Australian music download services compared
If you're keen to boost your music collection without stepping away from the glow of your monitor, our quick guide to Australian download services will give you all the info you need. The digital music landscape has undergone substantial shifts in the past two years. The main trend is the gradual relaxation of digital rights management, or DRM. Song files protected with DRM have an extra bit of data attached to them that restricts where and when they can be played. A year ago, you'd be hard pressed finding DRM-free tracks for legal download, but several big-name retailers now offer songs in unprotected formats.Last year saw the introduction of subscription and streaming, with mixed results. Australians have previously been limited to per-track or per-album purchasing, but we received a local subscription-based service when the long-promised Microsoft-Sanity venture, LoadIt, finally arrived in August. Five months later, Sanity announced that the service would cease operations at the beginning of 2009. At least they tried.Nokia's music store, which launched in April 2008, brought streaming into the mix for a monthly fee. September 2008 saw the introduction of MusicStation, a subscription service offered only on Vodafone mobiles. With the influx of these new services came the demise of older ones â€" Destra-powered stores such as JB Hi-Fi Music, Channel Go and Chaos Music quietly vanished into the digital ether.In January 2009, Nokia added to its music store a music download model called Comes With Music. Compatible phones are bundled with an activation code that gives users unlimited downloads from the Nokia music store for a year.Format trapsDigital music is offered in three main formats online: WMA (DRM), MP3 and AAC. All portable devices are compatible with MP3 files.Tracks in this format don't contain any software that restricts usage, but copying songs and handing them out to friends is still illegal.If you have an iPod, you'll need to purchase music from the iTunes Store or look for songs in MP3 format at other stores.Non-Apple players will generally handle WMA (DRM) files as well as MP3s.Some also play unprotected AAC files, which can be bought from iTunes in the iTunes Plus section.Regardless of what player you own, it pays to do some spec checking before loading up your digital shopping cart â€" a browse through the manual will tell you what files you can buy.Below is a basic run-down of five Australian-based music download services. If you have any rants or raves about these stores or any others, sound off in the comments below.Apple iTunes StoreiTunes is the dominant force in downloads, and with good reason â€" the store is very well organised and allows users to browse by genre, read user reviews and playlists and get recommendations courtesy of the Genius feature. Format: 128Kbps protected AAC. iTunes Plus tracks are 256Kbps non-protected AAC. Note that you can also update iTunes tracks purchased in the DRM-riddled AAC format to iTunes Plus for a small fee.Prices: $1.69 per track, albums typically $16.99.Requirements: iTunes software. Protected AAC files will only work on players in the iPod family. Usage restrictions: protected AAC tracks can be played on up to five PCs, single songs can be burnt to CD or copied to iPod an unlimited number of times. iTunes Plus tracks are unrestricted.Bandit.fmBandit.fm is a new venture from Sony Music providing DRM-free music and video downloads. Like other label-run sites, the selection is limited to more mainstream artists, though it's not like Musichead MP3 (below) which only offers downloads from within the label's own roster â€" Bandit extends to many of the other majors as well. Prices do fluctuate though depending on the label, so be sure to check before purchasing.Format: 320Kbps MP3.Prices: $1.65 per track, albums typically $16.99.Requirements: any web browser; any media player. Usage restrictions: none.BigPond MusicIn addition to standard WMA (DRM) and MP3 tracks, Telstra's song service provides "dual downloads", meaning you pay $2.99 to get one song in two formats â€" one for your PC/MP3 player and one for your mobile phone. BigPond customers enjoy cheaper prices and the ability to charge downloads to their internet account. Format: 192Kbps WMA (DRM) and 320Kbps MP3.Prices: $0.99-$1.69 per track, albums typically $16.50. BigPond customers get a discount.Requirements: Windows Media Player for playing WMA (DRM) files. Usage restrictions: WMA (DRM) tracks can be copied to two portable devices and burnt to CD three times. MP3s are unrestricted.EMI Musichead MP3Musichead MP3 is provided by label EMI and digital media company 7digital.The catalogue is therefore limited to artists signed to EMI and its subsidiaries, but there are some big names on the bill including, Coldplay, Radiohead, Norah Jones and the Chemical Brothers.Format: 320Kbps MP3.Prices: $1.69 per track, albums typically $16.99.Requirements: any web browser; any media player. Usage restrictions: none.Nokia Music storeNokia offers streaming for a monthly fee, as well as selling songs by the track and album. It's also compatible with the company's Comes With Music service. Like iTunes, you'll need to download the dedicated Nokia software to use the service. The lack of support for non-IE browsers is a big minus, though. Read our full review for more details. Format: 128-192Kbps WMA (DRM).Prices: $1.70 per track, albums typically $17.The store also offers unlimited streaming of songs to your PC for $10 per month.Requirements: Windows XP or Vista; Internet Explorer 6 or above; Windows Media Player 11. Usage restrictions: depends on the music label.To check, click "Rights & Information" next to the track.Most songs can be transferred to a portable device an unlimited amount of times, and burned to CD 10 times.Streaming music cannot be recorded or transferred.
