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Audio/Video, Reviews, Downloads

Songbird: the Firefox of Music Managers

Songbird -- The Firefox of Music Managers
Songbird

What it does: Songbird aims to do for media managers what Firefox did for Web browsers: trounce the standard bearer (iTunes, in this case) with customization, open-source ideology, and sheer performance. Actually built on the same codebase as Firefox, Songbird allows you to manage your music collection, buy songs, and load audio on your iPod.

What we like about it: Songbird is the one iTunes alternative that can play songs purchased from the iTunes store, which makes switching from the seemingly inescapable (and overrated) Apple media manager easier than you'd expect. Songbird also has no problem loading music to most iPods. (Note: It doesn't support the iPod touch or iPhone, as only iTunes currently has support for these devices.) (Update: Songbird released an update a mere hours after this review went live with preliminary support for the iPhone and iPod Touch, though it's very rough in the current version.) For those who choose to skip Apple altogether, many other media players, including models from Archos, Sony, Creative, and SanDisk, are also supported.

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Web

Scammers Busted for iTunes and Amazon Music Fraud

A group of English ne'er-do-well scammers, have been arrested by the Metropolitan police (also referred to as Scotland Yard) for international music fraud.

After uploading a few songs they allegedly recorded to iTunes and Amazon, the group commenced to repeatedly create and buy its own songs with 1,500 stolen credit cards. An unnamed police source told the Times Online, "We will not know why they did what they did until we have conducted all the interviews." Over a five-month period, the 10 individuals spent $750,000 and racked up $300,000 in royalties, according to the Guardian.

Sixty officers from the Metropolitan police's e-crime unit arrested the seven men and three women from all over England. The group is being held on suspicion of fraud and money laundering. The case was cracked during a parallel investigation with the FBI, after it was established that the criminal network was uploading music.

According to Detective Chief Inspector Terry Wilson, the e-crime unit will continue its work against criminals and will actively develop international partnerships with business and law-enforcers around the world.

We see examples of cybercrime regularly around here, like when a repairman was arrested after tricking Apple into sending him thousands of iPod shuffles, which he'd sell for a profit. Fraud, whether committed as part of a complex digital heist or simple plan, seems inescapable; there's no shortage of people trying to make a quick buck. [From: Guardian and The Times Online via Slashdot]

Audio/Video

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 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 release
Read -- iTunes top songs [Warning: iTunes App link]
Read -- Amazon top songs

Cell Phones, iPhone

Skype for iPhone Now Live in US


It's finally here, and even a few minutes early. Skype for iPhone is now available in the US iTunes store, free of charge. We've heard great thing from the folks in Japan who've been fiddling with it for the last twelve hours, and so far it's sounding pretty good for us, too, with only minor hiccups. Not sure if it's a glitch, but despite what we heard earlier, we seem to be able to dial out while on 3G and not over Wi-Fi (at least running OS 3.0 beta). Hit up the read link for quickest route to the app store page, and let us know what you think. Betcha wish you could ditch that AT&T voice plan now, huh?

Update: We're getting reports the app is crashing for jailbroken iPhones -- and possibly non-jailbroken ones as well. We just got our first denial when dialing out over 3G via a popup notification, but it only happened once and we were back to old habits one call later. We did experience a brief period where no sound was coming through, but that might have something to do with using OS 3.0 and was remedied by restarting the phone.

Update 2: So far, it looks like dialing over 3G's only working for those with OS 3.0 beta, but unfortunately all of us in that situation are now suffering from frequent crashes and loss of audio. Things seem to be going smoothly for those running the latest non-beta firmware, but the calls only work over WiFi. That said, when using the app as intended (non-beta firmware over Wi-Fi), audio quality was surprisingly good, far better than any third party apps we've used.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Audio/Video, Computers, iPod, iPhone

iTunes Raising Prices in Face of Competition

iTunes Raises Price in Face of Competition
iTunes, now the world's largest music retailer, is under fire from many competitors, including Amazon's amazonmp3 service, which sells most popular tracks for $.99, but also offers plenty of other tracks at $.79 or less. So how does Apple respond to this pressure? Why, by raising prices on some tracks $.30, naturally.

Starting April 7, Apple will raise the prices of a number of its hottest tracks to $1.29 as part of a new "variable pricing" strategy that will allow music publishers to sell tracks at various price points. Hiking costs probably won't make many fans among consumers but there is at least some good news: Publishers can also sell tracks for less than $.99, which may open the door for smaller artists to get a little more traction in a very busy online store.

