iLounge

By Charles Starrett

Senior Editor, iLounge
Published: Tuesday, November 25, 2008
News Category: Mix

Sir Paul McCartney has said that talks to make the Beatles’ catalog available on iTunes have stalled. “The last word I got back was it’s stalled at the whole moment, the whole process,” McCartney said. “I really hope it will happen because I think it should.” He added, “It’s between EMI and the Beatles, I think.” A spokeswoman for EMI echoed the former Beatle’s statement, saying, “We have been working hard to secure agreement with Apple Corps. to make the Beatles’ legendary recording catalog available to fans in digital form. Unfortunately the various parties involved have been unable to reach agreement but we really hope everyone can make progress soon.”

In a change to store policy, Apple has given its retail store employees the authority to match competitors’ prices, according to a new report. ifoAppleStore notes that the new policy does include some restrictions, including the need for the customer to supply proof of the competitor’s pricing. In addition, it appears the company will be offering a special iPhone 3G gift card in hopes of boosting holiday sales. It is unknown whether Apple will be making an official announcement regarding the new policy.

Boxee, software that expands the capabilities of an Apple TV, has been updated for Apple TV Software 2.3. The software, which is neither supported nor condoned by Apple, gives users an alternative interface for accessing non-DRM media stored on their networks, along with the ability to access a variety of audio and video programming via Internet radio, streaming sites such as Hulu, and other channels. Boxee is available as a free download.

TiVo has launched TiVo Mobile, a new mobile phone-optimized web site that allows both subscribers and non-subscribers to browse, search, and discover television shows directly from devices such as the iPhone and iPod touch. The site, accessible from m.tivo.com, also allows subscribers to schedule recordings on their Series 2 or Series 3 boxes on the go.