Interesting news/reviews/deals from the portable audio market
mobiBLU to introduce a 2GB of its popular cube-shaped DAH-1500: it’ll go for $160 (512MB: $100, 1GB: $130) and you’ll be able to get it from a place other than Walmart this time. You may want to read our presentation of the DAH-1500. [via]
Deal: BeyerDynamic DT 990 for €169: it’s the latest (2006) version and sounds like a great deal; for comparison’s sake, Meier Audio has them for €250 (though this one includes shipping). Thomann’s shipping charges are very reasonable (only €8 for Greece) but they’re currently having some stock issues, so you may want to bookmark this [...]
There are some reports that Apple may not be using SigmaTel’s audio chipset for the upcoming Shuffle replacement (whenever that comes). AppleInsider reports:
In a research note released on Tuesday, American Technology Research analyst Shaw Wu said there is “potential risk” that Apple’s yet-to-be announced new and improved entry-level iPod will not incorporate components from semiconductor [...]
Mobile music store review: video review comparing Sprint Nextel’s and Verizon Wireless’s music stores.
Finally! A company whose logo isn’t a white bitten fruit and posts positive financial results. We’re talking about Archos who owes its success to its powerful line of portable media players; powerful large-screen devices suited to video watching (and recording) such as the A700 (more AV700 coverage) and the AV500 (more AV500 coverage).
According to the [...]
New Yahoo! Music Engine with tons of improvements: an excellent update to YME with a slew of functional (and even cosmetic) improvements. (Also, huge props to Ian Rogers for writing a changelog that’s funny and witty.)
New sharing features for Pandora: you can listen to samples of the members’ favorite tunes, add their stations to your list, subscribe to their latest stations or faves via RSS, etc. Read our presentation of Pandora, and remember, they’ve introduced a free version a couple of months ago.
From the ‘power to the people’ department: Tunecore gets your music up for sale on iTunes (all regions) and Rhapsody. You don’t grant them any rights or give them any percentages from your sales. Just a nominal fee, as illustrated in the example. [via]
“Dear Blue Note, Sony, and EMI”: Volkher’s added to the line of those who’ve had it with the major labels’ idiotic stand against consumers. Related: “Sony, I download your music”
Guess those rumors were true. Yesterday Apple introduced the 1GB Nano; same features as its brethren, for $149—available immediately. Also announced, price cuts for the Shuffle—you can now get the 512MB model for $69 and the 1GB Shuffle for $99.
While I’m not so keen on paying 150 bucks for 1 gig of storage—yes, even if [...]