A New Sales Outlet For Music

Think about this — As you’re enjoying a live concert, engineers are busy recording it so digital copies will be ready for sale when the show is over. Some bands have already tried it out. I think it’s a great idea that deserves to develop.

Illegal Downloaders Buy More Music?

An article in the Independent UK relates a study which concludes that illegal music downloaders spend more on music than those who claim not to illegally download.

With MP3 files less expensive than compact discs music and the convenience of purchasing individual files, I not only gladly pay for my downloads, I purchase more music in a larger range of styles, than ever before. I also admit to making copies for friends who more likely than not, are not acquainted with the tunes I send their way.

Forrester Research states that “We have a generation of young people who don’t have any concept of music as a paid-for commodity.” And unfortunately, there’s no reason to expect that to change.

Business Week Covers The App Business

The November 6 cover story of ‘Business Week’ looks at the growing app economy.

Verizon Plays Hardass With Apple

I was hoping Verizon was going to pick up the iPhone next year, and though it looks like my hopes have been squashed, I’m pleased to say that it’s not bothering me like I thought it would.

Verizon is showing allegiance with Googles’ entry into the mobile market with its Android OS phone, called the ‘Droid’. We will soon be learning about its’ multitude of features, but as a Google phone, one is not surprised to see a ‘Quick Search’ box located at the top of the browser, allowing users to search the web directly from the home screen.

Android’s free ‘Open Source Project’ platform, will be developer-friendly and insure an extensive quantity of applications. Google has even offerred $250,000 in price money for best new applications.

And if you think Verizon is being delicate about superiority to the iPhone, check out the ad

This competition will be interesting to follow, with the consumer the ultimate beneficiary.

Amazon Continues To Lower Price On Kindle

As competition continues to creep in, Amazon wisely has lowered the price of its’ Kindle digital book reader to $259.00. This $40.00 reduction is the second in just one year. I believe the reductions will be ongoing until we see the Kindle at a $199.00 price point, and that could very well be within a year. This is good news for all potential but still price conscious customers. As for me, I’m still waiting for the $99.00 version.

Take That, iPhone!

A deal has recently been announced whereby Google’s ‘Android’ platform will utilize the highly rated Verizon Wireless network. New phones are in development, expected to become available early next year.
What’s particularly pleasing about the news is that the Google Voice application will be included. Google Voice translates voice mails into texts and allows the same phone number to be used with multiple phone locations. Take that iPhone!

Substantial Social Media Growth Over The Past Year

A new report from Nielsen has determined that Social Networking usage has tripled in just one year. Reviewing figures from last month and August 2008, show time spent on social networking and blogging sites growning from 6% to 17%.

No Digital Ink On The Fingers

Last Sunday was the special ‘Arts & Leisure Fall Preview’ edition of the ‘New York Times.’  Despite reading all of my favorite newspapers and magazines online, I make an exception with the ‘Fall Preview’ to see the corresponding ads for the season’s new films, exhibits, concerts and books.

I was surprised when I received no change after handing over a five-dollar bill to the checkout clerk.  She repeated the price out loud as if to say “What idiot spends this kind of money on a newspaper?”  Walking out to my car, with the newsprint ink already staining my fingertips, I wondered if I should have paid for what I have been getting for free.

Sonny Social Media

79 year old jazz giant Sonny Rollins apparently has an iPhone app in development. His current newsletter states that in October we will see a Sonny Rollins app that will allow fans to listen to and purchase music, as well as view videos and photos. Sonny also keeps a presence on Facebook and Twitter. Cool dude.

It’s the Economy, Stupid.

Even for high quality brand name products, pricing is an issue in tough economic times. Despite the popularity on college campuses of the ubiquitous MacBook, students are accepting less expensive Netbooks for their computer needs and may never look at a $999.00 laptop again.

I’m not one to take away the cool factor of a MacBook, but Netbooks from companies like Acer are economical, attractive and effiecient. d that money that you’re saving? Maybe it’s time for your first smartphone.