It’s Only Tunes and Videos (But I Like It)

Today’s “It’s Only Rock and Roll” press event held by Apple (best of the live coverage here) held no real surprises other than the triumphant return of Steve Jobs to the stage. Rumors and insider reports had already clued us into the album-package feature of the iTunes Store, better apps management in iTunes 9, and the video camera for the iPod nano. What’s missing are the video camera for the iPod touch, and Blu-Ray support for iTunes. And, of course, the Beatles.

For the complete story, see my entry It’s Only Tunes and Videos (But I Like It) on my blog Bove’s Blips.

Come Together Over Me: Apple, Beatles, and iTunes

Sept. 9, 2009 (09/09/2009) will be both Beatles Day and iTunes/iPod Day as Apple rolls out new features for iPods (including cameras), a new version of iTunes (with support for Blu-ray DVDs), and, according to rumors, an album format for the iTunes Store that takes full advantage of the Beatles’ album graphics, lyrics, and liner notes. On the same day, Apple Corps (label for the Beatles) and Harmonix Music Systems (owned by MTV) will introduce The Beatles: Rock Band game for the XBox 360, Playstation 3, and Wii.

For the complete story, see my entry Apple and Beatles Come Together Over iTunes on my blog Bove’s Blips.

The Musician’s iPhone and iPod touch

The iPhone or iPod touch is a potent platform for producing music that is capable of entertaining a stadium full of fans. There is no substitute for hands-on use, and musicians are especially adept at getting their hands onto something and using it.

See my roundup of iPhone/iPod touch apps for musicians in “In Search of the Lost Chord: The Musician’s iPhone and iPod touch” (in my blog, Bove’s Blips).

Shut Up and Play Your iPhone

Apple iPhone sales are well ahead of expectations. Rumors are swirling about a wide-screen, multi-touch iPod in August (as well as yet another rumor of a Yellow Submarine iPod loaded with Beatles tracks). The list of new iPhone widgets and applications is growing exponentially. Gripes aside, I still see the iPhone as a platform despite the fact that this first version is not quite complete. Check out my first impressions and accumulated links to reviews and news in “Shut Up and Play Your iPhone, Volume 2” on my blog, iTimes.