Court says MP3tunes protected by DMCA
A federal judge has decided that MP3tunes, a music locker service accused in a lawsuit of enabling mass piracy, has protection under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. But the judge has also ruled that the company's founder, Michael Robertson, is personally liable for music he uploaded to the service without permission of copyright owners.In a 29-page decision, U.S. District Judge William Pauley granted the summary motion filed by record company EMI on the two points. Pauley, from U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, ruled that Robertson and MP3tunes.com are liable for contributory infringement for not honoring a request to remove songs from the service that had been identified by EMI as pirated songs. The judge also found Robertson liable for direct infringement for unauthorized music that he personally uploaded.The most important part of Pauley's decision, however, is his finding that MP3tunes.com is protected by the DMCA's safe-harbor provision. The safe harbor was designed to protect Internet service providers, such as Craigslist, eBay, and Verizon from being held liable for copyright violations committed by users. Robertson has said that should he win on this issue, then iTunes, Google, Amazon, and any other digital-locker service would not have to compensate the record labels for enabling consumers to store their own music in Web lockers. "It is definitely a victory for cloud music and MP3tunes' business model after a multi-year litigation battle," Robertson said in a statement. "Consumers can have confidence that they'll be able to store, play, and enjoy music using cloud-based services like MP3tunes." EMI has long argued that Congress never intended to protect companies like MP3tunes, which the record label says operates with a wink and a nod toward piracy. EMI alleges that Robertson created his two operations, MP3tunes.com and Sideload.com, to deliver a one-two punch against copyright. According to EMI, Sideload helps users find and organize links to pilfered music files on the Web. Then MP3tunes is used to store, copy, and retrieve the pirated files via Web-connected devices without paying a dime to the music creators."We are pleased that MP3tunes and Michael Robertson have been held liable for infringing hundreds of sound recordings and musical compositions through their Sideload and MP3tunes websites," EMI said in a statement. "The Court's decision confirms that businesses cannot simply pay lip service to the law while undermining the rights of the musicians, artists and writers that create popular music."EMI attorneys hold that since MP3tunes controlled its servers and monitored songs downloaded by users that the company could prevent copyright-infringing activity. The judge didn't dispute that. Instead, he noted that the DMCA doesn't require service providers to maintain control of their systems. What's important to qualify for DMCA protection is whether a service provider can control infringing behavior.The judge found that MP3tunes' users alone made the decision to pirate songs, not the company. "While a reasonable person might conclude after some investigation that the websites used by MP3tunes executives were not authorized to distribute EMI's copyrighted works, the DMCA does not place the burden of investigation on the Internet service provider," he said.The judge however did put serious requirements on MP3tunes and similar services. Pauley said MP3tues was responsible for removing infringing materials out of people's lockers and if the files stored by numerous people were obtained from the same source, MP3tunes was is responsible for chasing all the copies down and pulling them."Because MP3tunes keeps track of the source and web address for each sideloaded song in each user's locker, EMI's notices gave sufficient information for MP3tunes to locate copies of infringing songs in users lockers. All MP3tunes had to do was search for the offending web address in its database of information. If Robertson is responsible for removing all copies of a particular song every time a content owner sends a takedown notice, it could make it hard to guarantee customers that the music they store in their lockers will be there the next morning. Robertson and his company could still be required to pay millions in damages for the roughly 500 songs they were found to have infringed. Since the maximum statutory amount for copyright infringement is $150,000 for each instance, then Robertson could be required to pay as much as $75 million.
