VIDEO: MADtv’s Early Version of the iPad
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Comedy, Late Night, FOX, Video,
Although Apple’s iPad was formally introduced today, the technological gadget has actually been around for a while.
Check out this old sketch from MADtv.
Read More 
| YouTube
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The Beatles and iTunes - Forever Separate?
Posted by K.C. Morgan Categories: Music, Prime Time, Reality, FOX, American Idol, Gossip,
The legal issues (which boiled down to a trademark dispute) between Apple, Inc. (the computer company) and Apple Corps. (the recording label which supports The Beatles) was solved way back in February of 2007. A year has gone by, and recent rumors suggested that Beatles tunes would at long last be made available in the iTunes catalogue.
Apple, Inc., however, has called these rumors “unsubstantiated speculation” while Apple Corps is issuing a “no comment” approach. The deal has been in the works for months, with Paul McCartney saying he expected Beatles tunes to become available through Apple, Inc. sometime in early 2008. Well…we’re waiting. What’s the deal here, Apples?
Both sides could be holding out until just the right moment to make the announcement, releasing the tunes when it seems most opportune. Perhaps…during a live broadcast of TV’s most popular show? If you want to know the fate of Beatles tracks on iTunes, American Idol might be the series to watch for breaking musical news.
Yahoo! News
The Beatles: Across the iUniverse
Posted by K.C. Morgan Categories: Music, Prime Time, Reality, FOX, American Idol, Gossip,
The first invasion of America by the British created a nation. The second British invasion? That created four icons who will never fade from memory or music: The Beatles. Though the Fab Four were Liverpool-born, their music has literally been played across the universe. One place it’s never been played is iTunes, but at last that’s all about to change.
Apple (the company behind the iMac) and Apple (the record label associated with The Beatles) have finally come to a deal. For a cool $400 million Apple (computers) purchased the rights to feature the tunes. The money will be split between the estates of the group members themselves, the Apple recording label, and Michael Jackson (who owns the publishing rights to many Beatles tracks).
Let’s start to pull this together. American Idol recently inked a deal with iTunes to display contestant songs. The show then magically managed to get the rights to sing the Lennon-McCartney song book for the first time in seven years, and iTunes suddenly has permission to include Beatles tunes in their listings. What wonders cross-promotion can create.
Switched
Apple May Lower Price for TV Show Downloads
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: NBC, Internet,
Despite a severed relationship with NBC Universal, Apple is supposedly considering lowered prices for iTunes users. (Lack of pricing flexibility had been a point of contention in the NBC failed negotiations). Currently, downloads of television shows cost $1.99/each. If changes are made, consumers may soon pay only $0.99 for song and episode purchases.
It’s expected that many entertainment companies will balk at the proposal fearing slashed prices would hurt their bottom line. Why would fans still purchase boxed-set DVDs if packaging a season online proves more cost-effective? But Apple conversely believes that reducing prices would actually boost revenue for all parties involved.
There’s no indication at this time when or if this strategy may ever take effect.
Read More | Variety
NBC Leaves Apple, Turns to Amazon
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: NBC, Announcements, Internet, News,
After severing ties with Apple, NBC Universal has forged a relationship with Amazon.com. So fans in need of a missed show can now turn to Amazon’s ‘Unbox’ service for their fix. NBC claims this new partnership allows for more pricing flexibility and packaged content.
To whet your appetite, the network will be allowing fans to download for free pilots of their new fall shows (including those for Bionic Woman, Chuck and Life). Interestingly enough, later episodes will then be available for $1.99 (the same price made familiar by iTunes).
Be looking for those new pilots come next Monday (September 10th).
Read More | Hollywood Reporter
NBC Programs No Longer Available Via iTunes
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: NBC, Heroes, The Office, Announcements, Video,
Forget to Tivo the latest episode of The Office? Lose this week’s Heroes due to a power outage? If you find yourself in one of these predicaments this fall, don’t be looking to iTunes to save your butt.
A dispute over money has severed ties between the Peacock Network and Apple. It’s reported that NBC Universal wanted a dramatic price increase for their shows in their latest contract (over twice the wholesale cost). According to Apple, this would have raised the consumer price-per-show from $1.99 to $4.99. Although the current agreement expires at the end of 2007, Apple has elected to stop offering any new NBC programs before the 2007-08 season even begins.
It’ll be interesting to see which side, if any, caves in first. Though NBC’s programming accounts for approximately 40% of iTunes’ video downloads, many of its shows have greatly benefited by this popular viewing method. And let’s not forget—NBC is still considered the fourth place network.
Read More | Seattle PI
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