Oquonie- down the rabbit hole
Oquonie: down the rabbit hole
When I'm not playing Oquonie, I'm thinking about playing Oquonie. Oquonie is the newest game from Aliceffekt, AKA Devine Lu Linvega, AKA David Mondou-Labbe, artist, programmer, musician and linguist extraordinaire. You might remember exploration game Hiversaires from last year; if you played it, you know that Aliceffekt is not someone whose games are going to lead you by the hand.Oquonie most certainly does not. I have been playing, on and off, for a couple of hours now, and I still don't understand what is going on, or why I'm doing what I am. This, it must be stated, is most certainly not a bad thing. The game has taken root in my imagination, and it's certainly not without its satisfactions. The game starts with you in an isometric office controlling a long-necked, cheerful-looking bird. As you explore, you will encounter other characters and objects that speak to you in symbols â€" an invented language called Camilare. You need to figure out what you have to do, a task that is compounded in difficulty by the fact that you have no key for Camilare â€" and that the game's strange, non-Euclidean architecture will lead you to unexpected rooms, or around in circles. (Credit: David Mondou-Labbe)So far, I seem to have ascertained that you must collect symbols from the characters that inhabit the labyrinthine spaces. Three symbols of a kind will change your character's shape â€" into a different bird, for instance, or a wee piggie. This, in turn, allows you to advance on to the next level â€" certain doors will only open for a particular iteration of your character.Beyond that, though, I'm still all at sea. There's a child-looking character painted in red and cyan who will show up only to disappear (the only colourful character in an otherwise monochrome game, illustrated beautifully by Rekka Bellum); I feel that s/he is the key to the entire game. Other elements seem to lead to this child-thing; a red floating obelisk, for instance.But the game does not feel impossible. It feels as though, if you can just crack the next level, you'll understand just a little bit more, and more of the game will reveal itself. It is like living in a foreign country where you don't speak the language; the longer you spend there, the more your comprehension grows.Aliceffekt's games are not the usual casual mobile affair, and if you're looking for something mindless to pass the time with, Oquonie will not be for you. But if you're willing to head down the rabbit hole, this strange, sweet, mind-bending game is deeply rewarding.Oquonie is available for AU$2.99 from the iTunes App Store.
When I'm not playing Oquonie, I'm thinking about playing Oquonie. Oquonie is the newest game from Aliceffekt, AKA Devine Lu Linvega, AKA David Mondou-Labbe, artist, programmer, musician and linguist extraordinaire. You might remember exploration game Hiversaires from last year; if you played it, you know that Aliceffekt is not someone whose games are going to lead you by the hand.Oquonie most certainly does not. I have been playing, on and off, for a couple of hours now, and I still don't understand what is going on, or why I'm doing what I am. This, it must be stated, is most certainly not a bad thing. The game has taken root in my imagination, and it's certainly not without its satisfactions. The game starts with you in an isometric office controlling a long-necked, cheerful-looking bird. As you explore, you will encounter other characters and objects that speak to you in symbols â€" an invented language called Camilare. You need to figure out what you have to do, a task that is compounded in difficulty by the fact that you have no key for Camilare â€" and that the game's strange, non-Euclidean architecture will lead you to unexpected rooms, or around in circles. (Credit: David Mondou-Labbe)So far, I seem to have ascertained that you must collect symbols from the characters that inhabit the labyrinthine spaces. Three symbols of a kind will change your character's shape â€" into a different bird, for instance, or a wee piggie. This, in turn, allows you to advance on to the next level â€" certain doors will only open for a particular iteration of your character.Beyond that, though, I'm still all at sea. There's a child-looking character painted in red and cyan who will show up only to disappear (the only colourful character in an otherwise monochrome game, illustrated beautifully by Rekka Bellum); I feel that s/he is the key to the entire game. Other elements seem to lead to this child-thing; a red floating obelisk, for instance.But the game does not feel impossible. It feels as though, if you can just crack the next level, you'll understand just a little bit more, and more of the game will reveal itself. It is like living in a foreign country where you don't speak the language; the longer you spend there, the more your comprehension grows.Aliceffekt's games are not the usual casual mobile affair, and if you're looking for something mindless to pass the time with, Oquonie will not be for you. But if you're willing to head down the rabbit hole, this strange, sweet, mind-bending game is deeply rewarding.Oquonie is available for AU$2.99 from the iTunes App Store.
Comodo Console makes any car connected
Comodo Console makes any car connected
BARCELONA, Spain--At the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, Israeli start-up Comodo Console debuted a low-cost, all-in-one infotainment system that turns any car--including a 10-year-old beater--into a cutting-edge, connected tech sled. Comodo's aftermarket product is a one-stop shop that goes way beyond your typical dash-mounted navigation system. For a flat monthly fee the company provides all the hardware, software, and data plan necessary to install and run the console in the vehicle. The package includes a rotatable console with a 4.3-inch touch screen, dedicated USB modem, GPS antenna, Bluetooth, backup camera, external microphone, speaker, and installation kit--devices that are normally reserved for the newest vehicles with top-of-the-line trim levels. But it's more than just hardware. There's a library of 100 applications and services for the device accessible within two clicks, and the company is open to third-party applications, according to a spokesperson. Giving Pandora a run for its money, Comodo has negotiated with entertainment labels to create dozens of music applications, each acting like a channel that streams cloud-based music into the car. It may not be as customizable as Pandora, but the best part is that a data plan is included in the bundle.Access to all the cloud-based app and services data is included in the monthly service fee, which is expected to run approximately $20 to $30 depending on the services the buyer chooses. The company says it is able to include services such as streaming music with the flat fee because Comodo Console will only be used for for the hour or two every day when someone is in the vehicle. The absence of a Web browser also keeps data consumption under control. But apps aren't just for entertainment while you're stuck in traffic. There's a wide range of convenience features, such as shopping, dining, traffic, and office apps that turn your car into a mobile ground control. The Comodo Console is installed in the vehicle, which according to the company is safer in accidents than dash-mounted devices.Liane Yvkoff/CNETWhile the out-of-the-box system would work in any car, it seems to be ideal for compact and economy cars, which often don't include high-end tech options. Comodo is already in discussions with manufacturers in Israel, such as Volvo and Honda, and it's also talking with Hertz as a potential customer. The console will debut in Israel, and the company is actively seeking international distributors, including in the U.S. But with smartphones that perform almost the exact same tasks, the product might be redundant for many buyers. However, no smartphone to date can work as a backup camera for your car.
