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The iPod Hi-Fi has now been axed from the online store.
I can remember when Apple tried to create a fair bit of hype about this & a leather case. Looks like it wasn’t quite as successful as they were hoping for.
Has anyone shed a tear for its loss? I don’t think so.
read more | digg story
Technorati Tags: apple, ipod hi-fi, ipod, ipod accessories
Television programmes such as Heroes will not be available for download on iTunes in the US, after broadcaster NBC Universal ended its deal with Apple.
Apple said that NBC had demanded more than double its previous wholesale price for its programmes.
This meant that shows would cost users $4.99 an episode, rather than the current $1.99, Apple added.
NBC is the biggest provider of video downloads to the Apple online store, accounting for about 40% of sales.
This includes 30% of the television shows which Apple sells through iTunes.
NBC’s current deal with Apple was due to end in December, but Apple said it would not sell new series of programmes as this would mean it had to end them mid-series.
BBC NEWS | Business | NBC ends iTunes deal in price row
It seems to be a mixed week with Apple for their videos in iTune. They start by introducing it to the UK, then shortly after lose one of their biggest suppliers.
Although I’m not surprise the offer of $4.99 was turned down, I wonder if Apple would have accepted a higher price, closer to the UKs price of £1.89 (about $3.80).
Although Apple will lose out quite a bit on this, I think NBC are going to lose out too. If anything, by limiting the legal routes in which TV programmes can be obtained, it’s just going to encourage the sharing of these shows throw BitTorrent. Techcrunch made a similar comparison.
What will be interesting to see is if NBCs own video service will be able to make up for the loss of iTunes. For that we’ll just have to wait.
technorati tags:iTunes, NBC, tv, video, tv programmes, bittorrent
Initially 28 series will be available with Apple promising more content soon.
There is currently little UK-produced content, although ITV, Channel 4 and the BBC all offer their own download catch-up TV services.
Unlike the BBC, Apple will charge iTunes customers £1.89 per episode for their favourite shows.
BBC NEWS | Technology | Apple launches TV service in UK
TV programmes were one thing the UK version of the iTunes store was really lacking in to make a video iPod and when it comes out, an iPhone, worthwhile.
Although many people are saying it is lacking in UK content, I’m quite pleased to see some US content as it offers programs that may not otherwise be as easily available. If UK content can slowly move on (as has been promissed), over time, then this will just enhance the service. As a big user of some of the catch-up services from the BBC and Channel 4, it may even be worth purchasing some episodes to allow myself to watch them on the move.
What would go along with this?
I like some of the flickr comments:
iDied
“Just one More Thing”
Technorati Tags: igrave, ipod, steve jobs, comedy
The fake Steve Jobs blog has for a long time been a popular read for apple enthusiasts who wanted a different look at the company, despite knowing it was fake.
However Fake Steve Jobs has been outed by the New York Times as Daniel Lyons, a senior editor at Forbes.
Technorati Tags: blogging, steve jobs
“At last, someone has developed a patch to allow the Apple TV’s storage capacity to be expanded using the USB port, using its internal hard drive to boot and one fat external USB 2.0 2 terabytes drive to store as many TV series, photos and whatever else as you want.”
It was said it would be only a matter of time until this became available so that the USB port became useful. What we need to wait and see is whether Apple develops a patch either to work against this one, or to build in the option to use the USB port themselves.
read more | digg story
Technorati Tags: apple, apple tv, usb, external drives
One of the biggest criticisms of the iPhone is that, unlike many other mobile phones (particularly smartphones), it lacks a removable battery. This means that that once your battery stops holding a good charge, you have to pay for Apple to replace it. Perhaps in response to criticisms, Apple has put up an informative and rather amusing site to help iPhone users keep their batteries in good shape. One of the big things mentioned is heat, which will do bad things to your battery life. iPhones need to be kept out of places like hot cars, and also may need to be removed from their cases if the case makes them hot when charging. The usual battery life suspects make an appearance too, reminding you to keep your phone locked as much as possible and to turn your Bluetooth and WiFi off when not needed. iPhone owners should also turn on Auto-Brightness and turn off the equalizer to minimize battery drain. Last but not least, keep your iPhone updated, since future firmware versions may help your battery life.
Direct link to battery guide
read more | digg story
If you want to see the iPhone at an Apple store, be sure to bring some cash. Large crowds flocking to see the iPhone and next generation iPods have forced Apple to begin charging a $5 entrance fee for Apple stores. Many analysts anticipated the move, and expect a positive response from customers.
read more | digg story
Technorati Tags: apple, apple store
The Universal Music Group has confirmed reports that it will not renew its long-term iTunes contract. The label responded in a statement, which said, “Universal Music Group has decided not to renew its long-term agreement for Apple’s iTunes service. Universal Music Group will now market its music to iTunes in an ‘at will’ capacity, as it does with its other retail partners.” Macworld UK reports that in addition to variable pricing, Universal wants to be able to offer certain tracks and certain bands exclusively through other, competing online music services, in an effort to lessen Apple’s control of online music sales. Apple has yet to comment on the statement.
read more | digg story
Technorati Tags: universal music, itunes
According to a just-published NPD Group MusicWatch report for the first quarter of 2007, covering the sales of both physical and downloadable music, Apple’s iTunes has jumped in rank to become the third-largest retailer of music in the United States. iTunes now holds a 9.8% share of music purchases, ahead of fourth place Amazon.com at 6.7% and fifth place Target at 6.6%.
read more | digg story
Technorati Tags: itunes, apple, music, downloadable music, online music store
