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 « July 2005 | Main | September 2005 » August 31, 2005BlogMatrix UpgradedBlogMatrix has introduced version 6 of its blogging platform. New features include a tagging directory for podcasts, iTunes publishing, support for XHTML, Yahoo's Media RSS and microformats, and ping support for popular podcast and blogging directories. "The new look and feel is friendlier and the functionality is richer," states David Janes, founder of BlogMatrix. "For the subscriber, the new features will make it easier to organize media files and to get them out to your desired audience, whether that is a select group or the public at large," says Janes. "The end user benefit is in the ease of subscription, download and search." BlogMatrix has also announced its service options: * Free: 15 Mb active (maximum of 4 uploads per day) Details are available at the BlogMatrix site. Posted by jlewin at 03:01 AM | Comments (0) Skylook Skype Add-on UpdatedSkylook, a new application that makes it easy for users of Microsoft Outlook to record Skype voice conversations, has been updated. Version 1.0.2 features several new features along with bug fixes. New Features Bug Fixes The new version is a free upgrade for Skylook 1.0.1 users. Source: Skylook Posted by jlewin at 02:44 AM | Comments (0) LearnOutLoud Launches Educational Podcast Directory
The directory contains podcasts for people interested in learning about business, politics, science, technology and dozens of other subjects. All podcasts have been hand-picked to ensure quality of content and production. "Most other podcast directories have several thousand podcasts while we have several hundred," said LearnOutLoud.com CEO and Founder Jon Bischke. "We feel that's an important point of differentiation for us. People are busier than ever and we wanted to give them an easy way to find the cream of the crop when it comes to podcasts you can learn from. We feel that we've accomplished this with our directory." Features of LearnOutLoud.com's podcast directory include 1-click subscriptions through Apple iTunes, the ability to listen to podcasts via streaming audio, hundreds of user-generated ratings and reviews and the inclusion of RSS feeds that allow users to easily download past episodes of a podcast. "We've tried to make the process of finding and listening to podcasts as user-friendly as possible," commented Bischke. "Whether you've been listening to podcasts for months or have yet to listen to your first podcast, we think you'll find that our directory will meet your needs." Source: LearnOutLoud.com Posted by jlewin at 02:34 AM | Comments (0) Linux Music Player Features Podcast SupportamaroK is a music player for Linux and Unix with an easy-to-use interface. It includes podcast support, including live streaming and download capabilities.
Highlights:
* Wikipedia artist lookup, a revolutionary feature providing information from the free online encyclopedia. Source: amaroK Posted by jlewin at 01:53 AM | Comments (0) New Site Offers Podcasters User-Friendly Subscription ServicePodStereo offers podcasters a free service for simplifying the process of subscribing to podcasts. The site is "about making it simple to subscribe and listen to podcasts. No downloaded feed-reader programs required. Create an account, login, and listen... all in one place." The site is designed for online subscription and listening to episodes, without the need to download software or podcasts. Source: PodStereo Posted by jlewin at 12:44 AM | Comments (0) Podcasting News Featured in NJ Podcaster NewsletterNJ Podcasters should look for Podcasters Anonymous, the newsletter of the New Jersey Podcasters Association. It features stories about podcasters in New Jersey, association news and more. The Association welcomes all podcasters, wannabe podcasters, and podcast listeners from the Garden State. Meetings are informal and discussions are wide-ranging. Information on meetings is available at the New Jersey Podcasters Association site. Also featured in the newsletter are highlights from the Podcasting News site.
Podcasting user groups are welcome to feature stories from Podcasting News in newsletters or other publications. Contact Podcasting News for more information. Posted by jlewin at 12:10 AM | Comments (0) August 30, 2005Podshow Network's Music License a Time Bomb for Podcasters?
The PodSafe Music Network is an independent online community that connects artists, podcasters and listeners. It provides tools for musicians to make music available for use in podcasts. Chief among podcasters' concerns are limits on what can be discussed in podcasts that use music from the network, and the network's ability to restrict, at any time, podcasters' rights to distribute works that use the music. The Producer Terms of Use limit subject matter that can be discussed in podcasts that use the network's music:
8. You agree that a Broadcast or Music Podcast will not: "This is pretty nuts," says boingboing's Cory Doctorow. "Since when does the guy who provides the music to the radio station get to dictate what you're allowed to talk about? Is the price of commercial music in a PodCast that you have to yield unlimited, arbitrary editorial control to a music label?" The Terms also specify that Podshow can restrict podcasters rights to distribute podcasts based on Podshow Network music at anytime: Either party can terminate this relationship at any time, at which point you shall no longer have access to Works. Any materials which you have created in accordance with these Terms of Use may continue to be used by persons who received them, but no further distribution of said materials can be made. Further, any materials created that violate these Terms of Use must be destroyed immediately. Todd Cochrane, host of the Geek News Central podcast and author of the first book on podcasting calls Podshow's terms "ridiculous," and warns "Podcasters Beware!" "Since when is talking about these issues illegal?" asks Cochrane. "If that's the deal, count me out," adds Doctorow. "I'll go on listening to podcasts with CC-licensed music in them." Posted by jlewin at 05:55 PM | Comments (2) Digiana Intros iTube FM TransmitterDigiana has introduced the Audia X iTube FM Transmitter for the iPod shuffle. The iTube is an FM transmitter with a built-in charger and dock for using an iPod shuffle in cars.
The iTube plugs into a car's cigarette lighter outlet while an iPod shuffle connects via a USB plug. The iTube’s FM transmitter offers a full frequency range (88.1MHz - 107.9MHz), blue backlit LCD, and a 4 channel preset memory. Pricing for the iTube will be $44.99, and the anticipated shipping date is September 19. Posted by jlewin at 05:44 PM | Comments (0) Public Service Announcement Available to Aid Hurricane Katrina Victims
Earlier today, podcaster Wichita Rutherford challenged podcasters to podcast for hurricane victims. "This terrible storm that ravaged the Mississippi and Louisiana coastlines leaves many Americans without homes, food and other necesarry items and they need our help," notes Pod Shack's Mike Gould. "There was already a call for podcasters to mention something about the tragedy, we have made it easier for podcasters to get the message out by providing this short 30-second public service announcement in their casts." Podcasters can find out more about the PSA and download it from the Pod Shack site. Podcasters may also want to include information about the Red Cross in their blogs or show notes: American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/ Posted by jlewin at 12:26 AM | Comments (0) August 29, 2005iPod Claims a Victim; Second on Life-Support
D&M, maker of the Rio line of digital audio players, has announced that it is quitting the market, saying that the Rio line was a drag on its bottom line. "The mass-market portable digital audio player market was not a strong enough strategic fit with the company's core and profitable premium consumer electronics brands to warrant additional investment in the category," said D&M in a statement. According to a report at Bloomberg.com, the Rio contributed the bulk of D&M's 1.04 billion operating loss in the quarter ended June 30. Meanwhile, Creative Technology, maker of the MuVo and Zen brands of MP3 players, is "reeling from losses in the MP3 player market." Creative reported a fourth quarter loss, its first in three years, after a challenge to the popular Apple iPod music player backfired. In November, Chief Executive Sim Wong Hoo announced an a $100 million global marketing campaign, and said he expected to have 40% of the global market for MP3 players this year. Analysts expect Creative to only have about 14% market share for 2005. Posted by jlewin at 11:56 PM | Comments (0) Apple Plans Major Release for September 7
"1000 songs in your pocket changed everything." notes the invitation. "Here we go again." Speculation on what Apple is announcing has ranged from an iPod with video support to a flash-based iPod mini to the much-hyped Motorola iPod phone. Motorola CEO Ed Zander recently said that their iTunes phone would be available before the end of September. According to a report in the NY Times (subscription), "Apple Computer and Motorola plan to unveil a long-awaited mobile phone and music player next week that will incorporate Apple's iTunes software." Warner, EMI, Vivendi Universal and Sony BMG have reportedly been approached about licensing of music videos, which has led to speculation that Apple will be announcing an iPod with video support. Analysts have also recently speculated that Apple plans to move to flash-based memory for iPod minis. With Apple's reputation for secrecy, it's anybody's guess. Perhaps Apple has signed a deal to harness charge iPods with hamster power. Posted by jlewin at 11:37 PM | Comments (0) Apple to Compensate iPod Owners for Bad Batteries
The settlement is in response to litigation that claimed that " the Apple iPod Digital Music Player (“iPod”) did not have the battery life represented and/or that the battery's capacity to take and hold a charge substantially diminished over time." People wishing to file a claim must have their paperwork postmarked by September 30. For extended warranty service on third-generation iPods, buyers have until September 30 or two years from the date they bought the iPod, whichever is later. Claim forms can be downloaded from the Apple iPod Settlement site. Posted by jlewin at 11:28 PM | Comments (0) GarageBand to Add Podcasting Support?An article in Harvard Business School's Working Knowledge speculates that Apple is likely to add podcasting support to GarageBand. "Apple has announced plans to support popular, prerecorded radio shows called podcasts on iTunes," notes author John Boddie. "We expect GarageBand to follow with podcast-editing tools." GarageBand is already a top pick among Mac podcasters for recording podcasts. It would be an excellent tool for recording, editing and mixing podcasts if some holes in its capabilities were filled. Many podcasters would like to see simple tools for optimizing sound levels, support for exporting MP3 files and the ability to add meta-data within GarageBand, among other features. "Apple has also received multiple requests to release, through its iTunes service, new music that can be edited using GarageBand," notes Boddie. "If Apple decides to go this route, we can expect another round of explosive, new-market growth in desktop studio production, no doubt handled with the same savvy attention to marketing, design, and ease of use that the company has recently displayed." Posted by jlewin at 10:37 PM | Comments (0) Purdue Plans Academic PodcastsThis year at Purdue University, students won't just be listening to the latest tunes on their MP3 players. Students also will be using the devices to replay class lectures. "Many universities are experimenting with podcasting, but I'm not aware of any other university that is deploying a podcasting service on the scale that we are," says Michael Gay, manager of Broadcast Networks & Services for Information Technology at Purdue. "As far as I know, we are the only university that is offering both streaming and podcasting of lectures in this manner as a central university service." Students and faculty will be able to listen to podcasts of some large lectures on campus beginning immediately. Any faculty member can request that their course be available via the podcasting service, which is called BoilerCast. "Once the students have this set up, they don't have to revisit the Web site to get the content," Gay says. "The most recent lectures of the courses they've subscribed to will be downloaded to their computer - and possibly to their media player - automatically." Justin Williams, a senior in computer technology at Purdue, says that he's been asking individual instructors to podcast their courses for the past year. "Having the audio of lectures and review sessions is a great way to complement the presentation slides many professors already offer," Williams says. "Being able to subscribe to the BoilerCast feed and have the new lectures automatically synchronized with my iPod sweetens the deal even more." BoilerCast audio content also can be streamed to a person's computer if they don't want to download a file. BoilerCast lectures have several advantages. Among them:
Although the potential exists for students to use the service to skip classes, Gay says that he doesn't expect this to be a problem. "Our experience has been that students who are going to skip class will come up with a reason to do so regardless. However, to put instructors' fears at ease, we will only BoilerCast a course if the instructor specifically requests the service," Gay says. Purdue has offered audio recordings of certain lectures since the early 1970s. However, students needed to go to the undergraduate library to check out cassette tapes. Gay says BoilerCast is more convenient than the previous service. "How many students even come to campus in 2005 with a cassette player?" he says. "Probably not very many." The university also is evaluating other uses of the BoilerCast service. One of the first uses outside of the classroom is by Purdue Libraries, which is using the BoilerCast service to deliver self-tours of undergraduate library resources. Source: Purdue University Posted by jlewin at 08:49 AM | Comments (0) Podcaster Challenges: Podcast for Hurricane VictimsWichita Rutherford is asking podcasters to create short podcasts to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. "Why don't we do this as the podcasting community. Let's all do 2 to 3 minute podcasts that will inspire people to give to the Red Cross or food banks or whatever organization they choose to help these folks who are gonna be without food, water, shelter, clothing, medicine and Lord knows what all else," suggests Rutherford. "This thing could get ugly quick. So if we went ahead and prepared, we'd be ready to do what we do best to help them." "There are lots of us now and I think we've got enough ears listening that might help make a difference to these people. Let's keep it simple and call it "Podcasting for Hurricane Victims". Let's not have a site to go to or anything for it, let's just put that phrase on our sites, and send listeners on to where they can help." Rutherford suggests some common elements to include: I'M PODCASTING FOR HURRICANE VICTIMS. Rutherford asks podcasters to "Do a short 1 to 2 minute podcast asking folks to help the same way. No joking around, no bad language. Just as serious as you can get with your delivery. Thank them, then sign off." Rutherford also says that you can send a copy of your podcast to him, and he'll put it in his Podcast for Hurricane Victims. You can contact Rutherford via the Contact link at 5MinutesWithWichita.com. Posted by jlewin at 08:36 AM | Comments (0) August 28, 2005SpeakerCraft Intros Music on Demand
