Archive for the ‘Music’ Category

Jay-Z Magna Carta Holy Grail now live on Spotify

Tuesday, July 9th, 2013

Jay-Z fans will now be able to listen to his new album – Magna Carta Holy Grail, is now available on Spotify a week before its commercial release.

TODAY! Jay-Z's Magna Carta Holy Grail is now live on Spotify.

TODAY! Jay-Z’s Magna Carta Holy Grail is now live on Spotify.

The highly anticipated album, which has given him the best first week sales of his career, is available for streaming as of today.

Magna Carta Holy Grail draws inspiration from his recent fatherhood, celebrity lifestyle and personal beliefs.

The album features a stellar list of producers, including Swizz Beatz, Timbaland and Pharrel Williams.

Additionally, Jay-Z fans will get to listen to guest vocals by Justin Timberlake, Frank Ocean and Beyoncé.

Keeping true to the Spotify promise of bringing the world’s music to everyone instantly, Magna Carta Holy Grail will join Spotify’s ever-growing portfolio of over 20 million tracks.

COMEX 2012 promotions: Sennheiser

Wednesday, August 29th, 2012

Sennheiser will be at COMEX 2012 at Suntec Singapore at Hall 6, Booth 6361.

Click to view or download Sennheiser promotions during COMEX 2012.

Click to view or download Sennheiser promotions during COMEX 2012.

Audio buffs can check out Sennheiser’s new Amperior headphones (S$499) and the RS220 wireless headphones (S$749). Free gifts for those spending above S$40, S$150 and S$200.

Gift ideas for a melodious Valentine’s Day

Sunday, February 5th, 2012

Planning to enjoy some romantic music during Valentine’s Day? Here are some gift ideas from a selection of stuff that I’ve covered in my blog previously.

Valentine's Day doodles by Suelyn Howe

Valentine's Day doodles by Suelyn Howe

First off, some doodles from Suelyn Howe that you can print out for use as your Valentine’s Day gift tag or card.

Bose OE2 (S$219) and OE2i (S$269) available in Singapore.

Bose OE2 (S$219) and OE2i (S$269) available in Singapore.

Now the audio gizmos. For improved depth and clarity, check out Bose’s new on-ear headphones, the OE2 (S$219) or OE2i (S$269), which deliver better audio performance than their predecessors and feature an updated look and stylish design.

Powered by BlackBerry 7, 10.5mm, NFCTo listen to music from a smartphone, check out the Pure White BlackBerry Bold 9900 (prices vary with Telcos), which is incredibly sexy and sleek.

With the unique white colour, she is sure to stand out in a crowd and always be looking for reasons to pull her phone out of her handbag.

Long evenings chatting on the phone to the boyfriend (that’s you) and BBM flirting (with you) will now be done in style!

For both listening to music and talking to you on the smartphone, check out the Bose Series 2 Bluetooth headset (S$249).

The headset assures conversations remain clear and natural – even in challenging environments, or when surrounding noise levels change suddenly.

Bose Bluetooth Headset Series 2 (S$249)

Bose Bluetooth Headset Series 2 (S$249)

For streaming music and movies, check out the Seagate GoFlex Satellite.

Seagate GoFlex Satellite 500 GB wireless mobile storageIt is the first battery-powered external hard drive to wirelessly extend the storage capacity of any Wi-Fi enabled device such as your Bold 9900, iPad or any other tablet and mobile device.

Couples can stream their favorite videos, music and pictures from their GoFlex Satellite (S$299) straight to their mobile device.

With 500GB (or 300 HD movies), the GoFlex Satellite allows you to connect up to three devices simultaneously.

What’s even better – if you are on a road trip or in a café and you have no internet connection, the Satellite will still work as it creates its own Wi–Fi network.

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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New Bluetooth Headset: Bose Series 2

Thursday, January 19th, 2012

Bose has introduced the Bluetooth Headset Series 2. It is available in Singapore for S$249.

Bose Bluetooth Headset Series 2 (S$249)

Bose Bluetooth Headset Series 2 (S$249)

The Bose Bluetooth headset Series 2 assures conversations remain clear and natural – even in challenging environments, or when surrounding noise levels change suddenly.

The headset integrates Bose full-­range audio and A2DP, and comes in either right or left-ear versions.

The Bose Bluetooth headset Series 2 includes a proprietary dual microphone system to improve speech intelligibility beyond that of conventional Bluetooth headsets, rejecting background noise and tremendously reducing the audible effects of wind.

Bose proprietary signal processing further counteracts the unwanted sounds of a wide variety of places – gusty walkways, commuter rail platforms or airports.

To keep incoming voices clear, Bose TriPort acoustic structure and Bose Adaptive Audio Adjustment technology react automatically as noise levels change so that there’s no need to adjust volume settings or strain to hear a conversation.

The new internal antenna substantially reduces acoustic artifacts – the “pops,” “clicks” and “buzzes” familiar to Bluetooth headset owners – and minimises reception difficulty between the headset and a phone being carried in a pocket.

Compatibility

The Bose Bluetooth headset Series 2 is compatible with devices using the Bluetooth 2.1 (or earlier) specifications that support the Bluetooth hands-­free or A2DP profiles.

For consumers who want to maintain an active connection between their headset and two Bluetooth enabled devices, it includes multi-point functionality.

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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Top ten: YouTube music videos in 2011 in Singapore

Wednesday, December 21st, 2011

In a year when YouTube reached 48 hours of content uploaded every minute, YouTube viewers in Singapore couldn’t get enough of global smashes from LMFAO, Jennifer Lopez and Bruno Mars, as well as viral hits like the comedic tunings of “Nice Guys” (finish last), and local YouTube hit Yam Ah Mee.

In Singapore, the most watched music videos from major music labels in 2011 are:

1. LMFAO – Party Rock Anthem ft. Lauren Bennett, GoonRock

Here are the rest of the Top Ten videos:

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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.

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.