Archive - Aug 22, 2005

Report: Psychologists' Group Recommends Less Violent Video Games

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on August 22, 2005 - 8:03am.
Washington -- A study that aggregates research done over the past 20 years found that violent video games can increase aggressive behavior in children, Reuters reported. Presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association (APA), the report culled findings from a range of studies, and found that "only a handful" of them found no connection between real-world and virtual violence, Saint Leo University's Jessica Nicoll, who worked on the study, told Reuters. "The majority of the studies would suggest there are effects," said Nicoll. As a result, the APA adopted a resolution recommending that violence be reduced in games marketed to youth. "The APA also encourages parents, educators and health care providers to help youth make more informed choices about which games to play."
tags: Games | Reports | Psychologists' Group | Less Violent Video Games |

Warner "E-Label" to Eschew CDs, Offer Frequent 3-Song Releases

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on August 22, 2005 - 8:02am.
Aspen, Colo. -- The CEO of Warner Music Group said on Monday the major label plans to create an "e-label," which instead of CD albums will release batches of three songs from artists every few months as digital downloads, CNET News.com reported. The e-label will provide artists with a "supportive, lower-risk environment," commented Warner Music CEO Edgar Bronfman Jr., and not focus on the million-selling hit records sought after by major record labels. In addition, artists on Warner's e-label will retain ownership of the master recordings of their songs and copyrights. "We're trying to experiment with a new business model," said Bronfman. "We're going to try to see where this goes."
tags: Warner | E-Label | Eschew CDs | Song Releases |

Polish Police Arrest c of Pre-Release Depeche Mode Single

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on August 22, 2005 - 7:59am.
London -- Following an investigation conducted by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), a global record label trade group, police in Poland have arrested an individual alleged to have posted a pre-release copy of a new video single from the group Depeche Mode on the Internet. The IFPI said it worked with ZPAV, the local Polish recording industry group; Depeche Mode's label, Mute Records; and the label's parent, EMI, to remove a link to the file initially posted to a forum on the band's website. Polish police also seized two computers and a number of burned discs while executing a search warrant. "This action shows just how seriously the record companies view pre-release piracy," said IFPI Internet Anti-Piracy Unit head Jeremy Banks. "Pre-releases can be illegally posted, downloaded and distributed worldwide within hours. So it is crucial for the recording industry's cycle of reinvestment to prevent initial sales being lost to internet piracy."
tags: Polish Police | Depeche Mode Single |

Survey: Half of Students Say It's Okay to Share Digital Copyrighted Works

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on August 22, 2005 - 7:57am.
Washington -- More than half of college and university students think it is acceptable in the workplace to swap or download digital copyrighted software, music and movies without paying for them, according to a new survey by the DC-based Business Software Alliance (BSA). The survey, conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs, reveals that 52% of the student respondents and 25% of academics believe that, even in the workplace, it is okay to download and swap files, no matter the value. BSA members include the country's largest software makers, including Adobe, Apple, Macromedia, McAfee, Microsoft, and Symantec. "College-age students -- most of whom grew up with technology -- are our future workforce," said Diane Smiroldo, BSA's vice president for public affairs. "Before they begin their careers, they need to understand that they may put their employer at risk by engaging in software theft." The BSA often files lawsuits against companies that have violated software licenses.
tags: Survey | Students | Share Digital Copyrighted Works |

Google Launches "Desktop 2" Service; More Personalization Offered

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on August 22, 2005 - 7:55am.
Mountain View, Calif. -- As part of its movement into the desktop environment, Google on Monday launched its "Google Desktop 2" -- a downloadable application that helps users search for files on their computers. Major changes include a "sidebar" that includes personalized information, an Outlook toolbar, and a "quick find" service. Google said the software will have certain intelligent features that will personalize searches based on past user activity. Additional enhancements include extended search capabilities for additional file types and content.
tags: Google | Desktop 2 | More Personalization |

Universal Music Group to Sell Music-Focused Cell Phone Service

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on August 22, 2005 - 7:52am.
Santa Monica, Calif. -- Major record label Universal Music Group on Monday announced plans to offer a branded, music-focused cell phone and accompanying service that enables full-track downloads. The label partnered with Encinitas, Calif.-based Single Touch to create the "MoveU" handset and prepaid cellular service, which will also offer Universal ringtones and wallpapers. Universal said the MoveU handset will be available in the fall for $99.
tags: Mobile | Music | Universal Music Group | Music-Focused Cell Phone Service |

Mobile Games Firm Monstermob Acquires China's ATOP for $100 Million

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on August 22, 2005 - 7:50am.
London -- Monstermob, a U.K.-based provider of ringtones and games for mobile phones, announced that it has agreed to acquire ATOP Century Ltd., a China-based content provider, for approximately $100 million. Monstermob, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange's Alternative Investment Market (AIM), said the deal would give the company a strong foothold in the growing Chinese market, where mobile-phone users are expected to grow from 345 million to 570 million over the next three years. "The ATOP transaction marks our largest acquisition to date and is a great entry point into the rapidly growing Chinese mobile content market," said Monstermob Chairman Hans Snook. News of the ATOP deal comes only two months after Monstermob raised $36 million in a share placing for overseas acquisitions.
tags: Deals | Monstermob | China's ATOP | Mobile Games Firm |