MODE supports up to six multimedia devices through the SpeakerCraft "Having lived with an iPod since its introduction, I have always been thrilled with its ease of use and complete access to music and audio content," explains Jeremy Burkhardt, President of SpeakerCraft. "It is the music server of choice. MODE will now allow people to enjoy the iPod experience throughout their home with the same ease and convenience." MODE will be available starting in the fall of '05. Source: SpeakerCraft Posted by jlewin at 08:52 AM | Comments (0) August 27, 2005Apple to Sell 7.1 Million iPods this Quarter
"We have noticed very aggressive pricing, particularly on 4GB iPod minis", notes analyst Shaw Wu. "We believe part of the reason is that iPod inventories remain relatively high on an absolute basis and this aggressive promotion is to ensure sales in an otherwise slower consumer period." Wu also expects Apple to introduce flash-based minis this quarter. Source: MacWorld Posted by jlewin at 08:45 AM | Comments (0) Hamster Power Charges Mobile Devices
"Elvis is in his wheel for four or five hours a night, keeping my sister awake," he notes. "I thought it might as well do something good!" As part of his GCSE coursework, he created a device where he gets 30 minutes of talk time for every two minutes that his hamster Elvis goes for a spin. Source: BBC Posted by jlewin at 08:40 AM | Comments (0) August 26, 2005New Podcast, Video Podcast Hosting ServiceMyPodcasts.Net has launched a new podcast and video podcast hosting service. Hosting plans start as low as $2.00 per month and a free 30 day trial is available. Every account comes with an embedded flash streaming audio/video player that plays your mp3 or flash video content through your index page to allow visitors to listen or watch your content from your site before download. Plans: 25MB audio/video storage & unlimited transfer - $1.99 per month This low storage plan was designed for the podcaster who replaces or overwrites their podcast rather than storing a large number of files on the server. This is also the perfect plan for professional videographers who wish to put one flash streaming video clip in their directory and customize the background image for an elegant video presentation. For professional videographers this is the ultimate package to resell to clients. This plan will allow approximately 26 minutes of CD quality audio or 9 minutes of high quality flash streaming video. 500MB audio/video storage & unlimited transfer - $9.95 per month This plan was designed for the podcaster who needs extra storage space to archive previous podcasts. It is also for video podcasters who only have a few shows to archive online. 2GB audio/video storage & unlimited transfer - $19.95 per month This plan was designed to be the ultimate podcast hosting plan. Details: MyPodcasts.Net Posted by jlewin at 08:39 AM | Comments (1) Widget Intros Database-Driven Podcast App
Features: Upload MP3 and AAC Posted by jlewin at 08:28 AM | Comments (0) August 25, 2005Directory Site Intros Podcast Search Web ServiceDigital Podcast has announced the launch of the Digital Podcast Search Developer Network, a new resource that provides developers with access to web service application programming interfaces (APIs) to the company's podcast search. The service lets developers integrate Digital Podcast’s directory search capabilities directly into applications. This service allows remote keyword search of the podcast directory by relevance, listener subscription rate, ratings, visits, total user votes and date added. The service returns results in OPML and RSS formats. Digital Podcast has launched PodcastSearchService.com as a demonstration site for the Digital Podcast Search Service api. This new site lets users search for podcasts by keyword and select the sort order for the results. Digital Podcast is also releasing an open source Software Development Kit (SDK) for the service. The SDK provides BSD licensed code examples and libraries for accessing the Digital Podcast Search Service API. Digital Podcast has launched the open source Podcast Search SDK project to extend the SDK to PHP, Perl, Python, and Java environments. The Podcast Search SDK project can be found at SourceForge. Posted by jlewin at 07:47 PM | Comments (0) SIRIUS Intros a Wearable Satellite Radio
The S50 measures 1.9 by 3.9 inches and 0.7 inches thick, and includes a color display and voice-assisted channel navigation. When attached to a home dock, car dock or executive docking station, the S50 provides easy access to live content, and captures and stores both scheduled and unscheduled SIRIUS programming. This feature allows users to listen to SIRIUS' programming anywhere. The SIRIUS S50 stores content in a variety of formats for listening on the go, including "My SIRIUS Channels," "My SIRIUS Songs," "Scheduled Record," and "My Playlists."
The car and home kits utilize a rotary "SIRIUS Media Dial," which provides quick and easy access to content. Listeners can turn the knob to find their favorite SIRIUS channel, tilt to pause, rewind, fast-forward or save a favorite song or show. In addition, voice-assisted navigation tells the user what channel they've selected, eliminating the need for the user to take their eyes off the road while driving. The radio also includes 30 channel presets; a jump button for one-touch tuning to traffic and weather reports or to a favorite SIRIUS channel; a sports ticker that flashes personalized sports scores; and a "Game Alert" feature which prompts when the user's favorite NFL, NHL, NBA, or other sports teams are playing on SIRIUS. "The wearable SIRIUS S50 provides subscribers with extensive versatility when it comes to when, where and how they receive their favorite SIRIUS programming," said Jim Meyer, President of Operations and Sales for SIRIUS. The SIRIUS S50 will be available for a suggested retail price of $359.99, and includes wearable accessories (6-hour rechargeable battery, ear buds, belt clip, armband, USB cable and AC adapter) and a car dock, which includes an adhesive mount, custom cigarette lighter power adapter, a remote control, ultra-low profile antenna, DC input and line output. A home dock, which includes audio mixing for PC sound pass-through, and connects to speakers and PCs, a remote control, home antenna, USB cable, audio cable and power supply will be available for MSRP $99.99. A desk or wall mountable executive system, including high fidelity speakers, will also be available. Replaceable batteries will be sold separately. Source: Sirius Posted by jlewin at 07:40 PM | Comments (1) iTunes Podcast Directory Comes to TaiwanThe Taipei Times reports that Apple has introduced its podcast directory service in Taiwan. "We are working with 10 radio stations here and consumers will be able to listen to them over at iTunes within a month," Yeo Eng Yiong, Apple's product marketing manager for portables in the Asia-Pacific region, said at a media briefing yesterday. Despite reaping great profits from iPod sales, Apple is still hesitant to bring its iTunes Music Store to Taiwan, because local consumers are still downloading songs via peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing Web sites instead of using online music stores. A court ruling that favors P2P file-sharing platforms further scares prospective online music vendors from entering the market. Source: Taipei Times Posted by jlewin at 07:36 PM | Comments (0) NewsMac Pro Adds Podcast Player
The update integrates a podcast player, along with many other new and updated features. New & Updated Features * Adaptive interface allows for more efficient workflow. Requirements * Mac OS X 10.3 or better. More information is available at the ThinkMac site. Posted by jlewin at 07:28 PM | Comments (0) August 24, 2005Oracle Plans OpenWorld Podcast
"Oracle is one of the first companies to bring podcasting to a conference to reach audiences who may not have been able to attend," said Oracle Senior Vice President Judy Sim. "By podcasting, OpenWorld attendees will be able to listen to relevant content long after the show is over." The Oracle OpenWorld podcasts will deliver news and information about each daily theme including Oracle Fusion Middleware, Oracle Applications and Oracle Database and Grid technologies. Attendees will be able to download audio programming and store content for future use and those who are not able to attend the show benefit from access to valuable, relevant information. During Oracle OpenWorld, Oracle will conduct interviews with technology experts that will be syndicated through the OTN TechCasts RSS feed. By subscribing to this feed, users will be able to download these podcasts in the common MP3 audio format via iTunes 4.9 or podcast clients such as iPodder or Doppler to portable music players free of charge. Users can subscribe to the OTN TechCasts feed, or download standalone MP3 podcasts, from the OTN website. Oracle already offers Oracle OTN TechCasts as part of a broader effort to communicate directly to its developer and DBA community on a variety of current and technical topics. Interviews with executives such as Vice President of Product Strategy Ken Jacobs and Senior Director of Product Management Roel Stalman are currently available via podcast through the Oracle OTN website or audio portals such as iTunes. Source: Oracle Posted by jlewin at 04:43 PM | Comments (0) iPod Minis Moving to Flash Memory
Apple is expected to introduce a 4-gigabyte version of the iPod Mini that uses NAND flash memory instead of a hard disk drive for the Christmas season. "To support production of its flash memory-based iPods, Apple has booked as much as 40 percent of the NAND output of Samsung for the second half of 2005, according to our industry sources," said iSuppli Corp. analyst Nam Hyung Kim. Source: Reuters Posted by jlewin at 04:36 PM | Comments (0) Wireless iPod Music SharingLogitech has introduced the Wireless Music System for iPod, which lets users wirelessly connect their iPod or MP3 player to a stereo or speaker system, share their digital music and control the music using their player as a remote control.
"The goal with this product is to make it easy for portable music player owners to share their music collections through their high-quality home-entertainment speakers," said Logitech's Ray Weikel. The System is a two-piece, plug-and-play solution: a music transmitter connects to any portable music player's standard headphone port and a music receiver plugs into a home stereo receiver or multimedia speakers through an RCA port or a 3.5 mm jack. The music transmitter sends audio streams directly to the receiver at a range of up to 10 meters (33 feet). Logitech plans to have the Wireless Music System for iPod available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in October. The suggested retail price is $149.99 in the U.S. Source: Logitech Posted by jlewin at 04:14 PM | Comments (0) TuneSync Combines Docking Station with USB Hub
The dock includes a stereo-out jack that lets you connect to a stereo, powered speakers or headphones while the iPod charges. Designed to work seamlessly with USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 devices, the TuneSync lets you connect up to five USB 2.0 devices to your computer. LEDs monitor your device activity for master power status and all port activity. Features: * Charges and syncs your iPod or iPod mini Belkin plans to ship the TuneSync in North America in November 2005, and it will retail for $59.99. Source: Belkin Posted by jlewin at 04:06 PM | Comments (0) Gartner Highlights Podcasting as an Emerging Technology
Podcasting. Podcasting offers a way to 'subscribe' to radio programmes and have them delivered to your PC. Gartner predicts that podcasting subscriptions will grow increasingly important as the market for content continues to fragment, which will lead to a massive shift in radio, and ultimately TV content delivery. Podcasting is an extremely efficient method for delivering audio and spoken-word content to niche audiences and as such could become an important corporate communications tool. The report also discusses RSS newsfeeds: Really Simple Syndication (RSS). RSS is a simple data format that enables web sites to inform subscribers of new content and distribute content more efficiently by bypassing the browser via RSS reader software. RSS is widely used for syndicating weblog content but its corporate use is only starting to be tapped for activities such as corporate messaging. Its simplicity makes it easy to implement and add to established software systems. Gartner predicts that RSS will be most useful for content that is 'nice to know' rather than 'need to know'. Other emerging technologies on Gartner's list include Peer to Peer Voice over IP, Desktop Search, Corporate Blogging, Wikis, Location-Aware Applications and RFID. Source: Gartner Posted by jlewin at 08:17 AM | Comments (0) Arbitron Reports Successful Podcast Tracking TestArbitron, a media research firm, has announced that its Portable People Meter (PPM(SM)) system can be used to track audiences who listen to podcasts. During the week of July 18, Arbitron encoded several podcasts by Clear Channel's WHTZ-FM (Z100) in New York, that were uploaded to the podcast portion of Apple's iTunes Music Store. The Z100 podcasts were then downloaded to an MP3 player and played over headsets using the PPM headset adapter. The PPM detected and recorded the unique identification codes that were embedded in the MP3 file. "Podcasting is a very different distribution system for traditional radio and the successful test of the PPM should further build confidence in how well it works with all types of audio programming," said Pierre Bouvard, president, Portable People Meters, Arbitron Inc. "The state-of-the-art encoding system used in the PPM does a better job of identifying alternate distribution platforms and time-shifted audio content than any other approach to portable electronic audience measurement that we've seen." About the Portable People Meter The Portable People Meter is an audience measurement system that uses a passive "audience measurement device", about the size of a small cell phone, to track consumer exposure to media and advertising. The PPM detects inaudible codes embedded in the audio portion of media content. Carried throughout the day by randomly selected survey participants, the PPM device can track when and where they watch television, listen to radio as well as how they interact with other forms of media and entertainment. The PPM is equipped with a motion sensor, a patented quality control feature unique to the system, which allows Arbitron to confirm the compliance of the PPM survey participants every day. At the end of the day, the meter is placed in a docking station that extracts the codes and sends them to a central computer. Source: Arbitron Posted by jlewin at 08:09 AM | Comments (0) Kensington Intros iPod Accessories
The iPod FM transmitter and auto charger ($99.99) lets users to charge the iPod while it’s playing via a car’s FM radio and cigarette lighter plug. The device offers up to 50db stereo separation, and outside the car, transmits iPod tunes to FM radios within 15 feet. Signal and charging status is displayed via LED, and a safety fuse protects against power spikes. It is compatible with iPod and iPod Mini with dock connector. The Stereo Dock ($99.99) transmits iPod tunes through a stereo system while simultaneously charging the iPod. It ships with an infrared remote control that operates interference-free from up to 30 feet away, and features five buttons to control play/pause, skip forward, skip back, volume up, and volume down. It’s compatible with iPod, iPod Mini, or iPod Photo (40GB).
