Interesting to see how music companies are evolving with new products in the Digital Age. Major record labels are about to launch the “ringle” – it is a CD with a slip-sleeve cover, it will feature a one hit and maybe one remix and an older track — and one ringtone. The idea is that if consumers in the digital age can download any tracks they want individually, why not let them buy singles in the store as well? It also enables stores to get involved in the ringtone phenomenon.
Source: Christman, E (2007) “Music Industry betting on ‘ringle’ format” , 9th Sept
Full story available at Reuters
Have you read about this one yet? It’s been all over the news lately…
I am surprised that this a cosmetic company has finally taken steps to sue Ebay. Although the other luxury houses have already taken action, the liability to sell counterfeit is really out of eBay hands/hard to manage. What could they implement for sellers to verify the items are genuine and the buyers to be guaranteed the items are kosher? Not that eBay should be endorsing fakes but people ultimately have the choice to purchase them. I think sellers should be made aware items are replicas – honesty is the best policy. There would not be a supply for fakes if there was not a demand for it.
Another consideration is why the law has not developed legislation to address these issues, the web has been around for a almost 20 years!
Source: Antonovics, N (2007) “L’Oreal challenges eBay over sale of fakes” 10th Sept
Article available at Reuters
Comments: Strange name but great idea. This site specializes in online auctioning for “kids necessities” this is great for people trying to buy or sell
second hand babieswear/children toys, parenting books to maternity clothes.
https://www.monkeysundies.com/index.asp
It seemed like a matter of time when this would be made possible. High definition radio technology and major radio companies announced a new free service called “iTunes Tagging.”
The service allows listeners with HD Radio receivers containing a special tag button, to “tag” songs they hear on the FM dial for subsequent purchase via Apple’s iTunes. At the moment the tagging button is available on limited range of HD radio models produced by Harman International Industries.
U.S. radio operators are working to promote HD Radio, which receives over-the-air terrestrial stations with CD-quality sound and multiple new-program formats, in an effort to better compete with ever increasing digital music options. The industry has pledged to spend $250 million on marketing through the HD Digital Radio Alliance.
A few years ago there was mobile technology developed to “tag” songs on radio for purchase on the mobile which could be shared online but the technology has not taken off or been heard of much after its inception . It would be interesting to see when HD radios will develop critical mass and if this will be successful channel to drive online music purchase.
Source: Zeidler, S (2007) “iTune Tagging unveiled” September 7th
Full article available on Reuters.
