Complete archive of the MP3 Insider Podcast
MP3 Insider 1: Social music sitesMP3 Insider 2: The hype around the Toshiba Gigabeat SMP3 Insider 3: A la carte vs. subscription modelsMP3 Insider 4: To DRM or not to DRMMP3 Insider 5: New, improved WMP 11MP3 Insider 6: Wave goodbye to AllofMP3.com?MP3 Insider 7: Wi-Fi players are coming!MP3 Insider 8: Europe v. iTunesMP3 Insider 9: Does Microsoft have an iPod killer?MP3 Insider 10: iPod sweatshop dramaMP3 Insider 11: Rumor day! Place your bets!MP3 Insider 12: Apple movie subscriptionsMP3 Insider 13: Interview with CowonMP3 Insider 14: The great headphone debateMP3 Insider 15: Best music jukeboxesMP3 Insider 16: Cell phones with MP3 playersMP3 Insider 17: How do you rock out in your car?MP3 Insider 18: Is DRM dead?MP3 Insider 19: Interview with Slim DevicesMP3 Insider 20: Apple day!MP3 Insider 21: Brown is the new blackMP3 Insider 22: Wi-fi playersMP3 Insider 23: Where's the Zen V Plus?MP3 Insider 24: Discussion on Real/RhapsodyMP3 Insider 25: Happy birthday, iPod!MP3 Insider 26: Interview with Russell HollimanMP3 Insider 27: Reader feedback day!MP3 Insider 28: Microsoft's renaissance?MP3 Insider 29: Zune fight!MP3 Insider 30: iPod lemons?MP3 Insider 31: Fake out iTunesMP3 Insider 32: Best of 2006, among other thingsMP3 Insider 33: CES preview, etc.MP3 Insider 34: What we liked at CESMP3 Insider 35: Babies like music tooMP3 Insider 36: Too many recommendations!MP3 Insider 37: A DRM-free future?MP3 Insider 38: Another listener-feedback dayMP3 Insider 39: Satellite surpriseMP3 Insider 40: Being sure of ShureMP3 Insider 41: We are such slackersMP3 Insider 42: iRiver investigatory journalismMP3 Insider 43: Hooray for DRM-free!MP3 Insider 44: New Zunes?MP3 Insider 45: Tunes in spaceMP3 Insider 46: A halo of soundMP3 Insider 47: Smaller is betterMP3 Insider 48: Worst MP3 playerMP3 Insider 49: A product only a grandma could loveMP3 Insider 50: Lala and We7MP3 Insider 51: Another new iRiverMP3 Insider 52: Hot gadgets in the summertimeMP3 Insider 53: The suckitude of shuffleMP3 Insider 54: iPhone deal breakerMP3 Insider 55: Players galore!MP3 Insider 56: Sweat to the musicMP3 Insider 57: Travel with tunesMP3 Insider 58: The extra-long episodeMP3 Insider 59: Beer and musicMP3 Insider 60: Mainstream or notMP3 Insider 61: The NDA rantMP3 Insider 62: Pre-iPod madnessMP3 Insider 63: iPod mania!MP3 Insider 64: Avoiding the iPodMP3 Insider 65: What's in an interface?MP3 Insider 66: About autoresumeMP3 Insider 67: Name that soundMP3 Insider 68: Zune mania?MP3 Insider 69: DRM this!MP3 Insider 70: Accessorize, accessorize, accessorizeMP3 Insider 71: Veronica defends the ZuneMP3 Insider 72: Too much Zune lovin'MP3 Insider 73: iPod competitionMP3 Insider 74: Haier who?MP3 Insider 75: Cowon's media monsterMP3 Insider 76: Wireless musicMP3 Insider 77: Happy holidaysMP3 Insider 78: Pre-holiday extravaganza!MP3 Insider 79: Preparing for CES 2008MP3 Insider 80: Vegas, baby!MP3 Insider 81: Macworld 2008MP3 Insider 82: Jack of All TradesMP3 Insider 83: What's in a niche?MP3 Insider 84: A Slacker and a brawlMP3 Insider 85: Valentines and reminiscencesMP3 Insider 86: Sony's massive announcementMP3 Insider 87: What about subscription musicMP3 Insider 88: New players in da houseMP3 Insider 89: HodgepodgeEpisode 90 brought a new blog and a new logo.MP3 Insider 90: Subscription schmubscriptionMP3 Insider 91: On trusting user commentsMP3 Insider 92: MP3 players can't all be rosesMP3 Insider 93: Congrats Donald!MP3 Insider 94: Top 5 online music servicesMP3 Insider 95: Zune rants and ravesMP3 Insider 96: Fun with carsMP3 Insider 97: Music-friendly cell phonesMP3 Insider 98: Music on the WebMP3 Insider 99: Donald's back!MP3 Insider 100: iPhone madnessMP3 Insider 101: MP3 players for audiophilesMP3 Insider 102: A very special episodeMP3 Insider 103: Zune GiveawayMP3 Insider 104: Headphones go head-to-headMP3 Insider 105: iPhone killed the radio starMP3 Insider 106: On online musicMP3 Insider 107: Interview with Pandora's Tim WestergrenMP3 Insider 108: Headphones are liars and DRM stinksMP3 Insider 109: Zen ManiaMP3 Insider 110: Archos news and free stuff!MP3 Insider 111: A cornucopia of portable mediaMP3 Insider 112: Headphones with styleMP3 Insider 113: iPod mania 2008MP3 Insider 114: Wi-Fi MP3 playersMP3 Insider 115: Will the Walkman reign again?MP3 Insider 116: Web radio lives onMP3 Insider 117: An interview with TuneCore's Jeff PriceMP3 Insider 118: MP3 Insiders get sillyMP3 Insider 119: Mobile music mishmashMP3 Insider 120: Music's in the cloudsMP3 Insider 121: The more affordableMP3 Insider 122: Year-end blowoutMP3 Insider 123: Girls, girls, girls!MP3 Insider 124: From firmware to conceptsMP3 Insider 125: New Zune newsMP3 Insider 126: MyPods from MappleMP3 Insider 127: Prize patrolMP3 Insider 128: 2008 gives up the ghostMP3 Insider 129: Live from CES 2009MP3 Insider 130: Personal radio apps for the iPhoneMP3 Insider 131: Don't call them headphonesMP3 Insider 132: Bulbous twoofersMP3 Insider 133: Lauren Rich Fine interviewMP3 Insider 134: Maximum testosteroneMP3 Insider 135: Lady on the micMP3 Insider 136: Sony should pay for this podcastMP3 Insider 137: Audacious iPod accessoriesMP3 Insider 138: Death to buttonsMP3 Insider 139: Pigs vs. ButterfliesMP3 Insider 140: An auctioneer's episodeMP3 Insider 141: What's a Zune HD?MP3 Insider 142: Zapping outMP3 Insider 143: Vinyl junkies and cheapskatesMP3 Insider 144: Subscription music overdoseMP3 Insider 145: Fuzzy mathMP3 Insider 146: Slacker hearts the X-Series WalkmanMP3 Insider 147: When worlds collideMP3 Insider 148: Zune HD's moment in the sunMP3 Insider 149: We still love youMP3 Insider 150: Software squabbles, fitness fanaticism, and headphone hotnessMP3 Insider 151: Bluetooth