Apple has played a major role in the acceptance of portable media players and the adoption of podcasting. They’ve delivered a software/hardware combination with iTunes and iPods that works easily and seemlessly, and iPods have been wildly successful as a result. Nevertheless, the state of portable media could benefit from more competition. It’s with this […]

Several weeks ago, we noted that Microsoft’s Zune announcement was disappointing, in large part because its wireless capabilites missed the mark, being tailored more towards selling music rather than the interests of users. Now, Zunester David Caulton has posted an explanation of the portable music player’s wireless capabilities, noting that peoples’ comments indicate that “the […]

A new series of free, dynamically mapped and customizable sound-seeing tours of Philadelphia debuted today at SoundAboutPhilly.com. The SoundAboutPhilly tours concentrate on lesser-known city experiences and combine interesting tales, fun facts and lively music to tell the area’s story. The tours feature distinctive and varied voices of experts, boutique owners, chefs, musicians and everyday, in- […]

Sonos, a developer of wireless multi-room music systems, has released Sonos System Software 2.0, an update to its digital music system. The update lets you schedule daily updates to your music library, which can be used to get Audible content or podcasts. Sonos 2.0 also lets users connect directly to millions of songs and thousands […]

Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, a century-old institution described as “elegant and refined, but perhaps a bit fusty,” has introduced a classical music podcast, The Concert. The recordings are from the museum’s regular concert series, and feature performances by acclaimed master musicians and up-and-coming young artists. A new program is posted every two weeks. ‚ÄúBecause […]

Starbucks is the latest company to misstep with their initial attempt at corporate podcasting. Their podcast, Starbucks Coffee Conversations, is striking many as hard to swallow. The first episode, Coffee 101 (MP3), features a discussion with coffee farmers and a taste-testing expert. “All the things that give podcasting flavor — natural tone, passion, spontaneity, good […]

Harman Kardon has introduced two new products, the Harman Kardon Go + Play portable iPod sound station (above) and the HK 700 Series in-ear noise-isolating earphones. The Harman Kardon Go + Play features a stylish stainless-steel handle, touch volume and mute controls, and an RF remote. The remote effortlessly controls volume, track selection and iPod […]

Microsoft released official details earlier today on its upcoming Zune platform, the company’s attempt to create an iTunes/iPod killer. The Zune portable media player is a 30GB, iPod-like device that features wireless technology, a built-in FM tuner and a 3-inch screen for pictures and video. Microsoft plans to have the Zune available for holiday shopping. […]

Microsoft has just unveiled official details on the Zune player and other products to be released under its Zune brand. The Zune system is made up of a 30GB digital media player, the Zune Marketplace music service and a foundation for an online community that will enable music fans to discover new music. Microsoft plans […]

UK’s City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra has introduced a new podcast, the CBSO Podcast, making it the first major ensemble in the world to launch a regular podcast, according to organizers. The free 30-minute monthly podcast, hosted by music broadcaster Tommy Pearson, includes the latest CBSO news, interviews and discussions with musicians and conductors as […]