Rhapsody sheds staff, execs amid difficult music market
Rhapsody sheds staff, execs amid difficult music market
Rhapsody, a pioneer in the digital-music subscription market, has laid off 15 percent of its staff -- about 30 employees -- including President Jon Irwin, as it struggles to compete in an increasingly crowded sector.Rhapsody International, the parent company of the on-demand music service, revealed the cuts Monday while announcing that Columbus Nova Technology Partners, an investment company that owns the maker of the Rock Band game franchise, had taken a significant stake in the company.As part of the deal, CNTP's Jason Epstein and Andrew Intrater will join Rhapsody's board of directors.Irwin will remain with the company as an adviser. Also out is Rhapsody CFO Adi Dehejia, according to The Verge, which broke the news of the layoffs.The company's board is restructuring operations to "accelerate its efforts in Europe and emerging markets," the company said in a release.Related storiesSpotify, Rdio, Beats Music, and more: How to get started with subscription music servicesRhapsody revives CEO position, hires mobile vet as interim chiefRhapsody hits 2 million paid members"Rhapsody International is poised for tremendous growth," Epstein said in a statement. "We've recently launched the Napster music streaming service in 15 additional countries in Europe, rolled out a partnership with MTV in conjunction with German wireless carrier ePlus and have a strong pipeline of product innovations and global partnerships in place."The company pioneered the legal subscription-based music model when in launched in 2001 but has fallen behind in a market now dominated by the likes of Spotify and Pandora. Unlike its rivals, Rhapsody has largely rejected a free, ad-supported music service. The company reversed a slide that saw its subscriber logs dip to 675,000 in 2009, claiming in 2010 to have reached 1 million paid subscribers. While it hasn't officially revealed updated subscriber numbers since then, Spotify has 24 million active users, including 6 million paying subscribers. RealNetworks, which owns a 45 percent share of Rhapsody, revealed in August that the music service recorded $9.2 million in net losses for the first half of 2013 on $68.6 million in net revenue. However, Spotify has also struggled with profitability, losing $88 million last year on revenue of $577 million.The market will grow more crowded with the arrival of iTunes Radio, which will come out this week with the release of iOS 7.
Rhapsody, a pioneer in the digital-music subscription market, has laid off 15 percent of its staff -- about 30 employees -- including President Jon Irwin, as it struggles to compete in an increasingly crowded sector.Rhapsody International, the parent company of the on-demand music service, revealed the cuts Monday while announcing that Columbus Nova Technology Partners, an investment company that owns the maker of the Rock Band game franchise, had taken a significant stake in the company.As part of the deal, CNTP's Jason Epstein and Andrew Intrater will join Rhapsody's board of directors.Irwin will remain with the company as an adviser. Also out is Rhapsody CFO Adi Dehejia, according to The Verge, which broke the news of the layoffs.The company's board is restructuring operations to "accelerate its efforts in Europe and emerging markets," the company said in a release.Related storiesSpotify, Rdio, Beats Music, and more: How to get started with subscription music servicesRhapsody revives CEO position, hires mobile vet as interim chiefRhapsody hits 2 million paid members"Rhapsody International is poised for tremendous growth," Epstein said in a statement. "We've recently launched the Napster music streaming service in 15 additional countries in Europe, rolled out a partnership with MTV in conjunction with German wireless carrier ePlus and have a strong pipeline of product innovations and global partnerships in place."The company pioneered the legal subscription-based music model when in launched in 2001 but has fallen behind in a market now dominated by the likes of Spotify and Pandora. Unlike its rivals, Rhapsody has largely rejected a free, ad-supported music service. The company reversed a slide that saw its subscriber logs dip to 675,000 in 2009, claiming in 2010 to have reached 1 million paid subscribers. While it hasn't officially revealed updated subscriber numbers since then, Spotify has 24 million active users, including 6 million paying subscribers. RealNetworks, which owns a 45 percent share of Rhapsody, revealed in August that the music service recorded $9.2 million in net losses for the first half of 2013 on $68.6 million in net revenue. However, Spotify has also struggled with profitability, losing $88 million last year on revenue of $577 million.The market will grow more crowded with the arrival of iTunes Radio, which will come out this week with the release of iOS 7.
