Sony Music Boss: Censored YouTube Videos Cost Us Millions

Sony Music’s CEO of international business said in a recent interview that the Internet is a blessing for the music industry. Nevertheless, there are still problems that have to be overcome, such as restrictive copyright enforcement by music rights collecting agencies. The Sony boss says that YouTube revenue running into the millions is being lost because German rights group GEMA’s policies prevent artist videos from being shown online in the country.

[via TorrentFreak]

Beatles' Official Ringtones Released Today in iTunes Store

Though there are many Beatles ringtones that can be found online, as of today 27 official Beatles ringtones are available on iTunes .

Press release.

Cell Phone Usage Banned in NYC Performances

Back in 2003, the New York City Council voted to ban the usage of cell phones in all movie theaters, Broadway theaters, concert halls and venues for live performance. Broadwayworld reports.

The law, which theater owners proposed, was vetoed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, but his veto was overturned. Bloomberg felt the law was "unenforceable," reports Reuters. "The law carries a fine of $50 for offenders who are caught and cited."

The ban came after several patron complaints about cell phones and recent news coverage of cell phones going off in the middle of concerts.

But, the problem continues and the law remains unenforced.

What should be done?

(Useless) Study shows ringtones adversely affect concentration

Amazing what Universities will actually study. This one clams ringtones adversely affect concentration. Well duh! they're supposed to. They are meant to interrupt whatever you are doing so that you answer the phone.

A recent study by Washington University claims that mobile ringtones affect concentration adversely, especially catchy ringtones – like your favourite song. The study claims that mobile phones only on silent mode, without even vibration, are the only way to avoid being distracted.

The study’s lead author, Jill Shelton, explained: “Many of us consider a mobile phone ringing in a public place to be an annoying disruption, but this study confirms that these nuisance noises also have real-life impacts. These seemingly innocuous events are not only a distraction, but they have a real influence on learning.

[via ThinkDigit]

Ringtones reborn: Just call them notifications now

Pops, an Android development firm out of Tel Aviv, thinks that personalized notifications are the next big thing. GigaOM reports.

Pops allows users to turn their ordinary alerts into something flashier and more entertaining.

The free-to-download app hosts a gallery of more than 1,000 animations (called pops) that hook into the notification systems for apps like Facebook, SMS and Gmail, letting users to spice up their Android handset and see different clips or video depending on what sort of message is coming in.

The average smartphone owner sees 3,000 notifications each month, according to Pops CEO and co-founder Yaron Orenstein.

Read full article.

Apple iTunes chief accepts Steve Jobs' Grammy

Steve Jobs was posthumously awarded a Grammy Award last night for his contribution to the music industry for helping: "To create products and technology that transformed the way we consume music, TV, movies, and books."

The award was accepted by Eddy Cue, who was recently promoted to senior vice president for Internet software and services and Yo-Yo Ma paid him a tribute.

[via CNet. Image from oobly.com]

Google plans entertainment system

Google is planning a major push into home entertainment with a new music streaming system controlled by Android smartphones.

The internet giant will make its first move into consumer electronics later this year, unveiling a Google-branded product that can wirelessly play music on other devices in the home, according to the Wall Street Journal.

[via The Guardian]

'Phantom' mobile phone vibrations: why we get them

Professor Alex Blaszczynski of the School of Psychology at the University of Sydney has a scientific explanation from fanthom vibrations — when you hear your phone vibrate —  but no one is actually calling you. The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

According to Blaszczynski, the vibration people felt was not "phantom" nor related to an addiction but "a real sensation" similar to what occurs when you place your mobile near a speaker and hear a buzzing sound when it's communicating with a tower.

That sound, caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI), occurs even when a mobile isn't receiving a text message or ringing, and it can often happen when the mobile is doing what is known as a "hand shake" with a mobile tower, he said.

The "burst of electrical activity" in that hand shake affects skin nerves, causing transcutaneous muscle stimulation and giving the impression of a vibration, he believes.

According to Rob Nokes, president of Sound Dogs, a sound effects company in California.", phantom rings are a "psycho-acoustic phenomenon" related to the way the human brain interprets sound.

Read full article.

Related articles on audio illusion, phantom phone rings ringxiety or fauxcellarm blogged by textually over the years.

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What does New Gingrich's ringtone say about him?

Newt Gingrich’s ringtone made headlines recently at an event in Nevada. Politico reporter Ginger Gibson wrote: “Gingrich’s cell phone then began ringing in his pocket, playing Dancing Queen by Abba. It was the full version, complete with words, and played the chorus twice before shutting itself off." Gingrich made no attempt to turn it off. [via The Wasington Post]

"What your ringtone says about you" is always a huge favorite of mine. I would say Newt Gingrich chose Abba, because he probably likes the group (who doesn't). It's age appropriate for him (they were hot in the 70s) but still immensely popular today because of the Broadway revival Mama Mia followed by the hit movie. The music is upbeat and appeals to all ages and all demographics. Safe choice.

Image credit.