madnessMP3 Insider 152: X, Zii, and why?MP3 Insider 153: Appsolutely fabulousMP3 Insider 154: That's classicMP3 Insider 155: Creative confusionMP3 Insider 156: Zune HD under fire: the Brian Seitz interviewMP3 Insider 157: Zune HD withdrawalsMP3 Insider 158: What about the rest?MP3 Insider 159: The simply superb Sansa Clip+MP3 Insider 160: Appleocalypse--2009 editionMP3 Insider 161: Zune-a-thonMP3 Insider 162: The BurnoutMP3 Insider 163: Numbers don't lie (or matter)MP3 Insider 164: OpinionationMP3 Insider 165: Ears for musicMP3 Insider 166: It's all digitalMP3 Insider 167: The munchies take overMP3 Insider 168: Inspired by the uninspiringMP3 Insider 169: On wood and water bottlesMP3 Insider 170: Holiday hullabalooMP3 Insider 171: Slow news dayMP3 Insider 172: Subdued in sicknessMP3 Insider 173: Born a ramblin' manMP3 Insider 174: Nobody's Home, Happy Holidays!MP3 Insider 175: CES madnessMP3 Insider 176: Cache is kingMP3 Insider 177: Tablets, clouds and CanadiansMP3 Insider 178: Jasmine says...mehMP3 Insider 179: Zune phones, iPads, and hippiesMP3 Insider 180: Meet me in the cloudsMP3 Insider 181: Mobile phones: 742, MP3 players: 0MP3 Insider 182: Horrifying mistakes of portable audio pastMP3 Insider 183: Facebook fake outMP3 Insider 184: Insert lyrics hereMP3 Insider 185: Shameless self-promotionMP3 Insider 186: The Happy showMP3 Insider 187: Full of MicrosoftinessMP3 Insider 188: The only cure is more iPadMP3 Insider 189: Gonna make you sweatMP3 Insider 190: Blood in the waterMP3 Insider 191: Where interest is PIIQ'dMP3 Insider 192: The end of an era
Review- Pandora 2.0 for iPhone and iPod Touch
Review: Pandora 2.0 for iPhone and iPod Touch
In version 2.0, Pandora adds several new features without undermining the simplicity that made the original app so great. Users can now listen to 30-second previews of bookmarked tracks directly within the app, without bouncing over into the iTunes store. You can also send links to songs now, as well as stations, to contacts from your address book.Creating new personalized radio stations in Pandora has never been easier. As before, Pandora lets you create stations by entering any artist, song, or genre as a starting point. In addition to creating stations from scratch, users can now create stations on the fly based around any artist or song on Pandora's Now Playing screen or user bookmarks.Pandora 2.0 now offers biographical information for the currently playing artist right from the Now Playing screen (similar to the Last.fm app), as well as a detailed account of why each song was chosen to be included in your station. Pandora also added a track progress bar to the Now Playing screen, showing how far along you are within a particular song.One of the more visually striking new features in Pandora 2.0 is a Cover Flow mode, which lets you review the details of previously played tracks when the iPhone or iPod Touch is turned on its side. You still can't revisit the actual audio of previously played songs (for legal reasons, there's no backwards skip or repeat functions in Pandora), but the new Cover Flow view allows you to glance back at the artist, title, album art, biographical data, and song details of previously played songs.Chalk it up to good timing, but Pandora's "Buy Song from iTunes" option just got a whole lot more useful, as well. As of January 2009, the iPhone's ability to download songs from Apple's iTunes store over cellular networks, as well as Wi-Fi, gives music fans more opportunities to directly purchase music they hear from services like Pandora's.Pandora's iPhone app now inlcludes a Cover Flow view for retracing your listening history and learning more about the artists you've been hearing.The Pandora app's biggest competition comes from Last.fm and Slacker. All three apps have something unique to offer, and all three exist as popular online music destinations beyond the iPhone. Generally speaking, if you're already comfortable using Pandora, Last.fm, or Slacker's Web-based services, it makes sense to stick with what you know--especially if you've already spent a few hours cultivating your personal radio stations. All things being equal, however, we prefer the wider range of features included on Last.fm's app (tour dates, top listeners, similar artists, personal listening stats) to Pandora and Slacker's more straightforward approach. That said, Pandora has the most elegant and intuitive interface of the bunch, and is the best point of entry for anyone just getting started with personalized internet radio. (Disclosure: Last.fm is owned by CBS Interactive.)From an audio point of view, all three apps deliver roughly the same sound quality under the best circumstances. Pandora, however, is the only app of the bunch with an adjustable audio quality setting specifically for cellular connections (Wi-Fi audio quality remains unchanged). By switching Pandora's cellular audio quality setting to low, people have the option of trading audio fidelity for improved reception (fewer song dropouts), which can be a real advantage if you're streaming music in your car or in an area with poor cell coverage.Pandora 2.0 for iPhone and iPod Touch is available as a free download from Download.com.Pandora 2.0 Internet radio app -- photosSee full gallery1 - 4 / 11NextPrev
