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ArchivesApple Sells 1 Million Songs in One Week Through New iTunes ServiceAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on May 5, 2003 - 8:11am.
Cupertino, Calif. -- Apple Computer announced on Monday that it sold over one million digital songs through its iTunes Music Store during its first week of operation. The service offers Mac users the ability to purchase and download 200,000 songs for $0.99 each. "In less than one week we've broken every record and become the largest online music company in the world," said Apple CEO Steve Jobs. Apple said it will add another 3,200 songs to its online catalog tomorrow. "Our internal measure of success was having the iTunes Music Store sell one million songs in the first month. To do this in one week is an over-the-top success," said Doug Morris, CEO of major record label Universal Music Group. Apple also reported taking orders for over 110,000 of its new third-generation iPods since their launch a week ago, as well 20,000 in-store sales of the devices over the weekend.
RealNetworks Launches Mobile Content Streaming Subscription ServiceAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on May 5, 2003 - 8:11am.
Seattle -- Media delivery technology provider RealNetworks on Monday announced the launch of its RealOne Mobile Media Guide, a wireless streaming media subscription service. The service will offer content from providers including Capitol Records, CNET Radio Direct, FoxSports.com, iFilm, NPR, the PGA Tour, Sporting News Radio, Triggerstreet.com and Virgin Records. The service is currently is available on Nokia's 3650 and Pocket PC devices, with devices from Siemens and Samsung supporting the service expected to be offered in the U.S. later this year. Seattle-based RealNetworks also announced its RealOne Mobile On-ramp, a program that enables content providers to deliver programming to millions of consumers via their mobile phones and PDAs. The program aids providers in encoding their content in bitrates available over 2.5G mobile networks.
FT: Vivendi Looks at Plan to Avoid $2 Billion in TaxesAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on May 5, 2003 - 8:09am.
Paris -- Vivendi Universal is studying a plan to sell and buy back parts of its U.S. entertainment business to avoid U.S. tax liabilities of up to $2 billion, according to a report in Monday's Financial Times. The idea of a sale and repurchase is an effort to avoid break-up liabilities Vivendi would face if it split up the subsidiary combining Universal Studios, television and theme park assets. U.S. tax authorities and regulators would probably not endorse such a scheme. Vivendi declined to comment on the FT report.
Tapwave's "Helix" Handheld Game to Target Older Audience Than Game BoyAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on May 5, 2003 - 8:07am.
Los Angeles -- Tapwave, a developer of multi-functional handheld video game devices, on Monday announced the launch of Helix, its first product, Reuters reported. The handheld device, which runs on the PalmOS operating system and includes Palm's organizer features, also plays full-motion video and MP3 music in addition to games that will be developed by firms including Activision, Infogrames and Midway. Tapwave says it will target mobile gamers 18 years to 34 years old who have "graduated" from Nintendo's Game Boy Advance, which currently dominates the market. Tapwave has not yet announced pricing or launch date details for the Helix. http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=technologyNews&storyID=2684640
Disney to Launch "Toontown" Online Multiplayer Game for Kids in JuneAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on May 5, 2003 - 8:07am.
North Hollywood, Calif. -- Disney Online, a unit of Walt Disney Internet Group, announced on Monday that it will launch "Toontown Online," which it says is the first massively multiplayer 3D online game for kids and families, on June 2. The $9.95 monthly service will be available as a download, and will also be sold at retail beginning in September via a Disney specialty card powered by AT&T Prepaid Web Cents technology. The game features special communications software that will let kids chat with one another in a safe online environment. "Toontown Online" was developed by Disney's Virtual Reality Studio, using its proprietary PANDA3D network game engine. http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030505/55247_1.html
Video Networking Equipment Firm SkyStream Networks Raises $25 MillionAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on May 5, 2003 - 8:06am.
Sunnyvale, Calif. -- SkyStream Networks, a provider of advanced video networking technologies, announced on Monday that it has secured $25 million in private funding. The investment was led by 3i U.S.; other investors included IVP, Mayfield and Norwest Venture Partners. Sunnyvale, Calif.-based SkyStream provides networking hardware platforms for service providers like telephone companies and global satellite operators, which cost-effectively deliver cinema-quality video and broadband services. Its customers include EchoStar, BT, Clear Channel Worldwide and Sony. The company will use the additional funds to bolster its corporate operations and product development as it moves toward profitability. http://www.skystream.com/press/2003/050503-ss_secures.stm
Interactive TV Firm GoldPocket Acquires U.K.-Based WatchPoint MediaAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on May 5, 2003 - 8:05am.
Los Angeles -- GoldPocket Interactive, a producer of two-way interactive TV programming, announced on Monday that it has acquired U.K.-based WatchPoint Media, a developer of interactive TV authoring software. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The purchase marks Los Angeles-based GoldPocket's entry into the European market, where it will have headquarters in London overseen by Matt West, WatchPoint's vice president of sales and marketing. WatchPoint's StoryTeller allows content producers to create interactive TV applications that may be easily published to multiple platforms. GoldPocket has produced and delivered more than 4,000 hours of iTV programming for major networks and media companies including CBS, PBS, Fox, Sony and The WB. http://www.goldpocket.com/corporate/interactive.aspx?pageID=20&newsID=56
Electronic Arts Gets "Superman" Game License; Announces New "Sims" TitleAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on May 5, 2003 - 8:03am.
