M-Audio Announces Sponsorship of International Songwriting Competition
Thursday, August 28, 2008
M-Audio, a part of Avid Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVID), and a leading provider of creative tools for musicians, is proud to sponsor the 2008 International Songwriting Competition (ISC). Judged by a host of A-list artists and producers, the ISC is the premiere contest for aspiring songwriters across the world.ISC contestants compete in 20 different categories to win a variety of gear, scholarship and cash prizes. M-Audio is pleased to provide a host of professional solutions designed to make it easier for aspiring songwriters to compose and record their own music. Featured products include the Studiophile® BX5a Deluxe studio reference monitors, Studiophile® Q40 reference headphones, ProKeys™ Sono 88 portable digital piano with USB audio interface, and KeyRig 49 USB keyboard controller.
The ISC has assembled a panel of 46 high-profile judges from across the music industry. The panel includes artists Rob Thomas, Tom Waits, Chaka Khan, KT Tunstall, Ray Davies and Paul Van Dyk; music industry executives Monte Lipman (president, Universal Records), Nick Burgess (Head of A&R, Virgin Records UK) and Amy Doyle (Senior VP, MTV Artist and Talent); acclaimed producer Steve Lillywhite, and many more.
“The ISC provides a great opportunity for up-and-coming songwriters to get feedback from renowned industry veterans who know what it takes to succeed in this business,” says Adam Castillo, director of marketing for M-Audio. “M-Audio is proud to contribute to the success of those who will be writing the hits of tomorrow and helping shape the future of the music industry.”
Category prizes include a $3,000 equipment package for first place, $2,000 package for second place, and a full scholarship to the Berklee College of Music's five-week Summer Performance Program for the winner of the Teen category. The Overall Grand Prize Winner will receive a generous package of $20,000 in prizes and $25,000 in cash. Each entrant’s submission is judged on a variety of criteria (partially dependant on category), including creativity, originality, lyrics, melody and arrangement.
Entries must be postmarked on or before October 15, 2008. ISC 2008 finalists will be announced in February, 2009 and winners in April, 2009. For more information on the International Songwriting Competition, visit www.songwritingcompetition.com, or call (615) 251.4441.
Labels: General News
Belkin Desktop Internet Phone for Skype
I love Skype and have been a dedicated user for about two years now. With Skype's new subscription plans you can make unlimited calls for a fixed price, or free Skype-to-Skype calls for absolutely nowt. The only real way to take advantage of the Skype service is to have a phone or handset that negates the need to have your Mac or PC switched on. With such a device you can just pick up the phone and use it just like a normal landline.The new Belkin Desktop Internet Phone for Skype is such a device and it is available now for £79.99. The main features include a contact list for over 500 sets of Skype and SkypeOut contacts. You also get automatic login to your Skype account. This little baby plugs into an ethernet port on your wired or wireless router, using your broadband or ADSL connection for ultra cheap or free calls. The fact that it is wired enables the promise of plug'n'play, so really easy for joe public to set up and use. It sounds really good and certainly looks the part... expect to see a full review here soon.
Labels: Mac Peripherals, PC Peripherals
More discounts from Proporta for Nokia N95 users
A double whammy of offers from Proporta today, with a massive 50% off two of their Nokia N95 cases. The two choices on offer are the Alu-Crystal Case for the Nokia N95 or N95 8GB. Use the codes below at checkout to claim your discount.50% discount off Proporta Alu-Crystal Case (Nokia N95) with promotion code N95USERS
50% discount off Proporta Alu-Crystal Case (Nokia N95 8GB) with promotion code N958GB
Labels: Mobile Phones
Proporta acknowledge new iPod Nano Rumour with discounts
We all now know that a new iPod Nano could well be just around the corner. Well, case manufacturer Proporta have sent me details of discounts on their existing range of Nano cases, acknowledging the rumours too. Head on over to their website where you can pick up 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation Nano cases at a massive 50% discount.Labels: Apple iPod
Make and Craft Magazines Review
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
If you fancy getting away from the screen for a while and to work on a tech or craft project, then you could be in for a treat here. Check out the video review below of two superb magazines.
Product: Make Magazine & Craft Magazine
Price: Various (single & subscription)
Labels: Reviews
Logitech MX1100 Cordless Laser Mouse - WOW!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
I love Logitech gear, their keyboards and mice (amongst other things) rock. Up until I recently changed to a Microsoft Natural Laser Mouse 6000, I had always used Logitech gear, including their S530 keyboard and mouse combo for the Mac.Their latest offering looks very nice. The MX1100 cordless laser mouse has a total of ten programmable buttons, that include their Stealth Thumb Button. This one is strategically placed where your thumb would naturally fall, making it easy to switch between applications. Improved battery life is also claimed. Costing just under $80 in the USA with official UK pricing TBC, although I have found it for £50 on pre-order at some UK websites. Expect to see a video review on Geekanoids in due course.
