Music

Apple to launch Russian iTunes Store with tracks under $0.99

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated February 7, 2016

Apple is planning to open an iTunes store in Russia later this year or early 2013, a local business journal reports. The Russian iTunes Store could offer music cheaper than in the US. While licensing deals are still underway, the Cupertino, Calif. digital music giant is expected to unveil tracks costing under $0.99, the newspaper says.

The supposed deal could prop up flagging Russian sales of digital music. While physical music sales are in free-fall, even digital music purchases -- which have been growing elsewhere -- dropped by 40 percent to levels not seen since 2009. The chief reason: "a culture of copyright infringement," according to music industry group IFPI. The nation's leading music service is operated by vKontakte, which also offers file-sharing, according to the IFPI.

WSJ: Apple working on Pandora-like music streaming service [updated]

Cody Lee ∙ September 6, 2012

As next week's iPhone event draws nearer, and rumors of an October gig continue to swirl, the tech world is scrambling to figure out what Apple will announce. We know new hardware is on the menu, but what about software?

Obviously iOS 6 is about to launch, and we continue to hear talk of an iTunes refresh. But according to a new report, Apple has something else up its sleeve: a custom-radio service, similar to Pandora, that will stream music...

Bruce Willis goes after Apple over iTunes music ownership (update: wife debunks)

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 25, 2016

Die Hard trilogy star Bruce Willis is reportedly considering legal actions against Apple over iTunes policy which governs the ownership of digital music files. The actor has amassed a music collection worth thousands of dollars that is being accessed via "many, many iPods".

The action hero is keen on handing his vast digital music collection legitimately to his daughters Rumer, Scout and Tallaluh upon his death. Conversely, Willis has eventually discovered that under Apple's pesky rules one does not actually own the tracks and instead borrows them under a non-transferable license.

Deciding enough is enough, the 57-year-old actor is reportedly prepping to unleash legal sharks on Apple in order to break Cupertino's restrictive digital content policy, which could have major repercussions given Apple's choke-hold of the music market...

Phiaton noise canceling headphones raise the bar [review and giveaway]

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 28, 2017

Priding itself on accomplishing the perfect combination of "natural soundstage, wearability and eye-catching appeal," Phiaton is part of the Cresyn Co., which produces components for many of the world's best-selling headphones, earphones, and speakers. The parent company's philosophy is to focus on innovation and quality, which motivates its 12,000+ global workforce.

The Phiaton PS 300 NC headphone is a testament to creativity, build quality, and practicality. From supple genuine leather ear cups and premium leather grade trim to the included custom cut travel pouch, the "Primal Series" 300's stand tall against the competition and sound great. To walk through some Pink Floyd and Skrillex, read on... we wouldn't want you to miss your chance to win one of three pairs of PS 210 earphones.

Apple rolls out streaming iTunes Festival app to Apple TV

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 19, 2019

Apple kicks off its annual iTunes Festival in London next month, which will include 30 days worth of free concerts. Several notable stars are expected to perform at the event, including Usher, OneRepublic and David Guetta.

And here's how you can watch the whole thing for free...

Rovio to partner with Green Day for future Angry Birds release

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

If you thought Rovio teaming up with the folks of NASA to create Angry Birds Space was cool, wait until you hear this. The studio has just announced a new partnership with American punk rock band Green Day.

Green Day has sold over 65 million records worldwide, on the back of major hits like "Good Riddance: (Time of Your Life)" and "21 guns." So it's only right that they be forever immortalized as bad piggies, right?

Quickly access iPod controls from anywhere in iOS with SpringMusic

Cody Lee ∙ Updated February 25, 2013

By default, Apple only gives you three places to access your iPod controls in iOS: the Lock screen, the app switcher, and the actual iPod app. This works out fine in most cases, but some folks want more.

And that's where jailbreaking comes in. There's dozens of tweaks to access these controls from other places like the Notification Center, and Spring board. And today, we add another one to the list...

The Phillips Mini Hi-Fi: the ultimate iPhone-run party machine

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 12, 2018

Every good party needs good music. And nowadays, most people seem to store most of their good music on their iPod or iPhone. So that makes iOS compatibility an important feature when you're out shopping for a stereo.

There's no shortage of music players that have a 30-pin dock connector, and there's several to pick from that can connect to your device through AirPlay. But sometimes a Jambox isn't enough. Enter the Phillips Mini Hi-Fi...

iTunes Match rolls out in Hungary, Poland and other markets

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated March 18, 2016

iTunes Match, Apple's scan-and-match music service (also doubling as a streaming service of sorts), is being rolled out in Hungary, Poland and several other markets, it's been revealed today. This is in addition to an expansion in late April that saw iTunes Match roll out in Greece, Portugal, Austria, Slovenia, Bulgaria and other markets...

Complete My Album/Season now integrated with Music/Videos app in iOS 6

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 18, 2012

As part of the Music app overhaul, Apple with last week's release of iOS 6 Beta 3 brought the Complete My Album feature directly to the Music app, meaning people can now complete their album purchases while on the go, directly in the jukebox app, without being yanked out and into the iTunes Store client. The integration also results in easier music discovery and faster, more seamless purchasing experience...

Smule releases new AutoRap app for iOS

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 10, 2018

Do you dream of becoming the next Eminem? Well, this won't help you become a world-famous rapper. But it will sure make you sound like one.

Smule, the company known for apps like Ocarina and I Am T-Pain, has released a new music-creation title in the App Store today called AutoRap...

Rumor: next iPod nano is taller, has home button, integrates with iTunes

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 10, 2012

The otherwise pretty reliable Japanese blog Macotakara reported today that Apple's iPod nano music player is undergoing a major redesign later this year, focusing on a taller appearance akin to the previous-generation model.

In addition, the rumored device is said to have gained a home button and some sort of iTunes integration. Macotakara previously leaked parts of both the new iPad and iPad 3 and reported the next iPhone would launch this fall so you shouldn't dismiss this new piece of information as an unreliable rumor from a shady source...