Available for $29.99 and compatible with the iPod Mini is the Optex protective case, featuring Optex fabric, exclusively from Radtech, which helps prevent accidental activation of controls while still allowing for full control of the unit. It has openings for connecting accessories or dock connector cable; and a double-polished vinyl window for see-through screen protection. Microfibre sleeves ($29.99) are also available for the 20GB/30GB and the 40GB/60GB iPods, featuring Optex fabric exclusively from Radtech, and the same openings and vinyl window as the aforementioned iPod mini case. Source: Kensington Posted by jlewin at 08:00 AM | Comments (0) Access iPod from Any Room in Your HomeSpeakercraft has introduced the MZC/iPod Interface kit, which is designed to let you access an iPod from any room in your house. The interface works with all iPod models with a Dock Connector. The naviPod provides five commands; volume up, volume down, pause/play, next track and previous track. SpeakerCraft's naviPod kit includes a 5-button infrared remote control and a receiver unit that plugs directly into the top of the iPod.
Also included is a SpeakerCraft IR emitter and four iPod replacement buttons. This kit, combined with the company's MZC-66 Multi-Zone Controller, provides several additional codes to add more functions than are available with the naviPod alone. SpeakerCraft's MZC/iPod Interface kit, with the MZC-66 system offers: * Mute Source: Speakercraft Posted by jlewin at 07:53 AM | Comments (0) Napster Head: Steve Jobs Has Tricked PeopleIn an interview with the BBC, Napster head Brad Duea argues that Steve Jobs has "tricked people into buying a hardware trap". Duea presents his case for treating music as a subscription service, vs. Apple's approach of selling tracks. "A lot of time people think of ownership as this ultimate thing with music," notes Duea. "Has owning cassettes in the past really benefited people? In many cases they have had to repurchase music in a new format." "I do not think the argument about ownership is such a wonderful thing. What do you really want as a music fan? It's to access music and listening to music." Source: BBC Posted by jlewin at 07:43 AM | Comments (0) August 23, 2005Motorola iTunes Phone Secrets Revealed
Features: * Bar form factor, stereo speakers on the side No release date has been announced, but Apple has stated that an iTunes-compatible phone will ship this summer. The phone appears to be based on the Motorola E398, but with the addition of the music features. Screen images from the phone's manual reveal familiar iTunes options:
Posted by jlewin at 06:20 PM | Comments (0) PodShow.com Launches PodSafe Music Network
"The PodSafe Music Network gives listeners what they really crave ... great music compiled and promoted by cool people ... it's the ultimate combination of music and personality with a potential that hasn't been seen since the birth of FM," said PodShow co-founder Adam Curry. "The PodSafe Music Network is the new alternative to tired radio programming." For podcasters, the PodSafe Music Network provides access to songs, interviews, and other elements as well as the tools and systems that can be used by podcasters to create royalty-free music podcasts, as well as to build and monetize a listener base. For artists, the Network provides an outlet to showcase, promote and market their music. For listeners, the Network features a broad range of the independent music and original content in single-play or podcast formats, as well as a community for purchasing, voting for and promoting their favorite music and mixes. "I can't believe the exposure our shows are receiving," says C.C. Chapman, producer of top PodShow, Accident Hash, "I used to scour the net for new music and podcast-friendly labels ... Now bands and labels are calling me!" Posted by jlewin at 07:52 AM | Comments (2) Duke Announces 1st Symposium on Academic Podcasting
The two-day event will feature a hands-on podcasting workshop, as well as panel discussions of the economic/business, legal, political, journalistic, and cultural impacts of podcasting by bringing together prominent members of the podcasting community with policymakers, scholars, and media experts. The symposium is being held in conjunction with the Duke Digital Initiative and is the result of a collaboration among several departments and centers at Duke, including the Information Science + Information Studies program, the Jenkins Chair in New Technologies & Society, Office of the Vice-Provost for Interdisciplinary Studies, John Hope Franklin Center for Interdisciplinary and International Studies, The John Hope Franklin Humanities Institute, Center for Instructional Technology, Center for Documentary Studies, Program in Film/Video/Digital, DeWitt Wallace Center for Media and Democracy, Duke Law School, Fuqua School of Business, the Department of Computer Science, the Department of Music, and the Department of Cultural Anthropology. The symposium will be free of charge and open to the public. The symposium proceedings will also be webcasted, videocasted, and podcasted. Info: Duke Posted by jlewin at 07:41 AM | Comments (0) Free Podcast Feed ServicePoderator is a new online podcast feed generating service. The web-based service is free, with registration. All you need is a place to store your MP3 files. Poderator lets you create the podcast newsfeed XML files needed by podcast applications. Info: Poderator Posted by jlewin at 07:35 AM | Comments (0) August 22, 2005iLounge Adds iPod Directory
The directory was designed to help iPod owners locate information on iPod & iTunes hardware, software, accessory, and service providers. Using the Main Directory Page or its search engine, users can look through hundreds of listings to find names and contact details for products and services. Posted by jlewin at 08:03 AM | Comments (0) Feedzie Searches Audio FeedsFeedzie has a directory and search for audio feeds (podcasts). The site lets users search text feeds, audio feeds and episodes. Feed content can also be browsed by tag. Posted by jlewin at 07:50 AM | Comments (0) August 20, 2005PodcastCon UK to be Held in SeptemberPodcastCon UK 2005 will take place on Saturday, September 17 at the Berners Hotel in central London. The event will feature a series of influential speakers including: Chris Kimber, head of radio interactive at the BBC; James Cridland, head of strategic development at Virgin Radio; Neville Hobson of For Immediate Release; and international award-winning podcaster, Richard Vobes. The conference will also provide an opportunity for the UK's burgeoning podcasting community to take part in discussions on issues that will affect the development of podcasting as it enters its second year. A detailed conference programme and sign-up page for anyone wanting to attend PodcastCon UK 2005 can be found on the BritCaster wiki and at www.podcastcon.co.uk Tickets for PodcastCon UK 2005 are available for £30. PodcastCon UK 2005 is a not-for-profit conference organised by a team of UK podcasters with professional expertise in conference organisation, law, media, and public relations. Posted by jlewin at 08:57 AM | Comments (0) August 19, 2005Beta Alert: iPodderX Does WindowsThunderstone Media has announced the release of a public beta of iPodderX for Windows. The podcast client application brings to Windows the same RSS, newsreading, and podcast features of the Macintosh version. "We've been working overtime to make this happen, and we're thrilled to announce that iPodderX for Windows is now a reality," said August Trometer, CEO of Thunderstone Media. In addition to the public beta release, Thunderstone Media is offering beta pricing during the test period. Users who buy iPodderX for Windows during the beta test period will get it for just $12.47, along with a free upgrade when the final version is released. A 30-day trial is also available. iPodderX Beta for Windows is available immediately at the iPodderX site. Posted by jlewin at 08:42 PM | Comments (0) Podcasting for Geezers?A survey from CLX, a company that polls via cellular phones and text messages, suggests that it's not young people driving the explosive growth of podcasting, but listeners 45 and over. According to CLX's survey of 8,000 Americans, podcasting is most popular with those over 45, with 21 per cent of those questioned listening to podcasts. This compares to just 13 per cent of 15 to 24-year olds. "The results of this poll show that companies can’t just accept the conventional wisdom when trying to understand their markets," said Dave Williams, chief executive of CLX. Based on the information currently available to Podcasting News, it's unclear whether the results highlight a real trend, a survey bias or the appeal of currently available podcasts. Source: VNUNET Posted by jlewin at 08:27 PM | Comments (1) Melodeo Offers Podcasts for Mobile Phones
"The mobile phone is the perfect tool for finding and listening to podcasts," said Melodeo's Don Davidge. "With Mobilcast, Melodeo applies the same software and user experience to podcasts that we have applied to other types of digital media. The result is a fast, easy and familiar way of getting this popular content onto the phone for use anywhere, anytime." By enabling podcast downloads to a mobile phone, Melodeo hopes to expand the reach of podcasts to millions of new users. Melodeo plans to have the service available in September. The service is free, but notes that airtime and data charges may apply. More information about their service can be found at the Melodeo site. Posted by jlewin at 08:17 PM | Comments (1) Podcasts Power Canadian ProtestPodcasts are helping locked-out Canadian broadcasters route around the broadcast towers. Five days after being locked out of their broadcasting jobs, the broadcasters are creating shows again, with podcasts and a new website, CBCUnplugged. On August 15th, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation locked out 5,300 employees represented by the Canadian Media Guild, as a result of a standoff in an ongoing labor dispute. According to the CBC, "This is a very grave step, and the decision was not undertaken lightly, but only after a great deal of serious reflection, and with the profound conviction that there was no other course of action open to us." Details on the conflict from the CBC's view are available at the CBC Negotiations site. CBC workers have responded with blogs, photoblogs and podcasts. "Look, we all love our jobs and want to be back at our jobs soon and put the programming you love back on the radio," notes podcaster/broadcaster Todd Maffin. "In the meantime, I hope this helps." In addition to the information available via the CBCUnplugged site, additional information from the worker's perspective is available at Maffin's I Love Radio site. Posted by jlewin at 07:52 PM | Comments (2) August 18, 2005Sony Intros Walkman Bean Digital Audio PlayerSony has announced a new series of flash-based devices. The new Walkman Bean models are available in 512 MB and 1 GB capacities with a built-in FM tuner. They feature long battery life, quick-charge function and brilliant displays.
