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Inspecting Gadgets
Today on Soundcheck, a tour of the newest in music technology – from podcasting to the newest in Ipod gadgetry from Online music stores to wireless headphones, cell phones that can play MP3s, to places to find cool ringtones on the Web. We speak with four top music and technology writers about what you should know about what’s next in music tech.
Tools for the Radio Junkie
1) Adam Balkin, NY1 News Technology Correspondent
Soniqcast Aerio2
The Aerio2 is an audio player device much like the iPod, but it refreshes its content via Wi-Fi technology and can transmit to any FM radio.
> Price: $299
» More information
Torian Portable Internet Radio
Torian, an Australian company, has developed a product that allows you to take your favorite Internet radio station with you. InFusion is billed as the first compact portable Internet radio, and it operates in the presence of a wireless hotspot.
> Estimated price tag: in $180-200 range
» More information
XM2Go / XAct ReGo XTR5
A portable, Walkman-style satellite radio receiver and digital music player, there are two varieties: the XM2GO, for subscribers to XM satellite radio, and the XAct ReGo, for subscribers to Sirius satellite radio. Perhaps the ultimate accessory for the Satellite Radio junkie.
> Price: $217 for the XM2Go
» More information
TK for Xact ReGo XTR5
» Specs on the XAct ReGo
What the heck is Podcasting, anyway?
2) David Pogue, New York Times Technology Correspondent
Podcasts -- loosely defined as online audio shows that can be downloaded to any portable MP3 player -- have quickly moved from a fringe phenomenon to mainstream media. But is podcasting more than a fad, not unlike the CB radio of the late 70s? We get a closer look with David Pogue, technology columnist for the New York Times and a correspondent for CBS News.
Some Featured Podcasts:
» CinemaPlayground.com
» This Week in Technology (Twit)
» What is Podcasting?
Accessorize your Pod
3) Jasmine France, Associate Editor, Digital Audio, CNET.com
Looking for cool ways to accessorize your iPod? Here are a couple options:
Logitech Wireless Headphones for iPod
The innovative, Bluetooth-enabled Logitech Wireless Headphones for the iPod are a worthy upgrade for virtually any iPod owner. Lightweight and featuring solid sonic performance, they have a transmission range of up to 30 feet. This lets you conveniently stash your iPod in a messenger bag or a purse, for instance, while listening untethered.
> Price: $130
» More information
Altec Lansing InMotion iM7
Apple iPod owners are lucky enough to have a multitude of options when it comes to speaker accessories. The iM7 allows you to dock your iPod in a stylish and minimal cylindrical boombox.
> Price: $250
» More information
On-the-Go Music Subscription Services
Napster To Go, Rhapsody To Go, and Yahoo Music Unlimited are the all-you-can-eat buffet of the music download world: subscription services that promise unlimited downloads for a monthly subscription fee. You simply download an application, which you use to browse, buy, download and play music. There are strong benefits and downsides to this approach.
> Price: $14.95 for Napster To Go and Rhapsody To Go; $59.88 per year ($4.99 per month) or $6.99 per month for Yahoo Music Unlimited
For information check these out.
Hot Ringtones
4) Brian Garrity, Senior Business Writer, Billboard magazine
The Toshiba Gigabeat G20 (MEG200J)
The Toshiba Gigabeat is an ultra-thin and very lightweight MP3 player that seeks to rival the Apple iPod in functionality and design.
> Price: TBD
» More information
Rhapsody 25
Can downloading be free and legal? In the case of Rhapsody 25, this is possible - a free service that lets you download the software 25 free song plays per month. Rhapsody has more than 1 million songs in its library, and it gives you the ability to mix and burn CDs, and software to manage all of your music in one place.
» More information
Billboard's Hot Ringtones Chart
Cell phone users see ringtones as a chance to show off their musical taste and customize an important gadget. Music labels and cell phone providers see a chance to build a vibrant, piracy-proof market for songs, video clips and other mobile entertainment. It’s also big business for record labels, and last October, Billboard magazine, the music industry’s top trade publication, launched a sales chart for ringtones.
» Billboard’s Hot Ringtones chart
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The Ill Effects of Urban Noise
Soundcheck
Soundcheck received an overwhelming response to our segment on the effects of urban noise. So much so that Arline Bronzaft decided to address the feedback. Listen to the original segment and read Bronzaft's response.
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