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Latest Gear Live Videos
How to upgrade your iTunes purchases to DRM-free iTunes Plus
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Features, Music, Software,
Earlier today during the MacWorld 2009 keynote, Apple announced that the iTunes Store was on the way to completely dropping DRM. As of today, 8,000,000 of the 10,000,000 tracks are now available as DRM-free iTunes Plus tracks, and that even includes music videos. We figured we’d give you a quick look at how you go about upgrading your library of purchased content.
So the first thing you want to do is go to the iTunes Store, and look on the right-hand side. You’ll see “iTunes Plus” as one of the links, with a number next to it. That number represents the number of pieces of content that you have available that can be upgraded. Click on that.
Click to continue reading How to upgrade your iTunes purchases to DRM-free iTunes Plus
Gallery: How to upgrade your iTunes purchases to DRM-free iTunes Plus
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Audio-Technica SOLiDGE Forged Speakers
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Misc. Tech, Music,
Japan’s Audio-Technica is releasing a new line of portable speakers they have dubbed SOLiDGE. Made of a forged aluminum structure, the manufacturing is similar to that of Katana swords. The company claims that using that technique will enhance their “signature sound” by reducing vibrations. We are not sure that is true, but we certainly like their looks. Due out January 23, the AT-SPS7 will cost about $280.00 while smaller the ATH-SPS5 will retail for about $130.00.
Read More 
| GEDDEM
Gallery: Audio-Technica SOLiDGE Forged Speakers
iTunes goes DRM-free, gets price adjustments
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Music, Software, Wireless / WiFi,
In the final announcement of the MacWorld 2009 keynote, Phil Schiller listed off some of the changes coming to the iTunes ecosystem. First and foremost, in our mind, is that iTunes is going completely DRM-free. Starting today, 8 millions songs on the service will be DRM-free, and by the end of March, all 10 million will be without DRM. Consumers will be able to upgrade their entire purchased music library to iTunes Plus, which means no DRM and much higher quality at 256 kbps.
In a related note, Apple also announced that the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store is no more, and that instead, your iPhone can now download iTunes tracks no matter what connection you are on - that means no need to find a Wi-Fi hotspot in order to download the latest from Flo Rida. Of course, iPhone downloads are also DRM-free and sport the same quality.
Gallery: iTunes goes DRM-free, gets price adjustments
iLuv iMM183 Speaker Dock
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Handhelds, Music, Portable Audio / Video,
iLuv has unveiled its iMM183 Speaker Dock. With room for both iPhone and iPod 4G or later, it can, like its older brother iMM173, play from either, has a built-in alarm clock, FM tuner and an aux-in jack for other audio sources on the 6W stereo. Add to that weather texted alerts from NOAA and SAME. They come through preset channels and up to 10 of them can be archived. An LED flashes to let the user know there is a new catastrophe brewing. The iMM183 should be out in March with a price probably close to the 173’s $150.00 mark.
Read More | ipodnn
Gallery: iLuv iMM183 Speaker Dock
Thanko Video Camera MP4 Watch
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Movies, Music, Portable Audio / Video, USB,
Thanko is helping you play spy with its Video Camera MP4 Watch. It has a built-in 4GB flash drive and can record images, MP3 and WMA audio and AVI video with its mic and camera. It also has a handy headphone port for private playback and it handles uploading, as well as file conversion, through your PC USB port. Compatible with Windows XP/Vista, the watch has a TFT 1.8-inch display with a video resolution of 352x288 and a picture resolution of 640x480. Expect 3.5 to 8.3 hours of playback, a battery charge time of 4 hours and a price of $249.99.
Read More | Audio Cubes
Gallery: Thanko Video Camera MP4 Watch
Chinavasion Portable DVD Player
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Movies, Music, Portable Audio / Video, Video Games,
Chinavasion has a portable DVD player with TV that will handle most disc formats. It has a 9-inch LCD swivel screen, an analog TV tuner, and SD and USB card slots. It also features an 8 bit Nintendo emulator and gamepad, can display photos and play music. The 251 x 42 x 195mm device comes in black, has 2.5 hours of viewing per battery charge and comes at a $133.50 price.
Read More | Chinavasion
Gallery: Chinavasion Portable DVD Player
Gov. Paterson Proposes iPod Tax
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Home Entertainment, Movies, Music,
New York’s Governor David Paterson is trying to come up with creative ways to pad the state’s $15.4 billion deficit. One of these is an “iPod tax” that would charge for downloaded music and other “digitally delivered entertainment services.” In addition, cable and satellite TV services, movie tickets, taxis, soda, beer, wine, cigars and massages will also be taxed. The proposal must still get legislative approval and we expect that if it passes, there may be an influx of New Yorkers flooding to places like New Jersey to get their tunes.
Read More | NY Daily News
Gallery: Gov. Paterson Proposes iPod Tax
Aerial 7 Street Series Headphones
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smartphones, Handhelds, Misc. Tech, Music, Portable Audio / Video,
Aerial 7 has released some really garish Street Series headphones. Fortunately, they also have some plainer ones as well. Available in the styles of Tank (that comes with an extra cable and microphone,) Matador and Chopper, the company promises DJ quality sound. Each style has variations for those who want multi-color and those who prefer basic. Compatible with iPhones, MP3 players, handhelds and cell phones, each has an adjustable headband and thick cushioned earpads. Prices vary from $49.99 to $79.99.
Read More | Aerial 7
Gallery: Aerial 7 Street Series Headphones
Zune Z2K Caused by Leap Year?
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Microsoft, Music, Portable Audio / Video,
By now, you have probably heard of the temporary sepuku occurring in 30 GB Zunes. If not, then you either don’t have one or undoubtedly haven’t plugged yours in the last few days. Many have suggested that the “Z2K” problem was caused by 2008 being a leap year. Microsoft offers tips if your Zune has ceased to exist. They suggest disconnection, allowing the battery to drain, then reconnect the Zune to its USB port on your computer or AC adapter. Check with Microsoft if you have questions or your own theory.
Read More | Zune FAQ
Gallery: Zune Z2K Caused by Leap Year?
OPPO G11 Touchscreen PMP
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Hot Deals, Movies, Music, Portable Audio / Video,
Here’s a peek at the OPPO G11 PMP. It features a 3.2-inch rotating HD touchscreen with 432x240 resolution and supports AVI, RM / RMVB, FLV, JPEG, BMP and GIF, MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC, OGG, APE, and FLAC files. (Whew!) You can also play around with your images, edit them and add an effect or two. Of course it has the usual fast forward, rewind and playback control, an FM tuner and supports e-books. The 4GB G11 can go about 16 hours on its lithium battery and has a low temporary price of CNY1099 (~$161.00.)
Read More | OPPO (translated)