"These new players incorporate our most coveted features in a fresh design," said Kelly Davis, senior product manager for portable audio at Sony Electronics. "They're a playful and easy way to enjoy digital music; just looking at them makes you want to smile." The devices play back both MP3 and ATRAC3(R)/3plus music files, in addition to supporting WMA and WAV formats. They are compatible with Sony's Connect online music store and include SonicStage software to import, manage and transfer music collections. The OEL (organic electroluminescence) display is light and bright, making it easy to view track and title information. To offer even greater utility, the display can easily change orientation to satisfy left-handed and right-handed music lovers alike. And a time/calendar function conveniently displays the time and date. The players have a pop-up USB jack that connects directly to a PC for charging and transferring music. They provide up to 50 hours of continuous playback on a rechargeable battery and feature a quick-charge function that enables about three hours of playback on a time-saving, three-minute charge. An 80% charge can be obtained in about 45 minutes. The 300-series Walkman Bean players will come supplied with color coordinating earbuds. The NW-E305 model will be offered in white or blue with 512 MB of capacity for about $130. The 1 GB NW-E307 model will come in a choice of pink or black for about $180. Source: Sony Posted by jlewin at 09:27 AM | Comments (1) Gear Freaks Not Excited by MP3 PhonesAccording to a recent survey on gadget website Pocket-lint.co.uk, "users don't want MP3 mobile phones." In the survey, 72% of entrants said that, even if they had the chance to listen to their favourite tracks on their mobile, they wouldn’t bother. The site surveyed over 4,000 visitors about their interest in MP3-capable phones. The digital audio player/phone combination has received attention recently as a possible heir to the Apple iPod's position as the top music device. Over three-quarters (77%) of the entrants that took the survey said that they don't currently listen to music on their phone with only 23% admitting that they do. Posted by jlewin at 09:16 AM | Comments (0) August 17, 2005Scosche Intros Bluetooth Wireless Interface for iPod and Other MP3 Players
"We are pleased to offer another first to market product with our Bluetooth wireless technology," said Kas Alves, vice president marketing and sales, Scosche Industries. "Customers now can enjoy their music without wired limitations." Scosche's Bluetooth wireless technology features a wireless range of 30 feet and a fifteen hour transmitter lithium-ion battery life. It is Bluetooth 1.2 compliant for continuous streaming audio and can pair with an unlimited number of receivers. The IPBCK, designed for third and fourth generation iPods and iPod minis, or UBCK designed for universal MP3 players, will work with aftermarket head units with RCA inputs. For those who like flexibility with their music, the Bluetooth interface will allow a passenger in the front or back seat to control the iPod or MP3 unit playing through the vehicle's head unit. Included in the vehicle kit are a 12volt car charger, rechargeable transmitter, and the necessary cables for a simple installation. Using a home audio/video system, a user can add a home receiver kit (#UBR), or a user can purchase a Bluetooth wireless kit just for the home (#IPBHK). The Scosche wireless Bluetooth interface in the home will allow anyone to listen to his or her iPod or MP3 player with digital sound CD quality through his or her home audio system. In the home, the Scosche receiver is powered off standard 110 AC/DC converter included in the home kit. The car kit for iPod players (#IPBCK) will retail at $249.99 and will be available mid-August. The universal Bluetooth kit for MP3 players (#UBCK) will be available in September and will retail at $249.99. The home kits (#UBR and IPBHK) will be available in Fall 2005 and will retail at $129.99 and $249.99 respectively. Source: Scosche Posted by jlewin at 12:42 PM | Comments (1) iPods May Pose Health Risk
The researchers found that about 25% of those surveyed listened to their players at volumes similar to small power tools. The team predicts increased levels of tinnitus as a result. Lab director Professor Harvey Dillon suggests "People either need to turn them down or not listen for as long." Source: SkyNews Posted by jlewin at 12:28 PM | Comments (0) Alternative News Sites Beat Big Players in User SatisfactionAlternative or niche news sites now beat top news sites like ABC.com and NYTimes.com for user satisfaction, according the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). "This result mirrors much of what has occurred in the media – including newspapers and television – over the last few years: more fragmentation," notes the University of Michigan's Professor Claes Fornell. "As consumers have been offered a larger number of alternatives, once-dominant news sources have begun to lose disaffected customers to smaller competitors." Results from the most recent quarterly survey show that the average for alternative news sources (78%) beats the top news site with the highest satisfaction index, ABCNews.com (74%). The American Customer Satisfaction Index tracks trends in customer satisfaction and provides valuable benchmarking insights of the consumer economy for companies, industry trade associations, and government agencies. The ACSI is produced by the University of Michigan, in partnership with the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and an international consulting firm, CFI Group. Apple Top Computer Maker In related news, Apple has gained a "commanding lead" over competitors in the PC market. According to Fornell, "A slew of product innovations and an emphasis on digital technologies and customer service have been very successful for Apple with a high degree of customer loyalty as a result." Source: ACSI Posted by jlewin at 12:10 PM | Comments (0) Educators Adopting PodcastingEducators in the US, Canada and the UK are adopting podcasting, reports the UK's Guardian Unlimited. In the academic world, podcasts are giving departments, staff and students the freedom and informality of tone impossible in scholarly journals or even the student newspaper. Officials at Canada's McMaster University are using podcasts to attract potential students as they seek to boost their recruitment drive, telling students what is on offer at their campus, using a medium to which young people can relate. Source: Guardian Unlimited Posted by jlewin at 11:58 AM | Comments (0) Wired: Television's Attempts at Podcasting "Shaky"Wired magazine is calling television's first stabs at podcasting "shaky". When Canadian cybercommentator Tod Maffin heard that Fox TV was offering Family Guy podcasts, he figured they'd be a great way to tide him over between shows, especially if he could relive his favorite jokes. Instead, he got brief recaps of several episodes -- "the Griffin family is excited to attend the Newport Regatta," says the announcer in one -- and nothing else. No snappy retorts, no punch lines, no audio clips at all, as if the Fox people think the show's plot is all that matters. "They're awful," Maffin said. "It's painful to listen to." Author Randy Dotinga discusses a few relatively successful podcasts created by TV broadcasters, but spends much of the article focusing on the questionable value provided by many TV-based podcasts, and the issues connected with reusing television content in a podcast. The article raises the point that, while traditional broadcasters have many advantages over indie podcasters, there are also many unique challenges associated with creating podcasts tied to television shows. Posted by jlewin at 11:47 AM | Comments (0) Apple Lays Smackdown on CreativeForbes is reporting that Creative Technology, maker of digital audio players and computer peripherals, has posted a wider than expected loss, in part from tough competition from Apple and others in the digital audio player market. Though Creative has aggressively pursuing the digital audio player market, analysts are negative about Creative's ability to gain market share in the increasingly competitive area. Forbes quotes CIMB-GK's Jonathan Ng: 'We've always been negative on the MP3 market. Sure, they have new products. But all their competitors also have new, exciting products coming up." Source: Forbes Posted by jlewin at 11:37 AM | Comments (0) August 15, 2005New TiVo Service Parallels PodcastingA new service offers to deliver content via the Internet directly to TiVo digital video recorders, so that it can be viewed on-demand. TiVo, in conjunction with the Independent Film Channel (IFC), has announced a trial of a video download service. The service lets TiVo users download IFC programming over a broadband Internet connection. "The future of television will include an explosion of consumer choice, including programming options from both traditional broadcast and broadband internet channels and sources," notes TiVo's Brodie Keast. "TiVo intends to help consumers sort through this complexity, making it easy and fun to find what they want, so they can watch it when and where they want. " In addition to letting users download full shows, IFC will provide exclusive content such as out-takes and other un-aired footage to TiVo subscribers. Podcast Parallels The service parallels technologies, such as podcasting, that let users subscribe to content and enjoy it on demand. "The key element of this trial for us is that it will enable consumers who do not typically have access to IFC to download our three new original series over broadband," says Evan Shapiro, executive vice president/general manager of IFC. "This will help introduce our programming to an entirely new audience, which we expect will help accelerate our already strong 'traditional' distribution growth by fueling consumer demand for our network. Video podcasters, such as RocketBoom and Tiki Bar TV, are pioneering open options for delivering video content via Internet subscriptions. Source: TiVo Posted by jlewin at 12:41 PM | Comments (0) August 14, 2005Odeo Gets VC Injection
Investing in the firm are Charles River Ventures, Amicus Ventures and "a substantial group of individuals." "Needless to say, we're encouraged by the amount of interest Odeo was able to attract around this opportunity, and the amount of promise people see in podcasting as a whole," notes Odeo's Evan Williams. "While it is lots of hard work and gratifying to have done, successfully raising money is, of course, not success itself," adds Williams. "What it does do is allow us to invest a lot more in building new, compelling experiences that enable an exciting new medium. And that, we're very excited about." Podshow also has announced major venture capital investments. Source: Odeo Posted by jlewin at 11:03 AM | Comments (0) August 13, 2005President George W. Bush Joins Wild-West World of PodcastingThe White House has introduced a podcast of the President's Weekly Radio address. The podcast can be found on the White House Radio page at the “Subscribe to Radio Address Podcast” link. Posted by jlewin at 08:51 PM | Comments (1) Oxford English Dictionary Adds Podcast DefinitionWilliam Safire, take note: podcast has been added to the Oxford English Dictionary. They've supersized the latest edition, adding podcast, potty-mouthed, hinglish, multitask, 'fro, offshoring and the -licious. podcast noun a digital recording of a radio broadcast or similar programme, made available on the Internet for downloading to a personal audio player.Podlicious! Posted by jlewin at 08:26 PM | Comments (0) August 12, 2005New Zealand Podcasters Pioneer Election PodcastingPodcasters from The Voice Booth, a New Zealand audio production company, have created an election podcast for country's upcoming general elections in September. "We believe we are the first podcasters in the world to interview the leaders of all the political parties, exclusively for our podcasting site, as a tool for the public to decide on how to vote," notes The Voice Booth's Toby Ricketts. "We have secured interviews with leaders of all the political parties in New Zealand, and we are posting them as they happen on our podcasting website." The interviews are conducted by respected broadcaster Robin Harrison. Available podcasts include discussions with leaders from the National Party, the United Future Party and the Green Party. The interviews are available in edited and unedited versions. NZ General Election 2005 Podcast Details Posted by jlewin at 07:56 AM | Comments (0) August 11, 2005PodcasterCon is On
"In effect it is an anti-expo without swag, without product promotion, and a way to keep podcasting fun!" note the organizers. "We’re going to make our own Podcaster Conference happen, together." PodcasterCon Details: Location Date and Time Because it's an "unconference", PodcasterCon won't follow the standard conference rules. Attendees will make up the agenda. A PodcasterCon Wiki is set up, where anyone can contribute their thoughts and ideas. The organizers are also looking for donations to help make the event happen. A budget has been published, and donations are being accepted via the PodcasterCon site. Posted by jlewin at 09:28 PM | Comments (1) iriver Intros New Line of Flash Audio Playersiriver has announced its T family of PlaysForSure-verified flash-memory music devices. The players support Windows Media Digital Rights Management 10, making them the first flash devices to support portable subscription-based music services, such as Rhapsody To Go, Napster To Go and Yahoo! Music Unlimited. The T family includes the T10 and T30 series in 512MB and 1GBcapacities. In addition to playing multiple music formats, the T family features built-in voice recording and line-in encoding allowing customers to record MP3s on the fly from any source including home audio systems and handheld CD players. Flash-based portable music players are ideal for customers who want to enjoy music while biking, running or at the gym as they have no moving parts making them ultra-durable and skip-free. "iriver's new T family of flash-based, Rhapsody To Go-compatible devices are an exciting innovation and an important step forward for the market," said Robert Acker, vice president of music services for RealNetworks. "Music fans who are curious about portable music subscriptions now have a lightweight and affordable way to enjoy hours of their favorite songs on the go." The T10 series offers advanced features such as a vivid color display, USB 2.0, FM tuner and programmable FM recorder. The players offer a unique ergonomic design for easy one-handed operation, anti-shock rubber guards, integrated sport clip, sports case with armband and up to 45 hours of music playback on a single AA battery. The T30 series features a 4-line backlit LCD display, USB 2.0 and integrated voice recorder. The T30 has a small, sleek ultra-portable form factor. The affordable T30 series plays up to 24 hours of music on a single AAA battery. "iriver achieves another first with PlaysForSure flash-based music players that support portable music subscription services," said Jonathan Sasse, president of iriver America. "Our introduction of the T family gives our customers an expanded array of options for exploring, downloading and enjoying music."
