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 « January 2005 | Main | March 2005 » February 26, 2005UndergroundMedia: New Resource for Alternative BroadcastingJascha Dub has announced UndergroundMedia.org, a site that he hopes will help individuals create an underground alternative to mainstream media. "Most people I see doing podcasting now do the talk, computer, hobby/interests type of subjects. . .which is fine," states Dub. "But I see the possibilities growing to enable people to go into more journalistic areas. Just as bloggers have grown into a power to be reckoned with in the media (Gannongate for example). So podcasting and video blogging will be the next logcal evolutionary step." Dub is a developer and writer that has worked with several media-related sites in the past, including Downhill Battle and IndyMedia. Dub plans to cover reporting and editing using primarily open source or free tools. "I had not seen a site focused on helping people to use these new(er) technologies to expand their own power in terms of media coverage." Topics and projects at the site include: Dub adds, "We are not focused on any political/social leanings (right, left-wing, progressive, etc) - only focused on educating people on leveraging technology to create news and media instead of the old model of in-taking it from those who could afford to be the media." Posted by jlewin at 08:46 AM | Comments (1) February 25, 2005IndiePodcasting.com Announces Podcasting Service for MusiciansIndiePodcasting.com has announced a new service devoted to promoting unsigned and indie artists using a combination of podcasting technology, syndication, and viral marketing. It uses a format which is unlike most podcasts currently being generated. IndiePodcasting.com hopes to "bring podcasting out of the realm of web blogging and audio blogs and into the hands of mainstream web surfers." Many podcasts emulate a radio show. Listeners normally receive an automated download of a large file, including commentary and a stream of various songs. IndiePodcasting's podcasts eliminate the DJ and send single songs in the feeds, accompanied by fully designed artist pages. The artist pages provide subscribers with links to additional information about the artist, a photo, short bio, and a link to purchase the artist's album, where applicable. The pages also allow listeners to stream each song without downloading, or execute a download. The streams and downloads are two minute, CD quality song clips. Full length songs are not provided. This encourages consumers to purchase the artist's album. The system works best with an RSS reader since more features are provided, but is compatible with podcasting automated download applications, like iPodder and Podfeeder. The advantage IndiePodcasting.com provides over simply visiting a large artist directory site is two fold. First, a subscriber automatically gets new music feeds as they are generated. All that is required is an activated RSS reader or podcast downloader. When a subscriber turns on his computer and signs on to the internet, an updated feed is automatically sent to the computer with the new music and artists. If they have an attached iPod, or other mp3 device, and use an application like iPodder or Podfeeder, the update automatically loads the music into the device. The subscriber just has to click on a link or type a url into their browser to obtain the feed, which is free. Second, the music has been screened for quality while the music found on huge artist directory sites typically has not been screened. IndiePodcasting.com began generating podcast feeds on February 12th. Seventy-five artists have been promoted on IndiePodcasting feeds since the initial podcast and five new artists are added each day. Artists have been evaluated on songwriting skills, recording quality and production, vocals and lyrics, and musicianship by staff members with backgrounds in these areas. Some feeds have included well-known indie artists, such as former Capitol Records artist Dexter Freebish, former Buck Cherry frontman Josh Todd, and Celldweller, an industrial/electronica artist whose music has been in several movie trailers for major films such as Spiderman 2, Catwoman, and Constantine. IndiePodcasting's feeds are being promoted to consumers through viral marketing at large community sites like MySpace.com and Hi5.com, music e-zines and review sites, offline music periodicals, music industry professionals, etc. The syndicated feed is also listed in numerous podcast directories throughout the internet. IndiePodcasting.com enables indie labels to scout new talent and promote existing acts, music reviewers to easily find new artists to review, and consumers to purchase music from great new artists. The genres covered by IndiePodcasting.com currently include rock, alternative, power-pop/punk and folk/acoustic. Hip-hop and R&B are being considered for the future. The main targeted consumer audience includes people from their late teens to early forties and the main music industry target is the small indie record label. To hear a stream of music from current IndiePodcasting artists, visit www.indiepodcasting.com/audio/all_artists.m3u. Posted by jlewin at 08:24 AM | Comments (1) February 24, 2005Winpodcast - New Podcasting ApplicationSascha Siekmann has announced Winpodcast, an application for producing high-quality podcasts. It is an end-to-end solution, with features