Song skipping feature reportedly stalling iRadio talks

By Cody Lee on May 18, 2013

Industry chatter regarding ‘iRadio’ is really starting to pick up. Yesterday, a report surfaced claiming that Apple is struggling to reach deals with record labels because such a service has never been tried before. And today, we have even more details on the talks.

Citing sources with knowledge of the negotiations, CNET is reporting that the labels are actually very keen on Apple’s music service, but there’s a single issue keeping them from signing on the dotted line. Apparently, they can’t agree on song skipping terms… Read More

 

Tough negotiations could see iRadio miss WWDC launch

By Cody Lee on May 17, 2013

It feels like the summer of 2011 all over again. Both Apple and Google were rumored to be working on a music service, and Google has beaten Apple to the punch by announcing theirs well in advance. Back then it was cloud storage. This time it’s streaming.

Earlier this week, Google unveiled its new ‘All Access’ streaming music service. And according to a new report, unless Apple can reach a deal with the remaining hold-out record labels, it’s going to again have a several month head start on Apple’s release… Read More

 

Google takes on Spotify and iTunes with $9.99 music streaming service

By Christian Zibreg on May 15, 2013

The Internet giant kicked off its annual Google I/O developer conference with a three-hour long (!) keynote at San Francisco’s Moscone West, the same venue Apple reserved for its own five-day event next month. During the keynote, Google executives announced a much-rumored streaming music service that’s bound to give headache to the likes of Spotify, Rdio and Pandora.

Dubbed somewhat confusingly Google Play Music All Access, Google’s Android executive Chris Yerga noted on stage that “music unites us” and is “universal”. And with computing and mobile devices intertwined into our lives “there’s potential to bring that joy together.” Go past the fold for full details… Read More

 

Phiaton’s Moderna MS 200 earbuds blast the bass [review + giveaway]

By Jim Gresham on May 13, 2013

Stumbling across my Phiaton friends at CES, they were quick to point out the new MODERNA MS 200 earbuds, which recently hit the market. The hot rod red coloring and genuine carbon fiber speaker wells were the first attraction, as they lay on the display table. Even in a crowded pre-convention party, they sounded like a winner.

Now, having listened to the MS 200′s from the comfort of my home, I can confirm my suspicions were true. With a racing red headphone cable matching a classic black earphone chassis, more than quality sound are the causes for head turning attraction. These half in-ear buds are quite the performers, with bass enthusiasts getting what they desire.

Gone are the days where bulky headphones were the only great way to hear the beats of your music. Take a look past the fold for a breakdown on looks and performance, while possibly scoring your own pair to take home… Read More

 

SoundCloud now has Google+ Sign-In and sharing

By Christian Zibreg on May 13, 2013

Nearly a year ago, the Internet giant rolled out Google+ Sign-In as a way to counter Facebook Connect, a feature web site owners predominantly tap to simplify the sign in and account creation process for their users.

The Google+ SDK for iOS was released shortly after, giving Apple’s registered iOS developers a set of tools and social plugins to write programs that are deeply integrated with the Google+ thing.

Although apps that support Google+ Sign-In are few and far between, at least relative to Facebook Connect-enabled mobile software, more and more developers are integrating Google+ features into their warez. The latest example: SoundCloud, an online audio distribution platform that today updated its iOS app with support for Google+ Sign-In and sharing… Read More

 

MiniPlayer 2.1 is a beautiful update to a great jailbreak tweak

By Jeff Benjamin on May 10, 2013

You know how they say some things get better over time? Wine falls squarely into that category. MiniPlayer does too. The upcoming 2.1 version, which is being submitted to Cydia’s BigBoss repo today, is a more refined experience than its predecessors.

The first version of MiniPlayer had potential, but left a lot to be desired in the avenue of designed. Now that Surenix has stepped on board with the project to help out with its design, the tweak has come into its own.

Music controls have always been a part of a crowded market in Cydia, so it takes a lot to make any particular tweak stand out in this space. I’m happy to report that not only does MiniPlayer stand out with its latest 2.1 update, it shines. Check out our full video walkthrough of the latest version of MiniPlayer right after the break. Read More

 

Let Songza find the music to fit your mood

By Lory Gil on May 10, 2013

Whenever I’m having a get together at my house, be it barbeques or board games, I’m always thinking up playlists for my guests. Sometimes, there is such an eclectic mix of friends around that I have a hard time deciding which genre to pull from, or which mood-setting music to use.