Redwood City, Calif. -- Independent game developer Electronic Arts announced on Monday that Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC Comics have awarded the company the worldwide interactive rights to develop games based on the legendary comic superhero, "Superman." Under the multi-year agreement, Redwood City, Calif.-based EA will publish games for all platforms based on the upcoming Superman feature film from Warner Bros. Pictures -- as well as any sequels -- in addition to Superman comics and animated television programs. "We are extremely excited about creating a whole new look and feel for the universe of Superman characters," said EA president and COO John Riccitiello. Separately, Electronic Arts on Monday announced that it will release "The Sims 2," a sequel to the best-selling PC game of all time, in early 2004. The game, which features more life-like Sims, all-new gameplay, and the addition of genetics, where the DNA of Sims passed down through generations, is currently in development at EA's Walnut Creek, Calif.-based Maxis Studio. http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030505/55329_1.html
Stealth-Mode Digital Video Developer KMV Raises $18 MillionAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on May 5, 2003 - 8:00am.
Austin, Texas -- KMV Technologies, a developer of "next-generation video communication products and services," on Monday announced that it has raised $18 million in its first round of venture capital financing. The round was co-led by Austin Ventures, Norwest Venture Partners and Redpoint Ventures. The stealth-stage company, founded in January 2003, is currently developing digital videoconferencing technology. The new funds will enable the company to expand its engineering and marketing teams, as well as bring the first release of its products and services to market.
Game Developer Activision Announces Three-for-Two Stock SplitAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on May 5, 2003 - 8:00am.
Santa Monica, Calif. -- Video game developer and publisher Activision announced on Monday that its board of directors has approved a three-for-two split of its shares. The split is payable on June 6, 2003, to shareholders of record as of May 16, 2003. Santa Monica, Calif.-based Activision said the stock split will be accomplished through a 50 percent stock dividend, providing shareholders with one additional share of common stock for every two shares they hold.
U.S. Reporter Petitions U.N. for Relief from Australian Defamation SuitAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on May 2, 2003 - 8:20am.
San Francisco -- A reporter facing a defamation charge in Australia for an article published on a website in the U.S. has asked the United Nations to intervene on his behalf, arguing that his free-speech rights under U.N. conventions are being violated, CNET News.com reported on Friday. Barron's reporter Bill Alpert is facing charges for an article he published on the Web about an Australian businessman, who claims he was defamed in the article. Several Australian courts have ruled that Alpert may stand trial in the country, in a case that would test whether content published on the Internet can be subject to the laws of every country where it is accessible. Alpert has petitioned the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, arguing an Australian trial would violate his free-speech rights under the U.N. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The United Nations is currently gathering information from both sides on the matter. http://news.com.com/2100-1028_3-999525.html?tag=cd_mh
New Jersey Institute of Technology Bans File-Sharing on Campus NetworkAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on May 2, 2003 - 8:19am.
San Francisco -- In the wake of a lawsuit filed by the recording industry against four college students accused of copyright infringement via file-sharing networks, the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) has banned the use of file-sharing software like Kazaa, Grokster and Gnutella on its campus network, Wired News reported on Friday. The school is using "traffic shaping" software to monitor its network for the telltale signs of file-sharing, in addition to prohibiting the use of the well-known file-sharing services. "Our institution was receiving calls from the Recording Industry Association of America on almost a daily basis, identifying addresses that belonged to our students," Jack Gentul, dean of students at NJIT, told Wired News. "It was growing in number to the point in which we couldn't handle it. When I can't get my own 13-year-old to stop (file-sharing), I don't know how I can get my entire campus to stop." The record industry lauded the school's decision. "The specific action a higher education institution chooses to take to prevent this type of illegal behavior varies and is up to the individual university, but we absolutely applaud those who take such theft seriously," an RIAA spokesperson told Wired. http://www.wired.com/news/digiwood/0,1412,58698,00.html
Sony Pictures Digital Acquires Sonic Foundry Software for $18 MillionAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on May 2, 2003 - 8:18am.
Culver City, Calif. -- Sony Pictures Digital, a unit of Sony that oversees the digital production and online assets of Sony Pictures Entertainment and develops new forms of online content, announced on Friday that it has acquired all of Sonic Foundry's desktop software products and related assets for $18 million in cash. Madison, Wisc.-based Sonic Foundry's software includes the Vegas video-editing application, SoundForge audio-editing software, and ACID sound effects and audio loop library. Culver City, Calif.-based Sony Pictures Digital, which teamed with Sonic Foundry to release its Screenblast consumer media-editing software suite, said it anticipates maintaining Sonic Foundry's staff and operations in Wisconsin.