for all steps in podcast production. Starting from recording your voice to mixing in sound bites or music tracks all the way to creating a single MP3 file in post production - Winpodcast is designed to handle it all within one program. The application supports recording, importing audio, mixing, MP3 creation, and file uploading. Siekmann is distributing Winpodcast as a free application. "For now, I am more interested in getting more people doing podcasts than to make money on them." Features: * Standard Windows look System requirements: * Runs on Windows 2000 and Windows XP For additional details or to download, see Siekmann's site. Posted by jlewin at 05:27 PM | Comments (3) February 23, 2005LiveMessage Supports PodcastingMessageCast announced today that its free LiveMessage alerting service is being used by popular podcasters as a way to let listeners know the moment a podcast is released. The RSS-compatible LiveMessage locates listeners on popular real-time networks then sends requested alerts to the best device -- cell phone, PDA, PC desktop, or email. Popular podcasters using LiveMessage include The Rock and Roll Report, Hardcore Insomnia Radio, Michael Lehman, and Endurance Radio. LiveMessage customers range from established companies, like Microsoft and FOX Sports, to citizen journalists in the blogosphere. "The podcasting phenomena is just starting," said Royal P. Farros, CEO of MessageCast, Inc. "We continue to be amazed at the creativity that surrounds the RSS standard." Formed in 2002, MessageCast, Inc. is a pioneer in creating broadcast messaging systems using real-time networks and RSS. Customers include Microsoft, MSN FOX Sports, L'Oreal, and Buy.com. MessageCast is funded by Mobius Venture Capital. Posted by elisabeth at 03:38 PM | Comments (5) New Apple iPod photo Models
Both iPod photo models feature a high-resolution color screen for displaying photos and enhancing the entire iPod music experience. Both models hold up to 25,000 digital photos and will feature the ability to import photos from your digital camera via the new iPod Camera Connector for instant viewing and slide show playback on iPod photo. “The new slim 30GB iPod photo at just $349 lets music lovers enjoy their iPod in full color, including album artwork along with their personal photo library,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “And now you can import photos from your digital camera directly into iPod photo with the optional iPod Camera Connector.” The new iPod Camera Connector is an optional accessory that enables customers to connect their digital camera to iPod photo and import their photos into the iPod. By simply connecting the iPod Camera Connector and a digital camera*, customers can easily transfer digital images to their iPod photo, providing tremendous storage space so they can take more pictures. Imported photos are immediately viewable on iPod photo's crisp color screen, and can also be brought back to iPhoto on the Mac or various photo applications on the PC. The iPod Camera Connector is expected to be available in late March for $29. Pricing & Availability The 30GB and 60GB models of iPod photo for Mac or Windows are available worldwide immediately for a suggested retail price of $349 (US) and $449 (US) respectively, through the Apple Store, Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. iPod photo includes earbud headphones, a USB 2.0 cable, a USB power adapter and a CD with iTunes 4.7.1 for Mac and Windows computers. Optional accessories with the following suggested retail prices include the iPod Dock for $39 (US), in-ear headphones for $39 (US), the iPod Camera Connector for $29 (US) and FireWire cable for $19 (US). Laser engraving is available for iPod for free from the Apple Store (www.apple.com) and can include two lines of text with up to 27 characters per line. iPod photo requires a Mac with a USB 2.0 port or FireWire, Mac OS X version 10.2.8 or 10.3.4 or later and iPhoto 4.0.3 or later; or a Windows PC with a USB 2.0 or FireWire port or USB 2.0 or FireWire card and Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 or later, or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later, and Adobe Photoshop Album 2.0 or Elements 3.0 or later. Posted by jlewin at 08:09 AM | Comments (1) Apple Drops iPod Mini Prices to $199
“The iPod mini is now available at the magic price point of $199,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “At this breakthrough price point, and with more than twice the battery life, the new iPod mini should appeal to even more music lovers.” Pricing & Availability An optional USB power adapter is available for $29 (US) which easily charges iPod mini when traveling. Other accessories include the iPod Dock for $39 (US) for desktop syncing and charging, in-ear headphones for $39 (US), an arm band for $29 (US), a lanyard for $19 (US) and FireWire® cable for $19 (US). Laser engraving is available for iPod mini for free from the Apple Store and can include two lines of text with up to 23 characters per line. iPod mini requires a Mac with a USB 2.0 port or FireWire and Mac OS X version 10.2.8 or 10.3.4 or later; or a Windows PC with a USB 2.0 or FireWire port, or USB 2.0 or FireWire card and Windows 2000, with Service Pack 4 or later, or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later. All iPods include rechargeable batteries which have a limited number of charge cycles and may eventually need to