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Anti-RIAA Pepsi iTunes parody ad

James Saldana, a multimedia student at Southern Illinois University, has produced an anti-RIAA Pepsi iTunes parody ad called FIGHT BACK! Instead of “I Fought the Law” by Green Day the parody is set against “We’re Not Going to Take It” by Twisted Sister with new slogans such as “INCRIMINATED BY AN ILLEGAL MONOPOLY” and “OVER CHARGED FOR MUSIC.”

32 comments.

3G iPod 20GB for $370.24 with free shipping

Amazon has the 3G iPod 20GB for $370.24. This model includes the dock, earbuds, remote control, carrying case & AC adapter. Ground shipping is Free.

2 comments.

iTunes Music Store attracts criticism

“The backlash has started. Having enjoyed a free ride from the media and from users since its inception last year, Apple’s iTunes Music Store is beginning to attract serious criticism.

There have been mutterings of opposition before, concerned with both the price of downloads and the quality, but the ongoing success of the store has largely silenced those. However when a website as widely read as The Register describes the latest iTunes TV advertisement as ‘shameful’, Apple should start to listen.”

34 comments.

Apple Store: Save $30 on $299 or more

Apple has announced a new ‘Celebrate and save’ promotion for Valentine’s Day. “Buy online at the Apple Store by February 14 and you can save $30 instantly on any order totaling $299 or more. It’s the perfect opportunity to give your special valentine the iPod they’ve been wanting so they can take the music they love with them wherever they go. The new 15GB model costs only $299 and holds more than 3700 songs in a package that looks and feels as elegant as it sounds. Place your order today and you can add laser engraving for free and save $30 instantly as well.” Note: Free engraving ends March 27, 2004. You must use claim code KQYUV9U97W to redeem your savings.

9 comments.

Roku SoundBridge allows music anywhere in your home

picAlthough this device is not directly related to the iPod, it does share a common feature – playing digital music. The SoundBridge allows consumers to listen to digital music that’s stored on their computers, in any room of their homes, whether from the comfort of the couch or the convenience of the kitchen. All that is required is a network connection (ethernet or wifi) and a connection to speakers or a stereo amp. The SoundBridge is compatible with Mac (iTunes) or PC, supports streaming music in MP3, WMA, AAC (Note: SoundBridge can not play back protected AAC files purchased from the iTunes Music Store.), AIFF and WAV formats, provides a large vacuum florescent display (VFD) and a remote control to browse and select music by artist, title, album, or genre. It’s available in two sizes, the 10” wide M1000 ($249) and the 17” wide M2000 ($499). Roku is taking pre-orders with expected shipping starting as early as this month.

31 comments.

The digital audio format war - who will win?

“An emerging version of this conflict is being fought out now over standards for music purchased online. It boils down to this: will Apple support Microsoft’s “Windows Media Audio” (WMA) format for purchased music on the iPod music player? Or has the Apple-preferred (but not Apple-owned) “Advanced Audio Codec” (AAC) format that it uses through its own iTunes Music Store become a de facto standard that others - including Microsoft - will have to adjust to?”

23 comments.

Burton Amp Pack now at Apple Store online

  • February 3, 2004
  • iPod

A reader has informed us that the Apple Store online is now selling the Burton Amp Pack for $199. “Introducing the first backpack in the world that not only carries your iPod but controls it too. The Burton Amp Pack integrates an iPod control system using SOFTswitch technology, which allows the iPod to be controlled through a soft, flexible control pad built into the pack’s shoulder strap. Constructed with super durable ballistic nylon, the Amp Pack features a secure iPod storage pocket, a headphone port located on the shoulder strap, an easy-access side entry laptop compartment and padded ergonomic shoulder straps for ultimate comfort. Whether you’re running to catch a flight, riding the subway or lugging your stuff into the lodge, the Amp Pack makes it super simple to flip through your downloaded music library.”

