Nine Inch Nails announced at its site that it is going forward without a major-label contract: I’ve waited a LONG time to be able to make the following announcement: as of right now Nine Inch Nails is a totally free agent, free of any recording contract with any label. I have been under recording contracts […]

Microsoft has updated its line of Zune portable media players. While they are still no iPod-killers, they offer enough new features that it’s time to reconsider the Zune platform. Here are five reasons to take a second look at the Zune: The Zune’s WiFi features are starting to get useful. Zune devices can now automatically […]

Marantz Professional introduced a new digital audio recorder designed with podcasters in mind, the PMD620 Solid State Portable Recorder, at the Podcast Academy, held this week in Ontario, California. The PMD620 is a prosumer-level device, featuring a pocket-size form factor, an easy-to-use interface, and built-in stereo mics and speaker. Highlights: Two high-quality omnidirectional condenser mics. […]

Sick of listening to those 8-track tapes in your private jet? Rockwell Collins has introduced two new iPod integration solutions for those of you with jets. “Now passengers can make the most of their iPods and iPhones as integrated entertainment devices on board the aircraft,” said Rockwell Collins’ Tommy Dodson. The new iPod Solo Station […]

Amazon today launched a public beta of Amazon MP3, a new digital music download store that features DRM-free MP3s. The new store promises music downloads that work with any portable media player, at prices cheaper than iTunes. While Amazon is offering millions of songs, at prices lower than Apple’s iTunes Store, it faces an uphill […]

It looks like selling DRM-free MP3s on the cheap isn’t enough to get people interested in new digital music services. AnywhereCD, the digital music download site headed by MP3.com’s Michael Robertson, is shutting down: According to an email from Robertson, the firm is officially shutting down in a few days, when the firm’s contract to […]

Starbucks plans to give away 50 million free digital songs to promote a new wireless iTunes music service that’s about to debut in select markets. Unfortunately – they’re picking the songs. From Oct. 2 to Nov. 7, baristas in the company’s more than 10,000 U.S. stores will hand out about 1.5 million “Song of the […]

The Lyric Opera of Chicago has introduced a new podcast series, Backstage at Lyric. The audio programs will feature interviews with the singers, conductors and creative team members behind the productions in Lyric Opera’s 2007-08 season. The debut episode, hosted by staff dramaturg Roger Pines, presents a conversation with soprano Elizabeth Futral and tenor Joseph […]

It looks like Apple’s controversial iPhone price cuts have turned the phone and portable media player into a hit: iPhone carrier AT&T said sales of the iPhone have increased since Apple announced the price cuts. “The price cuts are going to help us,” said AT&T’s Ralph de la Vega. “We see a very significant uptake […]

GCap Media, operators of radio stations such as Capital Radio, Xfm and Classic FM recently announced that it has joined UK Podcasters Association. This move is seen as a big step toward radio industry integration with digital and online media. GCap is the first radio/media company to join the UKPA since the association’s creation in […]