T10 Series Features: Supports portable subscription music services
T30 Series Features: Supports portable subscription music services The T10 and T30 series are available for pre-order now at the iriver eStore and will be at selected stores beginning in August. Suggested retail price for the T10 series is USD $149.99 for 512MB and $199.99 for 1GB of internal storage. Suggested retail price for the T30 series is USD $99.99 for 512MB and $149.99 for 1GB of internal storage. Source: iriver Posted by jlewin at 08:59 AM | Comments (1) Warren, Michigan Adds Podcasts as Regular Feature of their Site
Since it began podcasting July 8th, the city's site traffic has tripled. On a few recent days, the number of hits the site has received has been six times the previous average. "I wanted to use our existing technology for cable television and the Internet to deliver content in a different way," explains Warren Communications Department Director Joseph Munem. "I discovered podcasting about seven months ago and decided that we could provide information with little expenditure of government funds." The podcasts feature interviews and conversations with city and state officials and discussions of city events and the arts. "Elected officials are now very interested in the podcast," adds Munem. "The governor of Michigan just launched her own podcast on Friday. I have many elected officials asking me if they can be on the podcast or how to set one up for their own web sites." Based on the success of the initial podcasts, the city has begun podcasting its AM radio newscast, and has plans in place for additional podcasts. City of Warren Podcast Details Posted by jlewin at 07:46 AM | Comments (0) Orb Intros On-the-Fly "Orbcasting" of Podcasts
Orb is a free service that lets users access their personal media from any web-enabled device. Users install Orb Media on their home computer, and configure it to know the locations of music, photos, videos and other multimedia content. This content can then be accessed via web-enabled devices. Podcast Support The new Orbcasting service puts Orb's device-tailored transcoding into service for podcasters. Podcasters and video bloggers can add an Orbcasting buttons to their site that will let Orb users automatically add the podcast to their Orb interface, letting them listen to the podcast from any Web-connected device with a streaming media player. Details are provided at the Orb site. Posted by jlewin at 07:27 AM | Comments (1) August 10, 2005Electronica Site Makes it Easy to find Music for Podcasts
The site's new Podcast Arena lets podcasters browse through all of the podcast-legal tracks on the site, from newest to oldest. To access the music, just select a track and click. This opens the track's information page, where you can stream it or download it and put it your podcast. "Podcasters are the new breed of unsigned music consumer, providing exposure for unsigned artists and it made perfect sense to me to allow them to find what they want with the minimum of fuss," explains site creator Marvey Mills. "I know the artists will be thrilled to know their music is being used in podcasts." About Electromancer Electromancer is a community of electronic musicians where they can make their music available to visitors and other musicians. The site features all types of electronica, including ambient, new age, downtempo, drum and bass, techno and trance. The site is one of the first MP3 sites to cater to the needs of podcasters, making it easy to find music that can legally be played in podcasts. The site is completely independent, and invites musicians to host their tracks there. Getting and Using Tracks in Podcasts Electromancer offers several ways to browse for podcast-legal music. The Podcast Arena area lets users browse the most recently-added music from artists that are podcast-friendly.
As shown in the screenshot above, each entry provides the Genre, Track Name, Artist Name and Upload Date. Selecting a track takes you to the track details page, where you can listen to it online, download it and add a comment. A link is also provided for the artist page, where you can find out more about the artist and listen to their other tracks.
Attribution Requirements If you use a track from Electromancer, you need provide an attribution:
Complete details are provided at the Electromancer site. Posted by jlewin at 11:20 PM | Comments (1) Podshow Gets Big BucksPrivate Equity Week is reporting that Podshow, a Miami Beach-based company focused on podcasting, has raised over 8 million dollars in funding. The company is best known for MTV VJ Adam Curry, who hosts Podshow, featured on Sirius satellite. Curry has also established his pioneering Daily Source Code show as one of the most popular podcasts."There is little that gets Valley girls and boys as hot and bothered as when an Internet company gets funded by both Sequoia Capital and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. So it’s worth noting that the iconic venture shops have participated in an $8.85 million Series A round for PodShow Inc., according to a regulatory filing. For an added bonus, both John Doerr and Ray Lane have taken board seats, joining both Jerry Newman of Bear Stearns and omnipresent angel investor Ram Shriram (Google, Plaxo, Zazzle, etc.), who is representing shareholder Harris MyCFO Inc."Source: PE Week Posted by jlewin at 02:17 PM | Comments (0) August 09, 2005iPod Meets its Doom
While the competition has struggled to beat the iPod's popularity, it look's like Apple's popular audio player has finally met its Doom. Doom, the popular first-person shooter game, has been ported to work on iPods. The port maps the iPod's scroll wheel to control the game. iPod Doom runs under Podzilla, the default user interface for the iPod version of Linux. An iPod photo is recommended. Posted by jlewin at 02:17 PM | Comments (1) CBS Looking for PodcastersCBS has announced a Podcasting Call. The network is searching for an "amateur DJ" to interview CBS stars and create a podcast about the upcoming fall season. The podcaster will join top DJs at the CBS Radio Junket on September 10 in Hollywood to interview CBS talent for the podcast, which will be made available to listeners via CBS.com and Infinity Broadcasting’s San Francisco-based KYOURADIO, the world’s first-ever podcasting radio station. For consideration, podcasters need to upload a mock three-minute interview. Details are provided at the CBS site. Posted by jlewin at 01:47 PM | Comments (0) iTunes Podcast Ranking Easily Manipulated
"If you have been using the iTunes podcast list as a way of ranking which podcast are the most popular then you have been misled...It looks like iTunes doesn't record how many people are actually subscribed to a podcast but rather how many times the (subscribe) button is pressed." "This makes the iTunes ranking as irrelevant as a list because just about anyone can change the results in iTunes by simply clicking on the subscribe button 20 or 50 or 100 times." It's unclear how prevalent abuse of the iTunes system is, but other podcast sites have had significant problems with people trying to manipulate their ranking systems. Here are some legitimate tips for getting better rankings and more subscribers:
Posted by jlewin at 07:58 AM | Comments (0) Podcasting From ExcelMike Zadoroznyj has released ZxlXML, a podcast RSS generator written in Excel. ZxlXML will calculate podcast file sizes and write an iTunes-compatible RSS podcast feed. ZxlXML requires Excel, and includes macros written in VBA, so macro support has to be enabled in Excel. ZxlXML is provided as freeware; they just ask that you check out the ads of their site sponsors. Posted by jlewin at 07:41 AM | Comments (0) MythTV + Podcasting = The Future of Television?The world of vlogging, or video podcasting, is still in its infancy, but it doesn't take much imagination to see where it's going. Dozens of video podcasts are published regularly. Many, like Rocketboom, Tiki Bar TV and the One America Videoblog are building dedicated audiences by providing content not found on television. What's missing, of course, is the television. Watching videos on your computer is cool, but it's no replacement for the TV experience. MythTV, an open-source personal video recorder, plus podcasting, may offer a cutting-edge taste of the future of television.
MythTVMythTV is an attempt to create the ultimate set-top box software, and lets users turn a PC into a powerful personal video recorder. The project was started in 2002 by developer Isaac Richards. It's free and open-source, and a community has developed around the project. "I got tired of the rather low quality cable box that AT&T Broadband provides with their digital cable service," notes Richards. "It's slow to change channels, ridden with ads, and the program guide is a joke. So, I figured it'd be fun to try and build a replacement."
Podcasting SupportThere is already substantial interest in adding podcasting support to MythTV. MythStream is an unofficial plug-in for MythTV that adds support for downloading podcasts. Torrentocracy adds BitTorrent support. And some users are combining iPodder with MythTV to do the job. The ultimate MythTV/podcast setup has yet to be created, and setting up an open source personal video recorder on Linux poses significant challenges. Nevertheless, it's easy to imagine a new world of Internet-based television, where you can subscribe to shows created by people around the world and watch them on-demand. MythTV Resources:Posted by jlewin at 06:14 AM | Comments (0) August 08, 2005Sony Ericsson Intros Entry-Level Walkman Phone
"The W550 is an exciting product that combines music, imaging and game playing to offer consumers fun and entertainment wherever they are, while still being a great phone," notes Steve Walker, Sony Ericsson’s Head of Product Marketing. The W550 has an digital music player with two external high quality stereo speakers or through quality stereo headphones provided with the phone. Loading music onto the handset is simple thanks to intuitive Disc2Phone PC software and the phone’s 256MB internal memory, enough for storing between 60 and 120 standard MP3 or AAC music tracks (depending on the bit rate). The phone offers up to 30 hours of music listening. A direct music button gives instant access to the Walkman music player, which can be used independently of the phone, allowing the phone to be used in flight mode so your personal music can be enjoyed even on an airplane. The W550 also offers a games console. Games can be played with the screen positioned horizontally and buttons on the left and right of the screen being used for two-handed control. Gamers can enjoy this experience through the pre-installed 3D versions of WormsForts: Under Siege 3D developed by THQ Wireless, Extreme Air Snowboarding developed by Digital Chocolate and a new multiplayer version of Midway’s Gauntlet, developed under license by TKO Software. If users prefer, horizontal-mode games can also be played in portrait mode or an L-Shaped mode using the keyboard. The W550 also supports multi-player peer-2-peer gaming over Bluetooth. Equipped with a 1.3 MegaPixel camera, the W550 captures stills and video-clips – with 4x digital zoom for close-ups – that can then be stored or shared using MMS or Bluetooth, or transferred to a PC via USB cable. Gigs, movie schedules, search engines and webmail can all be easily checked with the full Internet browser from a choice of viewing modes: full scale mode enables users to scroll round the complete page, or information can be presented in a single column. The W550 is a Tri-band / GPRS phone and will be available during early Q4 in two different variants: W550i - Triple Band GPRS 900/1800/1900MHz version for European, African, Middle East, Asia Pacific and Hong Kong markets Imaging and messaging Entertainment Connectivity Posted by jlewin at 01:45 PM | Comments (0) NASA Astronaut Steve Robinson First Podcaster From SpaceNASA has announced that STS-114 Mission Specialist Steve Robinson has transmitted the first "podcast" from space. The recording was made on the Space Shuttle Discovery, in orbit over Indonesia. No podcast newsfeed is available at this time, but NASA has published an MP3 download.
