Possibility of Unlimited Cloud-based iTunes – Rumor is that Apple is considering sending all its iTunes to a cloud-based system, thus allowing for unlimited downloads to Macs, iPads and iPhones. Bloomberg reports that the tech giant is in talks with the major record labels to set up a deal that would see Apple users import tunes easily from one device to another without additional charges. Another advantage for cloud users would be it music somehow gets wiped from a computer or iPod it is retrievable – a major plus for users who have spent thousands building up their iTunes collection. The proposed service would allow it to compete with web-based music services such as Pandora and Spotify and a way to lure back fans of streaming music. An announcement could be made by Apple by the middle of this year.
CES 2011 Mark of Excellence Awards – The Consumer Electronics Association awards honoring pioneering products in Custom Home Technology have come out. Here are some of the Audio Products of the Year: Atlantic Technology’s AT-1 Tower Speakers, Paradigm Electronics’ MilleniaSub with PT-2 Wireless Transmitter, PS Audio PrefectWave DAC with network bridge, STS Labs TheaterSound, Kaleidescape’s Blu-ray Movie Server, Anthem’s MRX 700 multichannel AV Receiver, KEF’s T series speakers, Meridian’s DSP3200 Digital Active Speakers, Paradigm’s Reference Millenia One speakers, and Wilson’s AG Pro 75 wireless product.
Comments on 3D from Sony Electronics’ President & COO – At a recent press briefing Sony’s President Phil Molyneux had this to say about 3D: “We’re the only company that has the complete 3D eco system. We call it ‘From the lens to the living room.’ He also said “We’re building that 3D world,” and observed that HD took 3- years from inception to broad acceptance by consumers, whereas 3D ” accelerated that number to 18 months.” He said he saw 3D glasses as a barrier to adoption, but consumers don’t want to wait for something better. “At CES we demonstrated glassesless 3D… where the technology is today, it’s in a demonstration mode. But commercialization of glass-free 3D is a long way off.”
Cebit Show in Hanover Germany March 1-5 – The Cebit Show had over 4200 exhibitors from 90 countries and was one of the world’s biggest professional IT shows. The home entertainment area included the new Ultra home-theater PC and Prodigy media player from Xtreamer, connect TVs, tablets and e-readers, home automation and smart metering. Sony computer Entertainment had a big booth focusing on gaming on PCs.
Wilson Electronics Cellular Signal Booster a CES Product-of-the-Year – Wilson Electronics (not the speaker manufacturer) has been a leader in wireless communications for more than 40 years. Their AG Pro 75 is the first cellular signal booster to offer adjustable gain control. It simplifies installation by providing greater flexibility in the placement of antennas. They have also developed technologies for protecting cell sites from network interference.
Android Knocks Off Apple’s iPhone – Nielsen Research says that Android now has a 29% share of the U.S. smartphone market, with iPhone and BlackBerry tied at 27%. HTC was the most successful phone brand on both Android and Windows platforms. A tenth of all smartphones were Motorola Android devices.
