snapshot 3/13/08

Starbucks to release Simon & Garfunkel live CD
The Simon & Garfunkel live album originally due last September via Columbia/Legacy has been revived as a Starbucks exclusive, beginning March 25. A release to traditional retail outlets is expected in the fall. Live 1969" is drawn from previously unreleased recordings from Simon & Garfunkel's November 1969 U.S. tour, which turned out to be the duo's last for more than a decade.


Apple Researching Digital Video Recorder (DVR) Possibilies
A new patent application published by Apple today reveals that they have done considerable research into the possibility of an Apple-branded Digital Video Recorder (DVR). The Tivo-like device would offer the ability to tune into television channels, record and playback shows. The currently shipping AppleTV does not support any sort of recording or tuning functionality

Of most interest is that Apple appears to be looking into ways to integrate their iPod or iPhone into this experience. They describe and picture an iPod-like device that would dock to the DVR. Customers could then sync their recorded television content with their iPod and also select future shows to also be recorded from the portable device. Once syncing takes place the future shows are added to the DVR's recording queue and new shows are transfered to the iPod.


Live Nation in running for the Rolling Stones archives
Live Nation, the world's largest concert promotion firm, has emerged as a surprise bidder for the Rolling Stones back catalogue of hits as the band considers ending its relationship with EMI.


Partner Details Emerge on PushButtonMusic Initiative
More details emerged Wednesday on PushButtonMusic, a pre-loaded portable music concept scheduled for summer release. The idea, developed by Broadcast Data Systems (BDS) founders Hal Oppenheimer and Robert Uhlmann, was first tipped by Digital Music News earlier this week. Now, supporting partners are emerging. The team includes Javien, which will provide backend payment processing; and J. River, which is developing the PC-based media player and synchronization interface. Also in the mix is MediaNet Digital, which is powering the subscription content and offering catalog licensing.

In recent discussions, Oppenheimer also pointed to a roster of advisers, though specific names are not revealed. "This includes individuals with time spent at RealNetworks, MTV/Urge, Sony, RadioShack, major record labels, internet TV, MediaNet and large scale web-based projects," Oppenheimer described. Oppenheimer also clarified that MediaNet is handling all licensing details, though major labels are being consulted along the way.


Luxurious Fairmont Offers Pampered Music Downloads
Anyone staying at a luxury hotel can afford a music download, though even the elite surf with the riff-raff on LimeWire. But the Fairmont, known for its pampered inns, is now creating its own music download store. The guests-only destination, appropriately titled the Fairmont Music Store, will be unveiled at the Plaza Hotel in New York this spring. The store will initially carry music exclusively from EMI, which is the only major currently extending its catalog to the hotel without content restrictions. "As the only major music company offering its entire digital catalog in a premium, DRM-free, higher audio quality form, EMI is unique among major music companies in their ability to offer Fairmont customers music that will work on all music players and devices," the hotel group explained in a statement.


The Complete Guide to iTunes Tagging
Though support for the feature was added to iTunes 7.4, iTunes Tagging remains one of the least-understood expansions of the iPod ecosystem—arguably, for good reason. Developed by Apple and implemented in new iPod speaker systems by companies such as Polk Audio and JBL, iTunes Tagging enables an HD Radio tuner to record information about the currently playing track, save it to an iPod, and let the iPod’s user easily find that track in the iTunes Store for purchase.


Third Generation Zune in Fall 2009
There are some more interesting pieces of news from this article stating that the Zune Marketplace will hit mobile platforms on the upcoming Windows Mobile 7 OS. Could this be the start of a Zune Phone? My guess would be that is will not be a fully fledged Zune Phone but an intermediary step with music being a tight integration with Windows Mobile 7. Without a doubt we will see this new mobile Zune service in coming Sidekicks since Microsoft’s recent acquisition of Danger.


Widgets are great for musicians, and not so bad for businesses, either
Second, widget service provider Gydget has struck a deal with indie music marketer and distributor The Orchard, to distribute music through widgets on MySpace and other social networks. The site lets anyone create a simple widget that they easily put their social networking information inside of. For example, for bands on MySpace, Gydget’s widget lets them enter their user ID or profile URL, then it imports their images, events, MySpace blog and YouTube videos. After a band creates the widget, it can easily update the widget with new information, such as tour dates.

The company, which faces music-focused competitors like Splashcast, says that in less than four months, more than 800 “major” recording artists have started using its widgets, with more than 15 million people seeing these widgets each month.