In version 2.0, Pandora adds several new features without undermining the simplicity that made the original app so great. Users can now listen to 30-second previews of bookmarked tracks directly within the app, without bouncing over into the iTunes store. You can also send links to songs now, as well as stations, to contacts from your address book.Creating new personalized radio stations in Pandora has never been easier. As before, Pandora lets you create stations by entering any artist, song, or genre as a starting point. In addition to creating stations from scratch, users can now create stations on the fly based around any artist or song on Pandora's Now Playing screen or user bookmarks.Pandora 2.0 now offers biographical information for the currently playing artist right from the Now Playing screen (similar to the Last.fm app), as well as a detailed account of why each song was chosen to be included in your station. Pandora also added a track progress bar to the Now Playing screen, showing how far along you are within a particular song.One of the more visually striking new features in Pandora 2.0 is a Cover Flow mode, which lets you review the details of previously played tracks when the iPhone or iPod Touch is turned on its side. You still can't revisit the actual audio of previously played songs (for legal reasons, there's no backwards skip or repeat functions in Pandora), but the new Cover Flow view allows you to glance back at the artist, title, album art, biographical data, and song details of previously played songs.Chalk it up to good timing, but Pandora's "Buy Song from iTunes" option just got a whole lot more useful, as well. As of January 2009, the iPhone's ability to download songs from Apple's iTunes store over cellular networks, as well as Wi-Fi, gives music fans more opportunities to directly purchase music they hear from services like Pandora's.Pandora's iPhone app now inlcludes a Cover Flow view for retracing your listening history and learning more about the artists you've been hearing.The Pandora app's biggest competition comes from Last.fm and Slacker. All three apps have something unique to offer, and all three exist as popular online music destinations beyond the iPhone. Generally speaking, if you're already comfortable using Pandora, Last.fm, or Slacker's Web-based services, it makes sense to stick with what you know--especially if you've already spent a few hours cultivating your personal radio stations. All things being equal, however, we prefer the wider range of features included on Last.fm's app (tour dates, top listeners, similar artists, personal listening stats) to Pandora and Slacker's more straightforward approach. That said, Pandora has the most elegant and intuitive interface of the bunch, and is the best point of entry for anyone just getting started with personalized internet radio. (Disclosure: Last.fm is owned by CBS Interactive.)From an audio point of view, all three apps deliver roughly the same sound quality under the best circumstances. Pandora, however, is the only app of the bunch with an adjustable audio quality setting specifically for cellular connections (Wi-Fi audio quality remains unchanged). By switching Pandora's cellular audio quality setting to low, people have the option of trading audio fidelity for improved reception (fewer song dropouts), which can be a real advantage if you're streaming music in your car or in an area with poor cell coverage.Pandora 2.0 for iPhone and iPod Touch is available as a free download from Download.com.Pandora 2.0 Internet radio app -- photosSee full gallery1 - 4 / 11NextPrev
The 404 735- Where we left Wilson on a rooftop in Vegas (podcast)
The 404 735: Where we left Wilson on a rooftop in Vegas (podcast)
Wilson's taking a day off after powering through CNET's video coverage of CES 2011, so Caroline McCarthy fills in to give us the spectator's perspective of the show and the keynote speeches. Unsurprisingly, the Samsung keynote looked just as over the top online as it did in person.DragCloseThis 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.We saw a lot of cool things at CES this year, least of which was this arcade cabinet for the iPad, but this year was definitely about tablet PCs. They stole the show and came in multiple sizes, but CNET's annual Best in Show Award goes to the Motorola Xoom, although we're hoping this isn't how they show their appreciation. Poised to go head-to-head with the Apple iPad, the Xoom is a touch screen-tablet that trumps the iPad in a few ways. It has front- and rear-facing cameras (the front is HD); it has a larger screen with a higher resolution than the iPad; and it operates on the Verizon network instead of AT&T.It's also the first device to run the latest version of Google Android OS 3.0, code-named Honeycomb, so when it comes out sometime in the first quarter of this year, expect it to support multitasking and Verizon's ultrafast 4G network. Verizon is also rumored to be offering the iPhone 4 pending tomorrow's announcement, and Caroline and I are both excited and nervous about its release. The Wall Street Journal reported that the company will keep its $30-a-month unlimited data plan, but our own Bonnie Cha tells us it might not get LTE 4G support until later this year--as usual, it's all up to Apple.Aside from CES wrap-up stuff, check out the second half of today's show for Jeff's review of "American Idiot," the Broadway musical based on Green Day's music and featuring lead vocalist Billy Armstrong. And if you're into that sort of thing, we also learn that a "Fight Club" and "American Psycho" musical are both in the works!Episode 735PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video  Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
