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Will iTunes be Moving to the Cloud Any Time Soon?
Apple has had a lot on their plate lately. IPad shortages, tons of iPhone 4 problems, and now a lawsuit thanks to the iPhone 4′s awful reception. The last thing Apple should be worrying about is iTunes, and yet there is a rumor that Apple is planning to move the music marketplace to the cloud.
The Boy Genius Report cited some “reliable Apple sources” when reporting a story on iTunes’ plans to move to the cloud. The move would be very beneficial for the service and its users. Being on the cloud would provide easy streaming from Apple’s server to any computer or device. Basically, that just means listening to music or watching movies wouldn’t take up storage space on your computer.
The cloud server would also allow streaming from one home computer to another, and also to any remote devices. Any Apple product with wireless access can be connected to each other for a sort of mini network. The same connection will allow for wireless syncing between computer and device. Think about that one for a minute. Yes, automatic syncing between your iPod Touch and iTunes library on your laptop. Even new apps for your iPhone will automatically transfer to your desktop computer library. Boy Genius says, “Changes to your calendar, or notes, or contacts will automatically update on your computer as well.” Sounds pretty awesome to me.
All the changes sound beneficial to Apple and their customers, and I know I would enjoy iTunes a lot more with that wireless syncing advantage. Too bad Apple has not confirmed this rumor yet. However, some past business decisions may suggest some validity to the rumors. Remember when Apple bought music streaming service Lala back in 2009? Well that service shut down at the end of May. Its shut down made everyone suspect that iTunes would be getting a major improvement or even be moved to the cloud… OH! Sounds like that part might be coming true! We’ll keep you posted on the topic.
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Tommy Lee’s New Project
The music industry is definitely one of the hardest industries to break into. That’s why Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee is creating a CD with anyone on it! The record, called Public Mayhem, is inviting anyone and everyone to create the best album possible.
Seriously. You can go to the CD’s website, listen to the tracks he has recorded and put your own ideas over his music. Not only would this be a great time waster, you actually have the chance to be included on the final album! The “contest” started back in November and runs until January 3rd. So hurry up and record some music!
Right now, there are only three songs left to be completed and the tracks for each will be released over the next three weeks (one song per week). Eight tracks are already closed to submissions, but he still needs help with those last three. Also, if you make the cut and are on the album, you will get to perform at the record release show.
If you are interested, a complete overview of the project and how to participate are here. Good luck making music!
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Stop Downloading Music Illegally!
A young grad student at Boston University has fell fault to the sin of illegally downloading music. Unlike the rest of the sinners out there who haven’t seen any consequences to their illegal actions, this particular man saw much penalty.
Joel Tenenbaum, of Providence, RI, was taken to court for copyright infringement on 30 songs that he illegally downloaded and distributed on the Kazaa music sharing network. Most people accused of illegally downloading music settle outside of court for anywhere between $3000 and $5000. However, Tenenbaum faced a US District Court in Boston on July 31. Because he admitted to willingly downloading the music illegally, he could have faced a maximum fine of $4.5 million instead of $900,000. The final judgment required the 25-year-old to pay $675,000 to four record labels, or $22,500 per song.
Tenenbaum also confessed to having downloaded over 800 songs in 8 years, up to 2007. He seems to have learned his lesson saying that he thinks “artists should continue to be paid for what they do. They’re the ones who are giving so much.”
If you remember, we reported a similar case back in mid-June where a Minneapolis mother of four, Jammie Thomas-Rasset, was fined a whopping $1.92 million for just 24 songs! Tenenbaum was a bit luckier than Thomas-Rasset, even though he feared a similar result. Tenenbaum plans to appeal the court’s decision, and if it is upheld, he plans to file bankruptcy.
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A High Price for 24 Songs
We have all been guilty of it at one point in our lives. Some stopped when others were caught and fined. Others continued on because they claimed it was “sharing.” But in official terms, it is illegally downloading music and it has affected one Minneapolis woman in a huge way.
You may remember a high profile case back in October of 2007 in which Jammie Thomas-Rasset was found guilty of illegally sharing 24 songs online. This initial case, however, was determined a mistrial, letting Thomas off the hook for having to pay a $220,000 fine. You may think that she got a break back in October, but the illegal music came back to bite her this year.
The now 32-year-old mother of four was found guilty (again) of copyright infringement for the same 24 songs on Thursday. This time she was found guilty by a Minneapolis federal court and ordered to pay $1.92 million! That comes out to a whopping $80,000 per song! By federal law, Thomas could have been ordered to pay up to $150,000 per song. The RIAA reported that Thomas had been given the chance to settle the case earlier for $3000 to $5000 and say they are still willing to reach a settlement.
I think it’s safe to say, if you are someone who still “shares” music online, you might want to reconsider that choice.
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