The 404 769- Where Jill has a microphone and you don't (podcast)
The 404 769: Where Jill has a microphone and you don't (podcast)
And sometimes she brings us cookies...giant, half-pound cookies from Levain Bakery!You'll have to hold your breath for the iPad 2 discussion, though, because first we want to tell you guys about Jill's new podcast on the radio, appropriately called Jill On Money!Episode 1 is already posted on the Moneywatch.com Web site; it's an hour-and-a-half broadcast where Jill answers plenty of questions about paying off mortgages, rising gas prices, and tips on how to maintain a good credit score. Plus, a little Cheryl Dunn in the morning ain't hurting anyone.If you have a financial question for Jill, make sure you give her a call at 855-411-JILL (855-411-5455) and she'll schedule time to ask it live on the show, or you can also send her an e-mail at askjill(at)moneywatch.com or tweet her.With Jill getting more involved in the tech side of broadcasting, she asks us for advice on whether she should buy the new Apple iPad 2. The way we see it, her buying decision depends on what she'll ultimately do with the tablet.Since she already has a MacBook, she can either dish out $350 on a refurbished iPad 1 or spend $150 more for the 16GB iPad 2. Tune in to hear our advice, and as usual, we don't all agree on one path to take.Today's the last day for you guys to tweet us what you would with the money you'd save if you didn't have to buy ink. It's part of our Kodak contest, and tomorrow we'll choose a winner out of everyone who includes @the404 and #kodak404 in their tweet, so enter for a chance to win a Kodak 7250 printer--check out some of the responses so far!Finally, check out our Kodak Deal of the Day, a Zune HD 32GB video MP3 player for the price of $183 plus free shipping. Save 32 percent on this 32GB video and MP3 player with a 3.3-inch OLED screen.Episode 769PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video  Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
And sometimes she brings us cookies...giant, half-pound cookies from Levain Bakery!You'll have to hold your breath for the iPad 2 discussion, though, because first we want to tell you guys about Jill's new podcast on the radio, appropriately called Jill On Money!Episode 1 is already posted on the Moneywatch.com Web site; it's an hour-and-a-half broadcast where Jill answers plenty of questions about paying off mortgages, rising gas prices, and tips on how to maintain a good credit score. Plus, a little Cheryl Dunn in the morning ain't hurting anyone.If you have a financial question for Jill, make sure you give her a call at 855-411-JILL (855-411-5455) and she'll schedule time to ask it live on the show, or you can also send her an e-mail at askjill(at)moneywatch.com or tweet her.With Jill getting more involved in the tech side of broadcasting, she asks us for advice on whether she should buy the new Apple iPad 2. The way we see it, her buying decision depends on what she'll ultimately do with the tablet.Since she already has a MacBook, she can either dish out $350 on a refurbished iPad 1 or spend $150 more for the 16GB iPad 2. Tune in to hear our advice, and as usual, we don't all agree on one path to take.Today's the last day for you guys to tweet us what you would with the money you'd save if you didn't have to buy ink. It's part of our Kodak contest, and tomorrow we'll choose a winner out of everyone who includes @the404 and #kodak404 in their tweet, so enter for a chance to win a Kodak 7250 printer--check out some of the responses so far!Finally, check out our Kodak Deal of the Day, a Zune HD 32GB video MP3 player for the price of $183 plus free shipping. Save 32 percent on this 32GB video and MP3 player with a 3.3-inch OLED screen.Episode 769PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video  Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
PBS for iPad streams prime-time shows for free
PBS for iPad streams prime-time shows for free
Hey, PBS! How do you expect to make any money if you give away your app?I'm kidding, of course. I love free stuff, especially when it's awesome free stuff like PBS for iPad. The new app streams full-length episodes of shows like "Antiques Roadshow," "Carrier," "NOVA," and the much-ballyhooed new "Sherlock Holmes."It also serves up "PBS NewsHour," "Austin City Limits" performances, and previews of nearly everything else in PBS' prime-time lineup. (Alas, previews are all you get of PBS Kids. If you want full-length episodes of, say, "Sesame Street" and "WordGirl," you'll have to pony up for them in the iTunes Store.)The app provides you with a schedule of current and upcoming programming from your local PBS station. There's a search option for looking up shows (make sure to look for "Masterpiece" if you want the aforementioned "Sherlock" series) and a bookmark tool for saving your favorites.The player works like every other you've used, with shuttle controls, double-tap zooming, and even a 30-second replay. And, needless to say, the content is spectacular. I started watching the new series "Circus" just so I could test playback, and found myself totally sucked in (which is why this review is appearing so late in the day).I did find one aspect of the interface confusing at first: how to actually start a video. Although you see the usual assortment of buttons like Share, Add to Favorites, and Buy, there's no independent "Play" button. Turns out you tap on the thumbnail of the video itself, much like clicking a YouTube vid to start it playing.Given the amount (and quality) of content available here, PBS could easily charge five or ten bucks for this app. Am I complaining about it being free? Of course not. But I think I'll donate a little extra the next time there's a PBS fundraiser.For now, the PBS app is iPad-only, but an iPhone version is coming next month (yay!).By the way, if you like this, be sure to check out NFB Films for iPad, which streams (and even downloads) free movies from Canada's National Film Board.