Wilson's taking a day off after powering through CNET's video coverage of CES 2011, so Caroline McCarthy fills in to give us the spectator's perspective of the show and the keynote speeches. Unsurprisingly, the Samsung keynote looked just as over the top online as it did in person.DragCloseThis 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.We saw a lot of cool things at CES this year, least of which was this arcade cabinet for the iPad, but this year was definitely about tablet PCs. They stole the show and came in multiple sizes, but CNET's annual Best in Show Award goes to the Motorola Xoom, although we're hoping this isn't how they show their appreciation. Poised to go head-to-head with the Apple iPad, the Xoom is a touch screen-tablet that trumps the iPad in a few ways. It has front- and rear-facing cameras (the front is HD); it has a larger screen with a higher resolution than the iPad; and it operates on the Verizon network instead of AT&T.It's also the first device to run the latest version of Google Android OS 3.0, code-named Honeycomb, so when it comes out sometime in the first quarter of this year, expect it to support multitasking and Verizon's ultrafast 4G network. Verizon is also rumored to be offering the iPhone 4 pending tomorrow's announcement, and Caroline and I are both excited and nervous about its release. The Wall Street Journal reported that the company will keep its $30-a-month unlimited data plan, but our own Bonnie Cha tells us it might not get LTE 4G support until later this year--as usual, it's all up to Apple.Aside from CES wrap-up stuff, check out the second half of today's show for Jeff's review of "American Idiot," the Broadway musical based on Green Day's music and featuring lead vocalist Billy Armstrong. And if you're into that sort of thing, we also learn that a "Fight Club" and "American Psycho" musical are both in the works!Episode 735PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video  Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
Pandora now shares with Facebook, Twitter
Pandora now shares with Facebook, Twitter
Pandora on Wednesday announced the arrival of some new sharing features for the service.In the past, you have been able to share Pandora stations, but you were forced to do it via e-mail instead of taking advantage of one of the modern social networks.Now, Pandora is enabling station and song sharing via much more efficient means: Facebook and Twitter.These features work pretty much exactly how you would think they would.Clicking on the Facebook icon pops out a Facebook window, allowing you to share either the current song or station.The Twitter integration works in much the same way, enabling you to tweet out a link to the current song or station.When you click on the station link that someone has shared, it whisks you away to their Pandora station and lets you listen.However, the song links only go to a landing page that gives you a 30-second preview and an option to create a station based on that song.Oddly, this page does not give the user the "Buy from Amazon/iTunes" option that Pandora's main app features.In addition, Pandora is bringing more attention to its station-gifting feature.This feature basically allows users to create an entirely new station, pair it with an eCard and send it off to someone.Pandora is essentially trying to create the modern version of the mixtape.This feature has been around for a little while, but it has gained little attention to this point.The more prominent placing in Pandora's music player may change that.These new sharing features should boost usage of Pandora.Tapping into the previously untouched power of Facebook's social graph and Twitter can only be a good thing.Pandora is just coming off of reaching an agreement on new royalty rates for music this summer and it's working toward its goal of being profitable by the end of the year.They're also facing some stiff competition from companies like Slacker.Pandora still has a long road ahead, but opening up its service to sharing on Facebook and Twitter is definitely a step in the right direction.
Pandora on Wednesday announced the arrival of some new sharing features for the service.In the past, you have been able to share Pandora stations, but you were forced to do it via e-mail instead of taking advantage of one of the modern social networks.Now, Pandora is enabling station and song sharing via much more efficient means: Facebook and Twitter.These features work pretty much exactly how you would think they would.Clicking on the Facebook icon pops out a Facebook window, allowing you to share either the current song or station.The Twitter integration works in much the same way, enabling you to tweet out a link to the current song or station.When you click on the station link that someone has shared, it whisks you away to their Pandora station and lets you listen.However, the song links only go to a landing page that gives you a 30-second preview and an option to create a station based on that song.Oddly, this page does not give the user the "Buy from Amazon/iTunes" option that Pandora's main app features.In addition, Pandora is bringing more attention to its station-gifting feature.This feature basically allows users to create an entirely new station, pair it with an eCard and send it off to someone.Pandora is essentially trying to create the modern version of the mixtape.This feature has been around for a little while, but it has gained little attention to this point.The more prominent placing in Pandora's music player may change that.These new sharing features should boost usage of Pandora.Tapping into the previously untouched power of Facebook's social graph and Twitter can only be a good thing.Pandora is just coming off of reaching an agreement on new royalty rates for music this summer and it's working toward its goal of being profitable by the end of the year.They're also facing some stiff competition from companies like Slacker.Pandora still has a long road ahead, but opening up its service to sharing on Facebook and Twitter is definitely a step in the right direction.
