Posts Tagged ‘music’

New online music service: rara.com

Saturday, January 21st, 2012

rara.com has just been launched for Singapore, Australia and Canada. It is an ad-free streaming music service that provides access to more than 10 million tracks at an introductory pricing of S$0.99 per month.

rara.com has been launched for Singapore, Australia and Canada.

rara.com has been launched for Singapore, Australia and Canada.

rara.com is currently live in 20 countries across Asia, Europe and the Americas.

The service was launched a month ago across the USA, UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Denmark,Finland, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and New Zealand.

rara.comrara.com’s global footprint is expected to double by the end of 2012.

Grammy award winning Imogen Heap has been named the first Associate Editor of rara.com, which has secured licensing from Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, EMI Music, Warner Music Group.

“Even if fans want to pay for the artists’ work legally it is often actually very difficult for various reasons. rara.com is a super easy service for everyone to use and I love the information on tracks and artists that rara.com gives you,” said Imogen Heap, Associate Editor on rara.com’s Music Advisory Board.Publishers and collection societies have also licensed the service internationally with Omnifone, whose MusicStation Platform powers rara.com.

HP will pre-load rara.com on HP PCs in Singapore, Australia and Canada.

The service is also available via an app on most Android mobile devices.

The new service was developed following an ICM Research (involving 1,000 adults) commissioned by rara.com which showed that at least 70% of consumers have not bought a digital music track in the past six months; and that 60% had never experienced any form of digital music.

rara.com hopes to attract this group of music consumers who have yet to convert to digital music, rather than wrestle away tech savvy music consumers already using existing online music stores such as Apple’s iTunes and Amazon’s Cloud Player.

rara.com is also available on Android devices via an App.

rara.com is also available on Android devices via an App.

A simple and beautiful user interface on a standard web browser removes the need to navigate or manage lists of digital media files.

rara.com also features a wide selection of curated music channels to suit the listerner’s mood.

Available at the touch of a button, the service makes playing music online as easy as switching on the radio or CDplayer.

rara.com users can also share music through Facebook and other social networks.

Pricing for rara.com

There are two tiers for the monthly pricing – one for basic online access and the other with added mobile access for Android smartphones.

For Singapore, Australia and Canada, there is an introductory pricing for the first three months of subscription.

Users are free to unsubscribe from the service at any time.

Refer to the table below for the details.

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LG home theater systems for 2012

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

LG integrates 3D Sound and Smart TV Technologies into four new 3D Sound home theater systems it introduced during CES 2012. The BH9420PW will hit Singapore stores from April 2012.

LG introduced four new home theatre systems for the year during CES 2012.

LG introduced four new home theatre systems for the year during CES 2012.

LG aims to draw synergy by combining its 3D Home Theater Systems with its CINEMA 3D Smart TVs.

The first of the four systems to launch, the BH9420PW incorporates LG’s own 3D Sound Zooming technology, which constantly synchronizes sound output with the location and movement of the on-screen 3D images on a CINEMA 3D Smart TV.

BH9420PW will hit Singapore stores from April 2012.

BH9420PW will hit Singapore stores from April 2012.

3D Sound Zooming is capable of generating variety of depth in sound based on a complex algorithm that analyzes the varying depth of numerous on-screen objects displayed on the 3D TV.

The immersive 3D sound is enhanced further by the BH9420PW’s 9.1 speaker system, which adds four Upright 3D Speakers to the 5.1 channels of a conventional home theater system.

The four Upright 3D Speakers pump sound upward, ensuring that the vertical space is completely filled with sound. Meanwhile, a 360º Reflector inside each of the Upright 3D Speakers reflects sound in all directions, creating acoustics as rich as those in a concert hall.

LG combines its 3D Home Theater Systems with its CINEMA 3D Smart TVs.

LG combines its 3D Home Theater Systems with its CINEMA 3D Smart TVs.

In addition, by applying LG’s unique 3D effect DSP algorithm, the Sound Field Expansion technology further expands the horizontal sound field, and works in harmony with the Upright 3D Speakers to create a truly immersive, 360º sound experience.

The audio “sweet spot” is further extended so viewers always feel as if they are right in the middle of the action, regardless of their location in a living room.

In order to provide viewers with a wide range of 3D experiences, the BH9420PW is equipped with a Smart TV function which provides access to LG’s Smart TV ecosystem – with a growing variety and quantity of 3D content through various premium content services and apps, such as LG’s 3D Zone.

Top ten: YouTube music videos in 2011 – Globally

Thursday, December 22nd, 2011

What are your favourite music videos on YouTube?