What remains to be seen is whether iPod, iPhone, and other iTunes users will stomach the price hike, or just start shopping somewhere else for the same tracks -- especially when "somewhere else" is usually just a few clicks away. [From: Los Angeles Times]

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Audio/Video, Computers, TV, Home Video

Amazon Set to Offer HD Television Episodes for $2.99 Each

http://newteevee.com/2009/03/21/amazon-to-sell-hd-tv-shows-for-299-each/We're big fans of Amazon's amazonmp3; the online superstore's music download service offers DRM-free digital music downloads at prices that are usually at least $.10 per track cheaper than the main competition, Apple's iTunes. Amazon also offers video on demand (or VOD) services for movies and television episodes, but now the service looks ready to expand to high definition offerings sometime in the very near future.

This move is an answer to Apple's recent addition of HD content to iTunes, announced just last week. According to NewTeeVee, Amazon will be pricing its HD content at $2.99, exactly the same price Apple is charging for HD, which can be viewed on computers and on HDTVs via Apple TV.

While not viewable on Apple TV devices, videos purchased on Amazon can be downloaded and viewed directly on TiVo devices and inexpensive devices like the Roku box (supposedly). This gives Amazon a leg up over Apple: While the content itself may not be any cheaper, it should be a lot easier to watch where you want it, on your HDTV. No confirmation from Amazon just yet, but look for an update early this week. [From: NewTeeVee]

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Audio/Video, Computers, iPod

New Songbird Add-On Wiping Out Users' iPods


Fans of the open source Songbird media player need to be extremely cautious before downloading Songbird 1.1, the player's latest version. Wired reports that an iPod add-on for the installment can come equipped with a bug capable of corrupting data and erasing music from your iPod. The bug, which only ravages your music if you have your iPod connected to the app, has so far grounded only a minority of Songbird users.

Some of those affected have witnessed their entire libraries vanish, a crushing blow for those of us who ignorantly or lazily refuse to back up our music files. One such victim told Wired that, not only did he lose 60 GB worth of music, but he is now going to have to replace the songs by re-ripping hundreds of CDs. Ouch. As a temporary fix, Songbird has removed the iPod add-on from its recommended list.

According to the Songbird bug trackers, a solution has already been created and will be included with the next update release. Until then, if you've already installed the latest upgrade, go to "Preferences" and disable the iPod add-on. If you need to back up your files, but are unsure of what route to take, check out our handy-dandy guide: 8 Ways to Back-Up Your Computer (and Keep Your Stuff Safe). [From: Wired]

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Audio/Video, TV

Apple Adds HD Video Purchases to the iTunes Store


Apple's flood of announcements this month continues apace today with the addition of high-def movie purchases to the iTunes Store. Although HD TV shows were previously available to buy, HD movies were rental-only until now. HD flicks will cost you $19.99, and we're guessing they're the same H.264 compressed 720p quality as usual, so videophiles will probably want to stick to Blu-ray. Purchases will come with both an HD file and an iPod / iPhone-ready SD file, which is a nice touch, and Apple's also promising that HD rentals will now be on the store within 30 days of retail release -- better, but not perfect. It's all going live today with exclusive pre-orders of 'Quantum of Solace' and 'Twilight,' but honestly, we're still wondering when Apple will implement subscription video and really take it to Netflix.

Computers, iPod, iPhone

iTunes Gift Card System Hacked



We're sure this one has Apple's panties in a bunch: Chinese hackers have cracked the iTunes gift card system. Fake, but functional, cards have found their way onto Chinese auction site Taobao.com and are selling for a tiny fraction of their value.

Using a custom program, hackers are able to generate viable gift card codes without actually purchasing them. These fake codes are then being auctioned off on Taobao.com for as little as 18 Chinese yuan (or, about $2.60 for a $200 card). As for whether or not these codes can be used in places other than China, we direct you to Wisebread.com, where, this past January, Torley Wong reported having successfully spent a pirated gift card at the U.S. iTunes store.

Do you buy music, audiobooks, or videos on iTunes




Apple is going to have a hard time battling this scheme. Invalidating the fake codes being sold (of which there are thousands, according to music industry consultation site Outdustry.com) may mean changing how gift card codes are generated. That could make many legitimate cards that are already in circulation worthless.

