January 7, 2008
iTunes Tagging Hits CES
The previously announced combination of iPod, iTunes, and HD Radio is all over the Consumer Electronics Show: iTunes Tagging allows radio stations broadcasting in digital FM to tag their songs with information that is then, in turn, grabbed by a receiver with an iPod dock and transferred to a docked iPod. When the iPod is connected with a Mac or Windows system, iTunes grabs the tagging details and lets you choose whether to preview or purchase the songs.
Alpine, JBL, JVC, Polk Audio, and Sony are all demonstrating iTunes Tagging at CES.
January 1, 2008
iBiquity Suggests Satellite Merger Requires HD Radio Requirement, End to Exclusive Deals
iBiquity has a neat card up its sleeve regarding the potential XM/Sirius satellite radio merger: The developer and licenser of HD Radio technology wants the FCC to require that digital AM/FM be a required part of new satellite radio receivers if the merger is approved. The company has no opinion on whether the merger itself should be approved or not, but they believe a merged entity would drown out HD Radio, if given the chance. They also want an end to exclusive automotive relationships that may have discouraged carmakers from adding HD Radio as an option.