Above photo: Podcaster and Mission Specialist Steve Robinson aboard the International Space Station prior to Shuttle undocking. NASA has helped pioneer podcasting, jumping in early with its popular science@nasa podcast. Podcast Transcript: "Hello, this is Mission Specialist Number 2 Steve Robinson from the Space Shuttle Discovery. We're high in orbit on our last day of orbit. Tomorrow we come home. I'm currently talking to you just off the southeast tip of Indonesia in the daylight and moving on towards night. It's been a fantastic mission up here, absolutely amazing. Some of the hardest work that any of us have ever done. We haven't had a whole lot of sleep, and we've been extremely busy and really happy. The mission has been a test flight. We've tried lots of new things on this mission, from inspecting the Space Shuttle in space using all kinds of robot arms and sensors, to doing experimental spacewalks, which have also gone very, very well, and it's been very gratifying to learn so much about our orbiter. We've had some surprises. We sure didn't expect that big piece of foam to come off of the tank. Fortunately it missed us. We didn't expect to go outside and get to remove gap fillers from the belly of the orbiter. That was, I would have to say, the most fantastic experience of my life. Just incredible to be way out there on the end of that arm all by myself and see no evidence of humans anywhere. Just me and the Space Station and the Space Shuttle from a view that neither I nor anybody else has ever seen, and watch the sun come up over the bottom of the Space Shuttle, and get to sort of drink in that big view. I'll never forget it, and I'll never be able to describe it adequately, I'm sure. But I feel very fortunate to have been able to get a chance to do that. And also very glad that it worked! We were able to do, we were ready to do more than just pull on the gap fillers. We were ready to actually cut it out if we had to. We were going to get those gap fillers out no matter what! Turns out to be, have been a very easy job. The rest of the crewmembers, the rest of the crewmembers -- Eileen and Jim and Soichi and Andy and Wendy and Charlie -- we've had a really good time together. You know, we've trained together for a long time, several years. And we really enjoy each other's company. And it's a really rare thing to be with this, a group of people who are as diverse as we are. Everybody with different and complementary talents and all with a really great sense of humor. So we've laughed a lot, we've worked really hard, and we've learned a lot from each other. It's been really a fantastic experience. Now it's time to go home. I think some people are ready to go home -- I know I'm not. I would rather stay on the Space Station with Sergei and John and experience this strange, incredible life floating in Earth, above the Earth. At any rate, I will close ... At any rate I will close this very brief first podcast from space with a greeting to all Earthlings and a thank you for your interest and support. Whether you support the space program or not, you're learning from it. You're learning from it the very moment you hear this and think about what we're doing. And I think that learning is what looking over the horizon is all about, and don't forget that learning can be exciting and fun, too, because that's certainly what this mission has been all about. So signing off from the Space Shuttle Discovery, this is Steve Robinson, and hope to talk to you soon." Posted by jlewin at 01:23 PM | Comments (5) Podcast Quicky: Formula One Podcast
Formula 1 is considered by many to be the most prestigious class of motor sport in the world. Races are held across North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australasia. Formula Pod covers it all. A recent podcast covered the German Grand Prix. In this short interview, Podcasting News asked podcaster Brett Johnson about Formula Pod, getting featured in iTunes and how it has affected his audience. Q: Why'd you start the Formula Pod podcast? A: Formula One needed a good humored, satirical perspective, particularly in the US and UK. It's traditionally a staunch, snobbish sport and the purse strings are held so tight that it's just not very fun for the fans. In the US, the only place to watch the races is on cable or satellite and it's an upgrade package to boot. Sure CBS is broadcasting four races this year, but other than that, there's no place for the enthusiasts to get their F1 fix on a regular basis. Plus we're good friends who always talk about F1. We know enough about the sport to make it interesting for other Formula One fans, and for so many people out there, we are the F1 conversation they can't have with the NASCAR folks in the office or at school. It's just such a completely different sport, but it can be just as fun to talk about. Q: When did you start podcasting the Formula Pod show? A: Our first podcast covered the first race of the Formula One season, March 17th. We previewed the first race using a $10 phone tap from Radio Shack. I called Corey on the phone and we recorded our first episode. The audio quality was so bad that i had to go back and boost the levels for every comment Corey made. Even then, the levels were all over the map. It took hours to do a thirty minute podcast. Q: Who is involved in making the podcast? A: Myself and long time friend and race enthusiast, Corey Krause. My dad raced cars and Corey began going to the races with us and he was hooked. So hooked, in fact, that when I visited him during college, he had a complete car disassembled and in boxes in his basement. It was all he could afford. Corey raced a Spec Racer the past few years and is regularly involved with the SCCA. On occasion we'll call on Steven McLaughlin in NC and Derek in Japan, both avid fans. Q: You've been podcasting a short time, but you already have a big audience. Can you tell us about it? A: At first we were psyched to reach 100 listeners. We figured if we hit one thousand that we'd be worthy of sponsorship. With the release of iTunes we're getting about five thousand downloads per episode. Q: How have you promoted the site? A: Consistency, good tagging and a user friendly playback device for first timers. That's about it. Q: How much has iTunes affected your traffic? A: It increased 15-fold overnight in downloads. I think people were just downloading episode after episode. It's has mellowed a bit since then, and we probably grew by about twelve times in the first two weeks. Now we're back to a steady growth, though it is more rapid than before the iTunes release. Q: Any other comments? A: It was cool to be in the New & Notable section in iTunes. I think that happened because we were an independent and we had our ducks in a row. An icon next to our name, plenty of episodes, and good tags. At one point we were right next to Adam Curry's Podshow and it was a moment we'll both always cherish. This is a once in a lifetime experience. To be number one, at anything, and for any amount of time is really a great thing to relish. Editor's Note: This article has been updated to fix incorrect links. Posted by jlewin at 08:35 AM | Comments (0) i-deck Turns iPod into Hi-FiThe i-deck by Monitor Audio turns an iPod into a full-blown hi-fi system. An additional auxiliary input ensures you can hook up a wide range of other equipment sources through the i-deck, including radios or CD players.
The system features separate speakers and adapters to support all iPods. Technical Specs: More information is available at the i-deck site. Posted by jlewin at 08:20 AM | Comments (0) Podcasters Combine to Create Largest Nostalgia Podcasting NetworkThe Radio Memories Network (RMN) has teamed up with nostalgia "superstation" Yesterday USA to form the world's largest broadcasting network focused on nostalgia. By uniting with Yesterday USA, RMN will triple the size of its programming, adding the full 40+ hours of weekly programming from YUSA, making it the largest provider of nostalgia programming on the Internet, with over 47 hosted podcast. Through the facilities of RMN, Yesterday USA will make its own programs available as podcasts, as well as through its existing Internet streams, satellite, cable, and cell-phone broadcasts. As part of the agreement, Yesterday USA will also carry most of RMN's programs over its "real-time" broadcasting facilities. RMN was founded in May 2005 by Dennis Humphrey, an educator, author, and web developer from Dallas, Texas. The network began as a collaboration of old-time radio collectors and historians who present weekly shows, each focusing on a different aspect of pre-1950 radio programming. The original line-up includes: Radio Journeys, a "historical recreation" of radio as it sounded in the 1920s and '30s, produced by teacher, writer and Internet broadcaster John Grimmett. Radio Adventures and Radio Detectives, two shows produced by web developer Jim Widner, who runs the Radio Days website, and focusing early radio adventure serials and crime dramas. Western Wednesday, hosted by Humphrey and featuring western radio series of the 1930s, '40s, and '50s. The TuckerMike Show, produced by graphic designer-turned-radio host Mike Tucker, who presents a tongue-in-cheek look at old radio comedy. Sci-Fi Friday, produced by Brian Lane, a science fiction collector. Big Band Serenade, produced by Humphrey, featuring both old radio big band shows and studio recordings by the most famous big bands and singers. Tears of Yesteryear, produced bi-weekly by veteran radio DJ John March, focusing on old radio soap operas. Yesterday USA was founded by Bragg in 1983 in Richardson, Texas, as the "voice of the National Museum of Communications," which Bragg also founded. It was originally available over satellite. With the advent of the Internet in the mid-1990s, it became available as an Internet stream. Radio Memories Podcast Details Posted by jlewin at 06:01 AM | Comments (0) BBC Features Podcasting DiscussionChris Vallance, a producer and reporter with the BBC, sends word of the BBC Radio Five Live pods and blogs segment, which focuses on podcasting. An audio archive of the show is available. The show begins with discussions with bloggers in Mumbai and Northern Ireland, and then moves to podcasting about 10 minutes into the show. The podcast discussion covers:
Posted by jlewin at 05:27 AM | Comments (0) PADI Intros Diving Podcast, Seeks Podcaster Contributions
"We want to involve divers from all over the globe in our podcasts," says PADI's Budd Riker, "They are the ones who have all the great content!" While other podcasts covers the twenty-five percent of the globe above sea level, PADI's Scuba Chat plans to cover the best of the rest. Early content includes dive travel information from returning divers, strange diver habits, hurricane effects on ship wrecks, and lots of fun. Future plans for the show include covering how to get started, dive destination insights from returning divers and resort operators, continued education issues, environmental awareness, last minute dive conditions from various global venues, celebrity diver interviews, safety and first aid information, and entertaining tidbits from divers all over the world. Posted by jlewin at 05:00 AM | Comments (0) August 07, 2005Apple Using Podcasting to Fight Satellite RadioDrunkenBlog, an Apple-related blog, has posted a lengthy discussion of iPods, podcasting and satellite radio. The article looks at the cost of content for iPods vs satellite radio, and how Apple may be using podcasts as a tool to make the cost of filling large iPods less daunting. "If you have any doubts about the content squeeze, or the pressure Apple can see is about to build on them here, you really only have to look at their haphazard push on podcasts and the very specific language they're couching it in: Radio Reborn." "You may have also noticed that Apple has angered almost the entire podcasting community with how they've handled the roll-out, and how they've continued to handle the roll-out, and this is almost entirely crouched in the understandable yet mistaken belief that Apple actually gives a rats ass about 95% of those with a podcast." "I mean, if you're a podcaster and along comes this big corporation that says what you're doing is the Next Big Thing™, that must be affirming and make you feel cool, but then it must be confusing when they're as dismissive of you as a used Q-Tip. Actions speak louder than words, and you're basically just around -- and being pushed -- to hopefully stave off the content squeeze." Source: The Content Squeeze, DrunkenBlog Posted by jlewin at 09:37 AM | Comments (0) August 06, 2005New Yahoo Service Searches iTunes & Podcasts
Yahoo has worked with several top music download services to help it create a comprehensive music search service. The search provides download links to iTunes, MSN Music, Napster, Yahoo's Music Unlimited, and other online music stores. The service also indexes podcasts, based on the meta-information embedded in the files and in podcast feeds. The search results for podcasts reflect the beta state of the new search tool. For example, a search for adam curry currently fails to return his podcast in the top search results. Posted by jlewin at 10:06 PM | Comments (1) IBM Intros Investor Podcast
The first in the series, IBM and The Future of Driving, explores how technology is changing the way cars are built, driven, maintained and insured. The podcast is hosted by Ben Edwards and include a discussion with Jim Ruthven of IBM's Automotive Software unit and Dr. Roberto Sicconi of IBM Research. The podcast will be available on IBM's investor Web site. IBM's new podcast series will expand on the traditional historical investor Web site content by discussing both industry-wide trends and IBM-specific innovations in a variety of emerging business and technology areas. Future topics will include "IBM and The Future Of ..." shopping, healthcare, innovation, banking, supply and demand, and the home. Posted by jlewin at 09:44 PM | Comments (0) Cruisebox Tells the FCC to Stick It
Podcasters interested in telling the FCC to stick it can download the Creative Commons licensed track in all its explicit glory at the site. Instrumental, vocal, and guitar-only submixes are available for remixers. A "squeeky clean", Wal-Mart safe version is also available. Posted by jlewin at 05:25 PM | Comments (0) Podcast Awards AnnouncedPodcastAwards.com has announced the winners of the 2005 People's Choice Podcast Awards. This Week in Tech won the People's Choice award. Other winners include Daily Source Code, the Dawn and Drew Show and The Catholic Insider. The Awards is a project of Podcast Connect. The Awards ceremony will be held at Podcast Expo in Ontario California November 11-12, 2005. 2005 Winners Peoples Choice: This Week In Tech Posted by jlewin at 07:35 AM | Comments (0) August 05, 2005Numark iDJ iPod Mixer Supports PodcastingNumark has introduced the iDJ iPod DJ mixer, and will be providing information for users that are interested in using it for creating podcasts. The iDJ is a 2-channel mixer that lets iPod djs and podcasters integrate their iPods with other sounds sources, and with sound reinforcement systems. The iDJ is designed to transform the iPod from a personal music player into a source playback device.
The iDJ features extruded, anodized aluminum panels, zero tolerance precision switches and knobs for a tight, precise feel, and a soft touch edge bumper that both protects and visually enhances the unit. This full-featured mixer with dual iPod docking stations incorporates a microphone input plus both quarter- and eighth-inch headphone outputs to complete the mixing experience. With USB connectivity to both PC and Macintosh computers, the iDJ functions as a music-loading base as well. Further, the iDJ supports the limited recording capabilities of the iPod—enabling the recording of voice notes for memos, etc. Numark’s iDJ features two universal iPod docking stations that accept all model iPods with the bottom connector. Featuring large iPod navigation controls, this two-channel mixer provides 3-band EQ with gain control for each channel and a dedicated microphone input with tone and level control. Each channel also provides phono/line inputs for adding additional devices such as CD players and samplers into the mix. On the output side, the iDJ incorporates a master output LED meter for visual confirmation of one’s audio signals and a crossfader with fader start control for blending and alternating between the two channel’s audio signals. Additionally, the iDJ provides a cue tone and cue source selector for managing music sources. With both quarter- and eighth-inch headphone outputs, the iDJ is able to accommodate both consumer style headphones with minijack connectors as well as professional grade headphones with the larger connector type. To connect to sound systems and external recorders, the iDJ provides Master and Record outputs. For computer connectivity, Numark’s iDJ provides USB connectivity to both PC and Macintosh computers, facilitating convenient iPod docking to one’s personal computer. With the iDJ’s USB capabilities, music enthusiasts can mix music to their heart’s content while still having full interoperability with their computer for modifying/expanding their music libraries. And with an S-Video output (for iPod Photo model players only), the iDJ is ready to patch into video displays for complete multimedia. Numark’s iDJ Mixing Console for iPod has a suggested retail price of $399. The iDJ will be available Q3 of 2005. Features:
Posted by jlewin at 05:35 PM | Comments (1) August 04, 2005Singapore Democratic Party Adopts Podcasting as Tool for Freedom of Political Speech
SDP secretary-general Chee Soon Juan has given the inaugural address, in which he highlights the Party's manifesto and raises issues regarding transparency and accountability. The podcast is a way for the party to by-pass Singapore state-controlled media. RadioSDP plans to distribute speeches of its leaders, analysis of political developments, interviews of dissidents living in exile and feature call-in programs for citizens. Where necessary or feasible, the messages will be podcast in the four main languages of English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. "We encourage Internet users to play the podcasts to the older generation of Singaporeans such as your parents and grandparents who may not have the necessary computer and literacy skills to read our website," notes the SDP. "The SDP would like to encourage Singaporeans to use Internet podcasting to breach the control of the media by the PAP Government." Posted by jlewin at 05:50 PM | Comments (0) Creative Debuts Zen Vision Multimedia PlayerCreative Technology has introduced the Zen Vision MP3 player with a 3.7-inch SharpPix high-resolution 640x480 262,144-color screen for photo viewing and digital video playback. Featuring a transflective screen that provides excellent image and video quality even in bright sunlit conditions, the 30GB Zen Vision carries up to 15,000 songs, tens of thousands of photos, or up to 120 hours of video. Available in either pearl white or black, the Zen Vision measures 4.9 by 2.9 by .8 inches and weighs only 8.4 ounces. It is available today for pre-order at us.creative.com for US $399.99. "The Zen Vision is our most versatile and coolest-looking digital entertainment player ever," said Sim Wong Hoo, chairman and CEO of Creative. "It supports download and subscription music services, photo transfer directly from a Compact Flash card or up to 17 variations of media through our optional Compact Flash Adapter. With the SharpPix technology, your digital photos can look even better than prints. Plus the Zen Vision supports video from TiVoToGo and popular Internet video formats including DivX, so it's really easy and fun to enjoy your favorite music, photos and videos wherever you go."