Here are the most-watched music videos on YouTube in 2011 (globally):

1. Jennifer Lopez – On The Floor ft. Pitbull

Here are the rest of the Top Ten:

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New Soundbars: Bose Lifestyle 135 and CineMate 1 SR systems

Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

Bose has unveiled its first soundbars. The Bose Lifestyle 135 System (S$4,999) and CineMate 1 SR System (S$2,999) are now available in Singapore.

Bose Lifestyle 135 System (S$4,999) from Atlas Singapore

Bose Lifestyle 135 System (S$4,999) from Atlas Singapore

Bose’s first soundbar solutions offer audio performance and placement flexibility to deliver home theatre sound from a single speaker array, and a new wireless Acoustimass module

“Most conventional soundbars are bulky and hard-to-place, or thin but unable to deliver life-like sound,” said Dr. Michael Tien, CEO of Atlas Sound & Vision.

“The new Lifestyle 135 and CineMate 1 SR systems deliver a powerful audio experience that defies their size and elegant design – whether you’re watching a movie, playing a video game, or listening to music.”

The Lifestyle 135 system includes a media console for up to six HD sources (four HDMI inputs), an AM/FM tuner, and a dock for iPod or iPhone.

Featuring the proprietary Bose Unify intelligent integration system, the media console acts as a central hub and makes connecting devices to the console hassle-free.

The CineMate 1 SR system attaches directly to a TV with just one cable – simple and easy.

Both soundbar set-ups feature a programmable remote that controls the system and nearly any connected source, be it a Blu-ray Disc player or a cable box.

PhaseGuide Technology:
Immersive Sound From One Visible Speaker

The Lifestyle 135 system and CineMate 1 SRsystem are the first Bose speakers to feature the advanced PhaseGuide sound radiator technology.

PhaseGuide sound radiator technology

PhaseGuide sound radiator technology

This technology was originally used in the company’s VideoWave entertainment system – Bose’s high-definition television that integrates a complete home theatre sound system behind a 46” 1080p LCD display.

Combined with proprietary TrueSpace digital processing circuitry, PhaseGuide technology transforms the listening experience.

Discrete sound seem to emanate from places where there are no speakers, and it comes from a single array that measures just 2.4″ deep, 36.8″ wide and 4.9″ high.

Remote control the system and nearly any connected sourceThe new Acoustimass module delivers low notes with cinematic impact.

Smaller than previous Bose Acoustimass modules, its wireless link allows it to be hidden, completely out of sight.

Soundbar Setup:
Horizontal, Vertical, Anywhere in the Room

Unlike conventional soundbars, the Lifestyle 135 and CineMate 1 SR systems have true placement flexibility: they can be positioned near the TV, wherever it is, and in two orientations – without compromising audio performance.

The Bose FlexMount automatic placement compensation senses whether the speaker has been placed horizontally on a table, or mounted vertically on a wall.

It automatically adjusts the sound, offering owners two choices for soundbar setup with the same assurance of spacious, natural sound.

Bose ADAPTiQ audio calibration technology offers another performance assurance: the system will deliver optimal sound in any room.

It first recognises where the system is located, then compensates for how the acoustics of the space affect its audio quality.

The sound is then customised based on the room’s unique size, shape, even furnishings.

SITEX 2011 promotions: Bose audio products

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011

Atlas Sound & Vision will be offering promotional discounts for many Bose audio products during SITEX 2011 from 24-27 November, 2011.

Head for the Bose@Orangecomm booth (5J42) in Hall 5 at the Singapore EXPO.

Discounted products include speakers, headphones and sound systems for docking portable music players.

Bose SoundDock Portable S$579Bose SoundDock PortableUsual: S$749
SITEX: S$579
Re-engineered for portability. Delivers all the performance of the acclaimed SoundDock digital music system – with the added convenience of portability.Slim design. Powerful performance. Proprietary waveguide speaker technology and powerful neodymium speakers – engineered specifically for the SoundDock Portable digital music system – enable a smaller, slimmer profilewhile delivering the kind of performance you’d expect from Bose.Rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides more power and longer playtime than other types of rechargeable batteries, for hours of listening enjoyment.
Bose SoundDock 10 S$999Bose SoundDock 10Usual: S$1,249
SITEX: S$999
Advanced engineering and new technologies. New version of Bose proprietary waveguide technology and a newly designed Bose woofer to deliver four times the efficiency of a conventional woofer.Dock-and-play simplicity. Yet plays from the iPod or iPhone with exceptional clarity across the full musical range, and delivers the low-note performance and volume levels of much larger sound systems.New functionality. The SoundDock 10 system is “Made for iPod” and “Works with iPhone” certified, compatible with any click-wheel iPod or iPod Touch, and the iPhone 3GS, 3G and original iPhone model.
Bose SoundDock 11 S$499Bose SoundDock 11Usual: S$579
SITEX: S$499
Compatibilewith all iPhoneTM and most iPod modelsVersatility. The iPod charges as it plays, and the improved remote
controls system power and volume, and lets users navigate among iPod playlists.
There’s also an auxiliary jack for bringing Bose sound to DVD/CD players, MP3
players or other portable devices. Slimmer profile. The SoundDock II system’s look has been softened with

smoother lines and a sleeker profile to easily fit anywhere in the home.