Songza is a universal app that takes the work out of playlists by offering streaming music for your device based on types, moods, genres, activities, or whatever sparks your listening desire at that moment. The app’s developer recently updated it with a cleaner user interface, manual Concierge service, and better audio performance… Read More

 

Apple still negotiating with Sony over iRadio terms

By Cody Lee on May 9, 2013

For months we’ve been hearing rumors regarding iRadio, Apple’s upcoming streaming music service. It was initially supposed to launch in Q1 of this year, but the company has reportedly been having trouble reaching royalty terms with the record labels.

Then in April came word that it had locked up a deal with Universal, putting the project on track for a summer release. But it seems to have hit another snag this week, as a new report claims that the other record labels are still looking for better terms… Read More

 

MiniPlayer 2.0 is out with a new look courtesy of Surenix

By Cody Lee on May 8, 2013

Earlier this week, we told you about a new jailbreak tweak called MiniPlayer. It’s essentially a hidable widget for your device’s music controls, which was based on a concept from Auxo-designer Sentry, and looks a lot like the iTunes 11 mini player.

The initial release saw mixed reviews, but if you weren’t a believer before you need to checkout today’s update. MiniPlayer 2.0 just hit Cydia, and thanks to a complete UI overhaul by Ayecon theme designer Surenix, it looks and feels much better… Read More

 

Amazon’s Cloud Player can now stream songs to Ford’s SYNC AppLink vehicles

By Christian Zibreg on May 7, 2013

Not to be outdone by the popular Swedish streaming music startup Spotify, which a month ago updated its mobile client with support for Ford’s SYNC AppLink platform, the online retail giant Amazon today issued a similar update to its Cloud Player mobile app.

The app integrates with AppLink vehicles so you can control music playback using your voice and the steering wheel buttons.

Other changes new accessibility features via improved support for the iOS VoiceOver features and an “improved experience” when adding songs to a playlist… Read More

 

Apple patents smart audio splitter

By Ed Sutherland on May 7, 2013

Many of us have shared a pair of earbuds with a friend. The problem crops up when you enjoy rocking out at max volume while your friend enjoys a more modest audio level. Enter Apple with what’s essentially an intelligent audio splitter.

Instead of enduring the default sound level of the iPhone or iPod, an adapter envisioned by Apple would allow you to customize your individual audio, according to a patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Tuesday.

Additionally, the headphone splitter would permit two people to use built-in mics to speak over the soundtrack, opening up some wild possibilities with gaming… Read More

 

I’m Listening: Share your now playing track from anywhere

By Jeff Benjamin on May 6, 2013

Are you finding that iOS’ options are a bit limited when it comes sharing information about the music you’re currently listening to? If so, then I’m Listening might be the jailbreak tweak for you.

I’m Listening is a recently released tweak on Cydia, and it allows you to customize the various sharing activities available for your currently playing song. The tweak works with the stock Music app, and also plays nice with 3rd party music apps like Spotify. I’m Listening utilizes a variety of methods: gestures in the app switcher, gestures on the Lock screen, and Activator gestures, in order to share your now playing track. Take a look inside for our hands-on video detail… Read More

 

Show off your taste in music with FullScreen Album Art

By Cody Lee on May 6, 2013

Have you been looking for a way to spruce up your iPhone’s Lock screen, without needing to install a bulky tweak like WinterBoard? If so, you might consider giving FullScreen Album Art by jailbreak developer bushe a shot.

The tweak’s name completely gives away it’s one and only function, which is to enlarge the album art image on your device’s Lock screen while you’re listening to music. That way, you can show off your favorite music while you rock out… Read More

 

Meet JamStik, the tiny guitar that connects with your iPhone

By Cody Lee on Apr 30, 2013

I’ve always thought it’d be cool to play the drums, or the guitar, so I’m always looking for easy ways to learn how to do so. But few products deliver on their claims that they make learning to play an instrument “easy.”