be replaced. Battery life and number of charge cycles vary by use and settings. See www.apple.com/batteries for more information. *Firewire options require an optional cable, sold separately. Posted by jlewin at 08:01 AM | Comments (3) February 22, 2005Podcasting Expands Internet Radio Network's Reach to 100,000 Listeners a DayEnigma Radio Network's podcasting division has helped push their network reach to over 100,000 MP3 downloads per day. The network began broadcasting in August of 2004 with a weekly update from author Kathleen Keating. Keating is a frequent guest and commentator on radio programs and has hosted several radio shows in the past. It added The Enigma Files, a weekly, hour-long show featuring Keating and guests in December 2004. The network started podcasting in February 2005. The addition of the shows to many popular podcasting directories brought in even more listeners. "No one should be force-fed programming," notes Keating. "People have the right to listen to what they want - when they want it." Posted by jlewin at 06:58 PM | Comments (0) February 20, 2005Podcasting News Announces iPod shuffle Giveaway
Podcasting News is giving away an iPod shuffle 512mb to thank people for contributing to the Podcast Directory, the only major podcast directory that lets you add and edit your own links. To participate, podcasters and podcast fans just add a podcast to the Podcast Directory between now and March 19th, 2005. Up to ten podcasts per user will qualify. The winner will be selected randomly from podcast links added between Feb 19th & March 19th, 2005. Free iPod shuffle Contest Details Posted by jlewin at 10:10 AM | Comments (3) New Podcast Hosting Service Offers Unlimited Bandwidth
Liberated Syndication offers hosting with unlimited bandwidth and an intuitive user interface for managing RSS feeds and blogs. Webmayhem Internet Development started planning for LibSyn in October of last year. The EMayhem Radio Podcast moved its hosting to Libysn as the first beta tester on November 22nd, and LibSyn saw their first customer on December 1st. Liberated Syndication charges for storage, not bandwidth, eliminating some of the obstacles plaguing users of this emerging technology. According to LibSyn’s Dave Mansueto, “We love Podcasting and we eat our own dog food.” The LibSyn service features a simple user interface that creates an iPodder-compliant RSS 2.0 feed. It also creates a customizable weblog and provides space to host and manage the user’s media files, uploaded via web or ftp. The service starts at $5/month. There are many additional features for podcasters, as well. LibSyn’s ‘Quickcast’ option automatically creates a Podcast upon upload, and populates the user's blog based on id3 tags. The ‘SplitFeed’ technology creates an all encompassing RSS 2.0 feed, as well as specialized feeds for user-created categories. Liberated Syndication also offers DNS support. Posted by jlewin at 10:07 AM | Comments (0) Podcast Doubles NPR Show's Online AudienceCyberJournalist.net reports that podcasting has doubled the number of online listeners WNYC's On the Media reaches, in just four weeks. On the Media, WNYC's nationally-broadcast NPR media analysis show, now has a podcast audience that rivals the number of individuals that listen to the program in a mid-sized media market like St. Louis or Kansas City. WNYC announced today that it will begin podcasting its first local program. Beginning Monday, March 7, select interviews from The Leonard Lopate Show will be made available as podcasts. "Podcasting is a remarkable boon for local radio broadcasts," said Phil Redo, VP of Station Operations and Strategy, in a statement. "This easy-to-access, easy-to-use technology allows local programming to transcend the limitations of both traditional radio and online streaming, by allowing users to plug into great programming from far-flung places, anytime, anywhere." Posted by jlewin at 09:52 AM | Comments (0) February 18, 2005FeedDemon Takes On PodcastingFeedDemon 1.5 has added podcasting tools that let users download audio files and automatically copy them to an iPod or other media player. The bundled FeedStation utility can be used to schedule downloads so they happen overnight. When FeedDemon encounters an enclosure, it displays a small paper clip icon in the news item list. When the mouse is hovered over an enclosure icon, the cursor turns into a hand to let you know you can click to download the enclosure.
New Features: * Podcasting tools to download & sync audio files The upgrade to version 1.5 is free to registered users. Posted by jlewin at 08:21 AM | Comments (0) New Podcast Production Services Firm LaunchesPodcaster Carl Franklin has launched Pwop Productions, a podcast production services company. Franklin is the producer and host of a podcast called .NET Rocks!, an interview-style talk show for Microsoft .NET Software Developers. The show has been produced weekly since January, 2004 and bi-weekly before that since August, 2002. Although the technology is primarily used by hobbyist broadcasters who produce home-grown radio shows, Franklin sees podcasting as a medium with real business value. "Podcasting was born out of the blogging community, so naturally the podcasts of the day sound like audio weblogs. But there are a few companies, public radio stations, and academic institutions who are embracing podcasting as a way to keep in touch with their customers and