snapshot 6/29/07

Prince's free album causes storm with retailers
http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2007-06-29-prince-giveaway_N.htm?csp=34
U.S. rock star Prince is to give away his new album for free with a U.K. tabloid newspaper, weeks before its official launch, in a move that has caused dismay among music retailers. The Artist formerly known as Prince should know that with behaviour like this he will soon be the Artist Formerly Available in Record Stores," he said, referring to a period in the 1990s when the funk star, born Prince Rogers Nelson, famously stopped using his name.


Netflix prepping cheap set-top boxes for your living room?
http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/29/netflix-prepping-cheap-set-top-boxes-for-your-living-room/
We've heard talk of a Netflix set-top box before, and while those "end of the year" rumors (as in 2006) didn't exactly pan out, it looks like the company is still keen on the idea, at least according to an individual who claims to have participated in a recent focus group on the subject. Supposedly, Netflix demoed two different boxes that stream content from the company's "Watch Now" service via an Ethernet or wireless connection, each of which were apparently still in rough prototype form. The only difference between the boxes, it seems, is added Component and HDMI connections on the $100 "Enhanced" model, as opposed to just Composite and S-Video on the standard $50 model, although there isn't any actual HD content (at the moment) to stream to either of 'em.


Instant Expert: Secrets & Features of iTunes 7.3
http://ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/instant-expert-secrets-features-of-itunes-73/

• As expected with the addition of iPhone support, an “iPhone” tab now appears in the iTunes Preferences pane:
• Another subtle difference that can be observed when downloading podcasts or iTunes Store purchases is that a setting to “Allow Simultaneous Downloads” has now been added to the bottom of the Download screen:
• Perhaps one of the biggest new features is that as of iTunes 7.3, you can now stream photos to your Apple TV from any iTunes library in your house. When connected to an Apple TV in streaming mode, it will now appear in the iTunes source list in much the same way as it does in synchronization mode, except that only a Summary and Photos tab will appear:

'F*cked' record companies in 'cataclysmic' meltdown – manager
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/06/29/london_callling_wrap/
If Ford's revenues were down 40 per cent, the shareholders would be revolting," said Tim Clark, former Island Records MD and co-founder of management company IE Music, whose roster includes Robbie Williams.

Said Kennedy: "At one time, artists would work and perform live for a low price to drive records sales. Now that records sales are damaged they are trying to drive ticket prices higher - and there's a kickback. This shows the overall ecosystem is severely damaged. Damage to one part of the industry has an impact on another."


There.com, Capitol Enter Virtual Pact
http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i5a3cd0a582351d9f2dc574e65948ea0a
Starting July 10, There.com, a video-game-like, avatar-filled fantasy domain that has been described as a PG-13 version of the popular Second Life, will launch The Tower, a new nightclub that will host musical performances. The first performance by a Capitol artist is scheduled for that launch, as the rapper MIMS - or a virtual version of him - will perform and interact with fans. At least five such appearances are planned over the next several months, according to There creators Makena Technologies.During each live virtual show, fans can also purchase both virtual and real world band-related items, ranging from virtual band t-shirts to actual CDs. There will also place a variety of interactive kiosks throughout the world where users can also purchase such products.


On the Web, EMI to Offer More Choices
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/29/technology/29music.html?ex=1340769600&en=88336ef4f792844f&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
EMI Music and Snocap are to announce today that Snocap will sell the label’s music in its MyStores, online shops that can be added to various sites on the Internet. Snocap’s MyStores would be placed on the Web sites of EMI artists like Korn, Suzanne Vega and Yellowcard, as well as on artists’ MySpace pages. Fans would also be able to place MyStores “widgets” on their own sites and MySpace pages, although Snocap would still control sales.


Jobs hints at wireless music downloads on the iPhone
http://news.com.com/8301-10784_3-9737137-7.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20
That changed today when Apple CEO Steve Jobs dropped ever-so subtle hints that the iPhone may download music wirelessly and accommodate work-friendly applications in the near future. "There are a lot of things you can imagine down the road," Jobs said when asked if over-the-air music will ever be a reality. Granted, that not an admission, but it's not a denial either.