Bose Around Ear 2 headphones S$189Bose Around Ear 2 headphonesUsual: S$219
SITEX: S$189
Bose TriPort acoustic headphone structure for music that sounds smooth and natural.Large, compliant ear cushions made of memory foam better accommodate different head shapes and distribute pressure more evenly over a larger area to reduce pressure pointsFold-flat earcups for easy storage, single detachable cable, slim overall design
Bose Around Ear 2i headphonest S$229Bose Around Ear 2i headphonesUsual: S$269
SITEX: S$229
The Bose AE2i headphones combine immersive sound and a comfortable fit with an inline remote and microphone that work exclusively with select Apple devices – including the latest iPhone, iPod, iPad, and MacBook Pro models.Engineered with an advanced acoustic design that includes the proprietary Bose TriPort acoustic headphone structure for music that sounds smooth and natural.Inline microphone makes it easy for users to access voice applications and the simple remote enables users to make track
Bose On Ear headphones S$189Bose On Ear headphonesUsual: S$225
SITEX: S$189
Fold-flat earcups and a collapsible headband for increased portability and easy storage.Earcups rotate front to back and top to bottom, resulting in uniform pressure on the ears that enhances audio performance and comfortable fit of the headphones.Bose TriPort acoustic headphone structure enables a wide range of sound, especially lower notes from small earcups.
Bose Quiet Comfort 3 S$629Bose Quiet Comfort 3Usual: S$699

SITEX: S$629

Designed for in-flight use and for personal listening at home, in the office and while commuting.Offers the performance of around-ear headphones with the portability and convenience of an on-ear design.Bose Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphone technology fades background distractions for a clean audio sound signal at the ear.

Bose TriPort headphone structure allows for small earcups, a combination of noise reduction and an extended bass response.

Fold-flat earcups allows for easy, convenient storage.

Bose Quiet Comfort 15i S$539Bose Quiet Comfort 15iUsual: S$599
SITEX: S$539
• Designed for in-flight use and for personal listening at home, in the office and while commuting.Bose Acoustic Noise Cancelling headphone technology fades background distractions for a clean audio sound signal at the ear.Proprietary QuietComfort earcup cushion design maximizes audio performance, noise reduction and user comfort.

Includes fold-flat design, AAA battery and carrying case for easy storage while travelling.

Additional cable with inline remote and microphone is now included for convenient control of select Apple products.

Bose In Ear 2 earphones S$135Bose In Ear 2 earphonesUsual: S$149
SITEX: S$135
Enhanced acoustic design makes music sound smoother and more natural.Proprietary StayHear tips deliver comfort and greater stability on the go.Convenient case for storing and protecting headphones included.
Bose MIE2 mobile headset S$169Bose MIE2 mobile headsetUsual: S$199
SITEX: S$169
Works with most smartphones and mobile phones to let you take calls with one-touch ease.Enjoy music on your phone with high-quality audio.Proprietary StayHear tips deliver comfort and greater stability on the go.

Also available in Bose® MIE2i mobile headset exclusively designed for greater control
of select Apple products.

Bose Companion 5 S$639Bose Companion 5Usual: S$749
SITEX: S$639
Surround sound experience. Gives your computer much of the surround sound performance you might expect from a conventional five-speaker system. When you’re sitting at the keyboard, music, games and movies come to life with rich detailed 5.1- channel sound that seems to surround you.USB simplicity. Connects to your computer through a single USB port. No sound card upgrade required. No adaptors needed. No complicated wiring. Just one simple USB connection and you’re enjoying a surround sound experience.Simple, elegant design. Delivers a surround sound experience from just two visible speakers that sit neatly on your desktop. Hideaway Acoustimass® module provides deep, accurate lows.
Bose Companion 20 S$539Bose Companion 20Usual: S$539
SITEX: S$539

*Purchase Bose AE/AE2i headphones at 20% off

Each speaker fits neatly to the right and left of a laptop or monitor, with the acoustic image being expanded by Bose TrueSpace stereo digital signal processing.Additional proprietary digital signal processing and active electronic equalisation ensures accurate sound reproduction. At the highest listening levels, there is no distortion – and when played quietly, music still can be enjoyed with detail and realism.A small, circular control pod lets users adjust volume and access one-touch muting. It also offers a headphone jack and input for an additional audio source; for example an iPhone, iPod or other portable devices.
Bose Companion 2 S$159Bose Companion 2Usual: S$199
SITEX: S$159
Bose® TrueSpace stereo signal processing technology for a spacious, dramatic soundstage that seems to extend beyond the desktop speakersSleek and compact speakers fit easily in their surroundings to save desk spaceDual inputs make it simple to connect the computer and portable audio sources at the same time with both volume and the headphone jack situated on the front of one of the speakers to provide easy control over the listening experience.