Free Bing app streams thousands of top-100 tunes
Free Bing app streams thousands of top-100 tunes
Microsoft isn't known for giving away software, but right now you can download the Top 100s by Year by Bing app free of charge. (Catchy name, huh?)The app streams the top 100 songs of every year from 1947 to 2009. That's 62 years, for a grand total of 6,200 songs.Whose top 100? Not Billboard's, as you might expect. Nor is the list based on sales. Instead, according to developer Nutsie, these are "lists of songs that have stood the test of time based on their initial and lasting popularity, and on their impact on the overall scope of musical history."Um, OK. Sounds a little strange, but I can't say I find fault with any of the lists. Look back to, say, 1976, and you'll find every gem from Tom Petty's "American Girl" to The Sex Pistols' "Anarchy in the UK." It's worth noting that the lists include some live performances, an unexpected treat.Now for the bad news. Each top-100 list can be played only in random order. Although you can scroll through the selected list and tap any song to preview it, buy it from iTunes, or even see a YouTube video, you can't choose individual songs to play. As the app notes, "we are required to play all the songs in shuffle like a premium radio channel."At least you can skip past songs you don't want to hear, but don't be surprised to see intrusive Bing ads from time to time. In fact, this app is really a Bing-branded promotional version of an eponymous app from Nutsie, which sells for $1.99. In exchange for saving two bucks, you have to put up with occasional come-ons to download Microsoft's Bing search app. And after listening to a few songs, you have no choice but to download it.That's annoying, to be sure, but ultimately a small price to pay for so much great music. And even though I was born in 1968, I'm having a blast perusing and playing the songs that were popular in the '50s and even '40s. It's like an on-demand lesson in music history.So gripe all you want about the app's ads and limitations--I think Microsoft deserves a thank-you for this seriously entertaining freebie.
Microsoft isn't known for giving away software, but right now you can download the Top 100s by Year by Bing app free of charge. (Catchy name, huh?)The app streams the top 100 songs of every year from 1947 to 2009. That's 62 years, for a grand total of 6,200 songs.Whose top 100? Not Billboard's, as you might expect. Nor is the list based on sales. Instead, according to developer Nutsie, these are "lists of songs that have stood the test of time based on their initial and lasting popularity, and on their impact on the overall scope of musical history."Um, OK. Sounds a little strange, but I can't say I find fault with any of the lists. Look back to, say, 1976, and you'll find every gem from Tom Petty's "American Girl" to The Sex Pistols' "Anarchy in the UK." It's worth noting that the lists include some live performances, an unexpected treat.Now for the bad news. Each top-100 list can be played only in random order. Although you can scroll through the selected list and tap any song to preview it, buy it from iTunes, or even see a YouTube video, you can't choose individual songs to play. As the app notes, "we are required to play all the songs in shuffle like a premium radio channel."At least you can skip past songs you don't want to hear, but don't be surprised to see intrusive Bing ads from time to time. In fact, this app is really a Bing-branded promotional version of an eponymous app from Nutsie, which sells for $1.99. In exchange for saving two bucks, you have to put up with occasional come-ons to download Microsoft's Bing search app. And after listening to a few songs, you have no choice but to download it.That's annoying, to be sure, but ultimately a small price to pay for so much great music. And even though I was born in 1968, I'm having a blast perusing and playing the songs that were popular in the '50s and even '40s. It's like an on-demand lesson in music history.So gripe all you want about the app's ads and limitations--I think Microsoft deserves a thank-you for this seriously entertaining freebie.
Foursquare checks in with a slick new UI
Foursquare checks in with a slick new UI
The Foursquare app for both iPhone and Android got a complete redesign in the latest update out moments ago. The streamlined interface uses fewer buttons than older versions but adds changes in functionality based on millions of users' feedback, says Alex Rainert, head of product at Foursquare.The new redesign simplifies the look with only three buttons across the bottom for Friends, Explore, and your profile. The new Friends tab lets you view a feed of latest activity from your friends with big photographs; lets you comment and "Like" any activity; and check out tips and lists that are near your current location.The Explore tab now gives you ideas of where to go automatically based on whether you're at home or traveling with the best results for where you are presently. Using data from millions of check ins, Rainert says, Foursquare Labs is able to make suggestions not only based on friends and people with similar interests; it can narrow it down to the best results for the time of day. In one example, Rainert talked about looking at the Explore tab on Friday at 5PM, which would give you results for happy hour locations in your area along with showing where your friends were celebrating the end of the work week.The Profile tab got an overhaul as well, now adding more information you can view about your history with Foursquare. You can now look at a history of your check-ins, Friends, badges you've earned, comments and tips you've left at various locations, and your lists.The Check In button itself has moved to the upper right of the Interface, a design choice Rainert says will make it easier to touch with your thumb.The newly redesigned Foursquare app is available now for free at the iTunes App Store. For a closer look at the new features, check out our First Take for Foursquare .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.Play
The Foursquare app for both iPhone and Android got a complete redesign in the latest update out moments ago. The streamlined interface uses fewer buttons than older versions but adds changes in functionality based on millions of users' feedback, says Alex Rainert, head of product at Foursquare.The new redesign simplifies the look with only three buttons across the bottom for Friends, Explore, and your profile. The new Friends tab lets you view a feed of latest activity from your friends with big photographs; lets you comment and "Like" any activity; and check out tips and lists that are near your current location.The Explore tab now gives you ideas of where to go automatically based on whether you're at home or traveling with the best results for where you are presently. Using data from millions of check ins, Rainert says, Foursquare Labs is able to make suggestions not only based on friends and people with similar interests; it can narrow it down to the best results for the time of day. In one example, Rainert talked about looking at the Explore tab on Friday at 5PM, which would give you results for happy hour locations in your area along with showing where your friends were celebrating the end of the work week.The Profile tab got an overhaul as well, now adding more information you can view about your history with Foursquare. You can now look at a history of your check-ins, Friends, badges you've earned, comments and tips you've left at various locations, and your lists.The Check In button itself has moved to the upper right of the Interface, a design choice Rainert says will make it easier to touch with your thumb.The newly redesigned Foursquare app is available now for free at the iTunes App Store. For a closer look at the new features, check out our First Take for Foursquare .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.Play