Labels: Mac Peripherals, PC Peripherals
Kevin Rose spills beans on new iPods
Kevin Rose of Digg fame has posted an interesting entry and video on his blog. Telling us of his insider information, revealing a new iPod Nano in a curved and tall/skinny form. Plus all of the iPod line-up dropping in price. All this plug a juicy snippet on Mac OS 10.5.6. Check out the video for full details below and visit Kevin's blog here. It is nice to see him doing posts like this, thanks dude.
Labels: Apple News
Turn you iPhone into a trackpad with pearPad
Saturday, August 23, 2008
This little application sounds really interesting, it basically allows you to turn your iPhone into a trackpad and take control of your Mac. Taken from the publishers website; "pearPad is a little application that turns your iPhone/iPod Touch into a remote trackpad and keyboard for your Mac. This comes in handy for example if you connect your Mac to an HDTV to show off some pictures, browse the web, or give a presentation. pearPad gives you almost full control in your palm." Check out the website here for a free download.Labels: Apple iPhone
Apple post another new ad, but ssssh don't tell!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Wow, yet another new advert out of the Apple HQ... and this one is probably a favourite of mine from their newest releases. 'Off the Air' introduces viewers to the fact that if you are switching from a PC to a Mac, Apple will help you transfer your files across... cool! Check out the new advert here.Labels: Apple News
Three new Apple Adverts... Calming Teas
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Apple have three new adverts today, as part of their 'Get a Mac' series. Things kick off with 'Pizza Box' which is kinda funny, moving on to 'Throne' and then my favourite of the trio 'Calming Teas'. You would have thought that the humour would be wearing a little thin on this format. Not so, Apple deliver the message with their usual pizazz, I suggest you check the new ads out here.Labels: Apple News
Yazsoft Sharetool - sharing for the masses
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Yazsoft is proud to announces a major new application, ShareTool. Developed for Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later, ShareTool is hands down, the fastest, easiest, and most secure way to access all of your Bonjour services from anywhere in the world. No server or technical skills required. Just a simple mouse click. Also works with VPN connections. For anyone that's been itching to get Bonjour working over VPN, ShareTool is for you!ShareTool lets you access all of the Bonjour services on your home or office network from anywhere in the world - securely. This includes iTunes Music Sharing, Screen Sharing, File Sharing, printing, and more.
With ShareTool, you can listen to your entire iTunes music library at work, control the screen of any of your home computers, or grab that important file you forgot to bring with you. And this is simply the tip of the iceberg. With ShareTool, it's as if you've never left the comfort of your very own network!
Some Key New Features in ShareTool:
* Simple Setup: ShareTool automatically configures routers supporting NAT-PMP or UPnP.
* Easy Access: Remote services automatically appear in Finder, iTunes, and other applications.
* Compatibility: ShareTool enables remote access for any application or service that advertises itself using Bonjour and runs over TCP/IP.
* Security: All network traffic is strongly encrypted. Access to your services requires your Mac OS X username and password.
* Dynamic domain name support
* On the fly compression: Transfer large files quickly.
* Secure web browsing: surf the internet using your own browser securely.
* and much more!
What's New in version 1.2.2:
* New: Major new interface changes for even more simplified usage.
* New: Updated internal ShareTool protocol to be more versatile.
* New: Added Remote Printing functionality.
* New: Integrated Sparkle support for future updates.
* New: Remote Login detection procedure.
* New: Built-in Help menu added.
* New: Updated ShareTool manual added.
* Other: Many internal tweaks to ensure optimal performance and security.
Supported Languages:
* US English
System Requirements:
* Requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later; Leopard ready.
* 22 MB Hard Drive Space.
* Internet connection.
Pricing and Availability:
* $20: 1 User license.
* $30: 2 User license. (Save $10)
* $75: 5 user license (Save $25)
Free demo is available today from this link.
Labels: Mac Software
Ring Automotive 12V Can Multisocket Review
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
If you have a lot of gadgets (don't we all?) that need charging, then why not tackle some of that whilst on the move. The 12V Can Multisocket with twin USB sockets from Ring Automotive offers up a handy solution. Check out the video review of this bargain product.