The Zivix team is looking to change that though, with its new musical accessory: the JamStik. It’s a tiny guitar with real strings and frets that can track your hand and finger movements for instant feedback and instruction… Read More

 

LSScrubbing allows you to scrub music from the Lock screen

By Jeff Benjamin on Apr 29, 2013

LSScrubbing is a recently released tweak that does something so obvious, you’ll wonder why it was never there to begin with. The tweak allows you to scrub audio from the Lock screen, which is basically a fancy term for moving forward or backward through a song manually.

The stock Lock screen music controls allow you to skip tracks, go to a previous track, pause, play, or adjust the volume. They also allow you to tap and hold on the previous/next buttons to rewind or fast forward, but there’s no scrubbing to be found. LSScrubbing fixes that glaring omission, but you’ll have to pay up to do so. Read More

 

#Discover #new #artists #with Twitter #music [App Review]

By Lory Gil on Apr 18, 2013

Hashtags. Most people didn’t know what they were five years ago. Now, they are being used in the name of apps like they are part of our daily vernacular. How do you say the name of Twitter’s new music discovery app anyway? Is it called “Twitter music” or “Twitter ‘Hashtag’ music”? Because I am not saying “hashtag.” No way. No how.

Why, you may ask, am I talking about hashtags? Well, because the bird-branded social networking site recently launched a music discovery app called Twitter #music (note the hashtag) that allows users to follow other music fans to help discover what is hot and new.

Twitter #music is an app that aggregates new songs, albums, and artists that are trending on Twitter. You can listen to tracks, retweet your favorites and buy songs on iTunes. You’ll never be left behind in the music world now that you can stay on top of the most #popular #bands… Read More

 

Twitter #music app launches on iPhone, get downloading

By Christian Zibreg on Apr 18, 2013

The popular micro-blogging turned media platform, Twitter, announced Wednesday that its new Music app is now available for Apple’s iPhone and iPod touch, free of charge. Twitter’s music service on the web, which has been available in limited beta to a few celebrities, will open for everyone later today. Billed as “a new way to discover music and emerging artists”, the native iOS app, which is conveniently named Twitter #music, basically wants to become your default social music discovery tool.

Currently, the software pulls songs from iTunes, Spotify and Rdio, but more sources are likely to be added in the future. Anyone can listen to iTunes previews in the app, but Rdio and Spotify subscribers can log in using their credentials to enjoy full tracks that are available in those respective catalogs… Read More

 

The best apps for guitar players

By Lory Gil on Apr 17, 2013

If you are a musician, you may not think of the iPhone or iPad as an accessory for your instrument. It may seem difficult to imagine, but your iOS device has the potential to be a better companion to your creative endeavors than your band mates.

I’ve been playing music for almost two decades now and for years I’ve have actively sought out iOS apps to help me practice my licks, record my band, and make my guitar sing like a Siren.

We’ve got a list of our favorite apps for the guitar. Whether you are a beginner looking for a cheap music tutor, or an old pro trying out new guitar sounds, this list has something for musicians of all capabilities. Read More

 

New Twitter Music app launching this weekend

By Christian Zibreg on Apr 12, 2013

Twitter Thursday announced on, well, Twitter that it snapped up We Are Hunted, a music startup which tracks what songs people share the most across social networks.

But that’s so yesterday. Just 24 hours later, Twitter on Friday announced its music service is crawling out of obscurity, having changed from “invite only” to “coming soon.” Not much is known about the service as of yet except for a tidbit here and there.

According to some well-informed people, the micro-blogging service will be launching an app for iOS devices as well, timed to the start of the Coachella music festival this weekend. Matter of fact, if you’re Ryan Seacrest, a filmstar, an influencer or some such celebrity, you could start using Twitter Music today… Read More

 

Apple to sign Universal on iRadio next week, agrees to rates ‘neck and neck’ with Pandora

By Christian Zibreg on Apr 11, 2013

Another piece of the puzzle has fallen into place as a new report sourced from multiple people familiar with the matter claims that an agreement between Apple and Universal Music on iRadio is “imminent.” History teaches us it only takes one major record until others others eventually back Apple’s rumored Pandora-like streaming music service. Besides, Universal Music is the largest record label in the world. Warner Music is “right behind,” though negotiations with Sony reportedly are not as far along… Read More

 
Page 112345...