BARCELONA, Spain--At the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, Israeli start-up Comodo Console debuted a low-cost, all-in-one infotainment system that turns any car--including a 10-year-old beater--into a cutting-edge, connected tech sled. Comodo's aftermarket product is a one-stop shop that goes way beyond your typical dash-mounted navigation system. For a flat monthly fee the company provides all the hardware, software, and data plan necessary to install and run the console in the vehicle. The package includes a rotatable console with a 4.3-inch touch screen, dedicated USB modem, GPS antenna, Bluetooth, backup camera, external microphone, speaker, and installation kit--devices that are normally reserved for the newest vehicles with top-of-the-line trim levels. But it's more than just hardware. There's a library of 100 applications and services for the device accessible within two clicks, and the company is open to third-party applications, according to a spokesperson. Giving Pandora a run for its money, Comodo has negotiated with entertainment labels to create dozens of music applications, each acting like a channel that streams cloud-based music into the car. It may not be as customizable as Pandora, but the best part is that a data plan is included in the bundle.Access to all the cloud-based app and services data is included in the monthly service fee, which is expected to run approximately $20 to $30 depending on the services the buyer chooses. The company says it is able to include services such as streaming music with the flat fee because Comodo Console will only be used for for the hour or two every day when someone is in the vehicle. The absence of a Web browser also keeps data consumption under control. But apps aren't just for entertainment while you're stuck in traffic. There's a wide range of convenience features, such as shopping, dining, traffic, and office apps that turn your car into a mobile ground control. The Comodo Console is installed in the vehicle, which according to the company is safer in accidents than dash-mounted devices.Liane Yvkoff/CNETWhile the out-of-the-box system would work in any car, it seems to be ideal for compact and economy cars, which often don't include high-end tech options. Comodo is already in discussions with manufacturers in Israel, such as Volvo and Honda, and it's also talking with Hertz as a potential customer. The console will debut in Israel, and the company is actively seeking international distributors, including in the U.S. But with smartphones that perform almost the exact same tasks, the product might be redundant for many buyers. However, no smartphone to date can work as a backup camera for your car.
The 404 461- Where we turn down the ugly knob
The 404 461: Where we turn down the ugly knob
Russ Frushtick from MTV's Multiplayer blog joins us on today's episode of The 404 Podcast to give us the rundown of this month's upcoming video game releases, but first we have to give a quick head nod to the Yankees for winning the World Series and, of course, Matsui for coming through with the MVP of the series.Also, were you as annoyed with the lame tech commercials during the game as we were? Between James Cameron's upcoming flop "Avatar" that looks like a 2-hour video game cut scene, the new Droid phone ripping Apple apart, and the rather malicious new Mac ads practically lying about past versions of Windows, we could barely watch the game!Next, we run down a list of near-extinct tech that just won't seem to go away. The list includes items like the landline telephone, Twitter, vinyl, fax machines, Windows XP, and Sonic the Hedgehog, and although we agree with most of them, how are people supposed to send sandwiches to loved ones without a fax machine?By far, the highlight of today's episode comes toward the tail end of the show during our classic Calls From the Public segment, where Jeff is the reluctant receiver of a huge spoiler to his current read, Lois Lowry's "The Giver." If you're planning on reading the book for the first time, you might want to click the mute button for the remainder of the episode, or risk suffering a similar fate. On the other hand, the look on Jeff's face when things get spoiled is too hilarious to miss.This month in games: November 2009--phot...See full gallery1 - 4 / 11NextPrevEPISODE 461PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio |Subscribe in RSS Video This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlayFollow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
Russ Frushtick from MTV's Multiplayer blog joins us on today's episode of The 404 Podcast to give us the rundown of this month's upcoming video game releases, but first we have to give a quick head nod to the Yankees for winning the World Series and, of course, Matsui for coming through with the MVP of the series.Also, were you as annoyed with the lame tech commercials during the game as we were? Between James Cameron's upcoming flop "Avatar" that looks like a 2-hour video game cut scene, the new Droid phone ripping Apple apart, and the rather malicious new Mac ads practically lying about past versions of Windows, we could barely watch the game!Next, we run down a list of near-extinct tech that just won't seem to go away. The list includes items like the landline telephone, Twitter, vinyl, fax machines, Windows XP, and Sonic the Hedgehog, and although we agree with most of them, how are people supposed to send sandwiches to loved ones without a fax machine?By far, the highlight of today's episode comes toward the tail end of the show during our classic Calls From the Public segment, where Jeff is the reluctant receiver of a huge spoiler to his current read, Lois Lowry's "The Giver." If you're planning on reading the book for the first time, you might want to click the mute button for the remainder of the episode, or risk suffering a similar fate. On the other hand, the look on Jeff's face when things get spoiled is too hilarious to miss.This month in games: November 2009--phot...See full gallery1 - 4 / 11NextPrevEPISODE 461PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio |Subscribe in RSS Video This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlayFollow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
MP3tunes- iTunes will benefit if we win copyright case
MP3tunes: iTunes will benefit if we win copyright case