Product: Ring Automotive 12V Can Multisocket
Price: £12.99 (average)
Supplied by: Ring Automotive
Contact: +44 (0)113 213 7389
Labels: Mac Accessories, PC Accessories, Reviews
Sennheiser MM 50 iPhone Headset
Sunday, August 10, 2008
This classy looking headset will in fact work with any iPod or MP3 player, though it was specifically designed for the iPhone. It'll work with either the original generation or the new iPhone 3G. The MM 50 iP from Sennheiser is an all black affair and I must say it looks really classy. They are supplied with a useful 1.3m cable length, that seems less prone to tangling than other offerings.Using an in-ear design, to both help acoustics and block out unwanted noise, you get three different sized silicone ear sleeves. They do not go too deep into the ear canal (I hate deep fitting ear phones), so they feel really comfortable. In use they block out a decent amount of noise from the outside world. The acoustics when listening to music or watching a movie are sublime to say the least. With a frequency response of 18-22,000Hz you really do get a deep bass response, very rich and full bodied. Midrange is very good too, with only the higher end lack (but only by a cats whisker).
The MM 50 iP does not stop delivering there... the 'iP' at the end of the model number should give the game away. As I mentioned earlier, although you can use this with virtually any MP3 player that sports a 3.5mm connector, they were designed for use with the iPhone. They have a slimline 3.5mm plug, so they will work with the original iPhone without the need for an adapter, or of course with the iPhone 3G which negates any of these special needs anyway. They sport an intergrated in-line microphone, which has a button to start/end calls. Acoustically, the microphone delivers yet again with a wide frequency range. I performed a lot of test calls and the recipients reported a nice clear voice quality, with no distortion. When on the receiving end of a call I experienced this first hand... voices sound very natural and accurate, I could definitely tell the difference between the Sennheiser mic and the one that Apple supplies with the iPhone.
Everything about the Sennheiser MM 50 iP ooozes quality. The physical feel of the headset, the comfort factor and the superior audio and mic quality all add up to a superior product. It delivers on all fronts.
Product: Sennheiser MM 50 iP earphones
Price: £59.95
Supplied by: Sennheiser UK
Contact: +44 (0)1494 551551
Labels: Apple iPhone, Apple iPod, Reviews
Griffin announce iTrip Universal
Friday, August 08, 2008
Griffin Technology Inc., creator of all things iPod and iPhone, today announced the availability of iTrip Universal, the newest addition to Griffin's iTrip family of FM transmitters. iTrip Universal is compatible with most portable audio players and is the first iTrip to feature a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.iTrip Universal allows audio to be played through the FM stereo at home or in the car using any portable audio source that uses the common 1/8" (3.5mm) headphone jack, including iPod, Sansa, Zune, portable CD players and more.
iTrip Universal's internal battery can be recharged through any USB port, and then connects to the player with the included stereo audio cable. Three user-programmable presets save the best frequencies. In addition, stereo/mono output modes are also user selectable.
iTrip Universal Features:
Streams music to any FM radio
Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Quick set-up and easy frequency selection
Three-station memory and backlit LCD screen
Compatible with Samsung, Creative, Sansa, Sony, iPod and any audio source that uses a 1/8" headphone jack
Pricing and Availability
Griffin's iTrip Universal is priced at $39.99 and is now shipping and available. For more information, please visit www.griffintechnology.com/products/itrip-universal
Labels: Apple iPhone, Apple iPod, News
Razer Destructor Gaming Mouse Mat Review
Monday, August 04, 2008
Don't let the title deceive you. If you are not into gaming, then this pro level mouse mat might still be of interest. As a graphic designer I really appreciate the precise tracking on offer here. Check out the video review below.
Product: Razer Destructor Gaming Mouse Mat
Price: £25.99 (average UK)
Supplied by: Razer USA Ltd
Contact: saleseu@razerzone.com
Labels: Mac Accessories, PC Accessories, Reviews
The Authors
Dave
Dave has been in the graphic design industry for 14 years. Long time reviewer of technology related products, he is Owner/Editor of Geekanoids.
Guest Contributors
We will occasionally feature guest articles and reviews. If you have interesting content, please feel free to email us.
About This Website
This site covers all the latest Macintosh, technology & gadget related news. We also bring our readers thorough, unbiased reviews of computer software, hardware & peripherals, with some alternative products thrown into the mix.
Contact Us
You can email us with news, tips, or comments to geekanoids@gmail.com. This blog is published and maintained by Wiki Design.
Subscribe to podcast