partners in a more personal way", Franklin said. Podcasting is the new technology by which consumers subscribe to digital audio content over the Internet. Content is automatically downloaded to the consumer's computer and onto an iPod or other portable audio device for later listening. Pwop Productions provides podcasting services such as local and remote recording, audio editing and production, custom royalty-free music, transcription, RSS feeds, web development and hosting, and graphic design. One of Pwop Productions' newest customers is Microsoft's MSDN Academic Alliance (msdn.microsoft.com/academic). The MSDN Academic Alliance will be providing a monthly podcast to schools and colleges to utilize in their academic programs. Posted by jlewin at 08:13 AM | Comments (0) February 16, 2005Palegroove Studios - First Bricks & Mortar Podcast StudioPalegroove Studios today announced the opening of a “bricks and mortar” podcast production studio, the first of its kind in the United States. The company has set up the first physical one-stop shop for those interested in creating a podcast. Palegroove Studios provides on-site technology, equipment, space, and know-how for anyone and any company to develop a regular podcast show. “Palegroove Studios’ business plan is to help technology novices utilize this exciting new technology, and build a roster of podcast shows that help populate the podcast world,” said Kristopher Smith, President of Palegroove Studios. “The more podcast shows available to consumers, the better. We are already working with lawyers, rock bands, industry associations, and others to develop custom podcast shows for their own target audiences.” The studio’s staff can consult clients on show content, format, and musical accompaniment. A studio engineer is available to record, edit, and master shows. The engineer can also encode the show to mp3 format and uploaded it a web server. The studio has portable production equipment available, so it can make “house calls” and turn any office or room into a temporary podcast studio. Posted by jlewin at 06:33 PM | Comments (0) Portable Media Player Audience Balloons to 22 Million
A recent poll of Internet users by Pew/Internet found that 11% of American adults have iPods or other MP3 players. Pew suggests that there are several million more MP3 players owned by teens, who were not surveyed. Pew found that men are more likely to have iPods/MP3 players than women. Some 14% of men have the players, compared to 9% of women. Almost one in five (19%) of those under age 30 have iPods/MP3 players. Fully 14% of those ages 30-39 have them; and 14% of younger Baby Boomers (ages 40-48) have them. iPods/MP3 players are gadgets for the upscale. Fully a quarter (24%) of those who live in households earning more than $75,000 have them; 10% of those living in households earning $30,000 to $75,000 have them and 6% of those living in households earning less than $30,000 have them. Those who use the internet are four times as likely as non-internet users to have iPods/MP3 players, probably because internet users can get much of the music they enjoy online. Fully 15% of internet users have iPods/MP3 players, compared to 4% of non-internet users. And the more advanced the internet user, the more likely it is that he has an iPod/MP3 player. Those with six years or more of internet experience are twice as likely to have them as those who are relative internet newbies (those with less than three years experience). Broadband access is strongly associated with ownership of iPods/MP3 players. Some 23% of those with broadband at home have iPods/MP3 players, compared to 9% of those who have dialup connections. And those who have broadband access at home and at work, are the most likely of all to have iPods/MP3 players. Almost a third (31%) of those with broadband all around them have iPods/MP3 players. 16% of parents living with children under 18 in their home have iPods/MP3 players, compared to 9% of those who don’t have children living at home. The nationwide phone survey involved 2,201 people and has a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points. Posted by jlewin at 06:24 PM | Comments (0) February 15, 2005Podcast Network Open for BusinessMick Stanic and Cameron Reilly have announced that The Podcast Network is open for business. On the February 14th, the Network launched with The G'day World Podcast, The Gadget Show and The Mobiles Show. Additional shows are expected to launch over the coming weeks. Stanic and Reilly plan to provide podcasts that will cover a variety of interests that people have both in their personal lives and their business lives. Currently, listeners can subscribe to individual podcast feeds, but the Network plans to support personalised feeds that contain custom selections of shows. Posted by jlewin at 09:42 AM | Comments (0) Motorola Intros iTunes-Compatible Phone
The E1060 delivers has two integrated cameras. The VGA camera connects users to 2-way video conferences for face-to-face interaction and the 1.3 megapixel camera with 8x zoom captures special moments with pristine clarity. With class 2 Bluetooth wireless technology, users can seamlessly transfer information between your Motorola E1060 and a compatible PC, PDA or other compatible Bluetooth-enabled device. Features: The Motorola E1060 is expected to be available in the Q4 of 2005. Posted by jlewin at 09:28 AM | Comments (0) Separated at Birth?
