but its Xmas, and you Christians are supposed to be nice and help those in need. If you dont help us, I think Jesus will be angry with you. So please stop being selfish and send money to us; Brad and Angelina would have wanted it that way.
Merry Christmas!
CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT MY NAMIBIAN CHILDREN!!!
Sincerely,
The Kesselmans:
Xanax, Lunesta, Mordechai, and Jonathan
Happy 5th Birthday iPod
To think we were all using CD-players just five years ago (or maybe a mini-disc player -- although for some reason only asian people seemed to own mini-disc players), but now everyone and their brother's sister's BFF has an iPod. Hell, even my BFF has an iPod. BFFs aside, the iPod is actually 5-years-old as of today, yes five. Five years of ignoring most of mankind and their precarious social graces, five years of telling everyone to screw off with white ear-buds glued to our ears. Five years of gawking at women as their iPod headset wires delicately traced down their bodies. Five years of George W. Bush... ugh. Ok, well besides the Bush thing, the Iraq thing, the war on terror thing, the molesting pages thing, the national debt thing, and the hurricane Katrina thing; the iPod thing went really well, for Apple at least.
So here is to another five years of music piracy, and shiny expensive things. Rock on Apple, rock on.
Via Engadget. *Goes and listens to some Rage Against The Machine on my iPod.*
Fuck Your iPod
Literally...
Thanks to the penetrating wonders of technology, there is finally a vibrator iPod accessory just as sexy as the iPod itself. Introducing the OhMiBod, a 5 1/2" long (insertable) and 1 1/8" in diameter vibrator which vibrates to the frequency of music. Simply plug the OhMiBod into an iPod (or any other mini-jack device), put on some sexy tunes, and feel the vibes where it counts (if you have a vagina that is). The OhMiBod is perfect for any position with a universal adaptor, 6-foot "freedom" cord, additional multi-speed cap (for use without music), and a velvet "privacy" pouch all for just $69. You can't make this kind of thing up.
Batteries not included.
Don't forget the iPod garter.
Or, try a soft penis cover.
Thanks drewyoon for the lead... I think?
Wired Reporter Says Zune Will Not Kill iPod
Writing in Wired News, Leander Kahney says that rumors of Microsoft's Zune mp3 player killing off the iPod are greatly exaggerated.
The tech press loves the Zune because of its specs. They tally up the features and conclude the Zune is better because there's more stuffed inside.
When it launches next month, the Zune will cost $250 for 30 GB -- just like the equivalent iPod. But the Zune also has Wi-Fi for wirelessly trading songs; a larger, 3-inch screen (good for widescreen movies); and will connect to Microsoft's Zune Marketplace music service, which will sell songs at 99 cents each and offer a $15 a month subscription plan.
Kahney says that its DRM is too restrictive, it's just "not cool," and Zune's vaunted wireless sharing capabilities won't catch on with the public, because most consumers are embarrassed by their music collections. He cites anecdotal evidence which indicates iTunes users in offices hide their gigabytes of show tunes, and only share the same three CD's worth of hip indie tunes, so their co-workers think they're cool.
Though Kahney touches on it, I think he just misses the biggest point. All the new features in the world, like wifi sharing or wider video screens, just don't matter. Consumers care about one thing: DRM, and how much "ownership" they have over their music. Apple locks you into fairplay so you can only play your iTMS purchases on an iPod. Microsoft will certainly do something similar for their Zune player and its Marketplace music store.
If either of these companies want to kill the other, the magic bullet is simple and clear: make your music player and your music store open and free of DRM restrictions.
What the Zune Is Microsoft Thinking
After years of white ear-buds, Microsoft is finally entering the portable media market with the Zune. Redmond hopes the Zune will be an iPod killer, but thanks to Apple's newly remastered iPod line it seems Microsoft's Zune is already at a disadvantage.
In true Microsoft style, the Zune comes in three "flavors" of black, white, and brown (like Southwest Airlines threw up the peanuts brown). Meanwhile the device is physically larger than Apple's new 80GB iPod, weighs more, has a lower storage capacity (Zune=30GB), and only offers 12 hours of music and 3.5 hours of video per full battery charge (compared to 20 music hours and 6 video hours for Apple's 80GB iPod). Worst yet, it seems the Zune will be selling for about $285 which is $25 more expensive than Apple's 30GB iPod, and only about $65 lower than Apple's top of the line slimmer, more powerful 80GB iPod. In fact, the only features the Zune has over the iPod is a larger screen, and the ability to temporarily "share" DRM-laced songs with other Zune users (oh, and supposedly JPGs).
It seems Microsoft failed at doing their homework, for Apple's most popular iPod line is not the video models. The majority of iPods sold have been nanos, low end iPods, and shuffles. So Microsoft has not only entered the top bracket of the market, but with a larger, more complicated product.
