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Sony Introduces Line of Flash Memory-Based Walkman MP3 Players

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on March 8, 2005 - 6:22am.
Berlin -- Sony on Tuesday introduced a new line of flash memory-based Network Walkman MP3 players, including one circular-shaped model and two disposable lighter-shaped models, all of which come in a range of colors. All three models will feature a 3-line visual display and be offered in 256MB, 512MB and 1GB capacities. They will also support Sony's Connect digital music store, and offer Sony's Stamina battery life -- which promises up to 70 hours battery life on a single AAA battery or 5 hours with a rechargeable battery. The circular NW-E100 comes in six colors, while the smaller NW-E400 and NW-E500 models each come in four colors; the NW-E500 models also sport a built-in FM digital tuner. Sony will ship the new Network Walkman players to retailers in April. Reuters reported that the devices will be priced at about $132 for the 256MB model and about $317 for the 1GB model -- in line with the pricing for Apple's comparable flash memory-based Shuffle portable players, which unlike Sony's new players lack a visual display.
tags: Sony | Flash Memory | Walkman MP3 Players |

Apple Charged With Patent Infringement Over iPod, iTunes

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on March 8, 2005 - 6:19am.
Cupertino, Calif. -- Apple Computer has become the target of two separate patent infringement claims -- one from an Illinois company that claims the iPod uses its patented technology, and another from a Hong Kong firm that says Apple's FairPlay digital rights management software is infringing, and asks for 12% of all iTunes and iPod sales. Lake Forest, Illinois-based Advanced Audio Devices says the iPod violates its "music jukebox" patent, filed in August 2000 and granted in July 2003, which covers a "music jukebox which is configured for storing a music library." The patent infringement claim from Hong Kong-based Pat-rights argues that Apple infringes on its technology when the FairPlay system identifies whether a user is authorized to access an iTunes track. A lawyer for Pat-rights told CNET News.com that Apple has been in negotiations with Pat-rights for some time, and that the company intends to sue if a licensing agreement cannot be reached by March 21.
tags: iPod | Apple | iTunes | Patent Infringement |

Ariz. Student is First Convicted for Under State Copyright Laws

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on March 8, 2005 - 6:14am.
Phoenix -- A student at the University of Arizona is believed to be the first person convicted under state law for criminal copyright infringement on Internet file-sharing networks, the Associated Press reported. Eighteen-year-old Parvin Dhaliwal pleaded guilty to possessing unauthorized copyrighted movie and music files; authorities told AP he was also copying and selling the material. But, because he was 17 when he committed the crime, federal authorities referred the case to the local county authorities, who charged Dhaliwal under state copyright statutes. Last month, Dhaliwal received a deferred three-month jail stint, three months of probation, 200 hours of community service and a fine of $4,500. The student also agreed not to use file-sharing networks and enroll in a copyright class his school.
tags: File-Sharing | Ariz. Student | State Copyright Laws |

Report: Russia Gives MP3 Site AllofMP3.com Legal OK

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on March 8, 2005 - 5:38am.
Moscow -- According to a report by news agency Itar-Tass, Russia's District Attorney has let AllofMP3.com off the hook after clearing the local peer-to-peer website of breaching copyright laws for offering more than 300,000 MP3 tracks for sale. The International Federation of the Phonographic Industries (IFPI) last month called on Russian authorities to take action against the website, which is unlicensed to distribute the IFPI's repertoire inside Russia and in all major markets. According to Tass, however, the case will not go to court because Russian copyright law does not cover digital media. The IFPI said it would appeal the ruling if the Tass report proves accurate. "We have received no confirmation of any decision, and we do not expect it for some time," the IFPI said. "However, if it is true that the prosecutor has not taken the case, this would be very disappointing considering the blatant and large-scale infringement that continues to take place."
tags: Deals | Law | Music | Reports | Commerce | MP3 | Russia | IFPI | AllofMP3.com |

BBC Investigating File-Sharing Leak of New "Doctor Who" Episode

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on March 8, 2005 - 5:36am.
London -- The BBC is investigating how an episode of a new production of its classic sci-fi TV series "Doctor Who" was leaked onto Internet file-sharing networks in advance of its debut on U.K. television later this month. "This is a significant breach of copyright which is currently under investigation," a BBC representative told Reuters, adding that "the source of it appears to be connected to our co-production partner," referring to the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. The BBC's new 13-episode production of "Doctor Who," which first aired in 1963 and has been off the air since 1989, stars Christopher Eccleston in the title role.
tags: BBC | Doctor Who | File-Sharing Leak |

Nokia-Led Group Trials Europe's First Mobile TV Service

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on March 8, 2005 - 5:34am.
Helsinki -- A group of companies led by Nokia, MTV and Finnish Broadcasting Company YLE has launched a trial of Europe's first mobile TV service. Under the pilot program, 500 users in Finland will be given access to MTV, YLE, Nelonen, CNN, BBC World, Euronews, Eurosport, ViVa Plus and Fashion TV until June 20. Until then, users with a Nokia 7710 smartphone equipped with a special accessory to receive mobile TV broadcasts will be able to access real-time TV and radio programs. The service will also provide direct links to the Internet for information on TV programs and sports results. Nokia said the trial service would test mobile TV services and consumer access, as well as its underlying technology.
tags: Mobile | Europe | Nokia-Led Group | Mobile TV Service |

Management Acquires U.S. Unit of Japanese Games Firm Sammy

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on March 8, 2005 - 5:30am.
Carlsbad, Calif. -- Sammy Studios, the North American video game development unit of Japanese publisher Sammy, announced that it has been acquired by management and changed its name to High Moon Studios. The studio was purchased by a private investment group led by Sammy Studios president and COO John Rowe, in advance of a looming shutdown of the studio as part of Sammy's pending merger with fellow Japanese games firm Sega. The deal included the rights to all Sammy properties, including the unreleased "Darkwatch." "Sammy's decision to discontinue game development in North America has afforded us the rare opportunity to establish an independent studio built on existing capabilities and resources," said Rowe. "High Moon is our new identity, yet our creative and technical capabilities, our talented development teams and the phenomenal resources at our disposal are unchanged."
tags: Management | U.S. Unit of Japanese Games | Sammy |