Look out y’all, yet another digital audio download service is on the horizon, this it is a result of a joint venture between Microsoft and MTV. The service, dubbed “Urge,” will likely be integrated into the next release of Windows Media Player, and will offer over 2 million songs from major and independent artists, as well as original MTV content in both audio and video form. No word on pricing just yet.

Read More | Reuters

Gallery: Microsoft and MTV Team Up On Urge Music Service

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Any Xbox fanatic knows of Major Nelson (also known as the mild mannered Larry Hryb,) the cool Xbox Live employee who manages a blog and pod

blogcast show. Recently, he let everyone know that we shouldn’t expect Divx support from the Xbox 360 using the Media Center Extender function - ever. Why? Well, he eludes to the fact that there has not yet been one commercial DVD release in Divx format, and therefore, there is no reason to support it on the Xbox 360. He went on to say that Divx is primarily used as a method to “back up” DVDs, and Microsoft doesn’t want to get into any hot water on that front.

We have a much different stance on this issue…

Click to continue reading Calling Out Major Nelson: Xbox 360 Supports MP3 But Not Divx?

Gallery: Calling Out Major Nelson: Xbox 360 Supports MP3 But Not Divx?

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We just got this video from Napster, which we would have normally ignored. However, after watching it, we thought it would be worth sharing, as it gave us a chuckle at the end. It plays off of the whole concept of iTunes hitting you with a 30-second preview, while Napster gives you the whole deal. The video is playable right in this post, no need for a download.

Gallery: The Napster Girl

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Plantronics has made it known that their Pulsar 590 stereo headphones are now available. Looking at the image, you can see that there isn’t much to them, which is a good thing in this situation. As far as functionality goes, you are able to switch from listening to your entertainment to taking a phone call with the push of a button. There is an omni-directional mic for voice optimization as well, and the unit includes an AC adapter/charger, USB charger, charging stand, travel case, and an in-flight cable. Look for this one to retail at $149.

Read More | BIOS Magazine

Gallery: Plantronics Pulsar 590 Bluetooth Headset Now Available

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Michigan based Visteon is working with US automobile makers to incorporate the USB interface in their new vehicles.  This will allow users to plug in a USB flash-drive from which they will be able to play music files.  The apparent aim is to replace the CD player’s role in US automobiles.  The first of these USB enhanced vehicles will hit the production line in early February, fitted with not only USB but also an interface for the Apple iPod. What we are wondering about, as I’m sure many others are, is whether or not an adapter of sorts will soon follow, allowing vehicle owners with CD-changers to take advantage of the USB interface.  I would love to replace my scratched collection of CDs in my car with a flash-drive dedicated to music.

Read More | Just-auto.com

Gallery: Car + USB - CD player = Soon

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So just about everyone who could afford it picked up the new 5th generation iPod with video support, and it seems that it is a hit. Adding to the myriad of reviews out there, we figured we would do a no-nonsense “quick review” of the device. Not sure what that means? Well, after writing the full review twice and having it turn up as garbled text both times, we have shortened it to hit the keys point to save from further frustration that would result in throwing an iMac through the window.

Click to continue reading The Gear Live iPod video Quick Review

Gallery: The Gear Live iPod video Quick Review

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Man, Apple has been on an iTunes-releasing rampage as of late, haven’t they? Just a week after iTunes 6.0 was released, we have iTunes 6.0.1 available to download:

With iTunes 6.0.1, you can preview, buy, and download over 2,000 videos on the iTunes Music Store and sync your music and purchased videos with iPod to enjoy on the go. To watch purchased videos, you must have Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later.

iTunes 6.0.1 features several stability improvements over iTunes 6.

After purchasing music from the iTunes Music Store with iTunes 6 or later, you will also need to upgrade your other computers that purchase music from the iTunes Music Store to iTunes 6.0.1.

Go for it.

Read More | iTunes

Gallery: iTunes 6.0.1 Released

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Here at DigitalLife we got to experience some of the cool things already, but eJamming definitely caught our collective eyes when we saw a drummer banging on some MIDI drums.  How is this innovative? Well, he wasn’t alone.  He was jamming with 4 other musicians - but only one of them was actually near him.  Using eJamming’s software, you can actually have real time sessions with MIDI (and soon audio too) via a broadband connection.  Of course, if you want to take it to the next level, you can record your entire MIDI session and export it to your favorite editor such as Pro Tools or Cubase for further editing and mixing.  The bad part is if you’re the guitarist that likes to break amps, they will most likely be your own. Read More | eJamming

Gallery: eJamming Music Software

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Words cannot evince the rekindling my spirit is undergoing, gazing upon the supple, roseate curves of this USB FM Radio Pig. Truly, I have not felt so urgent a calling to spend forth my hard-earned dollars as I do this very moment, full well with the knowledge that a simple $43.00 will bring me a pig to call (and name) my very own. My elation grows steadily as I learn that with each twist of its tail, the volume of my favorite terrestrial FM station will increase or decrease according to my fickle whims, each press of its ears bringing forth a new frequency. Gracefully in stock at MaGeekStore, this pig is certain to brighten up any room in which it resides.

Read More | MaGeekStore (AV Translated) via Akihabara News

Gallery: USB FM Pig Radio

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Gwen Stefani’s uber-hit “Hollaback Girl” from her latest album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. has become the first song to hit 1,000,000 commercial downloads. This is certainly a milestone, and shows that people will pay for music in this day and age, although those in the know rely on Russia for their tracks. Nonetheless, Interscope Geffen Charman Jimmy Lovine stated “Gwen is one of the most forward-thinking and innovative artists in music today. That she would make history with digital downloads just emphasizes her role as a leader in so many ways for a new generation and for music. The music industry is changing and this is a major sign that digital downloading has reached the mass market and become a very significant business.” Gwen added, “It’s always an honor to be recognized for your music, and this is really the coolest. It’s exciting to see people embrace the song and really make it part of their lives. Whether it’s CDs, computers, or cellphones…it really is bananas.” In recognition of reaching the milestone, Stefani will be presented with a certificate when she performs at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl on October 21.

Read More | ContactMusic

Gallery: Hollaback 1,000,000 Times Girl!

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