The Innotek MP-A220 is a HDD-type player. Features: The device can decode tracks in MP3/WMA/OGG formats, and encode MP3s at a variety of bit-rates, from 64 to 1902 bps. Posted by jlewin at 09:17 AM | Comments (0) February 14, 2005PubCast 2005 UpdatePlans have been announced for PubCast 2005, a gathering of podcasters planned for June 3 & 4 in Minneapolis, MN. The event is presented by Podcasting World, WineCast and Absolute Net Radio, and will give podcasters an opportunity to meet and network. The conference will have four one-hour BloggerCon style sessions on Saturday afternoon. The session topics will be: Schedule: Friday, June 3 Saturday, June 4 For more information, visit the PodcastingWorld site. Posted by jlewin at 07:43 AM | Comments (0) February 13, 2005Podcastamatic 1.0 ReleasedKenward Bradley has released version 1.0 of Podcastamatic, a PERL-based tool for automating the creation of webpages and feeds for podcasts based on MP3 tags. A webpage can either be automatically generated from scratch or generated from a template you create. An RSS feed is an XML file that is required to be listed in most popular podcast directories. Version 1.0 is now easier to get started with and more customizable. For more information or to download, visit the Podcastamatic site. Posted by jlewin at 08:01 AM | Comments (0) February 11, 2005Etymotic Earphones available for iPOD
Etymotic’s earphones are designed to be inserted inside the actual ear canal. The airtight seal created by the earphone’s custom-designed “ear tips” allows highly-focused sound waves to reach the ear drums and the bass response does not dissipate. Limited edition model ER-6i isolator earphones are designed specifically for use with the Apple iPod and other small portable players, offering 8 dB higher overall sensitivity and slightly more bass than the ER-6 isolator earphones. The earphones can be used with MP3, CD, DVD players and personal computers. Because they are so compact, these Limited Edition 6i earphones are perfect for business travelers, workouts at the gym and any other application where small size and isolation from external noise are required. Any Apple iPod owner will appreciate the enhanced sound quality these unique new earphones can provide. For more information about the E-6i earphones, see the product specificiations on the Etymotic website. The UK distributor for the Etymotic E-6i earphones is mobile device and accessory supplier, Widget UK Posted by elisabeth at 12:30 AM | Comments (1) New Plantronics headphones let users multitask with iPod and mobile phonesPlantronics, longtime maker of lightweight headphones, unveiled its new MX100-s model this week. This dual purpose phone headset/stereo headphone device features two connectors: one jacks into your iPod or other MP3 player; the other connects to your mobile phone. "People want to be able to listen to music, but still receive an important phone call," said Dean Hovey, vice president and general manager of mobile and entertainment markets for Plantronics. "Now, someone can listen to their iPod and easily answer an incoming call via a simple switch on the headset cord." With this new headset, users can answer a phone call while listening to their iPod. To switch between music and phone, customers simply flip a switch on the headset cord. One volume control adjusts sound for both devices. Plantronics expects that the secure fit and versatility offered by the MX100-s will be popular among active consumers, such as those who like to skateboard, exercise or simply walk while listening to music and keeping in touch with friends by phone. The MX100-s works with the Apple iPod, other MP3 players and most headset-ready mobile phones, including models from Motorola, LG, Audiovox and Kyocera. Adapters for most popular Nokia and Sony Ericsson mobile phones are available free; see the inside of the MX100-s' package for details. The MX100-s has a suggested retail price of $39.99 and is available at Apple Stores, Apple.com and other retail outlets where iPods are featured. For more information, see the Plantronics website. Posted by elisabeth at 12:11 AM | Comments (1) February 10, 2005Cerado Introduces Competitive Intelligence Services Via Podcasting
While "spycasting" may bring with it images of iPods that self-destruct, the technology has mainstream business applications. Delivering competitive intelligence via podcasts lets business people, and sales and marketing teams in particular, receive and listen to customized competitive information while in the car, while traveling, or anywhere else a portable audio player can be used. Using podcasting also makes it possible for updates to be delivered rapidly to everyone that needs them. Secure delivery is configured based on customer needs and infrastructure. Several options are available: 1) Both the feed and the content (enclosures) can be set upup on a secure place within the customer's network. The podcast is at an address that is only accessible if one is tunnelled in. 2) Set up a secure feed that is accessible from anywhere, but keep 3) Deliver the content (enclosures) using email. Use newsfeeds just for notification. Posted by jlewin at 06:27 AM | Comments (0) February 09, 2005Dorada Intros Windows Podcast ClientDorada Software has introduced RSSRadio, a Windows podcasting client. RSSRadio is designed with the goal of making podcasting easy to use, while still providing options for power users. Features: Easy of use - feeds and enclosures all described by titles, descriptions and dates rather than filenames and url's Full integration with iTunes Ability to run custom commands once new files are downloaded Playlist, Genre and Track numbers can be overriden to allow easy organisation in iTunes Posted by jlewin at 12:28 PM | Comments (0) February 08, 2005New Windows Podcast ClientLance Robinson has announced Primetime Podcast Receiver, a new Windows podcast client. It's designed to make keeping up-to-date on the latest and greatest podcast feeds effortless. The Primetime Podcast Receiver will sleep silently in the background while you work, and wake up to sync podcasts on