Tributes to Steve Jobs, by the numbers
Tributes to Steve Jobs, by the numbers
Curious what people have been saying about Steve Jobs on histribute page, but don't want to scroll through all 10,975 messages Apple has made public?Worry no more. Instead, check out the following frequency analysis of Jobs tributes, courtesy of Neil Kodner, a CBS data engineer and developer. CBS publishes CNET.According to Kodner:Related stories:• Apple launches Steve Jobs tribute page• Apple co-founder, Chairman Steve Jobs dies• The death of Steve Jobs, 1955-2011 (roundup)2,186 messages, or just under 20 percent of all the notes on the page, mention an Apple product. "Mac" was most common, appearing in 10 percent of all notes, with Apple's iPhone, iPod, and iPad trailing. The fifth most popular gadget? The Apple II.Many well-wishers also mentioned "Newton"--but in reference to Sir Isaac, not Apple's ill-fated PDA.After Newton, people most often likened Jobs to Henry Ford--then Thomas Edison. Albert Einstein, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Bill Gates rated honorable mentions, although their names only appeared in a handful of messages.On the adjective front, "great" appeared in 1,961 messages. "Visionary" made its way into 645 messages, while "creative" turned up in 471.The most common three-word phrase by far was "rest in peace," appearing ina full one-sixth of all messages. "Thank you for" and "will be missed" made cameos in 1,446 and 827 messages, respectively.Surprisingly, "changed the world" only made its way into 551 messages--just 5 percent of the total.
Curious what people have been saying about Steve Jobs on histribute page, but don't want to scroll through all 10,975 messages Apple has made public?Worry no more. Instead, check out the following frequency analysis of Jobs tributes, courtesy of Neil Kodner, a CBS data engineer and developer. CBS publishes CNET.According to Kodner:Related stories:• Apple launches Steve Jobs tribute page• Apple co-founder, Chairman Steve Jobs dies• The death of Steve Jobs, 1955-2011 (roundup)2,186 messages, or just under 20 percent of all the notes on the page, mention an Apple product. "Mac" was most common, appearing in 10 percent of all notes, with Apple's iPhone, iPod, and iPad trailing. The fifth most popular gadget? The Apple II.Many well-wishers also mentioned "Newton"--but in reference to Sir Isaac, not Apple's ill-fated PDA.After Newton, people most often likened Jobs to Henry Ford--then Thomas Edison. Albert Einstein, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Bill Gates rated honorable mentions, although their names only appeared in a handful of messages.On the adjective front, "great" appeared in 1,961 messages. "Visionary" made its way into 645 messages, while "creative" turned up in 471.The most common three-word phrase by far was "rest in peace," appearing ina full one-sixth of all messages. "Thank you for" and "will be missed" made cameos in 1,446 and 827 messages, respectively.Surprisingly, "changed the world" only made its way into 551 messages--just 5 percent of the total.
Touch-panel shipments dipping as iPhone 5 looms, report says
Touch-panel shipments dipping as iPhone 5 looms, report says
Apple is cutting its orders of iPhone touch panels, indicating that it's preparing to transition to its next handset, according to the DigiTimes.Apple's touch-panel suppliers, TPK Holding and Wintek, will see shipments of the components decline sequentially by 15 percent to 20 percent during the second quarter, according to Taiwan-based DigiTimes, citing sources. The publication's sources say Apple's current iPhone line is "moving into the final stage," and the company is moving to a new technology, called in-cell touch, for the iPhone 5.Related storiesNext iPhone said to get new touch panel techNext iPhone said to ditch glass for liquidmetal, arrive in JuneiPhone 5 launching with 4-inch screen, new Dock connectorCNET's review of the iPhone 4SIn-cell touch technology has been rumored to be coming to the iPhone 5 for well over a month. The offering delivers multitouch technology into the thin-film transistor LCD manufacturing process, eliminating the need for more glass and sensors. The result is a thinner, lighter screen, among other benefits.Unfortunately for TPK and Wintek, the companies won't be making the in-cell touch panels for Apple, according to DigiTimes.Aside from the new touch-screen technology, Apple's iPhone 5 is rumored to be launching with 4G LTE support, a 4-inch display, and a new Dock connector featuring fewer pins than the current 30-pin port.CNET has contacted Apple for comment on the DigiTimes report. We will update this story when we have more information.
Apple is cutting its orders of iPhone touch panels, indicating that it's preparing to transition to its next handset, according to the DigiTimes.Apple's touch-panel suppliers, TPK Holding and Wintek, will see shipments of the components decline sequentially by 15 percent to 20 percent during the second quarter, according to Taiwan-based DigiTimes, citing sources. The publication's sources say Apple's current iPhone line is "moving into the final stage," and the company is moving to a new technology, called in-cell touch, for the iPhone 5.Related storiesNext iPhone said to get new touch panel techNext iPhone said to ditch glass for liquidmetal, arrive in JuneiPhone 5 launching with 4-inch screen, new Dock connectorCNET's review of the iPhone 4SIn-cell touch technology has been rumored to be coming to the iPhone 5 for well over a month. The offering delivers multitouch technology into the thin-film transistor LCD manufacturing process, eliminating the need for more glass and sensors. The result is a thinner, lighter screen, among other benefits.Unfortunately for TPK and Wintek, the companies won't be making the in-cell touch panels for Apple, according to DigiTimes.Aside from the new touch-screen technology, Apple's iPhone 5 is rumored to be launching with 4G LTE support, a 4-inch display, and a new Dock connector featuring fewer pins than the current 30-pin port.CNET has contacted Apple for comment on the DigiTimes report. We will update this story when we have more information.