Whatever solution Apple concocts, we're sure they'll act soon. In the meantime, we won't lie; we're tempted to pick up a $200 card ourselves. We'd never have to pay for an iPhone app again. Too bad we can't read Chinese. [From: TrustedReviews Via: Slashdot]

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Audio/Video, Computers, Celebrities

Eminem Wants More Download Money, Sues Universal


Yesterday, in California, Eminem's royalty rights lawsuit against conglomerate Universal Music Group went to trial in U.S. District Court, reports the Wrap.

Asking for $1.3 million from the parent company of Aftermath Records, to which Eminem is signed, the suit's fundamental claim is that royalties from downloads should be dictated by the artist's licensing contract, not distribution contract.

While the exact figures stipulated by Eminem's contracts have not been reported, according to a report in The Wrap, a traditional licensing deal would entitle the artist to 50-percent of the royalties, while a typical distribution deal could entitle him to as little as 25-percent.

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Computers, iPod, iPhone

Marvel Comics Coming to iTunes Store



As those who have been following the news from this week's ComicCon event in New York City are well aware, Marvel announced that it will be selling its new "In-Motion" comic books in Apple's iTunes Store. The comics differ from old-school physical comics by having animated panels and voice-over work from popular actors, making them well-suited to the iPhone and iPod Touch, with their sharp screens and various multimedia capabilities.

Fret not, diehard classic comic book fans -- Marvel will release traditional paper copies of these comics (after the In-Motion versions are released on iTunes). No word yet on cost or availability.

Big-name Marvel aside, there's plenty of comics to be found online (and on mobile phones) that's optimized for the digital world. We've gone ahead and compiled a list of our favorite Web comics for your time-wasting, on-the-clock pleasure (after the break). Just remember to Control-Tab when your boss comes a-wandering by. [From: TUAW]

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Computers

Online Downloads Mostly Illegal, Study Says





While the iTunes store is doing better than, say, Tower Records, it's still getting a miniscule fraction of online music downloads. According to a report by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), 95% of the music being downloaded online is illegal.

The global music trade body said this is its biggest challenge as artists and record companies miss out on payments.

While the digital music business has grown steadily during the past six years -- and online music sales have risen 25% since last year -- the organization said worldwide music market revenues shrank overall by 7% last year, due largely to a drop in CD sales. 1.4 billion single tracks were legally downloaded in 2008, with the top-selling digital single, Lil Wayne's Lollipop, selling 9.1 million copies.

It is estimated that more than 40 billion music files were illegally shared in 2008. Which for those keeping score at home, works out to about an album per human being. [From: BBC]

Audio/Video, Computers

iTunes Goes DRM Free, Adds 3G Downloads


While Phil hasn't mentioned it in the keynote just yet, it looks like iTunes might be getting a big catalog overhaul, with most major labels finally offering up DRM free tunes. Our tipster mentioned DRM free goodies from Virgin, Sony BMG, American Recording and more (iTunes Plus has mainly been limited to EMI and some independents so far), and that most previously purchased songs are now upgradable for the same old price of $0.30 a song. We're still digging around on the iTunes Store trying to figure this out -- it's offering to upgrade our library, but the transaction won't go through yet -- and we'll obviously know more if it gets a keynote mention. Let us know if you have any luck picking up those non-EMI MP3s on your end.

[Thanks, Greg]

Update: As you've you probably noticed in the Engadget liveblog, Apple just made this very much official, and announced that some 8 million songs from all the major labels will indeed be DRM free, with a full ten million planned by the end of the quarter. As if that wasn't enough, it's also announced a new pricing structure for tracks, including a new $0.69 tier and a $1.29 one, which music companies will apparently be able to use at their own discretion. And, to keep things really spicy, the company has also announced that music store downloads are now finally available over 3G, and at the same price and the same quality.

Desktops, Audio/Video, iPod

Legal Music Downloads Growing Faster Than Illegal Ones

Legal Music Downloads Growing Faster than IllegalIf you purchased and downloaded your first digital album this year, then congratulations, you're not alone! Demand for legal music downloads increased an impressive 29-percent last quarter over the same quarter in 2007. Interestingly, while illegal downloads of music also increased over the same period, they rose only 23 percent.