Nice try Bill, but it looks Jobs is going to win this one.
Thanks Engadget for the image and the detective work
Apple Announces New iPods, iTunes Movies, and iTV
At the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced a wide variety of new Apple products (as rumored earlier today by Posh).
First off, Apple updated the 5G iPod line expanding capacities and lowering prices. The 30GB iPod is now $249, and the new 80GB iPod is $349. The new iPods feature enhanced features, including downloadable games from Apple's iTunes Media Store. Meanwhile, Apple also updated the iPod nano, the update increases capacities to 2GB ($149), 4GB ($199), and 8GB ($249). The new nano also features brushed metal much like the iPod mini and will be shipping in a variety of colors (silver, black, green, pink, blue). Apple also updated the iPod shuffle into a extremely small form factor that clips onto clothing as it plays 1GB worth of songs for just $79.
iPods aside, Apple has also updated iTunes to version 7 (which you can download right now). iTunes 7 includes improved sectioning, separation of content libraries, improved resolution playback for iTunes video downloads (was 320x240, now 640x480), gapless playback, iPod syncing on multiple computers, and more. Apple has also added Disney, Pixar, Touchstone, and Miramax movies for purchase from the iTunes Media Store. The movies are priced at $9.99 for older titles, $12.99 for pre-orders (first week downloads), and $14.99 after that.
In a surprise move, Apple also announced that they will be releasing a television set-top box currently code named "iTV" in Quarter 1 of 2007. iTV will feature wireless connectivity to Macs and PCs, includes USB, optical audio, HDMI ports, as well as an Apple Remote. The idea is users will be able to watch the same video content they purchase from Apple on their TV, iPod, and computer at near DVD quality without any need for cable television. The iTV, which isn't its official name, will lighten wallets by $299.
Apple.com for more info.
Via Apple.com
It's Showtime For Apple!
At this point it's all still rumors, at least until 10:00am today when Apple CEO Steve Jobs is set to reveal a few new products. Invitations were sent out to select members of the press with the Apple logo and words, "It's Showtime". Needless to say, there has been much speculation as to what is coming our way today.
After several hoaxes Apple is finally expected to make a new iPod announcement, possibly a Widescreen model complete with virtual touchwheel. Considering the amount of fanboy photoshopped images that have circulated about in recent while, it's about time the widescreen model be released.
Next up is the launch of the iTunes movie store, which has been very much in the spotlight these past weeks, especially after the unveiling of Amazon's not so awesome toward mac users Unbox video download service. Users will be able to purchase various Disney and Pixar movies in two formats: an iPod optimized version priced at $9.99 and a standard version at $14.99 a movie. No word on other movie studios joining in the initial launch. Do note that the iTunes music store is currently down at the moment.
Now for the new revelation, and biggest rumor of them all! According to TUAW, Apple will be announcing "TubePort", a device to allow the streaming of video from one's mac to their television via a USB dongle. Is there not a better word for "dongle"? I mean seriously, it just reminds me of, well, I'll leave that up to your imagination. The TubePort set would be priced at $99. This seems a likely product, but the name TubePort? It doesn't sound like it came from an Apple mind. It doesn't flow. Maybe iTube? iStream?
Amazon Hates Apple
Amazon recently opened their very own video download service, offering movies and television shows at quasi-decent prices. The service, called Unbox, launched with 30 television studios and seven major movie studios including Lionsgate, Paramount, Universal Studios, Warner Bros, Fox Searchlight and 20th Century Fox providing content. The cost per DVD quality movie download varies from $7.99 to $14.99, while a rental will cost $3.99. Television shows are on par with iTunes at $1.99.
It really is fantastic that Amazon is offering DVD quality files. Especially when they can't be played in an actual DVD player. We all love DRM! With Amazon downloads, one can only store the purchased download on two computers and two portable video players at one time. Amazon provides a standard file, as well a file optimized for Windows media-compatible portable devices . Which means that unfortunately, there is no support for the iPod. Not only does Amazon hit Apple in that regard, the service itself offers no Mac support.
OPERATING SYSTEM: The Unbox Video player application is only compatible with Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 (SP2), Windows XP Professional SP2, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition SP2, or Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 Update Rollup 2. The Unbox Video player is not compatible with Apple/Macintosh operating systems.
There's a chance that the program will work with Parallels or Boot Camp, but Amazon could not guarantee it.
Unbox's competitor Apple is expected to announce movie downloads via the iTunes store next tuesday, offering two levels of pricing at $9.99 and $14.99.