Hey, PBS! How do you expect to make any money if you give away your app?I'm kidding, of course. I love free stuff, especially when it's awesome free stuff like PBS for iPad. The new app streams full-length episodes of shows like "Antiques Roadshow," "Carrier," "NOVA," and the much-ballyhooed new "Sherlock Holmes."It also serves up "PBS NewsHour," "Austin City Limits" performances, and previews of nearly everything else in PBS' prime-time lineup. (Alas, previews are all you get of PBS Kids. If you want full-length episodes of, say, "Sesame Street" and "WordGirl," you'll have to pony up for them in the iTunes Store.)The app provides you with a schedule of current and upcoming programming from your local PBS station. There's a search option for looking up shows (make sure to look for "Masterpiece" if you want the aforementioned "Sherlock" series) and a bookmark tool for saving your favorites.The player works like every other you've used, with shuttle controls, double-tap zooming, and even a 30-second replay. And, needless to say, the content is spectacular. I started watching the new series "Circus" just so I could test playback, and found myself totally sucked in (which is why this review is appearing so late in the day).I did find one aspect of the interface confusing at first: how to actually start a video. Although you see the usual assortment of buttons like Share, Add to Favorites, and Buy, there's no independent "Play" button. Turns out you tap on the thumbnail of the video itself, much like clicking a YouTube vid to start it playing.Given the amount (and quality) of content available here, PBS could easily charge five or ten bucks for this app. Am I complaining about it being free? Of course not. But I think I'll donate a little extra the next time there's a PBS fundraiser.For now, the PBS app is iPad-only, but an iPhone version is coming next month (yay!).By the way, if you like this, be sure to check out NFB Films for iPad, which streams (and even downloads) free movies from Canada's National Film Board.
No light for Intel's initial Light Peak tech
No light for Intel's initial Light Peak tech
Light Peak has been touted by Intel as the holy grail of connector technology, envisioning it as a single replacement for the myriad cables that currently lead to monitors, external drives, scanners, printers, and anything else that plugs into a computer. As originally proposed, the fiber-optic technology connects many devices to PCs with fiber-optic lines. But the initial version of Light Peak will use copper instead of light-based technologies, according to an industry source familiar with Intel's plans. Light Peak is significantly faster than even USB 3.0, carrying data at 10 gigabits per second in both directions simultaneously.Connection speeds will not be affected by the transition to copper, according to sources. Light Peak is on track to appear in products in the first half of 2011--and likely earlier in the year than later.Intel has received backing from both Sony and Apple, which are expected to be among the first to use the technology.Intel declined to comment.
Light Peak has been touted by Intel as the holy grail of connector technology, envisioning it as a single replacement for the myriad cables that currently lead to monitors, external drives, scanners, printers, and anything else that plugs into a computer. As originally proposed, the fiber-optic technology connects many devices to PCs with fiber-optic lines. But the initial version of Light Peak will use copper instead of light-based technologies, according to an industry source familiar with Intel's plans. Light Peak is significantly faster than even USB 3.0, carrying data at 10 gigabits per second in both directions simultaneously.Connection speeds will not be affected by the transition to copper, according to sources. Light Peak is on track to appear in products in the first half of 2011--and likely earlier in the year than later.Intel has received backing from both Sony and Apple, which are expected to be among the first to use the technology.Intel declined to comment.