Michael Robertson, a well-known technology entrepreneur, has tweaked the music industry for years. But in his latest copyright fight with EMI Music, the founder of MP3tunes.com could be betting all the marbles. "EMI is suing me personally," Robertson said today. "My personal assets are on the line."EMI, the smallest of the four top record companies, accused Robertson and MP3tunes.com of copyright infringement three years ago. Robertson filed for summary judgment on Friday, and that means the case is nearing an end. The judge still needs to hear from EMI and then allow both sides to comment on each other's summary judgment motions, so we likely won't get a decision until next year. But when a ruling does come in, the case could impact a large number of tech and media companies, including Apple and Google, according to Robertson. Robertson, who saw his earlier music company, MP3.com (now operated by CNET), settle similar copyright litigation with the Recording Industry Association of America in 2000 for an amount reported to be about $75 million, said the most important issue this time is the right of consumers to store their digital media wherever and however they want. EMI alleges in its copyright complaint that MP3tunes.com is little more than the cloud-computing equivalent of a stash box, where users store pirated music--songs they find with the help of Sideload.com, Robertson's audio search engine. Music industry sources say that Robertson's argument about protecting the cloud only obscures the real issue. They say that the case is far less sexy, run-of-the-mill copyright infringement. MP3tunes.com enables users to obtain digital copies of songs they own from his servers and from any Web-enabled device. Music industry sources have said that Apple and Google are working on similar cloud storage services. Apple has built a server farm in North Carolina that will, in part, power a cloud storage offering."If I prevail, consumers will never have to worry about a format change ever again," Robertson said. "If they win, your media will be locked up and you're going to be forced to re-buy it and re-buy it. Once your media is in the cloud, you take it with you forever. I'm of the mind it's your content. It should work everywhere."
Michael Robertson, a well-known technology entrepreneur, has tweaked the music industry for years. But in his latest copyright fight with EMI Music, the founder of MP3tunes.com could be betting all the marbles. "EMI is suing me personally," Robertson said today. "My personal assets are on the line."EMI, the smallest of the four top record companies, accused Robertson and MP3tunes.com of copyright infringement three years ago. Robertson filed for summary judgment on Friday, and that means the case is nearing an end. The judge still needs to hear from EMI and then allow both sides to comment on each other's summary judgment motions, so we likely won't get a decision until next year. But when a ruling does come in, the case could impact a large number of tech and media companies, including Apple and Google, according to Robertson. Robertson, who saw his earlier music company, MP3.com (now operated by CNET), settle similar copyright litigation with the Recording Industry Association of America in 2000 for an amount reported to be about $75 million, said the most important issue this time is the right of consumers to store their digital media wherever and however they want. EMI alleges in its copyright complaint that MP3tunes.com is little more than the cloud-computing equivalent of a stash box, where users store pirated music--songs they find with the help of Sideload.com, Robertson's audio search engine. Music industry sources say that Robertson's argument about protecting the cloud only obscures the real issue. They say that the case is far less sexy, run-of-the-mill copyright infringement. MP3tunes.com enables users to obtain digital copies of songs they own from his servers and from any Web-enabled device. Music industry sources have said that Apple and Google are working on similar cloud storage services. Apple has built a server farm in North Carolina that will, in part, power a cloud storage offering."If I prevail, consumers will never have to worry about a format change ever again," Robertson said. "If they win, your media will be locked up and you're going to be forced to re-buy it and re-buy it. Once your media is in the cloud, you take it with you forever. I'm of the mind it's your content. It should work everywhere."
Get Web-based iPhone tethering for just $30 yearly
Get Web-based iPhone tethering for just $30 yearly
Despite the overwhelming appeal of being able to tether your iPhone to your laptop via the Personal Hotspot feature included in iOS, the cost of doing so keeps many iPhone owners from getting the most out of their device. Tether, however, has a solution.Back in November, Tether was able to briefly get an app approved on Apple's App Store. The $14.99 app allowed users to bypass the Personal Hotspot method of setting up a tether for their laptops and instead use a USB cable and Tether's software. The app, iTether, was quickly pulled.Now, Tether is back, this time with a Web-based solution that bypasses all of Apple's (and the wireless carriers') restrictions for tethering your iPhone. Tether's solution works on your iPhone running the full iOS, which means you won't have to mess with jailbreaking (though it will still work on a jailbroken device), and operates by using a specially designed HTML5 Web site to connect your iPhone to your computer. Essentially you'll be creating an Ad-Hoc network on your Mac or PC using an application that runs on your computer, connecting to that network with your iPhone, then logging in to Tether's patent-pending Web site to get your connection started.That may sound like a lot of legwork just to connect your laptop to the Internet, but consider the cost savings: $30 a year for Tether's service (using your existing data plan) versus $20 a month (or more) to activate the Personal Hotspot feature in iOS, required by some carriers (AT&T requires the 5GB Data Plan, costing $50 per month). Over the course of your two-year contract that comes to $60 for Tether and a minimum of $480 for a wireless carrier ($1,200 for AT&T).You can cut your costs down even more if you sign up for Tether this week, as iPhone tethering is just $15 for the year. Have you tethered your iPhone using the Personal Hotspot? Would you consider using Tether? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Despite the overwhelming appeal of being able to tether your iPhone to your laptop via the Personal Hotspot feature included in iOS, the cost of doing so keeps many iPhone owners from getting the most out of their device. Tether, however, has a solution.Back in November, Tether was able to briefly get an app approved on Apple's App Store. The $14.99 app allowed users to bypass the Personal Hotspot method of setting up a tether for their laptops and instead use a USB cable and Tether's software. The app, iTether, was quickly pulled.Now, Tether is back, this time with a Web-based solution that bypasses all of Apple's (and the wireless carriers') restrictions for tethering your iPhone. Tether's solution works on your iPhone running the full iOS, which means you won't have to mess with jailbreaking (though it will still work on a jailbroken device), and operates by using a specially designed HTML5 Web site to connect your iPhone to your computer. Essentially you'll be creating an Ad-Hoc network on your Mac or PC using an application that runs on your computer, connecting to that network with your iPhone, then logging in to Tether's patent-pending Web site to get your connection started.That may sound like a lot of legwork just to connect your laptop to the Internet, but consider the cost savings: $30 a year for Tether's service (using your existing data plan) versus $20 a month (or more) to activate the Personal Hotspot feature in iOS, required by some carriers (AT&T requires the 5GB Data Plan, costing $50 per month). Over the course of your two-year contract that comes to $60 for Tether and a minimum of $480 for a wireless carrier ($1,200 for AT&T).You can cut your costs down even more if you sign up for Tether this week, as iPhone tethering is just $15 for the year. Have you tethered your iPhone using the Personal Hotspot? Would you consider using Tether? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Get uRexsoft iPad DVD Ripper for free
Get uRexsoft iPad DVD Ripper for free
Want to make your DVD library more travel-friendly? Rip those movies and load 'em up on your iPad. It sure beats paying iTunes for stuff you already own.Speaking of paying, there's no need to spend money on a DVD ripper, either. For a limited time, you can get uRexsoft iPad DVD Ripper (Win) free of charge. It supports not only the iPad and iPad 2, but also the new iPad.To get the software, click the above link, then click the Free Download button below the product. After installing the program and running it for the first time, paste in activation code 08A123DCF36E2268EE59B46A75DCE42CBA93CCC4. I've done this myself and everything worked as expected, so if you run into trouble, please contact uRexsoft directly.iPad DVD Ripper works like most products of its kind. Just pop in a disc, choose your output format, and go find something to do for a while.True to its name, it includes output profiles for the iPad, iPad 2, and the third-gen iPad. (It also has presets for "iPad HD" and "iPad 3 HD," the differences mostly relating to video bit rate and resolution.)Keep in mind, however, that no ripped DVD will match the new iPad's 2,046 x 1,536-pixel resolution. That's because most DVDs are encoded at 720 x 480 pixels, so anything higher will actually be upscaled. How will a ripped movie actually look on the new iPad's screen? I'm not sure--quite good, no doubt, but comparable to, say, Blu-ray? Not likely.Anyway, iPad DVD Ripper can also convert movies to Apple TV (including "Apple TV HD") and iPod Touch formats. The latter should also work for iPhone and Android devices, as they're fairly generic MP4 and H264 formats.I used the program to rip my copy of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," and it worked just fine, if not especially quickly. However, the program threw an error when I popped in my "Despicable Me" DVD. Your mileage may vary.It's worth noting that uRexsoft is also giving away its iPad Video Converter, the only requirement is to like the company on Facebook. (Don't like Facebook? Don't like "liking" companies in exchange for free software? That's cool. Your complaints have been heard loud and clear in the past. Just saying.)iPad DVD Ripper normally sells for $25. Here's your chance to grab it free of charge, with no strings attached.
Want to make your DVD library more travel-friendly? Rip those movies and load 'em up on your iPad. It sure beats paying iTunes for stuff you already own.Speaking of paying, there's no need to spend money on a DVD ripper, either. For a limited time, you can get uRexsoft iPad DVD Ripper (Win) free of charge. It supports not only the iPad and iPad 2, but also the new iPad.To get the software, click the above link, then click the Free Download button below the product. After installing the program and running it for the first time, paste in activation code 08A123DCF36E2268EE59B46A75DCE42CBA93CCC4. I've done this myself and everything worked as expected, so if you run into trouble, please contact uRexsoft directly.iPad DVD Ripper works like most products of its kind. Just pop in a disc, choose your output format, and go find something to do for a while.True to its name, it includes output profiles for the iPad, iPad 2, and the third-gen iPad. (It also has presets for "iPad HD" and "iPad 3 HD," the differences mostly relating to video bit rate and resolution.)Keep in mind, however, that no ripped DVD will match the new iPad's 2,046 x 1,536-pixel resolution. That's because most DVDs are encoded at 720 x 480 pixels, so anything higher will actually be upscaled. How will a ripped movie actually look on the new iPad's screen? I'm not sure--quite good, no doubt, but comparable to, say, Blu-ray? Not likely.Anyway, iPad DVD Ripper can also convert movies to Apple TV (including "Apple TV HD") and iPod Touch formats. The latter should also work for iPhone and Android devices, as they're fairly generic MP4 and H264 formats.I used the program to rip my copy of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," and it worked just fine, if not especially quickly. However, the program threw an error when I popped in my "Despicable Me" DVD. Your mileage may vary.It's worth noting that uRexsoft is also giving away its iPad Video Converter, the only requirement is to like the company on Facebook. (Don't like Facebook? Don't like "liking" companies in exchange for free software? That's cool. Your complaints have been heard loud and clear in the past. Just saying.)iPad DVD Ripper normally sells for $25. Here's your chance to grab it free of charge, with no strings attached.
