Online music: Same tunes in a different package

Can you recall the last time you actually paid for music on your mobile phone? If you even need a second to think about this, you are not alone. The digital music market is hardly new and people have been downloading and sharing music for ages. Music sales online and via mobile channels were worth an estimated US$2.9 billion in 2007, according to IFPI which represents the recording industry worldwide.

Some other interesting statistics were also released in the recent Digital Music Report for 2008. There are more than 500 legitimate digital music services worldwide with over 6 million tracks collectively and the ratio of unlicensed tracks downloaded to legal tracks sold is about 20:1. Online sales account for 67 percent of the digital market in the US, while over 90-percent of Japan's digital sales are on the mobile platform. The report also highlighted that China has huge potential, but is largely held back by rampant piracy and poor returns to rights owners.

Last week, Nokia launched its second online music store in the APAC, offering a-la-carte downloads and a buffet-style jukebox service on the PC. A Time magazine article said that LG will be launching a service similar to Nokia's Comes With Music this mid-year. iTunes, on the other hand, is already available in Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

Numerous online music service models are sprouting up and consumers are getting more choices than they ever had. However, the biggest hurdle the record labels and phone makers now have to overcome is getting the price model right for their music (and dropping DRM). Each track on the Nokia music store in Singapore costs S$2 (US$1.47), while iTunes Australia offers a single song at A$1.69 (US$1.59). Compare this to US$0.99 per tune on iTunes in the US, and you wonder why the difference is so great. The question is, how much would you pay to own the music? Or would you rather IM your buddy to ask if he has the song?

Picture credit: Sony Ericsson

BenQ announces C36 music-phone

We are not sure if it is a sign of better times since BenQ has been steadily adding new handsets to its mobile phone lineup. At the Mobile World Congress in February, the Taiwanese company showcased its first NFC-enabled Windows Mobile 6 smart phone--the T80. Shortly after in March, the ultra-slim T60 candybar phone was unveiled. Latest in the company's portfolio is the C36 music-phone. Sure, its features are rather humdrum, including a 1.3-megapixel camera that supports AVI video recording and doubles as a Web cam, 2-inch LCD and FM radio, but it's better than lying low for months at a stretch. The C36 is expected to debut in Indonesia this month with other countries' availability still pending.

A wide (and delicious) world of cell phone dangles

A trip over to the Japanese Web site Strapya-world.com is always entertaining. The sheer variety of cell phone dangles is mind-blowing with everything from tiny vacuum cleaners called Henry to the expected Hello Kitty characters. The food section is particularly interesting with dangles representing just above every aspect of eating including breakfast, dessert, and drinks. Best of all, the site includes both international and Japanese food. In the latter category, we told you already about the sushi dangles, but today I found miniature bowls of udon. Maybe like udon itself they can be a great way to pass a cold, rainy day. The udon dangle is US$4.15.

While the oddest dangle on Strapya remains the "unko" dangle, my new favorite is the little Shinkansen (bullet trains). Not that I'd buy a cell phone dangle, but I think they're cute just the same. I'm also a fan if the Lego-like USB drive.

Via CNET Crave

Because bikers need distractions too

Why should car drivers be the only ones to enjoy watching video on the road? As cyclists acquire more rights, they should also be able to distract themselves as effectively as their motorist counteparts.

The "iPhone Bike Mount" is supposedly designed to make it easier to control the device for music and phone controls on handlebars, but we fear that it might simply add to the growing list of eye-averting gadgetry that has made commuting a multi-tasking adventure for many afflicted with dangerously short attention spans. The bracket can rotate 360 degrees so the screen can be seen at any angle desired for optimal viewing of the iPhone, media player, or any other device that will fit in its adjustable arms. Just be ready with an excuse in case you get into an accident.

Via CNET Crave

Did Chanel know about the Chanel Choco phone?

The Chanel Choco phone was conjured up by designer Fred de Garilhe, and apparently, Chanel had nothing to do with this conceptual design. No matter since what we geeks are more interested in is how it works, right?

According to what we understand, the phone is made of two movable parts. When you slide up the right-most column on the 4-by-4 design, it reveals the keypad as well as the screen. The internal optical-fiber system then projects the visual components, such as the digits on the keypad, onto the relevant parts made of still glass.

Doesn't everything sound like a brilliant idea when it is still a concept?

Credit: Style To Go

Crave is...

The name says it all. Crave is our new blog about cool gadgets and other crushworthy stuff.

Drop us an email if you have tips or suggestions.

Crave for...

» Mobile Phones (569)

» Digital Cameras (351)

» Notebooks (360)

» PC & Peripherals (369)

» Handhelds (210)

» Printers (35)

» Home AV (385)

» Music & Play (353)

» Gadgets (837)

» Future Tech (122)

Previously...

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Subscribe to
Crave

Today on CNET |  Reviews |  Crave |  Blogs |  CNET TV |  Digital Living |  Downloads