No iPads at Sept. 10 iPhone event, say observers
No iPads at Sept. 10 iPhone event, say observers
Don't expect a new iPad 5 or iPad Mini at the expected September 10 Apple event -- that's the consensus of Apple experts and observers. After rumors surface Wednesday claiming that new iPads would be announced alongside new iPhones, Apple blogs responded: No. 9to5Mac said that "it contradicts everything we've heard thus far about Apple's fall iOS Device launch plans from our sources."AppleInsider also chimed in: "Last year, the iPhone 5 was unveiled at a media event in September, while the iPad mini and fourth-generation iPad were introduced to the public in October. It's likely that Apple will follow a similar schedule this year." Other Apple enthusiast blogs were more succinct: "Nope. No iPads," said The Loop. The 9.7-inch iPad 5 is expected to borrow design elements from the iPad Mini (see bezel photo above) and be thinner and lighter than the iPad 4. The new iPad Minis may include a non-Retina model with an updated processor and, later, a Retina iPad Mini.
Don't expect a new iPad 5 or iPad Mini at the expected September 10 Apple event -- that's the consensus of Apple experts and observers. After rumors surface Wednesday claiming that new iPads would be announced alongside new iPhones, Apple blogs responded: No. 9to5Mac said that "it contradicts everything we've heard thus far about Apple's fall iOS Device launch plans from our sources."AppleInsider also chimed in: "Last year, the iPhone 5 was unveiled at a media event in September, while the iPad mini and fourth-generation iPad were introduced to the public in October. It's likely that Apple will follow a similar schedule this year." Other Apple enthusiast blogs were more succinct: "Nope. No iPads," said The Loop. The 9.7-inch iPad 5 is expected to borrow design elements from the iPad Mini (see bezel photo above) and be thinner and lighter than the iPad 4. The new iPad Minis may include a non-Retina model with an updated processor and, later, a Retina iPad Mini.
Was Napster or iTunes more influential-
Was Napster or iTunes more influential?
Hardest-working music sitesWhich has influenced the most?As Amazon, Google, and Apple appear to be leading digital music in the direction of the cloud, it seems a good time to look back at some of the most influential online music services of the past.Some people might argue that the modern digital music era started with the launch of iTunes. Others will say the birth of Napster kicked it off. The truth is two years before Napster launched in 2000, there were plenty of companies jockeying for dominance in online CD sales as well as downloads. They were competing in nascent Internet radio or trying to create audio standards and digital rights formats. The early pioneers included Amazon, MP3.com, Liquid Audio, Artistdirect, CD Baby, Spinner.com, and RealAudio to name a few. Later on, a new wave of services followed the path blazed by Napster, which demonstrated the power of the Web to deliver digital music.Some of them were file-sharing services like Napster, companies such as Kazaa, eDonkey, TorrentSpy, LimeWire, and Grokster. Others tried to sell music legally, such as Urge, Pressplay, MusicNet,Yahoo Music Unlimited, eMusic, Sony Connect, MSN Music, and the Zune Marketplace. After them came Imeem, MySpace Music, Ruckus, Spotify, iLike, Lala, and a host of others. Most of these companies don't exist anymore, chased out of the sector by Apple's iTunes, digital music's reigning power for most of the past decade.Scores of music services have come and gone. The slideshow below features some that left their mark. Top 10 most influential music sites (pho...See full gallery1 - 4 / 10NextPrev