iPad 3 on 30 percent of users' shopping lists, poll finds
iPad 3 on 30 percent of users' shopping lists, poll finds
Eyeing an iPad 3? Then you're certainly not alone.Almost one-third of mobile users surveyed by InMobi said they plan to buy Apple's next iPad. And 44 percent said they would consider only an iPad were they to buy a tablet.Drilling down further, more than half of the people aiming to buy the iPad 3 don't currently own a tablet. But 65 percent would opt for an iPad or iPad 2 at a reduced price, a sign to InMobi that buzz over the iPad 3 will likely help sales of the earlier generation models.Half of the mobile users polled would pay more than $500 for the iPad 3. But if the tablet costs more than $599, then 57 percent said they'd shop around for an older model.Among the people who'd consider a brand other than the iPad, 27 percent pointed to the Samsung Galaxy Tab, while 14 percent said they'd look into Amazon's Kindle Fire.Which features are generating the most excitement among the prospective iPad buyers?A faster processor came in first, cited by 57 percent. Better battery life was second, followed by a high-resolution screen and 4G access. Half of those polled said they'd be buying the new iPad more for entertainment than for business or education.To compile its data, InMobile surveyed 689 mobile users in the U.S.A Retina Display, speedier processor, and support for 4G LTE are among the features many expect to hit the new iPad. Sterne Agee analyst Shaw Wu believes the tablet will also support Siri but thinks 4G will be key, calling the next iPad a "significant" refresh.Apple has already booked an event for March 7 in which the company is expected to take the wraps off its next generation tablet.
Eyeing an iPad 3? Then you're certainly not alone.Almost one-third of mobile users surveyed by InMobi said they plan to buy Apple's next iPad. And 44 percent said they would consider only an iPad were they to buy a tablet.Drilling down further, more than half of the people aiming to buy the iPad 3 don't currently own a tablet. But 65 percent would opt for an iPad or iPad 2 at a reduced price, a sign to InMobi that buzz over the iPad 3 will likely help sales of the earlier generation models.Half of the mobile users polled would pay more than $500 for the iPad 3. But if the tablet costs more than $599, then 57 percent said they'd shop around for an older model.Among the people who'd consider a brand other than the iPad, 27 percent pointed to the Samsung Galaxy Tab, while 14 percent said they'd look into Amazon's Kindle Fire.Which features are generating the most excitement among the prospective iPad buyers?A faster processor came in first, cited by 57 percent. Better battery life was second, followed by a high-resolution screen and 4G access. Half of those polled said they'd be buying the new iPad more for entertainment than for business or education.To compile its data, InMobile surveyed 689 mobile users in the U.S.A Retina Display, speedier processor, and support for 4G LTE are among the features many expect to hit the new iPad. Sterne Agee analyst Shaw Wu believes the tablet will also support Siri but thinks 4G will be key, calling the next iPad a "significant" refresh.Apple has already booked an event for March 7 in which the company is expected to take the wraps off its next generation tablet.
iPad 3 debut once again rumored for March
iPad 3 debut once again rumored for March
Got a calendar and hopes for a new iPad? If so, you might want to pencil in Wednesday, March 7.That's according to iMore (formerly Tipb), which citing "sources who have been reliable in the past," says that's the day Apple will be holding a special event to take the wraps off the iPad 3. That date matches up pretty nicely with the more general "first week of March," reported last week by All Things Digital, and with Apple picking a Wednesday as its go-to date for last year's unveiling of the iPad 2. As 9to5mac notes, iMore correctly posted the October release date of the iPhone 4S in early August.Related storiesCNET's iPad 3 rumor roundupApple will reportedly unveil iPad 3 in early MarchiPad 3 to get February intro, March release?iPad 3 to arrive in March with 4G LTESpec-wise, iMore piles on with some rumored checklist items we already knew about, like a 2048 x 1536 pixel display and 4G LTE networking. The blog also suggests that the device will, in fact, sport a quad-core processor--something that came under scrutiny last week with a report in The Verge suggesting that Apple might stick with two cores instead. The iPad 2 made its debut at a special event in downtown San Francisco on March 2, going on sale a week and a half later. A handful of reports have suggested that whatever device Apple rolls out next, it will follow a similar pattern to what the company did with the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4S, where there are simply improvements on an existing hardware model. You can catch up on those and other whispers on our iPad 3 rumor roundup.
Got a calendar and hopes for a new iPad? If so, you might want to pencil in Wednesday, March 7.That's according to iMore (formerly Tipb), which citing "sources who have been reliable in the past," says that's the day Apple will be holding a special event to take the wraps off the iPad 3. That date matches up pretty nicely with the more general "first week of March," reported last week by All Things Digital, and with Apple picking a Wednesday as its go-to date for last year's unveiling of the iPad 2. As 9to5mac notes, iMore correctly posted the October release date of the iPhone 4S in early August.Related storiesCNET's iPad 3 rumor roundupApple will reportedly unveil iPad 3 in early MarchiPad 3 to get February intro, March release?iPad 3 to arrive in March with 4G LTESpec-wise, iMore piles on with some rumored checklist items we already knew about, like a 2048 x 1536 pixel display and 4G LTE networking. The blog also suggests that the device will, in fact, sport a quad-core processor--something that came under scrutiny last week with a report in The Verge suggesting that Apple might stick with two cores instead. The iPad 2 made its debut at a special event in downtown San Francisco on March 2, going on sale a week and a half later. A handful of reports have suggested that whatever device Apple rolls out next, it will follow a similar pattern to what the company did with the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4S, where there are simply improvements on an existing hardware model. You can catch up on those and other whispers on our iPad 3 rumor roundup.