a schedule you set. The program maintains a library of previously downloaded podcasts, sortable by the feed from which they originated or by download date. Catch-Up lets you select a configurable number of non-downloaded podcasts as read, for extended away circumstances. It has an integrated viewer that supports audio podcasts, and even lets you view video podcasts. You can bookmark podcasts, letting you return to a bookmarked location at the click of a button. Posted by jlewin at 11:28 PM | Comments (0) ASCAP Posts Podcasting Licensing Agreements for MusicASCAP has announced two new versions of its Internet license agreements for music: "Non-Interactive 5.0" of the non-interactive sites and services agreement; and "Interactive 2.0" of the interactive sites and services agreement. NON-INTERACTIVE 5.0 The ASCAP Experimental License Agreement for Internet Sites & Services - Release 5.0 was designed for sites and services that perform ASCAP music in a non-interactive manner. "Non-interactive" means that users cannot select individual songs or posted song collections unless the performance is not more than sixty (60) seconds in duration. ASCAP makes specific note of podcasting in the license: Examples of non-interactive music uses that qualify for Release 5.0 include...Radio broadcasts or pod-casts that do not offer a play-list, program guide, and do not make advance lists of the songs contained in the programs available prior to their transmission. INTERACTIVE 2.0 The ASCAP Experimental License Agreement for Interactive Sites & Services - Release 2.0 was designed for sites and services that permit their users to select particular songs or pre-posted song programs, such as an album or set list. Podcasts with an advance set list would fall into this category. ASCAP's Minimum Annual Fees are: For more information, see the ASCAP Licenses Posted by jlewin at 09:33 AM | Comments (5) Video Intro to PodcastingLisa Williams has put together a fun intro to podcasting: 4 Minutes About Podcasting. It compares podcasting to the hippy movement, and is full of witty lines, like: "Podcasting is a space suit for the toxic media atmosphere of our planet." The video is available at William's Learning the Lessons of Nixon site. Posted by jlewin at 07:27 AM | Comments (0) February 07, 2005Doppler Updated to 2.0
New features: For more information, visit the Doppler Radio site. Posted by jlewin at 12:15 AM | Comments (1) February 04, 2005Playstation Portable Plays Music, Video
The PSP is a portable entertainment system designed for games, music, movies, communication, and wireless networking. Featuring graphics rendering capabilities comparable to the company's leading in-home console, PlayStation2, the PSP lets users enjoy 3D games, with high-quality, full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. PSP also allows for digital photo display and supports digital music playback in both MP3 and ATRAC formats. "PSP will evolve and elevate portable entertainment, giving users the freedom to play full 3D games, watch movies, listen to music and connect wirelessly on their terms, their time and their place," said Sony's Kaz Hirai. PSP features an unmatched 4.3-inch, 16:9 wide screen TFT LCD that displays full color (16.77 million colors) on a 480 x 272 pixel high-resolution screen. The PSP also has built-in stereo speakers, exterior headphone connector and diverse input/output connectors such as USB 2.0, and 802.11b (Wi-Fi) wireless LAN, enabling users to connect to the Internet and play online via a wireless network. Up to 16 PSPs in the vicinity can also be connected to each other directly in ad-hoc mode, allowing for wireless head-to-head competition. Wireless capabilities will allow software and data to be downloaded to a PSP and saved onto a Memory Stick Duo. PSP also adopts a newly developed proprietary, compact, but high-capacity optical disc, Universal Media Disc (UMD™), as its storage medium. UMD is the next-generation compact storage media, only 60mm in diameter but can store up to 1.8GB of digital data more than three times the data held on a CD-ROM. A broad range of digital entertainment content such as high quality 3D games, music, movies, video clips and other programs can be distributed on UMD. To protect this content, a robust copyright protection system has been developed for UMD, which utilizes a combination of a unique disc ID, 128 bit AES encryption keys for the media, and individual ID for each PSP hardware unit. The PSP Value Pack will have a package of accessories and entertainment content, including a 32 MB Memory Stick Duo, headphones with remote control, battery pack, AC adaptor, soft case and cleaning cloth, movie/music/game video sampler UMD disc including multiple non-interactive game demos, and for the first one million PSP Value Packs shipped, a special UMD video release of the feature film Spider-Man 2 from Sony Pictures Entertainment. Available March 24, the PSP Value Pack will have a suggested retail price of $249.99 U.S/$299.99 CND. Posted by jlewin at 09:50 AM | Comments (0) New Mac Podcast Client AnnouncedPodcastTuner.com has announced a new podcasting client for the Mac, Podcast Tuner. The first public alpha release is expected by February 8th. Features: * One-click subscribe to podcasts The application is programmed in Cocoa, so it should run quickly on Mac OS X. By making it platform specific, it has the potential to be a more attractive and user-friendly application. For more info, check the Podcast Tuner site. Posted by jlewin at 08:28 AM | Comments (0) February 03, 2005Jambalaya Introduces Streaming Audio Recorder