GarageBand now available for Apple iPhone and iPod

Sunday, November 6th, 2011

GarageBand 1.1 for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch is available on the App Store for USD$4.49 to new users, or as a free update for existing GarageBand for iPad customers.

GarageBand 1.1 for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch is available on the App Store

GarageBand 1.1 for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch is available on the App Store

GarageBand is a universal app that runs on iPad, iPad 2, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and iPod touch (3rd & 4th generation).

GarageBand 1.1 for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch is available on the App StoreThe music creation app from Apple was Introduced earlier this year on the iPad. GarageBand uses Apple’s Multi-Touch interface to make it easy for anyone to create and record their own songs, even if they’ve never played an instrument before.

GarageBand features a collection of fun Touch Instruments that sound great and make it easy for beginners or experienced musicians to play and record keyboards, guitars, drums and basses in a wide variety of styles.

“The innovative Multi-Touch interface combined with Smart Instruments makes it easy to create great sounding music, even if you’ve never studied music or played an instrument before,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.Smart Instruments now allow you to choose from an extensive new library of custom chords so you can play and strum along with your favourite songs.

You can plug your electric guitar into iPad, iPhone or iPod touch to play and record through classic amps and stompbox effects, or record your voice or any acoustic sound using the built-in microphone.

GarageBand allows you to record and mix up to eight tracks and then share your finished song with friends or send it to your Mac to keep working on it in GarageBand or Logic Pro.

COMEX 2011 promotions: Creative Technology

Sunday, August 7th, 2011

Creative Technology will be at Booth 6121 in Hall 602 during COMEX 2011.

Check out the promotions below. By the way, from now until 30 September 2011, when shopping online at Creative store, use the promo code “LESS10P” at the cart page during checkout to enjoy a 10% discount.

Promo price Usual price Remarks
ZiiSound D5x Wireless Speaker System S$349 S$399 Limited to 50 sets
Second unit S$249 Purchase with purchase of D5x
ZiiSound DSx Wireless Subwoofer S$149 S$199
D80 Wireless Speaker S$49 Free EP-570 Earphones Bulk Pack worth S$39 whilst stocks last
Zen Style M300 Portable Media Player S$69 S$79 4GB, limited to 50 sets
S$79 S$89 8GB, limited to 50 sets
WP-300 Wireless Headphones S$59 S$99 free USB charger worth S$29
WP-350 Wireless Headphones S$99 S$139 Limited to 50 sets per day
Aurvana In-Ear3 Earphones S$169 S$199 Limited to 50 sets
Sound Blaster Tactic 3D Omega Wireless Gaming Headset S$199 S$269 Limited to 20 sets
Sound Blaster Tactic 3D Sigma Gaming Headset S$99 S$149 Limited to 50 sets
Sound Blaster Tactic 3D Alpha Gaming Headset S$69 S$99 Limited to 50 sets
Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Sound Card S$99 S$149 Limited to 20 sets per day
Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium HD Sound Card S$199 S$299 Limited to 20 sets per day

Amazon beats Apple and Google to music streaming service

Wednesday, March 30th, 2011
Amazon launches the service ahead of rivals Apple and Google who are both preparing to release similar services.

Amazon unveiled Cloud Player – its music streaming service that allows users to buy tracks, store them on the company’s servers and play them on Android smartphones and browsers on computers.

Amazon targets cloud storage for consumersMusic libraries can be uploaded to Amazon’s new Cloud Drive, which provides 5 gigabytes of free memory space. Users who purchase an album from Amazon.com will have their Cloud Drive space upgraded to 20 gigabytes. This can can be used to store music, photos, videos and other digital files.

The service targets users who find it a hassle to download music to their work computer or phones because they find it hard to move music around to different devices.

It is unlikely that the service will win over existing customers of iTunes since Apple’s own music streaming service will likely be launched soon.

Observers believe Amazon’s sights are well beyond the music arena. It is hoping to capture market share of users storing their data online. They want to get – not just music – but the user’s entire hard drives on its cloud.