15 comments.

Crutchfield’s how to connect an iPod in your car

  • February 3, 2004
  • iPod

Auto stereo equipment retailer Crutchfield has posted a four page how to on connecting your iPod in the car. Several topics are covered from mounting an iPod, connecting an iPod, and using an iPod while in the car. It also mentions in a ‘Wish list’ section that Alpine will soon be releasing head units for connecting and controlling an iPod, and goes on to mention other possible solutions coming soon. “I suspect that makers of vehicle-specific CD changer adapters and satellite tuner cradles are hard at work on iPod solutions. And Daimler-Chrysler already has an iPod dock in one of its European Smart cars. Can it be long before this technology appears in stateside Chryslers? Stay tuned.”

18 comments.

Legal downloads will take off in 2004

“The European music download scene will turn around in 2004. Many consumers who have routinely downloaded for free will become resigned to paying for legitimate services. Portals will benefit first; Apple’s iTunes and Napster will win in the long run. “Attempts to stop illicit downloading in Europe have failed so far,” said Forrester Senior Analyst Rebecca Jennings. “But commercial sites just need to be patient as the market gradually changes. In 2004, a combination of legal action by the music industry and expansion of legitimate services will cause a watershed in the download market.”“

7 comments.

How hard is it to spell “iPod?”

  • February 2, 2004
  • iPod
“iPOD, IPod, i-Pod. I’d hate to think what would happen if these people had to do a story about e e cummings. Let’s kick off the parade of humiliation with a story by The Inquirer. No, not the one where you can get all the Ben Affleck news you need, but the online news source that looks to steal more than a bit of its design from The Register. While reporting that Virgin Mobile is planning to sell music via its mobile handsets, it repeatedly refers to the iPOD, perhaps feeling it has to balance that lower-case “i” at the beginning of a proper noun with LOTS OF CAPS. Wouldn’t want it to tip over.”“

31 comments.

“Downloading music without paying for it is a crime largely devoid of social stigma”

  • February 2, 2004

“I hope I’ve drawn your attention to the fact that, no matter how many people smoke out or download music, both actions are illegal. While the punishments for doing either may vary, doing either makes you a law-breaker. [...]

But your parents wouldn’t approve of your underage drinking, nor would they be excited to know that you were speeding and they sure as hell wouldn’t buy you a bong—but they would buy you an iPod. Downloading music without paying for it is a crime largely devoid of social stigma; it is much more socially acceptable than, say, stealing a real CD. The Recording Industry Association of America would say downloading music is the same thing as going into Amoeba and shoving a CD in your pants Empire Records style, but I disagree—downloading isn’t stealing, it’s infringing on copyright law, which is something entirely different.”

43 comments.

Pepsi+iTunes ad ranked poorly

USAToday published the ‘16th Annual Ad Meter’ ranking yesterday’s SuperBowl commercials. The Pepsi+iTunes giveaway ad is near the bottom of the list with a 5.90 out of 10.

24 comments.

art4iTunes.com - generate album art for your iTunes song library

Announcing art4iTunes.com - a website that generates album covers and track listings from your iTunes song list. The album cover can be dropped back into iTunes and displayed whenever the track is played. Artwork can be from US or UK album covers. Have a look and let me know what you think - there’s a demo button to see what it does before uploading your own song list.

23 comments.

Digital audio, Apple and Microsoft seeking mutual compatibility?

“The music industry is pushing bitter technology rivals—most notably Microsoft and Apple—to shake hands in the interest of promoting digital downloads, Billboard has learned.

Hardware makers and digital format developers, including many traditional adversaries, are engaged in private talks aimed at meeting the music industry’s goal of compatibility among competing digital music devices by 2005.”

15 comments.

Apple posts Pepsi+iTunes commercial

picApple has posted several sizes of the Pepsi+iTunes commercial scheduled to air during today’s Super Bowl game.

34 comments.

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