“It records anything you can play through your PC,” says Jambalaya's Gene Schenberg. “If you want to listen and record from one of the 8000 stations already in the database, you’re just one click away. If you subscribe to a service, Audio Xtract Pro offers a Music Services mode that records from any music source out there.” Using Audio Xtract is just like using a VCR or TiVo, giving you the flexibility to record now, and listen later. And because you can record up to 8 streams at once, it doesn’t take long to fill even the largest MP3 players, without any fees. Audio Xtract Professional Edition unique is the only software solution to offer 8000 stations that you can play and record in Auto Recording mode, plus the capability to record literally any streamed music—whatever the source—using the powerful Music Services mode. Posted by jlewin at 09:57 AM | Comments (2) February 02, 2005Indian Company Announces Podcasting Transcription ServiceTech-Synergy has introduced a podcasting transcription service. The company specializes in Voice Transcription Solutions for various businesses, including Medical, Legal, general business, Universities and the Entertainment industry. After an initial transcript is prepared, a proofreader listens to the entire file and reads the transcript word for word, correcting any typos, unclear words, errors or omissions. The resulting file is proof-read again by a senior proof-reader before it's finalized. The service deliver transcripts in a variety of formats, including doc, text, pdf. Transcripts can be delivered via email, secure web-site and CD-Rom. Transcripts can be made from audio/video cassette, CDs, DVDs and digital files including avi, mov, MP3, AAC and WAV format. Tech-Synergy is offering a free pilot project to help companies evaluate their service. For more information, check the Tech-Synergy site. Posted by jlewin at 03:05 PM | Comments (0) Apple Could Ship 22.5 M iPods In FY 2006
Prudential said that it expects that additional new products not included in their estimates will garner even more positive press and generate greater sales. These products include a flash-based iPod, and what they call a "headless iMac." Prudential raised the first-quarter estimate to earnings of 53 cents per share on revenue of $3.25 billion, from earnings of 50 cents per share on revenue of $3.03 billion. The firm expects fiscal 2005 earnings of $1.65 per share on revenue of $11.8 billion, and fiscal 2006 earnings of $2.20 per share on revenue of $14.2 billion. The firm raised the first-quarter estimated iPod shipments to 4.25 million units from 3.35 million units. It sees shipments of 15.0 million iPod units and 22.5 million units in fiscal 2005 and 2006, respectively. Posted by elisabeth at 12:17 PM | Comments (0) Otter announces oPod mini Case
Colorado-based Otter Products, LLC. announced the expansion of the iPod case line with the oPod mini, engineered exclusively for Apple iPod mini users. The fully waterproof, interactive case allows digital music enthusiasts access to controls through a durable, yet compact design providing added versatility for active lifestyles. "With the expansion of the Otterbox Apple MP3 line, Otter Products offers a full range of products to consumers," said Curt Richardson, CEO of Otter Products, LLC. "The oPod product line allows users to protect their Apple iPod mini from harm and carry their music virtually anywhere." In 2004, Otter Products, released iPod 3rd and 4th Generation cases and now with the introduction of the oPod mini, customers can take their iPod mini to the beach, gym, hiking, canoeing or other activities without fear of ruining their valuable device. The oPod mini retails for $49.95. "The new case incorporates many improvements that our original oPod users asked for," said Brian Thomas, Director of Sales and Marketing for Otter Products. "The oPod mini is completely waterproof, has an easy to read through screen, is useable with any headphones, and incorporates cable management on the belt clip for headphones." Customers can also use the oPod mini's optional armband to listen to their favorite tunes as well as still access iPod mini controls through a clear membrane. Plus, with its transparent design, the oPod mini allows the color of the iPod mini to show through. "Numerous iPod mini users are restricted on where they take their digital music players because they worry about damaging their valuable equipment, not to mention losing their favorite tunes," Thomas said. "The oPod mini allows users to become mobile and fully protects valuable iPod mini devices." So for iPod users who are still taking their digital music players to the beach in plastic bags for protection, there's a better way to safeguard against environmental hazards with a comprehensive line of iPod protection cases from Otter Products. Otter Products, founded in 1996, has an exclusive collection line of rugged cases for technology devices including the Tablet PC, Apple iPod, and two other models of handheld computer cases to fit any customer's needs. Posted by elisabeth at 12:08 PM | Comments (0) iPods Represent Shift From Mass Media to Personalized Media
"This is all part of the shift from mass media to personalized media," says Paul Saffo, research director of The Institute for the Future, a tech think tank in Palo Alto, Calif. "With the iPod, the Buddha is in the details. The finish and feel are such that you want to caress it. "And when you do, wonderful things happen." Interviews with owners of various ages tell the same unsolicited tale. They shun today's radio programming (too much talk, not enough good songs) and resent buying CDs that are full of songs they don't want (they gladly spend 99 cents a song at Apple's iTunes online music store, where 1.2 million songs are snapped up daily). "This is no fad — the iPod has changed my life," says Andrea Kozek, 29, a health care professional from Milwaukee and owner of, yes, My Precious. Posted by jlewin at 08:41 AM | Comments (3) iPods Contraband on Microsoft Campus