Hardest-working music sitesWhich has influenced the most?As Amazon, Google, and Apple appear to be leading digital music in the direction of the cloud, it seems a good time to look back at some of the most influential online music services of the past.Some people might argue that the modern digital music era started with the launch of iTunes. Others will say the birth of Napster kicked it off. The truth is two years before Napster launched in 2000, there were plenty of companies jockeying for dominance in online CD sales as well as downloads. They were competing in nascent Internet radio or trying to create audio standards and digital rights formats. The early pioneers included Amazon, MP3.com, Liquid Audio, Artistdirect, CD Baby, Spinner.com, and RealAudio to name a few. Later on, a new wave of services followed the path blazed by Napster, which demonstrated the power of the Web to deliver digital music.Some of them were file-sharing services like Napster, companies such as Kazaa, eDonkey, TorrentSpy, LimeWire, and Grokster. Others tried to sell music legally, such as Urge, Pressplay, MusicNet,Yahoo Music Unlimited, eMusic, Sony Connect, MSN Music, and the Zune Marketplace. After them came Imeem, MySpace Music, Ruckus, Spotify, iLike, Lala, and a host of others. Most of these companies don't exist anymore, chased out of the sector by Apple's iTunes, digital music's reigning power for most of the past decade.Scores of music services have come and gone. The slideshow below features some that left their mark. Top 10 most influential music sites (pho...See full gallery1 - 4 / 10NextPrev
Wanna see iOS 7 on an iPad- Videos pop up after latest beta
Wanna see iOS 7 on an iPad? Videos pop up after latest beta
No surprise here, but numerous videos of iOS 7 beta 2 -- which adds support for Apple's iPad and iPad Mini -- have popped up, showing the software running on Apple's tablets. The videos show just how the software has been adjusted to work on the larger screen, as well as how it performs on various tasks in Apple's first effort.The company did not show off iOS 7 running on an iPad during the big unveiling at its annual developers conference two weeks ago, building curiosity into just what's different. The new software was released Monday morning and is still considered confidential by Apple, which requires developers to sign a privacy agreement in order to enroll and get early access to beta versions of iOS and OS X. Apparently that didn't stop all these folks:See also:iOS 7 hands-on videos leak out onto the Web 9to5Mac posts a brief hands-on with the software, from initial setup to switching apps and using iPad-only features like Photo Booth:iDownloadBlog shows it off running on an iPad Mini and calls the new app switching feature "disappointing" in its use of screen real estate, and "awkward" in its lack of rotating app previews while in that mode:Redmond Pie also posts a 5-minute preview on an iPad Mini, running through various features:YouTuber Andrew Sheridan posts a quick hands-on, even showing off iTunes Radio:And as a bonus, iDownloadBlog posts a hands on with the Voice Memos app, which was not included in the initial build of iOS 7.
No surprise here, but numerous videos of iOS 7 beta 2 -- which adds support for Apple's iPad and iPad Mini -- have popped up, showing the software running on Apple's tablets. The videos show just how the software has been adjusted to work on the larger screen, as well as how it performs on various tasks in Apple's first effort.The company did not show off iOS 7 running on an iPad during the big unveiling at its annual developers conference two weeks ago, building curiosity into just what's different. The new software was released Monday morning and is still considered confidential by Apple, which requires developers to sign a privacy agreement in order to enroll and get early access to beta versions of iOS and OS X. Apparently that didn't stop all these folks:See also:iOS 7 hands-on videos leak out onto the Web 9to5Mac posts a brief hands-on with the software, from initial setup to switching apps and using iPad-only features like Photo Booth:iDownloadBlog shows it off running on an iPad Mini and calls the new app switching feature "disappointing" in its use of screen real estate, and "awkward" in its lack of rotating app previews while in that mode:Redmond Pie also posts a 5-minute preview on an iPad Mini, running through various features:YouTuber Andrew Sheridan posts a quick hands-on, even showing off iTunes Radio:And as a bonus, iDownloadBlog posts a hands on with the Voice Memos app, which was not included in the initial build of iOS 7.