Music With audio playback quality of up to 97dB SNR, the Zen Vision can carry up to 15,000 songs, and supports downloads from Internet music stores such as Napster, MSN Music and Music Now. The Zen Vision also supports music subscription services such as Yahoo! Music Unlimited and Napster to Go. The player also includes a built-in FM radio with 32 preset options, and FM recording.
The Zen Vision can carry tens of thousands of digital photos. For sharing pictures with family and friends, a convenient composite video out connector enables stunning full-color image output on any size TV screen. Users can watch slide shows set to favorite music played through headphones, the built-in speaker on the face of the player, or by connecting speakers such as a Creative I-Trigue® 2.1 system. The convenient Plug&View slot on the side of the player supports both Compact Flash Type I and Type II media. An optional Compact Flash Adapter plugs directly into the Compact Flash slot to accept the most popular memory card types including SmartMedia, MultiMedia Card and Secure Digital, 17 variations in all. Video The Zen Vision supports a wide selection of video formats for enjoyment of movies downloaded from the Internet, including MPEG-2, MPEG-4 Simple Profile formats such as DivX and Xvid, WMV, and MJPEG. The Zen Vision also supports TiVoToGo, for viewing of TV content recorded on a TiVo personal video recorder, and digitized home movies transferred from the PC. Easy alphabetical scrolling enables quick access to movies and video files. The removable rechargeable battery provides up to 4.5 hours of video playback, and up to 120 hours of video can be stored on the player. Additional Features The large, bright screen of the Zen Vision displays a full menu to access music, pictures and video. In addition the intuitive menu accesses the following features:
The Zen Vision connects to the PC via USB 2.0 for fast, easy transfer of content, and can also connect to an optional docking station for elegant freestanding display. Pricing and Availability The new Creative Zen Vision will retail for US $399.99, comes with a rechargeable, removable Li-ion battery, an AC adapter, USB 2.0 cable, high-quality earphones, an AV cable, and a protective pouch. Optional accessories, including a docking station, Compact Flash Adapter, screen protector, spare extended-life battery, wired remote, and IR remote, will all be available for purchase separately. Posted by jlewin at 08:41 AM | Comments (0) WorldVibrations Intros Radio Station in a Box
"The WorldVibrations Radio Station is an affordable unit about the size of a VCR that serves as both an on-air studio and a production studio," says WorldVibrations designer and Russell Johnson. "It offers users ranging from individual artists and political action groups to multi-national organizations access to an international audience very inexpensively." Johnson also sees the device as a way to empower communities. Where laws permit, it is easy to connect a traditional radio transmitter to the WVRS and offer community service and truly local programming, a notion that is fast disappearing as the ownership of media consolidates into the hands of a few like minds. "This is a way for local communities and individual artists and groups to gain a voice," says Johnson. Podcasting is the latest addition to this device. You can create your content on the WVRS-P and upload your podcast. But you can also capture that content for a 24 x 7 radio station and insert it into a show, much like a dj inserts a song, a feature or a spot. The Radio Station retails for $2,850. Details are available at the WorldVibrations site. Posted by jlewin at 08:17 AM | Comments (0) Alesis Intros MultiMix Firewire MixersSummer NAMM Update: Alesis introduced a new line of MultiMix mixers featuring FireWire data connectivity. Available in 8-, 12-, and 16-channel configurations, these compact tabletop mixers feature FireWire, low-noise analog electronics and one hundred digital effects. Alesis already offers several MultiMix USB mixers. "With the MultiMix FireWire Series, we’ve made multitrack recording to the computer a viable and affordable possibility for the modern artist/producer," states Alesis President Jack O’Donnell.
The DICE II FireWire technology incorporated into the MultiMix FireWire Series provides for the transfer of multiple audio data streams from the mixer to one’s computer (PC/Windows or Mac OSX) using a standard IEEE-1394 FireWire interface. These mixers provide lightening fast, 24-bit stereo simultaneous input/output via the mixer’s FireWire connection to a wide range of computer-based audio production applications. With their low noise analog electronics, the MultiMix FireWire mixers are cost-effective and highly versatile companions to the desktop recording environment. All three models feature high-gain mic/line preamps, 48V phantom power, auxiliary sends/returns, and an onboard effects engine encompassing one hundred 28-bit preset effects, including reverbs, delays, chorus, and flanging. Each channel provides 3-band EQ with high/low shelving and mid band pass/reject. The MultiMix 8- and 12-channel mixers provide four high-gain mic/line (XLR and quarter-inch balanced) inputs with phantom power, two stereo balanced quarter-inch line inputs, an Aux send that can send to either onboard or external effects, and a stereo Aux return. The MultiMix 16 has eight high-gain mic/line (XLR and quarter-inch balanced) inputs, with the remaining I/O connectivity identical to its smaller siblings. Additional features of the MultiMix FireWire Series include separate quarter-inch balanced main and monitor outs, plus headphone out. Plug and Play operation is available under Windows XP and Mac OSX—eliminating the need for special drivers or setup. Completing the system package is the inclusion of Steinberg’s Cubase LE recording software. Alesis’ new MultiMix FireWire Series mixers have a suggested retail price of $599 (MultiMix 8), $699 (MultiMix 12), and $799 (MultiMix 16). The MultiMix FireWire Series will be available Q3 of 2005. Posted by jlewin at 08:04 AM | Comments (0) August 03, 2005First Persian Podcast
Rooze Haftom's Behzad Bolour said, "It is fantastic that listeners can stay across our arts and entertainment programme at their own leisure. People are leading busier lives and with diverse media choices it's essential to give them the opportunity to tailor how they listen. This week they are in for a treat because Rooze Haftom will feature Iranian underground music and Iranian death metal!" BBC World Service New Media's Kelly Shephard adds, "New technologies like podcasting provide an exciting way for our audiences to hear our content and we hope that this first-ever trial of a BBC language programme via podcast will allow an even wider international audience to explore our programmes. It will revolutionise the listening experience." Other shows available in the BBC podcasting trial are the weekly BBC World Service language technology program Go Digital and all documentaries. Posted by jlewin at 11:02 PM | Comments (0) Griffin Intros iFM iPod Radio Tuner
iFM is also a recording device, with a built in microphone to record voice, or change modes to capture live FM radio directly to the iPod.
Features:
Remote
Recorder
Pricing & Availability The Griffin iFM's MSRP is $49.99 USD, and it is scheduled to begin shipping in August. Posted by jlewin at 08:16 AM | Comments (1) August 02, 2005Mobilecast Utility Converts Podcasts for Mobile PhonesDeveloper Tea Vui Huang has released Mobilecast 1.0, an application that converts podcasts to AMR files that can be played on many 2G & 3G mobile phones. Once installed and configured, Mobilecast will be run by iPodder after each podcast download. It splits podcasts into segments of 10 min AMR (NB/WB) audio files for use on mobile phones. The Windows command-line application is freeware. AMR is short for Adaptive Multi-Rate (AMR) audio codec. AMR audio is widely supported in mobile phones, e.g. Nokia Series 40 and Series 60 phones. Native WB-AMR support is limited to 3G mobile phones at the moment, to playback WB-AMR files on 2G/2G+ mobiles you can download and install third-party audio players like the Helix Player for Symbian OS. Posted by jlewin at 09:02 PM | Comments (0) New Financial Site Seeks Podcast Beta Testers
StreetIQ.com will offer financial podcasts that draw from many of the Internet's top sources for business news, market commentary, investment opinions and public company conference calls. "StreetIQ.com will be more than a directory of financial podcasts," said Wing Yu, CEO of FinancialContent. "We will build a community of listeners that gives everyone from hedge fund managers, professional analysts, brokers and independent day traders the ability to promote quality content and to enhance the free flow of investment information." StreetIQ.com will also offer a turnkey solution that lets original content publishers record, publish and syndicate their podcasts through a single application. StreetIQ.com will offer professional services, such as intro and outro audio clips, voice talent, post-production and hosting services. A sample of a financial podcast produced by StreetIQ.com can be accessed at the website. "Many podcasters will be especially impressed with our syndication capabilities," added Mr. Yu. "StreetIQ.com will be uniquely positioned to syndicate financial podcasts across FinancialContent's network of over 400 financial channel deployments." To sign up as a beta-tester, visit the website at http://www.streetiq.com. Posted by jlewin at 05:50 PM | Comments (0) New App Records Skype Calls Within OutlookSkylook is a new application that makes it easy for users of Microsoft Outlook to record Skype voice conversations. Skype is a popular tool for recording "calls" over the Internet. Skylook integrates with Outlook and lets users record Skype VoIP Calls (both inbound and outbound) directly into Outlook items as MP3 attachments. Skylook also archives Skype calls within Outlook.
Skylook 1.0 is compatible with the following environments:
Posted by jlewin at 05:41 PM | Comments (1) Korg Intros Portable Digital RecorderKorg has expanded its D Series recording products with the compact D4 Digital Recorder. The D4 lets users record, mix and edit complete songs and audio recordings from start to finish. The D4 features four tracks of high-quality, MPEG-1 (audio layer -2) format recording onto Compact Flash cards, plus eight virtual tracks per channel, for a total of 32 tracks. Further enhancing the unit’s capabilities are easy to use “turn/push” editing knobs, a large backlit LCD, front panel XLR, and 1/4" inputs that accept a microphone or guitar.
Three recording modes (High-Quality, Standard, Economy) provide extended recording time options (up to 99 songs per card, and up to 72 hours of recording time in Economy mode with a 2 GB card) for greater flexibility. The D4 also has a full suite of non-destructive editing tools including Punch-In/Out, Bounce, Copy/Paste, Delete and Time Compression/Expansion. Designed for absolute sonic integrity, the D4 is equipped with 93 different types of studio-quality modeling effects featuring Korg’s proprietary REMS™ technology, which realistically capture the audio characteristics of guitar, bass, drums, amp and mic simulations. Additionally, a 4-band EQ enables finite tuning plus chorus, phaser and flanger type modulation effects. 100 factory programs are included, with room for 100 user programs as well. The D4 also provides 87 high-quality PCM rhythm patterns (32 metronome and 55 rhythm patterns) covering all modern styles including 8 beat, 16 beat, Rock, Funk, Hip-Hop, R&B, Jazz, 3/4, 6/8, 5/4, 7/4 and more. Additional onboard features include a built-in mic; tuner; metronome with 32 patterns for practice; three selectable audio inputs (guitar, mic, line); two audio outputs; a stereo mini headphone jack; and USB serial port for transferring songs to a PC or for MP3 encoding. The D4 comes with a 64 MB Compact Flash card (with support for cards up to 2 GB) and an AC adapter. The Korg D4 is available in August at a U.S. MSRP of $399. Posted by jlewin at 08:43 AM | Comments (0) Apple Intros Mighty Mouse - Most Complex Mac Mouse Ever?Apple has introduced Mighty Mouse, its next generation mouse, with several features that make using a Mac even more powerful and easy.