"About 80 percent of Microsoft employees who have a portable music player have an iPod," said one source, a high-level manager who asked to remain anonymous. "It's pretty staggering." "This irks the management team no end," said the source. So popular is the iPod, executives are increasingly sending out memos frowning on its use. So concerned is management, owning an iPod at Microsoft is beginning to become impolitic, the manager said. Employees are hiding their iPods by swapping the telltale white headphones for a less conspicuous pair. How "stealth" varies from division to division. At the company's Macintosh Business Unit, which publishes a wide range of software for the Mac, owning an iPod is almost de rigueur. But at the Windows Digital Media Group, which is charged with software for portable players and the WMA format, using an iPod is not a good career move. "In the media group they all smoke the company dope on that one," the manager said. Posted by jlewin at 08:34 AM | Comments (0) February 01, 2005Australian Triple J network's "Hack" program begins podcastsHack is a radio program on Australia's TripleJ radio station that covers stories of interest to young adults. A sampling of recent program topics ranged from how advertisers market their wares to young people, to finding an apartment roommate, from obesity to sexual violence. While the shows originate in Australia, the topics are of interest to young people everywhere. Shows range in length from five minutes to about half an hour (from 2 MB to 13 MB). Triple J is an Australian radio station that, thanks to 80 transmitters, broadcasts news, information and music to 95% percent of the country. Very much a youth-oriented station, Triple J also is a strong promoter of locally-grown music and is available elsewhere in the world by streaming online. Posted by elisabeth at 08:39 PM | Comments (0) Skype Introduced for Mac OS X and Linux
Skype for Mac OS X and Skype for Linux software includes free Skype to Skype calling and conference calling for up to 5 participants, cross-platform communications, rich presence and personalization features, and the pre-pay SkypeOut service, allowing users to call any landline or mobile worldwide for the price of a local call. "We encourage all Mac OS X and Linux users to experience the cost and quality gains with version 1.0 Skype software," said Niklas Zennström, Skype CEO and co-founder. "We thank all those who downloaded the beta products as we were developing; your support has been fantastic. We will remain committed to innovation and will continue to expand platform choice." Skype is the leading VOIP-category product worldwide, with more than 23 million registered users, and more than 130,000 new users per day. Skype products for Linux, Mac OS X, Windows and Pocket PC platforms are free and available for download at www.skype.com. Posted by jlewin at 11:11 AM | Comments (0) FeedPod Translates Blog Text to PodcastsFeedPod 0.2, a text-to-speech RSS1, RSS2, and ATOM 0.3 syndication feed reader, has been released. FeedPod can play a feed over the Web using HTTP streaming and a ShoutCast-style playlist, or generate a Podcast feed for syncing to your portable MP3 player. About FeedPod FeedPod is a Text-To-Speech RSS/ATOM Newsfeed reader. FeedPod generates PodCasting feeds, suitable for automatically downloading onto a portable MP3 player. PodCasting is a new standard for TiVo-like delivery of audio content for portable players, like the Apple iPod. It uses RSS 2.0 with MP3 enclosures to publicize content. You can find more information about PodCasting at PodCastAlley.com In addition to PodCasting, you can use FeedPod to HTTP stream MP3s of a PodCast via a shoutcast playlist generated by the server, for listening at your desktop. Posted by jlewin at 08:53 AM | Comments (1) Podcastamatic UpdatedPodcastamatic has been updated to v0.3. This new version introduces HTML templates, new customizable options and has several bug fixes. About Podcastamatic Podcastamatic automates the creation of a webpage and a RSS feed for your podcast, based on MP3 tags. Webpage can either be automatically generated from scratch or generated from a template you create. RSS feed: XML file that is required to be listed in most popular podcast directories. Podcastamatic is highly customizable. Posted by jlewin at 08:49 AM | Comments (0) |
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Copyright 2004-5 Podcasting News
Apple has updated its iPod photo lineup by introducing a new 30GB model, holding up to 7,500 songs, for just $349 and a new 60GB model, holding up to 15,000 songs, for $449.
Apple has introduced the second generation iPod mini lineup, with a new 4GB model priced at just $199 and a new 6GB model with 50 percent more storage priced at $249. Both iPod mini models feature increased battery life of up to 18 hours, USB charging and a portable, lightweight design available in four vibrant colors.
Podcast News has announced that it is offering podcasters and podcast listeners a unique opportunity to win an iPod shuffle.
Liberated Syndication (LibSyn) has announced a new podcast hosting service that it describes as "Podcasting Made Easy."
About one in ten American adults now use a portable MP3 player, pushing the potential audience for podcasts up to over 22 million in the US alone. 
Motorola has announced the Motorola E1060 cell phone, a multi-function phone that includes a 1.3 megapixel digital camera, MP3 player and Bluetooth wireless support.
The latest entry in the MP3 player market has a familiar look about it.
Cerado, a California company that provides competitive intelligence for businesses, has announced that it is now delivering this information in audio form, using the MP3 format made popular by portable music players such as the iPod. Cerado says it is the first company to use podcasting to deliver competitive information. 
Doppler Version 2.0, a Windows podcasting client, has been released. The new version features full multi-threaded simultaneous downloads, the ability to resume downloads, and new features for organizing downloads.
Sony has announced the North American launch details for its PSP (PlayStation Portable) handheld entertainment system. 
Jambalaya has introduced Audio Xtract Professional Edition, an application that lets users record streaming music and take it with them. The program automatically splits the stream into MP3 files, and tags them with artist name, song title and genre.
Skype has announced the availability of Skype for Mac OS X Version 1.0 and Skype for Linux Version 1.0, enabling high-quality voice calling via the Internet for multiple computer platforms. Skype has also become popular as a tool for recording conversations among podcasters.