TomTom beats the drums for its own map-based ecosystem
TomTom beats the drums for its own map-based ecosystem
TomTom, the company best known for its auto navigation systems, has opened its mapping data for app developers, making it easier for companies to make programs that could rival those from Google and Apple. The company, which is one of the main data providers for Apple's Maps app, says it's providing access to its location and navigation services, including map display, routing, and traffic details. TomTom noted its program, dubbed the TomTom Location Based Services Platform and Developer Portal, will expand its capabilities over time.Related stories:TomTom Android app won't support Galaxy S3, Nexus 7 -- yetCNET's GPS buying guideTomTom's iOS app updates with Foursquare search, check-insIt currently includes the following content and services:Map Toolkit API with a map display Web service, a geocoding Web service, routing Web service, and traffic Web serviceDownloadable iOS, Android, and JavaScript software development kitsCloud-based performance and scalability for constant accessManagement tools that make it easy for developers to track usageTomTom is one of the world's biggest navigation product makers. Like its rivals, it has struggled as more people use their smartphones and tablets to find their way round. It supplies maps and related content to the majority of handset makers, including Apple, RIM, HTC, Samsung, and Google, but the new developer program could boost its customer base even further. Reuters noted that the new program is free on a trial basis, but it charges a fee if developers use the data for commercial purposes.Stocking stuffers for gadget fansSee full gallery1 - 4 / 6NextPrev
TomTom, the company best known for its auto navigation systems, has opened its mapping data for app developers, making it easier for companies to make programs that could rival those from Google and Apple. The company, which is one of the main data providers for Apple's Maps app, says it's providing access to its location and navigation services, including map display, routing, and traffic details. TomTom noted its program, dubbed the TomTom Location Based Services Platform and Developer Portal, will expand its capabilities over time.Related stories:TomTom Android app won't support Galaxy S3, Nexus 7 -- yetCNET's GPS buying guideTomTom's iOS app updates with Foursquare search, check-insIt currently includes the following content and services:Map Toolkit API with a map display Web service, a geocoding Web service, routing Web service, and traffic Web serviceDownloadable iOS, Android, and JavaScript software development kitsCloud-based performance and scalability for constant accessManagement tools that make it easy for developers to track usageTomTom is one of the world's biggest navigation product makers. Like its rivals, it has struggled as more people use their smartphones and tablets to find their way round. It supplies maps and related content to the majority of handset makers, including Apple, RIM, HTC, Samsung, and Google, but the new developer program could boost its customer base even further. Reuters noted that the new program is free on a trial basis, but it charges a fee if developers use the data for commercial purposes.Stocking stuffers for gadget fansSee full gallery1 - 4 / 6NextPrev
T-Mobile reportedly prepping for new iPhone offensive
T-Mobile reportedly prepping for new iPhone offensive
T-Mobile is apparently already prepping to battle the iPhone 5 on September 21.Published by blog site TmoNews, an internal memo allegedly from T-Mobile reveals upcoming training material to help workers sell against the iPhone.The memo discusses a Grab & Go suite available through the company's electronic learning system. It also refers to a mobile game designed to help employees practice their sales skills. But even more significant is the date.The memo points to September 21 as the date that the new training material will go online. That's the same day the new iPhone is rumored to go on sale, according to recent reports. Citing its own sources, AllThingsD added to those reports last week by saying that the iPhone 5 would launch on September 12 and hit the sales channel on September 21.Does T-Mobile know for sure that the iPhone will reach customers September 21, or is the company just following the trail of reports citing that date? Either way, it seems to be a clear sign that T-Mobile won't be getting the iPhone this time around, assuming the memo is accurate.Related storiesT-Mobile: iPhone network compatibility coming this yearT-Mobile to improve support for unlocked iPhone usersWho has the better unlimited plan? Sprint vs. T-MobilePhone 5 rumor roundupThat would still leave the phone in the sole hands of the other three major U.S. carriers -- Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and Sprint.However, T-Mobile may be about to enhance its support for unlocked iPhones. Another memo posted by TmoNews says that the carrier will offer new Monthly4G microSIM kits to let iPhone 4 and 4S owners bring their unlocked phones onto its network.
T-Mobile is apparently already prepping to battle the iPhone 5 on September 21.Published by blog site TmoNews, an internal memo allegedly from T-Mobile reveals upcoming training material to help workers sell against the iPhone.The memo discusses a Grab & Go suite available through the company's electronic learning system. It also refers to a mobile game designed to help employees practice their sales skills. But even more significant is the date.The memo points to September 21 as the date that the new training material will go online. That's the same day the new iPhone is rumored to go on sale, according to recent reports. Citing its own sources, AllThingsD added to those reports last week by saying that the iPhone 5 would launch on September 12 and hit the sales channel on September 21.Does T-Mobile know for sure that the iPhone will reach customers September 21, or is the company just following the trail of reports citing that date? Either way, it seems to be a clear sign that T-Mobile won't be getting the iPhone this time around, assuming the memo is accurate.Related storiesT-Mobile: iPhone network compatibility coming this yearT-Mobile to improve support for unlocked iPhone usersWho has the better unlimited plan? Sprint vs. T-MobilePhone 5 rumor roundupThat would still leave the phone in the sole hands of the other three major U.S. carriers -- Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and Sprint.However, T-Mobile may be about to enhance its support for unlocked iPhones. Another memo posted by TmoNews says that the carrier will offer new Monthly4G microSIM kits to let iPhone 4 and 4S owners bring their unlocked phones onto its network.