Stung by Criticism, Microsoft Dumps European Ad AgencyAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on May 2, 2003 - 8:17am.
London -- Microsoft said on Friday it has dumped London-based Bartle Bogle Hegarty as the European advertising agency for its Xbox video game system, moving the account to McCann-Erickson. One of BBH's television commercials for Xbox Live was banned by British regulators in March. It graphically showed the birth of a baby who then fast-forwarded through life and slammed into the grave. The ad's slogan was "Life is short. Play more." Microsoft contended the commercial was a "positive life statement," but Britain's Independent Television Commission disagreed, calling it offensive to those who had recently lost loved ones.
Game Developer Namco Gives Sega May 9 Deadline for Merger ProposalAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on May 2, 2003 - 8:16am.
Tokyo -- Japanese video game publisher Namco has given fellow game company Sega until May 9 to respond to a merger proposal it has submitted to the company, The Financial Times reported on Friday. Sega also has an offer on the table from Sammy, a Japanese manufacturer of pinball machines, and said its board is currently considering both offers. The deadline from Namco, however, may spur the company to make its decision some time next week. http://makeashorterlink.com/?X58923D64
Pay-TV Companies Fostering E-Piracy, Says European CommissionAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on May 2, 2003 - 8:15am.
Brussels -- European Union regulators and pay-TV companies have locked horns once again, as the European Commission has accused several broadcasters of tacitly promoting piracy by restricting services to individual markets within the EU. Because most pay-TV companies do not offer subscriptions to people without a residential address or telephone line in their base country of operations, illegal smart-card and decoder sales have skyrocketed, an EC report contends. Electronic piracy in the EU has risen by five times since 1996. Industry analysts say pay-TV giants like BSkyB in the U.K. and Canal Plus in France should take the report as a warning that new legislation could be in the offing if they refuse to change their policies.
Ukraine Has World's Worst Piracy-Fighting Record, U.S. SaysAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on May 2, 2003 - 8:15am.
London -- According to a report issued by the U.S. government, Ukraine has the worst record in world when it comes to fighting piracy. As a result, the U.S. will continue to apply sanctions to the tune of $75 million against Ukraine, which reportedly turns a blind eye to the rampant copying of CDs, DVDs and computer software. The report said that Poland, Russia, Belarus and Israel were other European countries that need to do more to stop piracy. The International Intellectual Property Alliance estimates that piracy costs U.S. companies more than $22 billion every year.
Game Publisher Eidos Announces Roster of New Games for E3 Game ConventionAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on May 2, 2003 - 8:13am.
San Francisco -- Video game publisher Eidos Interactive announced on Friday the roster of new game titles it plans to showcase at next month's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) video game convention in Los Angeles. The company plans to introduce sequels in several of its popular game franchises, including "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness" for PlayStation 2 and PC; "Backyard Wrestling: Don't Try This at Home" for PlayStation 2 and the Xbox; "Deus Ex: Invisible War" for Xbox and PC; "Commandos 3: Destination Berlin" for the PC; and "Republic: The Revolution" for the PC. In addition, Eidos will debut several new titles at the show, including game developer Ion Storm's "Thief" for Xbox and PC; Crystal Dynamics' "Legacy of Kain: Defiance" and "Chain Gang;" and Climax's "Italian Job," based on the upcoming May 30 film release from Paramount Pictures.
RIAA Settles Lawsuits Filed Against Student "Mini-Napster" OperatorsAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on May 1, 2003 - 8:28am.
Washington -- The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) announced on Thursday that it has settled copyright infringement lawsuits it filed against four college students accused of operating "mini-Napster" campus file-sharing networks. The students -- two from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and one each from Princeton University and Michigan Technological University -- will pay damages of between $12,000 and $17,000 each over a four-year payment schedule, in addition to promising not to knowingly infringe music copyrights. The damages are far less than the maximum penalty of $150,000 per song that the RIAA initially sought in its lawsuits. "We believe it's in everyone's best interest to come to a quick resolution, and that these four defendants now clearly understand the seriousness with which we view this type of illegal behavior," said RIAA senior vice president Matt Oppenheim. "We have also sent a clear signal to others that this kind of activity is illegal." One of the defendants, 18-year-old Princeton sophomore Daniel Peng, denied any guilt in the matter. "I don't believe that I did anything wrong," Peng said, in a statement.
Apple Reports 275,000 Songs Sold Through iTunes in First 18 HoursAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on May 1, 2003 - 8:27am.
New York -- Apple's new iTunes digital music service has proven popular so far -- as 275,000 tracks at $0.99 each were sold during its first 18 hours of operation, major label sources told Billboard.com. The number gains further importance when Apple's approximate 3 percent share of the computer market is taken into consideration. Label sources told Billboard that Apple plans to make iTunes compatible with the PC by the end of the year, having already secured licensing deals with two major labels for the PC version. http://www.billboard.com/bb/daily/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1878475
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