Mighty Mouse offers power users up to four independently programmable buttons, and introduces a Scroll Ball that lets users scroll in any direction—vertically, horizontally and even diagonally. "With its innovative Scroll Ball and unique integration of multiple buttons, Mighty Mouse adds functionality while retaining the elegant, easy-to-use Apple design," said David Moody, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Mac Product Marketing. Mighty Mouse features a single seamless enclosure with programmable touch sensors that act as primary or secondary buttons. With a simple click on the upper right or left side of the mouse, users can instantly access features such as contextual menus found in Mac OS X and other applications. Mighty Mouse’s two other buttons are activated by pressing its Scroll Ball and squeezing its sides. Mighty Mouse fits the left or right hand and has an optical tracking engine for responsive and accurate cursor movement on almost any type of surface. Mighty Mouse is priced at $49. Posted by jlewin at 08:23 AM | Comments (0) Mac OS X Dashboard Widgets Top One Thousand
Widgets provide Mac users with dazzling new ways to instantly access important information from weather forecasts and stock quotes to traffic conditions and the latest news stories. "Dashboard is a runaway hit," said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. "With over a thousand widgets to choose from, users can customize their Dashboards to do almost anything.” Dashboard widgets give users immediate access to a wide range of information and entertainment. A single click makes a user’s favorite widgets instantly appear, with current information; with another click they conveniently disappear from the desktop. It's easy for third party developers to create new widgets, using standard web technologies such as HTML and JavaScript, that users can easily and securely download to their systems with the new Dashboard widget manager provided in Mac OS X version 10.4.2. Posted by jlewin at 08:14 AM | Comments (0) Mac Newsfeed Application Updated
Feeder is an application for creating, editing and publishing RSS feeds. Version 1.2 introduces full support for working with the iTunes RSS extensions announced with iTunes 4.9, including an iTunes Music Store preview, so podcasters can see how their podcast will look in the iTunes Music Store before submitting their feed and without having to wait for iTunes to update. Feeder 1.2 is a free upgrade for registered 1.x users. For more information and to download a fully working 15-day trial, visit the Feeder product pages. Feeder requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later and costs $29.95. Educational discounts are also available. Posted by jlewin at 07:47 AM | Comments (0) Windows Podcast Client Software Fully BrandableCustomReader is an RSS news client that can be customized for companies that want to provide a "branded" user experience. The application supports enclosures, so can be used with podcasts and other media.
Browser and Modern View Posted by jlewin at 07:39 AM | Comments (0) August 01, 2005Mac Version of OPML Editor Released
According to Winer, it is "ready for you to use, knock wood, praise Murphy, I am not a lawyer, my mother loves me, and all other disclaimers, past, present and future." OPML Editor is available as a free download from the OPML.org site. The software can be used for creating blogs and podcast sites. More significantly, Winer also intends it to be a tool for creating multi-developer, multi-site, loosely-tied projects. A Windows version of the Editor was released previously. Posted by jlewin at 12:38 PM | Comments (0) Fox Jumps on Podcast Bandwagon
Fox Podcasts include Family Guy, Simpsons, American Dad, Malcolm in the Middle, Trading Spouses and other popular Fox shows. The podcasts, which Fox brands as "Foxcasts", are standard RSS 2.0/MP3 podcasts, with iTunes support. Fox podcasts are narrated by Michael Krogmann, the host of the Late Night FOX Show, and the man behind American Idol’s Jaded Journalist. Posted by jlewin at 12:22 PM | Comments (2) NAMM Wrap-Up: New Gear for PodcastingThe NAMM Summer Session, held July 21-24 in Indianapolis, Indiana, provided an opportunity for us to check out the latest recording equipment for podcasting. We talked to dozens of companies about their latest gear, and will be featuring some of the highlights in the coming weeks. There were no products targeted to podcasters being displayed. It's not really clear yet if there is a market specifically for podcasting equipment; podcasters are using a variety of gear similar to other home studio users. We found a wide range of awareness about podcasting among recording equipment manufacturers. Some had no idea what podcasting is, while a few were very knowledgeable about it. We ran into one product guru, Jake Sigal, that even has his own podcast - SGL House Music. That's a good sign! While we were at the NAMM show, we connected with Chaz Rough. His podcast promises 15 Minutes of Fame, as he interviews a variety of people around the country. Podcasts of our discussions are available via the Rocket15 site. Show Highlights: Here's a rundown of some of the most interesting new gear for podcasters: Microphones Only one new microphone seemed to offer unique capabilities for podcasters. The Samson C01U is a high-quality USB mic. It's based on an established model, one of Samson's popular mics. They list for about $80. The mic should provide a fairly inexpensive way to get good quality results in a home podcasting studio. You can just plug the mic into your computer and it's ready to go. This should be ideal for podcasters that want a very simple computer-based podcast setup. A laptop and a mic like this would make a great portable podcast studio. The biggest downside to USB mics is that they can't be used with traditional mixers and recording equipment. This shouldn't be an issue for most podcasters. Digital Audio Recorders Several companies had new digital audio recorders that will be of interest to podcasters. They all look like they will be great podcasting tools, because they are portable, battery-powered, and can offer high capacity and quality recording.
Sony's Hi-MD Portable Recorder looks like a winner, too. There are two models. The main difference is the screen. Tascam had several interesting portable recorders on display. Tascam is well-known for its line of portable audio workstations. These mini-studios can handle 8 or more tracks or channels of audio, have built-in mixers, and have other features that should make them especially useful for people interested in recording music, or shows that require more than 2 channels. They start at about $250, and go on up, based on the features available. With Tascam's portable studios, podcasters can record several channels of audio on location, add over-dubs, add effects and mix a complete show without using a computer. While the Tascam recorders are portable and powerful, they are much bigger than Edirol or Sony's digital audio recorders, because of the space required for all the knobs and sliders. M-Audio had several items of interest for podcasters, including the GarageBand iControl, a dedicated hardware interface for GarageBand, and a digital audio recorder. Mixers
USB versions are currently available that can support two channels of audio into a computer. Firewire models than can support eight or more channels will be available soon. Software We didn't see any software specifically for podcasters, though any of the audio applications that were on display could easily support recording, editing and mixing podcasts. These products are designed primarily for professional music and audio production, and have lots of features that podcasters don't need, and a few that they do. Because of this, none of the recording applications stood out as being ideal for creating podcasts. Unusual One of the more interesting stops we had was at the Numark booth, where we met one of the product managers and got a demo of the iDJ. This is designed as an iPod DJ mixer, but they've put some thought into using it as a podcast creation tool, also. Basically, the iDJ is a DJ mixer that holds two iPods and lets you mix between them. The control surface of the iDJ replicates the controls on the iPods, so it has large, tactile controls for mixing with. It also lets you hook up a mic and line-level inputs from turntables, cd players and other devices. The product rep is a podcaster, and he explained how the iDJ could be used as a tool for creating podcasts. One could put music or interviews on the iPods, plug in a mic to record voice, and connect the outputs to your computer's input. For a lot of people, working directly on the computer makes more sense. For people that like the idea of an iPod based workflow, though, perhaps for creating a DJ mix music show, the iDJ could make an interesting option. Obviously, it doubles as a cool iPod DJ mixer! Summary Podcasting is barely on the radar for many of these manufacturers, so we did not see any products specifically for podcasting. Nevertheless, podcasting was a hot topic for several of the companies that we talked with, so we expect to see more gear that will interest podcasters at next year's Winter NAMM show. Posted by jlewin at 07:52 AM | Comments (0) G-Unit Watch Doubles as MP3 PlayerNow that bling-bling is in the Oxford English Dictionary, what's next? Rapper 50 Cent has introduced the G-Unit MP3 Watch. The name G-Unit comes from his rap group and record label. The MP3 watch comes in two different versions; 256MB and 512MB.
Buttons around the face of the watch let users play, fast forward, rewind, and equalize music. A USB port is also available. The G-Unit watch is $486 for a 256mb model. Posted by jlewin at 07:35 AM | Comments (0) |
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Copyright 2004-5 Podcasting News
LearnOutLoud.com, an online resource for audio and video learning materials, has launched a directory of 
Some podcasters are raising concerns about restrictions contained in PodShow's 
Despite a steady stream of so-called "iPod-killers", Apple's popular iPod portable audio player has claimed one victim and put another on life-support.
Apple has sent out invitations for a special event planned for September 7th at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.
SpeakerCraft has introduced MODE, the Music On Demand Experience. The MODE, a full-color, wall-mounted screen interface with a scroll wheel and push button controls, allows home owners to access and control all of their multimedia equipment, including iPods, in up to six rooms of the home.
Widget Press has introduced a complete web podcasting database solution for podcasting, 
SIRIUS has announced its first wearable satellite radio, the SIRIUS S50, which allows users to capture and store up to 50 hours of SIRIUS content, or a mix of SIRIUS programming and MP3/WMA fileso. The SIRIUS S50 is scheduled to be available in October.
Oracle has announced plans to offer content content via podcasting for the Oracle OpenWorld San Francisco conference, Sept. 17 - 22, 2005 at Moscone Center.
Apple plans use flash memory for its new iPod Mini MP3 players, industry analysts said on Wednesday.
Belkin has announced TuneSync for iPod, an iPod dock with a built-in five-port USB 2.0 hub.
Gartner, a leading provider of research and analysis on information technology, has highlighted podcasting as an emerging technologies:
Duke University has announced that it will be hosting the first academic symposium on podcasting September 27-28, 2005.
iLounge has introduced an 
Melodeo has announced that it is making podcasts available for download to mobile phones. Consumers will be able to use Melodeo Mobilcast software to find and download podcasts on a mobile phone. 
Scosche Industries has announced that it is shipping a patent-pending Bluetooth wireless interface for iPod and MP3 players for aftermarket brand-name head units and home audio systems. The Scosche transmitter connects directly to the headphone output connector of the iPod/MP3 unit and transmits to a Bluetooth receiver connected to the auxiliary input of a vehicle's head unit or home audio system.
Odeo, a podcasting site that features a directory and tools for creating and hosting podcasts, has announced that it has "acquired some fuel for our little enterprise from a great group of folks."
The 
Pioneering music site 
You can also browse through Electromancer and keep your eye out for the Pod Safe music logo. This is displayed whenever artists want to make their music available for use in podcasts. 
Every month, it seems that a new portable audio player is released that is supposed to be an iPod-killer. 
After several years of development, MythTV has a broad range of features:
Sony Ericsson has introduced the W550 Walkman Phone, a triple band 1.3 megapixel camera phone with horizontal camera user interface, 4x digital zoom, gaming console, Internet capability, stereo music support, 176 x 220 pixel 262k color display plus loads more.
One of the fastest-moving podcasts has to be 
Yahoo is beta-testing a new service that searches for audio files from the Internet, including music files from major online music stores and podcasts. Yahoo describes the service as "the most open and comprehensive index of audio files on the Web".
IBM has introduced an 
The Singapore Democratic Party has announced the launch of RadioSDP, the first political "podcast" in Singapore. (While SDP characterizes RadioSDP as a podcast, we were unable to find a podcast newsfeed.)
The WorldVibrations Radio Station and Podcaster (WVRS-P) is an all-in-one-device for both consumers and professionals to produce and automate radio content, and even link into other Internet radio stations for a virtual network feed.
The BBC's 
Griffin Technology has introduced iFM, a device that integrates FM radio tuning, recording and remote control functionality to the iPod, all in a tiny aluminum enclosure. With the flip of a switch users can now switch seamlessly between controlling their music library and listening to their favorite FM radio programming.
FinancialContent, Inc. has announced that the Company is seeking beta-testers for 
Apple has announced that Dashboard, a feature in its Mac OS version 10.4 "Tiger" operating system, now has 
Reinvented Software has released Feeder 1.2 for Mac OS X.
Features
Dave Winer has announced that a Mac OS X version of his OPML Editor is now available. 
Edirol was showing the 