Walmart to sell iPhone 5C for $79, iPhone 5S for $189
Walmart to sell iPhone 5C for $79, iPhone 5S for $189
Consumers looking to pick up either of the two new iPhones can save a bit of cash via Walmart.The company announced Thursday that it will sell the 16GB iPhone 5C for $79, or $20 off the full retail price, and the 16GB iPhone 5S for $189, a savings of $10 off the full price. Those prices require the standard two-year contract with the carrier of your choice.Customers can preorder the 5C starting Friday at their local Walmart store. Preorders will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis and must be picked up by September 25. The 5C goes on sale Friday, September 20. Apple didn't make the iPhone 5S available for preorders, so customers will have to wait until September 20 for the chance to snag one.But existing smartphone owners who wait until Saturday, September 21, can save still more by trading in their current phone to Walmart for a 5C or 5S accompanied by the usual two-year agreement.Walmart is also treating Apple's older fleet of iPhones to a discount.As of today, the 16GB iPhone 5 drops in price to $79 from $98. The 8GB and 16GB iPhone 4S now are priced at just 97 cents. And starting September 16, the iPhone 4 will cost you a dime and come with a $100 Walmart gift card. All of those prices naturally require a two-year agreement.Buyers who prefer an unlocked iPhone can purchase the iPhone 5 for $549 and the iPhone 4 for $349 through Walmart's Straight Talk prepaid plan. Both represent a savings of $100 from the previous price and will be available to customers starting Saturday.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Consumers looking to pick up either of the two new iPhones can save a bit of cash via Walmart.The company announced Thursday that it will sell the 16GB iPhone 5C for $79, or $20 off the full retail price, and the 16GB iPhone 5S for $189, a savings of $10 off the full price. Those prices require the standard two-year contract with the carrier of your choice.Customers can preorder the 5C starting Friday at their local Walmart store. Preorders will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis and must be picked up by September 25. The 5C goes on sale Friday, September 20. Apple didn't make the iPhone 5S available for preorders, so customers will have to wait until September 20 for the chance to snag one.But existing smartphone owners who wait until Saturday, September 21, can save still more by trading in their current phone to Walmart for a 5C or 5S accompanied by the usual two-year agreement.Walmart is also treating Apple's older fleet of iPhones to a discount.As of today, the 16GB iPhone 5 drops in price to $79 from $98. The 8GB and 16GB iPhone 4S now are priced at just 97 cents. And starting September 16, the iPhone 4 will cost you a dime and come with a $100 Walmart gift card. All of those prices naturally require a two-year agreement.Buyers who prefer an unlocked iPhone can purchase the iPhone 5 for $549 and the iPhone 4 for $349 through Walmart's Straight Talk prepaid plan. Both represent a savings of $100 from the previous price and will be available to customers starting Saturday.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Wal-Mart- iPhone 4S price remains the same
Wal-Mart: iPhone 4S price remains the same
Last updated: 10:38 a.m. PTAttention Wal-Mart shoppers: It turns out that word of a markdown for the 16GB iPhone 4S was a mistake.Reports, including this one, had suggested that Apple's flagship phone could be had for just $114 at some Wal-Mart stores, which would have been a healthy discount from Wal-Mart's regular price of $188. It also seemed that the 8GB iPhone 4 had received a price cut to $34, but that too was in error.Wal-Mart now says in response to CNET's inquiry that it had run into a glitch: "Yesterday, we experienced a pricing error in limited stores. This has been addressed and the normal prices are in effect." That is, the iPhone 4S is $188, and the iPhone 4 is $88.Related storiesWant a new iPhone? Which carrier should you choose?Should I break up with my iPhone for Nokia's Lumia 900?iPhone 5: 15 most-wanted featuresProspective iPhone buyers would have been challenged to hunt down a store with the purported $114 model. One store, in Edmond, Okla., was found offering the cheaper price by Cult of Mac. Another store, in Austin, Texas, had also marked down the price of the iPhone, as discovered by The Verge. But other stores seem to be sticking with the higher price.I called several East Coast Wal-Mart outlets this morning. None of them were offering the lower price, while several said they don't even carry the iPhone.Wal-Mart's Web site, by the way, lists the price of the iPhone as $188 but notes that "store pricing may vary" and that the iPhone is available only at select stores.Update note: This story was partially rewritten to reflect the information in Wal-Mart's response.