This means that more and more people are turning to legal alternatives like Amazon's MP3 service, or the ubiquitous iTunes. The news isn't all good, though. While online demand is increasing, overall music sales dropped 2-percent -- more bad news for a music industry that's already hurting. [From: Silicon Alley Insider]

Audio/Video, Computers, TV

Save Money: Ditch Your TV Without Missing Your Favorite Shows

Ditch Cable, Save Cash
We're all feeling the pain of the economic crunch, and being frugal is quickly becoming the newest national fad. One area that would be easy for many Americans to start cutting costs would be on entertainment, yet subscriptions for satellite and cable TV have not dropped off. But unless you absolutely have to watch live sports you can ditch the pricey TV packages for free or cheap Web-based solutions.
  • Hulu - Hulu features tons of hit shows like 'The Daily Show,' 'The Simpsons,' and 'The Office' for free the day after the new episodes air. Hulu also has plenty of retro TV and movies to choose from.
  • Network Websites - ABC, NBC, and CBS offer free streaming of many shows on their websites, including 'CSI,' 'Heroes,' and 'Lost.'
  • CNN - CNN offers several live feeds of news for free online.
  • NFL - The only live sports offered for free online is NFL's 'Sunday Night Football.'
If you don't mind spending a little cash, movies and television shows can also be purchased from Amazon, iTunes, and rented from Netflix for much cheaper than your monthly cable bill. Best of all, these services can be watched not only on your computer, but on your TV if you've got an Xbox 360, PS3, TiVo, or Apple TV.

With so many free and cheap options out there, now is the time to reflect and seriously ask yourself, "Do I really need cable?" [From: Forbes.com]

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Weirdest Techie Heists and Scams

    Elderly Amish Man Caught on Film With Prostitute, Blackmailed
    When a 75-year-old Amish widower slept with a prostitute, he -- we feel certain -- felt pretty bad about it the next morning. As if that guilt weren't enough for the old man, the prostitute and her boyfriend demanded $67,000 from him, claiming that they had filmed the scene with wall-mounted cameras and would upload the recording to the Internet. The pair was later arrested and, we can only imagine, the Amish man abhorred technology more than ever.

     

    Bank Robber Gets Away With the Help of Craiglist
    In October, a bank robber -- wearing a safety vest, blue shirt, face mask and goggles -- eluded police with the help of Craiglist. Just outside the bank, while the robbery was in progress, stood a group of men who were responding to a Craiglist day labor opportunity. As the advertisement required, they were all wearing safety vests, blue shirts, face masks and goggles.

     

    Nude New Zealander Arrested After Responding to Fake Sexy Text Message
    Late in 2007, a Wellington, New Zealand man received a racy text message from two anonymous "ladies," giving him only an address and a request that he show up naked. Well, he indeed showed up naked... at the home of one appalled, unsuspecting New Zealander. Both the nude Romeo and the sadistic texter were arrested, though neither were prosecuted.

     

    Fake Craiglist Ad Costs Man Most of What He Owns
    Last Spring, a post appeared on an Oregon Craigslist board stating that the owner of a specific house was leaving all of his worldly possessions (still in said house) to whoever wanted them. When homeowner Robert Salisbury rushed home -- on a tip from a woman suspicious about the offer of a free horse -- he found his house being ransacked by 30 strangers. We suggest he take that horse and collect some vengeance Clint Eastwood-style.

     

    17-Year-Old Jailed for Stealing Virtual 'Furniture'
    When a 17-year-old Dutch boy hacked into several accounts on the Second Life-style site 'Habbo' in 2007, the the law got involved. The boy was discovered to have stolen $5,800 worth of virtual furniture and knick-knacks. Apparently, crime -- whether actual or virtual -- does not pay.

     

    Phishers Going After Your Phones in New 'Vishing' Trend
    Over the past year, sneaky spammers have begun to forsake the worn-out territory of e-mail in favor of cell phones' fertile frontier. The result? "Vishing." Get it? Voice mail phishing. It might be more ominous if it didn't sound like a James Bond villain saying, "Wishing."

     

    Burglars Break Into Restaurant, Steal HDTV, Leave Money / Food Behind
    Around Halloween of last year, a truckload of thieves drove into -- that's right, into -- a Pennsylvania Mexican restaurant, where they -- apparently uninterested in the cash register -- stole a mid-grade 47-inch HDTV and fled the scene. We've all heard about how this generation is lacking in ambition, but this generation's thieves, too?

     

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