ringtones

'Digital exploitation' in play in Allman-UMG suit

A ringtone can make a star--or at least a one-hit-wonder--out of a musician, as the likes of T-Pain can attest to. So it should come as no surprise when musicians such as the Allman Brothers Band focus on the profits from ringtone sales, downloaded singles, and other electronic sources of revenue.

The popular group sued UMG Recordings in federal court on Monday, Reuters reported, claiming that it was the victim of "digital exploitation." The band is asking for a larger cut of recordings sold through third parties, demanding at least $13 million, plus additional royalties from CD sales … Read more

EU cracks down on shady cell phone services

The European Union's consumer chief is taking action against dodgy Web sites selling mobile phone ringtones and wallpapers with unscrupulous practices, according to a story by Reuters.

On Thursday, EU Consumer Commissioner Meglena Kuneva launched an investigation into 500 Web sites that sell ringtones, wallpapers, news feeds and video games to consumers. Kuneva believes these Web sites are misleading consumers, notably teenagers, and getting people to spend hundreds of millions of euros on services.

"Far too many people are falling victim to costly surprises from mysterious charges, fees and ringtone subscriptions they learn about for the first time … Read more

Jay-Z raps on in 10 exclusive ringtones

With sales for digital singles outpacing CD sales, it's hard to imagine an artist overlooking any avenue of digital distribution and revenue. Yet with the exception of a handful of tracks, American rap icon Jay-Z has resisted releasing his 100-song catalog as ringtones--until last week. That's when most of the remaining tracks streamed into the digital media marketplace. Most. Through August, ten of the artist's smash singles have been earmarked for only one site.

Starting Monday, those hidden hits, including 'Can I Get A', 'IZZO (H.O.V.A.)', and 'Roc Boys (And The Winner Is)', became … Read more

Gadgettes 33: Flashback! - The Stalker Episode

Yeah, we suck. What with all the babies, vacation, and CBS happening around here, a new Gadgettes just wasn't in the cards this week. So instead, get ready to get your stalker on with this episode from Gadgettes past. Listen now: Download today's podcast EPISODE 33

Trackstick Pro GPShttp://www.popgadget.net/2007/02/trackstick_pro.phpNike + iPod stalkinghttp://gizmodo.com/gadgets/portable-media/stalking-101-hack-the-nikeipod-sport-kit-221933.phphttp://www.scienceblog.com/cms/nike-ipod-combo-can-be-used-as-tracking-device-12108.htmlZoom in with the DC-NCP130 Webcamhttp://www.popgadget.net/2007/01/zoom_in_with_th.phpTake your loved one's picture EVERYWHERE http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9687910-1.html… Read more

Ringtones go to the dogs in Japan

Love dogs. Love the Japanese even more for their highly bizarre gizmos. No other country has consistently amused and amazed the world with its weird and wacked-out inventions. Try topping this latest idea: Ringtones audible only to dogs, from Tokyo-based interactive content provider Dwango (PDF in Japanese).

Lest you think it's an error in translation, Dwango describes the download service very clearly as Inu ni shika kikoenai chakushinon--which translates to "Ringtones only dogs can hear," according to CrunchGear. But since this is available specifically for DoCoMo's i-mode phones, only Japanese dogs need apply.

(Source: Crave Asia) … Read more

First Look: RingtoneExpress

A personalized ringtone is worth a thousand preset tones. It's no wonder why so many users produce their own, and why so many developers join the talent show. While all ringtone-making software share some commonalities, they usually vary by some degree of pricing, audio editing sensitivity, and delivery mode. RingtoneExpress, for instance, is light on editing tools, but offers four methods for loading MP3 and WMA content onto the phone. The pricing is kept low, about $10 for limitless ringtone creation, and uniquely, it can also suck the audio out of YouTube videos for conversion to an MP3 ringtone.… Read more

AT&T settles cell phone fee suit

AT&T wireless subscribers who were hoodwinked into signing up for recurring charges for ringtones and other content will receive refunds as part of a class action settlement.

Customers will get refunds for charges that appeared on their bills between January 1, 2004, and May 30, 2008, the Associated Press reported Monday.

This is the first nationwide settlement that refunds customers' money from charges for third-party content, the news service reported. Jay Edelson, who filed the claim on behalf of the plaintiffs, has filed similar lawsuits against Verizon Wireless, Sprint Nextel, and T-Mobile USA.

This latest decision could boost … Read more

Report: Apple wants more mobile music

Apple is in talks with the largest record companies as it attempts to boost the iPhone's offering of ringtones and other musical content, according to a report in The New York Times.

Citing several unnamed music industry executives, the Times said that negotiations are "very active" and a final deal has not been set.

A final deal may come after June 9, when Apple CEO Steve Jobs speaks at the company's developer conference, the paper reported. That is when some expect Apple to announce the coming of the next-generation iPhone.

In addition to beefing up ringtones, … Read more

First Look video: ToneThis ringtone creator

ToneThis hails from the school of personalized cell phone content that errs on the side of simplicity. Not everyone wants or needs dozens of settings to produce a functional ringtone or wallpaper photo, and to that end, ToneThis is the perfect entree for casual customizers.

It's got a few basic enhancements for editing ringtone length and adding fades, but it could stand to gain a few more. Even novice users might like to reduce red-eye in a favorite photo. Still, for many, ToneThis will be the hassle-free vehicle of choice for getting their videos, music, and photos onto their … Read more