Time Warner CEO wants Apple to make a TV
Time Warner CEO wants Apple to make a TV
NEW YORK--Bring on the new TV, Apple, the chief executive of Time Warner said today. Jeff Bewkes, speaking during a Business Insider conference in New York, said he hopes Apple makes an innovative TV. And he expects other companies to create similar products as well. "I think Apple's a great device company," with the ability to take products that were called commodities, create differentiation, charge premium prices, build ecosystems, and create loyalty, he said. "If they bring good interface navigation skills to the interface of TV and devices, when we're talking about 200 channels of really good content people really love, that's solving the problem we're talking about," Bewkes said. "I think that's great."However, he said Apple won't be the only company working on this. He noted that "no digital intermediary can get rights or exclusivity to rights. There's just too many of them."Related storiesAnalyst: Apple TV launch is 'imminent'Apple HDTV rumor roundupNo new Apple TV this year, report saysApple exec: Television may not be in the cards for nowAs for Netflix, Bewkes said the company has done a "very good job" and is a good place for syndicated, rerun, serialized shows. He added that Netflix and others will make their own shows, and some of them will be good. But the money they're spending can't measure up to the $5 billion a year Time Warner spends on production. "So, welcome," he said. Meanwhile, Bewkes said TV isn't dying. Some consumers are just watching it in different ways and on different devices. "Here's a better business than the Internet -- television," he said.
NEW YORK--Bring on the new TV, Apple, the chief executive of Time Warner said today. Jeff Bewkes, speaking during a Business Insider conference in New York, said he hopes Apple makes an innovative TV. And he expects other companies to create similar products as well. "I think Apple's a great device company," with the ability to take products that were called commodities, create differentiation, charge premium prices, build ecosystems, and create loyalty, he said. "If they bring good interface navigation skills to the interface of TV and devices, when we're talking about 200 channels of really good content people really love, that's solving the problem we're talking about," Bewkes said. "I think that's great."However, he said Apple won't be the only company working on this. He noted that "no digital intermediary can get rights or exclusivity to rights. There's just too many of them."Related storiesAnalyst: Apple TV launch is 'imminent'Apple HDTV rumor roundupNo new Apple TV this year, report saysApple exec: Television may not be in the cards for nowAs for Netflix, Bewkes said the company has done a "very good job" and is a good place for syndicated, rerun, serialized shows. He added that Netflix and others will make their own shows, and some of them will be good. But the money they're spending can't measure up to the $5 billion a year Time Warner spends on production. "So, welcome," he said. Meanwhile, Bewkes said TV isn't dying. Some consumers are just watching it in different ways and on different devices. "Here's a better business than the Internet -- television," he said.
Android, Samsung top U.S. mobile phone market
Among handset makers, Samsung kept its lead, although its market share remained flat. LG and Motorola took second and third place, respectively, each losing more than half a percentage point from the previous quarter.ComScoreThough in fourth place with 10.2 percent, Apple was the only mobile phone manufacturer to see its share rise. And RIM was again stuck in last place with 7.1 percent of the market.Samsung has been climbing the charts lately in the mobile phone arena. The Korean handset maker recently topped Apple with a higher number of smartphone shipments around the world, according to both IDC and Strategy Analytics.Related storiesSamsung outshines Apple in smartphone shipments, market shareSamsung overtakes Apple to win smartphone crownAndroid to overtake Apple in app downloadsUnder-45 crowd: Most carry smartphones nowFor the quarter, text messaging proved the most popular activity, noted ComScore, with 71 percent of mobile phone users sending and receiving texts. Mobile browsers were used by amost 43 percent, downloading apps was done by 42.5 percent, and tapping into social networks or blogs was a favorite task among 31.5 percent.To compile its data. ComScore surveyed more than 30,000 U.S. mobile subscribers through its MobiLens service.
Android tops U.S. smartphone sales, but iOS catching up
Apple's iOS continues to play catch up with Android in the U.S. smartphone game.For the three months ending in June, Android scored 51.5 percent of all U.S. smartphone sales, research firm Kantar Worldpanel said Monday. That number was a slight drop from the 52.6 percent seen for the same period in 2012.iOS trailed with 42.5 percent of all smartphone sales. But that figure showed a gain from the 39.2 percent share over the same period last year.Microsoft's Windows Phone also captured a larger chunk of sales, winning a 4 percent share compared with 2.9 percent a year ago. BlackBerry didn't fare as well, watching its slice of sales drop to 1.1 percent from 4 percent last year.Apple scored 40 percent of its smartphone sales from Verizon Wireless, 39 percent from AT&T, 10 percent from Sprint, and 8 percent from T-Mobile. Verizon also did well selling Android and Windows Phone handsets, according to Kantar. Android snared 35 percent of its sales from Verizon, 17 percent from Sprint, 16 percent from AT&T, and 13 percent from T-Mobile.The data comes from Kantar's USA consumer panel, which conducts more than 240,000 interviews per year with mobile phone users. The information specifically highlights smartphone sales rather than market share.
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