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Independent Artist Company Music is apparently drumming up business, as we received an e-mail from them telling us that they thought we should open up an account. While it’s true we can’t play the violin, we thought the least we could do is let them know that we think that was a noble effort on their part. If you profess be an indie musical whiz, sign up for the service, build DMDs via their Ultrapage, then sell them and keep the profits. By the way, IAC has station managers to help you promote your tunes if they suspect you have talent.
(Thanks, Toby)
Read More 
| IACmusic
Gallery: Spread Your Tunes on IACmusic
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Early access into FlyTunes iPhone music service
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Internet, Music, Portable Audio / Video, Videos, Wireless / WiFi,
If you want to get in to the new FlyTunes iPhone and iPod touch music service, we’ve got the good for you. While FlyTunes is currently a closed service, you can get in using our special invite URL. Be sure you click on the following link while using an iPhone or iPod touch, otherwise it won’t work:
For more details on what FlyTunes actually is, here you go:
FlyTunes offers you a music experience that’s better than satellite radio, offering access to thousands of high quality music channels that you can personalize and enjoy on your iPhone any time, anywhere you go, without limitations, and without fees.
FlyTunes for iPhone/Touch is available now. As we scale up our systems to meet the tremendous demand, we will be sending your invitation to rock on with Flytunes.
Be sure to check out the FlyTunes demo we’ve embedded, after the break.
Click to continue reading Early access into FlyTunes iPhone music service
Gallery: Early access into FlyTunes iPhone music service
We were wrong. We found two docking stations this week. Take a look at the Phiaton’s Moderna Series MS600 with a D class amp and bass reflex structure. It has a max input of 60W and comes with remote and AC/DC adaptor. At a size of 340 x 180 x 120 mm and a weight of 5.3 lb., it does have a certain stylishness, especially if your MP3 player matches. Contact Phiaton for price and availability in your area.
Read More | Phiaton
Gallery: Moderna Docks With Class
nüvifone Gives Great Direction
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smartphones, GPS, Handhelds, Music, Transportation,
Garmin’s nüvifone should give the iPhone a run for its money. After all, Garmin is all about the GPS. The all touchscreen (3.5-inch) phone also features a web browser, IM, e-mail, and music capability, and Google search complete with ratings for businesses and restaurants. When you dock it in its vehicle mount, it automatically activates the GPS and menu, and will allow hands-free conversations. The nüvifone comes with pre-loaded maps of North America, and/or both Eastern and Western Europe with voice-prompted directions. To find out more and get info on Garmin Online, the elite service with traffic, stock prices, news, and weather, head for their site. Expect availability in the 3rd quarter of this year.
Read More | Garmin nüvifone Product Page
Gallery: nüvifone Gives Great Direction
See, Hear, and Smell to Relieve Stress
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smart Home, Misc. Tech, Music, Portable Audio / Video,
We have written about USB aromatherapy before, but Brando has outdone themselves with this dispenser that also has an AM/FM tuner, speakers and an in-line for an MP3 player. The gadget should do something for your mood visually as it changes between 7 different shades. At a size of 88 x 88 x 116 mm and a weight of 124 g, the device comes with a USB cord and needs batteries to keep the music, odors, and colors going. Find it for $30.00.
(Thanks, Fanny)
Read More | Brando
Gallery: See, Hear, and Smell to Relieve Stress
RoboThespians Find an Audience
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Internet, Misc. Tech, Music, Science, Videos,
Since most robots are made to serve, it’s nice to discover one that solely entertains. Engineered Arts’ RoboThespians speak, sing, tell stories, and do a dance step or two. You can watch it perform Robert Shaw in “Jaws,” something very “Alien,” “C3PO,” “Singin’ in the Rain,” and our fave of Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker. If you are fortunate enough to live in the UK, you can see them perform at The Eden Project in Cornwall. If not, there is always YouTube. It ain’t Shakespeare, but it is amusing.
Read More | technabob
Gallery: RoboThespians Find an Audience
We dig anything that makes music electronically, especially if it involves a touch of creativity. Unità Zero takes the five senses and users hands and feet to create its own tunes. It consists of light feedback, video sequencing, and audio mixing. With 5 platform assemblies, the thought behind it is, “Five are the senses, many more the combinations of feelings. If senses describe reality, their combination is an ideal and intangible depiction.”
What more can we say except where does taste come in? Unità Zero makes its debut at dorkbot in Germany this week.
Read More | We Make Money Not Art
Gallery: Senses Make Music Combos
Digital Frame Also Supports Other Media
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Music, Portable Audio / Video,
Mustek is busy preparing for the PMA in Vegas this Jan 31 through February 2. Among its wares that it will display is its newest Digital Photo Frame. The PF-A950PS has a 9.5-inch screen with an actual flat panel speaker on its frame. With a 16:9 aspect ratio and a 800 x 480 resolution, it supports JPEG images in its 128MB storage. The device can read SD, MMC, MS, MS Pro, xD, and CF cards. The frame plays AVI, MJPEG, and Xvid videos and MP3 audio. Look for its formal debut in May for ~$250.00.
Read More | Slash Gear
Gallery: Digital Frame Also Supports Other Media
QTrax Music Makes its Debut
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Internet, Music, Portable Audio / Video, Software,
QTrax appears to be available with 25 to 30 million copyrighted tracks for file sharing. The free service is funded with advertising revenue that the company shares with music labels and will operate without spyware and pop-up adware. Users can exchange and download tunes, hopefully without the hassle of sites such as Limewire. QTrax then counts the number of times each song is played to compensate both artists and rights owners. USA Today reported yesterday that the coming out party was delayed after it was found that the company hadn’t quite finalized all the details, but we managed to download the beta service this morning without a hitch. We have yet to put it to a test drive, however, but we noticed that 30,000 others were utilizing the service.
Read More | USA Today
Gallery: QTrax Music Makes its Debut
Yahoo Tunes to be DRM Free?
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Home Entertainment, Music, Portable Audio / Video,
Yahoo may have decided to share some of Amazon’s recent success by offering DRM-free MP3s. They have been speaking to some of the major recording labels to instate either this alternative to subscriptions or as part of an ad-supported service. They are hoping to begin sometime this year. Still in the early stages of rumors, major music labels have declined comment, perhaps thinking it might be a case of the cart before the horse.
Read More | Yahoo News