iPad 3 could launch in March, with connector issues, report says
iPad 3 could launch in March, with connector issues, report says
The iPad 3 could debut as early as next March, but will come with a smaller dock connector that could cause compatibility issues with existing products, claims Macotakara.Citing "a reliable Asian source," the Japanese blog site said that the next generation tablet is being rushed into production due to Chinese New Year celebrations running from January 22-28. Factories in China are gearing up to produce the iPad 3 by the end of January.Assuming Macotakara's source is reliable, the new iPad will also include a redesigned dock connector that features the same number of pins but a smaller shape than the one on the current iPad. As a result, the new connector could pose a problem with existing products that plug into the dock. The tablet's screen will also remain the same size, though the source didn't know if Apple would bump up it up to Retina Display levels or stick with the current resolution.Related stories:• iPad 3 to feature a Retina Display?• A6 chip to reach iPad 3 later in 2012, says analyst• iPad 3 going into production for early 2012 launch?The report from Macotakara joins a so-far small number of previous iPad 3 rumors. Different sites and sources have debated whether the new iPad would offer a 2,048x1,536 Retina Display. Such a move would give the tablet the same resolution now found on the iPhone 4 and 4S and the iPod Touch 4G.As for launch timing, March 2012 is probably a safe bet since Apple unveiled the original iPad in April 2010 and the iPad 2 in March 2011. But the Linley Group, a chip consulting firm, believes Apple will outfit the next iPad with an A6 processor, which could potentially push the launch back until next June or later.
The iPad 3 could debut as early as next March, but will come with a smaller dock connector that could cause compatibility issues with existing products, claims Macotakara.Citing "a reliable Asian source," the Japanese blog site said that the next generation tablet is being rushed into production due to Chinese New Year celebrations running from January 22-28. Factories in China are gearing up to produce the iPad 3 by the end of January.Assuming Macotakara's source is reliable, the new iPad will also include a redesigned dock connector that features the same number of pins but a smaller shape than the one on the current iPad. As a result, the new connector could pose a problem with existing products that plug into the dock. The tablet's screen will also remain the same size, though the source didn't know if Apple would bump up it up to Retina Display levels or stick with the current resolution.Related stories:• iPad 3 to feature a Retina Display?• A6 chip to reach iPad 3 later in 2012, says analyst• iPad 3 going into production for early 2012 launch?The report from Macotakara joins a so-far small number of previous iPad 3 rumors. Different sites and sources have debated whether the new iPad would offer a 2,048x1,536 Retina Display. Such a move would give the tablet the same resolution now found on the iPhone 4 and 4S and the iPod Touch 4G.As for launch timing, March 2012 is probably a safe bet since Apple unveiled the original iPad in April 2010 and the iPad 2 in March 2011. But the Linley Group, a chip consulting firm, believes Apple will outfit the next iPad with an A6 processor, which could potentially push the launch back until next June or later.
iPad 3 could already be winging toward an airport near you
iPad 3 could already be winging toward an airport near you
The iPad 3 could already be jetting its way to the United States.The shipping document revealed by Chinese forum site WeiPhone (English translation) allegedly details iPad 3 units hopping on board flights from China yesterday bound for airports in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City.As translated by 9to5Mac, the report shows that initial deliveries from Apple supplier Foxconn to the U.S. will begin March 9. To no surprise, the shipments are said to be under tight security."In order to prevent the cargo from being dragged on the airport ramp for too long, as well as shortening the time the cargo stay on the airport ramp, we hereby require XXXX to schedule all the XXX cargo planes from Feb. 26 to Mar. 9. to XXX slot," according to a translation of the shipping document offered by a Chinese-speaking 9to5Mac reader.Related storiesApple iPad 3 may get March release date, 4GApple's iOS 5.1 update rumored to launch March 9iPad 3 rumor roundupAs always, such information is to be taken with a heaping dollop of salt.But if true, it would mean the iPad 3 is likely to debut in March but not in early March as previous reports had suggested.March 9 has been rumored by some sources as the date that Apple might launch its latest tablet. But if the initial shipments won't be delivered until that time, then we'd have to wait a bit longer for Apple's iPad 3 event.Whenever the new tablet pops up, sources have told 9to5Mac that Apple could allow pre-orders. The company kicked off pre-orders for the first iPad but not for the iPad 2. The sources claim that pre-orders could start on March 7 or a few days later depending on available supplies.
