snapshot 8/3/07

MP3 Audio Files Most Common On Computers
The typical U.S. computer in April was home to an average of 880 MP3 audio files, which took up about 3 Gbytes of storage space, according to a new survey out Thursday. It also contained 197 Microsoft Word files, 100 PDF files, 77 Microsoft Excel files, and 36 Windows Media files.


Online sharing videos, music can attract hackers
Online sharing of videos and music at the heart of today's Internet lifestyle gives hackers dangerous new avenues for attacking computers, security specialists said Thursday. Malicious code can be hidden in video streamed or downloaded from websites such as YouTube or songs streamed from social-networking websites including MySpace, iSEC researcher David Thiel demonstrated at a Black Hat gathering of computer protection professionals in Las Vegas.


Nokia to jump on music download bandwagon?
Nokia is on the verge of launching its own iTunes-like music downloads service, if rumours are correct. Online reports suggest the handset vendor is to unveil the service later this month, alongside two new music-oriented handsets.

Speculation has it that Nokia will unveil the service on 29 August at the Ministry of Sound nightclub in London. The unnamed service could allow users to download songs, and potentially games, onto their PCs and then transfer them to their mobile phone or other music player. Reports suggest the firm will allow users to transfer songs onto non-Nokia handsets using DRM software.


Analyst Hears No DRM Death Knell
Apple, MusicGiants, and eMusic are offering downloads of select songs free of digital rights management (DRM) restrictions, but don’t expect DRM to die or simply fade away, contends market research company In-Stat. In fact, said analyst Mike Paxton, “As the creation of digital content expands, it is, in turn, fueling demand for more DRM solutions and content-protection technologies.” One such technology, dubbed forensic DRM technology, tracks end users of digital content, and it “will see much wider usage in the future.”

The DRM-free model, In-Stat continued, “will likely be viewed as a music-industry-only experiment, albeit one that will be closely monitored to see if a viable business model emerges.”


Playaway All-In-One Audiobook Review
So should you buy this thing? I guess it could make a good stocking stuffer, but smaller digital audio players are so cheap now that it only makes much sense as a novelty item. What is especially interesting is the price range for various books–some are as cheap as $30, while others cost up to $90. While this may seem like a lot for a disposable player, this is actually around what CD-based audiobooks cost, so you aren’t paying too much of a premium over the content alone.


National Geographic Broadens Music Initiative Considerably
National Geographic is now broadening its music initiative considerably, and pushing into recording, publishing, television, touring, and digital arenas. The fresh division, dubbed National Geographic Music and Radio, is launching with the support of distribution partners like Clear Channel, Salem Communications and NPR. "National Geographic Music and Radio will engage listeners with great talk and sound, and also offer artists and experts who care about global culture and the environment an outlet to create awareness for important issues," said Tim Kelly, president and chief executive of National Geographic Ventures.


EMI, DRM-Free Licensing Train Continues, Puretracks Latest
EMI Music continues to license its DRM-free catalog to digital music outlets following an initial exclusive involving iTunes. The latest taker is Toronto-based Puretracks, which announced a licensing alliance with EMI Music Canada on Thursday.


Apple iPhone coming to Best Buy stores
Apple and Best Buy are planning to bring iPhones to some of Best Buy's nationwide outlets in the next 4-6 weeks, according to sources. When the expansion is complete, Best Buy will be selling nearly 80 percent of Apple's entire product offerings in about 40 percent of its own outlets across the U.S.


Billboard Expands Hot 100 Chart To Include Streaming Media Data
Billboard is augmenting its ranking of digital music sales for its Hot 100 chart formula by including weekly streamed and on-demand music data from Yahoo and AOL Music. As part of its expansion to include more streaming music, Billboard is currently negotiating with other online music sources, including digital music service Rhapsody. Under the new Billboard Hot 100 formula, radio play will average about 55 percent of the chart’s total points, digital for about 40 percent, and streaming media for 5 percent. While streaming media is relatively small, it’s still well ahead of sales of physical singles, which will account for less than 1 percent of the chart’s new formula.