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 Gadgets Have 
 Consumers 
 Crying for Help 

Buyers frustrated by problems with cell phones, internet access and computers

(Newser) - Digital technology plays a key role in the lives of most Americans, but it's often too complex, frustrating, and prone to failure, a study by the Pew Research Center finds. Nearly half of consumers said they regularly need help setting up a device, learning how to use it, or solving problems, reports the San Francisco Chronicle . Among researchers' findings: More »

More about:  Internet cell phones technology iPod BlackBerry Comcast Internet access Pew Research Center MP3s Pew Internet and American Life Project consumers

Musicians Plug Upgrades
to Flat-Sounding Digital

'Unacceptable quality compromises' key move to improved downloads, CDs

(Newser) - Musicians dissatisfied with the sound of digital media are releasing albums as higher-quality downloads, on high-definition DVDs and even on vinyl, USA Today reports. Last year, Amazon and iTunes agreed to boost the quality of their MP3s, but some groups are using even better versions to eliminate what Neil Young calls "unacceptable quality compromises" made for CDs and the like. More »

More about:  music music downloads CDs Neil Young MP3s vinyl quality control

Audio Books Lose Copy Protection

Major publishers' downloads can be played on all devices

(Newser) - Some major book publishers are planning to remove anticopying protections from digital audio books, allowing customers who download them to transfer the files between their computers and portable players. The world’s biggest publisher, Random House, will offer all its audio books as unrestricted MP3s this month, reports the New York Times , and Penguin Group seems ready to do the same. More »

More about:  iPod copyright online retailers iTunes Store digital downloads DRM MP3s portable media players DRM free music Penguin Group Simon & Schuster Random House

Labels Want to Beat iTunes but Feds Say, Slow Down

Justice Department begins inquiry into 'Total Music' plan

(Newser) - The latest music industry initiative to beat iTunes, Universal’s Total Music plan, is facing a Justice Department inquiry before it’s even out of the concept stage. Universal and Sony have gotten DOJ letters of inquiry, reports the Wall Street Journal . It’s uncertain what aspect of Total Music concerns the DOJ, but competitors cooperating to set prices could raise issues. More »

More about:  music industry music downloads antitrust MP3s Total Music

A Good Day for EU File Sharers

Telecoms don't have to turn over personal data of illegal download suspects: court

(Newser) - The EU’s high court ruled today that telecommunications companies are not obligated to turn over the personal data of individuals suspected of illegally sharing copyrighted material online, the AP reports. The European Court of Justice said member nations could create laws allowing for the disclosure of file-sharers’ info in civil suits, but said such provisions would have to strike a balance between privacy and property rights. More »

More about:  file sharing copyright infringement MP3s downloads European Court

RIAA Boss Clarifies Lawsuit

Says industry has never prosecuted anyone for ripping CDs for personal use

(Newser) - RIAA chief Cary Sherman says the recording industry has never prosecuted anyone for  ripping or copying CDs for personal use, Engadget reports. Sherman appeared on NPR and characterized media reports about a recent high-profile suit as inaccurate. The legal action, he said, is against a man who ripped CDs not just for himself but to give others access as well through file sharing. More »

More about:  music industry copyright file sharing copyright law RIAA MP3s Cary Sherman

Nokia Divides Itself to Focus on Mobile Net

New corporate structure emphasizes services and software

(Newser) - Furthering its plans to transform into a mobile Internet company, Nokia has announced a corporate reorganization into three divisions: devices, software and services, and markets. It’s the focus on software and services, Fortune writes, that’s exceptional for the world’s largest phone manufacturer, and signals the seriousness of the firm’s intentions to remain a major player as mapping, music and games change the cell phone market. More »

More about:  cell phones cell phone industry Nokia MP3s mobile services Navteq Ovi

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