Last updated: 10:38 a.m. PTAttention Wal-Mart shoppers: It turns out that word of a markdown for the 16GB iPhone 4S was a mistake.Reports, including this one, had suggested that Apple's flagship phone could be had for just $114 at some Wal-Mart stores, which would have been a healthy discount from Wal-Mart's regular price of $188. It also seemed that the 8GB iPhone 4 had received a price cut to $34, but that too was in error.Wal-Mart now says in response to CNET's inquiry that it had run into a glitch: "Yesterday, we experienced a pricing error in limited stores. This has been addressed and the normal prices are in effect." That is, the iPhone 4S is $188, and the iPhone 4 is $88.Related storiesWant a new iPhone? Which carrier should you choose?Should I break up with my iPhone for Nokia's Lumia 900?iPhone 5: 15 most-wanted featuresProspective iPhone buyers would have been challenged to hunt down a store with the purported $114 model. One store, in Edmond, Okla., was found offering the cheaper price by Cult of Mac. Another store, in Austin, Texas, had also marked down the price of the iPhone, as discovered by The Verge. But other stores seem to be sticking with the higher price.I called several East Coast Wal-Mart outlets this morning. None of them were offering the lower price, while several said they don't even carry the iPhone.Wal-Mart's Web site, by the way, lists the price of the iPhone as $188 but notes that "store pricing may vary" and that the iPhone is available only at select stores.Update note: This story was partially rewritten to reflect the information in Wal-Mart's response.
Walkman beats iPod in Japan, if only for a moment
Walkman beats iPod in Japan, if only for a moment
Sales of Sony's Walkman line beat those of Apple's iPod line in Japan for the month of August, according to survey results released Thursday by BCN, a Tokyo-based research firm. During August, Sony took a 47.8 percent share of the portable music player market, while Apple captured 44 percent. This marks the first time that Sony has inched ahead of Apple in a monthly tally since BCN began its surveys in 2001.If it sounds like you've heard this news before, well, that's because you have. Sort of. It was a year ago almost to the day that BCN reported higher sales for Sony's player in late August--but that victory was just for a single week.Of course, timing is everything. In both cases, the Walkman outsold the iPod just ahead of Apple's annual refresh of its iPod lineup. So Sony likely received a temporary boost from customers who held off buying iPods until the new models hit the market in September, according to BCN. The survey results also include only dedicated music players, leaving out Apple's iPhone.But also, BCN said, the Japanese electronics giant has been trying to push more affordable products, a strategy that may have helped Walkman sales last month as well.Collectively, Apple and Sony own 90 percent of the portable audio player market in Japan, with about a dozen other vendors duking it out for the remaining 10 percent, according to BCN (Google Translate version).On Wednesday, meanwhile, Sony used the IFA show in Berlin to unveil its new, cloud-based Music Unlimited service, venturing once again into waters dominated by Apple's iTunes service.
Sales of Sony's Walkman line beat those of Apple's iPod line in Japan for the month of August, according to survey results released Thursday by BCN, a Tokyo-based research firm. During August, Sony took a 47.8 percent share of the portable music player market, while Apple captured 44 percent. This marks the first time that Sony has inched ahead of Apple in a monthly tally since BCN began its surveys in 2001.If it sounds like you've heard this news before, well, that's because you have. Sort of. It was a year ago almost to the day that BCN reported higher sales for Sony's player in late August--but that victory was just for a single week.Of course, timing is everything. In both cases, the Walkman outsold the iPod just ahead of Apple's annual refresh of its iPod lineup. So Sony likely received a temporary boost from customers who held off buying iPods until the new models hit the market in September, according to BCN. The survey results also include only dedicated music players, leaving out Apple's iPhone.But also, BCN said, the Japanese electronics giant has been trying to push more affordable products, a strategy that may have helped Walkman sales last month as well.Collectively, Apple and Sony own 90 percent of the portable audio player market in Japan, with about a dozen other vendors duking it out for the remaining 10 percent, according to BCN (Google Translate version).On Wednesday, meanwhile, Sony used the IFA show in Berlin to unveil its new, cloud-based Music Unlimited service, venturing once again into waters dominated by Apple's iTunes service.
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