The iPad 3 could already be jetting its way to the United States.The shipping document revealed by Chinese forum site WeiPhone (English translation) allegedly details iPad 3 units hopping on board flights from China yesterday bound for airports in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City.As translated by 9to5Mac, the report shows that initial deliveries from Apple supplier Foxconn to the U.S. will begin March 9. To no surprise, the shipments are said to be under tight security."In order to prevent the cargo from being dragged on the airport ramp for too long, as well as shortening the time the cargo stay on the airport ramp, we hereby require XXXX to schedule all the XXX cargo planes from Feb. 26 to Mar. 9. to XXX slot," according to a translation of the shipping document offered by a Chinese-speaking 9to5Mac reader.Related storiesApple iPad 3 may get March release date, 4GApple's iOS 5.1 update rumored to launch March 9iPad 3 rumor roundupAs always, such information is to be taken with a heaping dollop of salt.But if true, it would mean the iPad 3 is likely to debut in March but not in early March as previous reports had suggested.March 9 has been rumored by some sources as the date that Apple might launch its latest tablet. But if the initial shipments won't be delivered until that time, then we'd have to wait a bit longer for Apple's iPad 3 event.Whenever the new tablet pops up, sources have told 9to5Mac that Apple could allow pre-orders. The company kicked off pre-orders for the first iPad but not for the iPad 2. The sources claim that pre-orders could start on March 7 or a few days later depending on available supplies.
iPad 2's weight loss secrets bared
iPad 2's weight loss secrets bared
By shaving off a sizable 34 percent of the original iPad's body fat--to 8.8 millimeters from 13.4 millimeters--Apple got the weight down to 600 grams, down 15 percent from 700 grams for the iPad 1. How did it do it? The biggest reduction in thickness came in the iPad 2's battery subsystem, wrote Kevin Keller, a teardown analyst at IHS iSuppli, in a research note today.This part of the iPad 2 is 2.5 millimeters thick, a 59 percent reduction from the 6.1 millimeters of the original iPad, according to Keller. "The iPad 2 battery design represents a major shift from the iPad 1," Keller said. "Apple moved from two thicker cells to three thinner ones, flattening out the entire battery structure. The new design also allowed Apple to eliminate an injection-molded plastic support frame from the battery subsystem, further cutting down its thickness." This refinement yielded a 10 to 15 percent increase in the iPad 2's power density, a measure of battery life relative to the mass of the battery, according to Keller. Other weight-loss factors include the elimination of a stamped sheet metal frame from the display--slashing the size of the display 17 percent from the iPad 1--and new glass technology that reduces thickness but maintains durability. "Apple has particularly focused on thickness as a point of differentiation for the iPad 2. Other new tablets coming to market, all of which are about as thick as the iPad 1, now look fat in comparison to the iPad 2. This is likely to cause a scramble as competitors rush to slim down to match Apple," Keller wrote.
By shaving off a sizable 34 percent of the original iPad's body fat--to 8.8 millimeters from 13.4 millimeters--Apple got the weight down to 600 grams, down 15 percent from 700 grams for the iPad 1. How did it do it? The biggest reduction in thickness came in the iPad 2's battery subsystem, wrote Kevin Keller, a teardown analyst at IHS iSuppli, in a research note today.This part of the iPad 2 is 2.5 millimeters thick, a 59 percent reduction from the 6.1 millimeters of the original iPad, according to Keller. "The iPad 2 battery design represents a major shift from the iPad 1," Keller said. "Apple moved from two thicker cells to three thinner ones, flattening out the entire battery structure. The new design also allowed Apple to eliminate an injection-molded plastic support frame from the battery subsystem, further cutting down its thickness." This refinement yielded a 10 to 15 percent increase in the iPad 2's power density, a measure of battery life relative to the mass of the battery, according to Keller. Other weight-loss factors include the elimination of a stamped sheet metal frame from the display--slashing the size of the display 17 percent from the iPad 1--and new glass technology that reduces thickness but maintains durability. "Apple has particularly focused on thickness as a point of differentiation for the iPad 2. Other new tablets coming to market, all of which are about as thick as the iPad 1, now look fat in comparison to the iPad 2. This is likely to cause a scramble as competitors rush to slim down to match Apple," Keller wrote.
Apple adds selfie section to iTunes App Store
The selfie phenomenon appears to have won a certain measure of legitimacy from Apple.Apparently geared toward expediting the satisfaction felt by many people when they take photos of themselves and share them with others, the company on Thursday added a special section to its iTunes App store devoted to apps that cater to the need to selfie. Mixed in with popular selfie apps such as Snapchat and Justin Bieber's Shots, the "Sharing Selfies" section also includes selfie diary app Picr and selfie portrait-editing app Facetune.The section's selection is available on both the mobile and desktop versions of the Apple App Store for iOS devices.While the idea of taking pictures of oneself has been around almost as long as cameras themselves, the term selfie has only been traced back to 2002, according to research conducted by Oxford English Dictionaries, which bestowed word of the year honors on the term in 2013. "If it is good enough for the Obamas or the pope, then it is good enough for Word of the Year," Oxford said in explaining its decision. The phenomenon has exploded in popularity recently, capturing everything from the spotlight at the Oscars to random encounters with homeless people and even the aftermath of near tragedies.
Apple adds raw support for Nikon D5100
With an update released today, Apple's photo applications now can handle raw images from Nikon's new mainstream SLR and some new high-end compact cameras.The Digital Camera Raw Compatibility Update 3.7 means iPhoto, Aperture, and Mac OS X can handle the unprocessed images from Nikon's D5100, Fujifilm's FinePix X100, Olympus' E-PL2 and XZ-1, and Samsung's GX-1S. For those who don't install the update, Apple rolls the support into later versions of Mac OS X.Raw photos enable more flexibility for editing, for example letting photographers adjust exposure and white balance. The flexibility comes at a cost, though: software makers must add support for proprietary raw formats, and photographers must process the photos to produce JPEGs or other formats that people without special software can view.Apple also released an update for its ProKit 7.0 applications such as Final Cut Pro and Soundtrack Pro to fix a handful of lesser bugs.
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