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09/11/2008

Sony BMG to Offer DRM-Free Music on iTunes

By Killian Bell

Currently the majority of music available to purchase on iTunes is DRM protected. Apple have created a technology called ‘FairPlay’ which is built in to iTunes, QuickTime, iPod, iPhone, etc and prevents music purchased in the iTunes Store from being played on unauthorized computers and devices.

However 9to5Mac believe Sony BMG are soon to begin offering music in the ‘iTunes Plus’ format, which is of a higher quality and DRM-free. iTunes first started selling the ‘Plus’ format with music from EMI in May 2007 and any music purchased in this format should be compatible with any of your devices.

If the rumor is true, it will leave Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group as the only major labels not to offer DRM-free music through the iTunes Store. It is believed the new agreement with Sony BMG will be announced at the Macworld Expo in January 2009.

[ Source ]

9to5Mac, DRM, DRM-free, iTunes, Macworld Expo, music, Sony BMG, store

1 Comment

04/11/2008

Apple News, Hardware

Apple End Updated iMac/Mac Mini Rumors

By Killian Bell

Following our previous post on the rumors that we are to see an updated iMac and Mac Mini next week, Apple have confirmed that this will not happen before the new year.

Apple made a statement to Macworld after the rumors circulated that we should expect updated systems — they confirmed that customers should expect no further hardware updates before the end of the year and that there are no plans for new products before the holiday season — “our holiday line-up is set,” they confirmed.

It is usually unlike Apple to make such a comment, however it is believed that on this occasion the announcement was made to prevent potential customers delaying their purchases in the hope of seeing a new product release. Apple are yet to rule out that we will see the hardware updates at the Macworld Expo that many people are eagerly awaiting in January.

The last time we saw an update to the iMac was in late April of this year when it was revised to include the same processor technology present in the new MacBooks, however the last update to the Mac Mini was back as far as August 2007.

[ Source ]

Apple, iMac, Mac Mini, MacBook, Macworld Expo, revision, Update

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03/11/2008

Hardware, Rumors

New iMacs/Mac Mini Just One Week Away?

By Killian Bell

Many people are anticipating the launch of the new iMac and Mac Mini so they can upgrade their current machines. Not so long ago, we reported a rumor that the Mac Mini may have been discontinued but it has since been rumored that a refresh is on the cards.

Sources for MacNN have reported that they expect the new Apple machines to be unveiled in as little as 7 days away on November 10th, rather than at the Macworld Expo in January. If the rumors are true, Apple will break the tradition of announcing the ‘consumer’ machines at the January Expo and may instead announce a new ‘prosumer’ machine in the new Mac Pro, which is also due and update. It is believed that the reason for this change is that the new chips for the Mac Pro will not be avaiable in sufficient quantity until January and on top of that, Apple would like to cash in on holiday sales of the iMac and Mac Mini.

At this time specifications for the updated machines are not known, although it is believed Apple will opt for the NVIDIA graphics chips, keeping in line with the new MacBooks. It’s possible the updated iMac will also ship with both the 9400M and the 9600M GT, giving the user a choice depending on need, just like the new MacBook Pro. It also seems likely the Mini will see a graphics boost and be equiped with the 9400M that has impressed us in the new MacBook.

Although the sources behind these rumors all have different stories, it definitely seems as though Apple is up to something.

[ Source ]

iMac, Mac Mini, MacNN, Macworld Expo, refresh

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31/10/2008

Rumors

MacBook 3G: No WiFi Hotspot Needed for 3G Speeds?

By Killian Bell

The new MacBooks are just weeks old and already analysts are announcing what they think will be in the next big update. Strategy Analyst Neil Mawston believes future MacBooks will feature a high speed 3G data connection which will allow users to browse the internet wherever they are, without the need for a WiFi hotspot.

“Bigger-screen or smaller-screen laptops with integrated cellular radios are a logical next step for Apple - and others”, said Mawston, adding that, “many operators in the US and Western Europe would jump at the chance to cross-sell a cellular MacBook to their installed base of iPhone users.”

Although it seems unlikely that the MacBooks would receive such a big update so soon, Mawston believes that the introduction of a built-in 3G modem may come at the January ‘09 Macworld Expo.

[ Source ]

3G, MacBook, Macworld Expo, modem, Neil Mawston, wifi

2 Comments

11/01/2008

Fun Stuff

The Macworld Expo Celebrity Checklist

By Mr. Mayor

Attending Macworld next week? Here’s a handy checklist for you to tote around. Check off the celebs as you see them. Remember, extra bonus points for making eye contact with Mr. Jobs!