One redeeming quality the Amazon service has is the availability of season 1 and season 2 of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, which is only the best show ever. Sadly though, if I can't burn them to DVD or put them on my iPod and watch them wherever, I have no interest in buying them. Especially when my primary portable computer isn't supported at all.
New iPod Phone Movie device in the works from Apple?
This past Tuesday a group of analysts at American Technology Research (people who guess things and get paid whether they are right or wrong) decided that Apple is working on a cell phone. Meanwhile, earlier that same day it was confirmed that Apple will be holding a special media event dubbed "It's Showtime" on Tuesday, September 12th. This soon led to more mumbling concerning a recent patent filing that suggests Apple is working on some kind of handheld device that will uses both software and hardware--shocking, I know. Consequently, the end result seems to be a rectangle with what appears to be a pinky finger sticking out of the top of it...
Considering the fact that everyone and their dog has an iPod, the cool factor of those white earbuds just isn't what it use to be, and so Apple is potentially hard at work on creating their next iWant product. Whether Apple's CEO Steve Jobs has something up his sleeve with a screen bigger than 2.5-inches remains in question. However, most Apple rumor mongers concur that Apple will be launching an iTunes Movie Store, even if the only content to be available will be from Disney and its many subsidiaries (Steve Jobs is on Disney's board of directors). Apple's iPod lineup is becoming dated, so at the very least expect minimal capacity increases.
Somewhat related, Amazon.com just launched Unboxed, their own downloadable movie and tv show service.
Via MacNN
MySpace to Begin Selling Music
Yes, yes, we all hate MySpace. With 10 minute profile load times and 16 year old emo sluts, there's one positive thing it has going for it: the music profiles (that is if you aren't there to pick up the aforementioned emo sluts).
I'll admit, it's incredibly annoying to be spammed by Fallen Ashes In The Dusky Winter Hills begging to listen to their subpar, poorly produced, tearful ballads, however, there are some gems out there. On multiple occasions I've come upon some decent sounds, yet the process of acquiring an EP wasn't one of ease.
Thankfully, MySpace is in the works of remedying this with a music sales feature. Working with San Francisco based Snocap Inc, MySpace members would be able to download a song through the band's profile. Each band will have the option of using the Snocap-powered interface on their profiles. They set the cost per song with MySpace and Snocap taking an undetermined portion. While I understand bandwidth costs and the like, I sincerely hope the little indie bands out there get a generous portion of the sale.
"The distribution fee is small, it's evolving and we're continuing to structure it as we go," said Rusty Rueff, Snocap's chief executive. "What we're trying to do right now is keep the costs as low as we can."
To get their music ready for sale, bands will have to upload their songs to Snocap's online music database. Once cleared by the company a process to ensure someone isn't trying to sell music to which they don't own the copyrights the tracks are available for purchase, Snocap said.
This seems a natural progression in the music driven side of MySpace.So long as one doesn't have to pay over 99 cents a song, nor befriend the band in question, I would gladly use this medium to get new music. Especially considering all the music I listen to is off of my Macbook Pro or iPod.
Think Sweatshop?
Apple Computer has enjoyed considerable financial success since its iPod line of mp3 players became the dominant player in the marketplace. But have the financial pressures of Wall Street forced Apple to compromise its values of treating workers well by contracting out iPod manufacturing to sweatshop-style plants in China? Union activists think so.
Apple Computer has said a report of labour conditions at its iPod plant in China found workers did more than 60 hours a week a third of the time.
Staff making the world's most popular MP3 player also worked more than six consecutive days 25% of the time.
Apple said the hours were "excessive" and said its supplier would now be enforcing a "normal" 60-hour week.
What's not as clear is whether improving worker conditions at the plant will hurt Apple's bottom line by raising manufacturing costs for iPods. Also at issue is the accuracy of the report generated by Apple, whose apparently small sample size may be the product of cherry picking interviewees to downplay poor working conditions.
[Janek Kuczkiewicz, director of human and trade union rights at the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions ] said: "We are not impressed either by the report or by the findings of Apple."
"Apple interviewed just 100 people out of the estimated 30,000 iPod workers.
"We do not know the conditions in which the interviews were held. We have serious reservations about the report."
The audit team said staff earned "at least the local minimum wage" and that half of the 100 people it interviewed earned above that amount.
Apple did not specify what the minimum wage for the area was but the original report in the Mail on Sunday said staff earned as little as £27 a month.
At the very least, Apple is acknowledging that there may be issues with its suppliers and seems, according to its spokespeople, to be seeking to fix the problems. Time will tell whether the company actually will try to help the workers churning out the iPods that have become a backbone of the corporation that has historically been known to treat its employees well, or whether this is just another line by yet another company that is more interested in improving its bottom line than the lives of the people who help to make it.