YouTube launches the YouTube Audio Library, free music for personal YouTube videos
Have you ever uploaded an amazing homemade video with your friends to YouTube, just to have it taken down or forever muted because of copyright claims? YouTube's always been a pro-community service and understands how important background music can be in a video which is why the company has recently announced the YouTube Audio Library. The service offers more than 150 instrumental tracks that can be downloaded and used for videos. Despite the seemingly paltry number of songs (with more coming, I'm sure), YouTube has made it easy to search for tracks as they can be filtered by length, genre, and even mood. Are you looking for a sappy, strings-filled song to accentuate a kiss? How about some thrash to complement a fight scene? It's all in the YouTube Audio Library.
After an eight-year absence, I might finally be able to re-upload my AP European History video on Chicago's railway system using the YouTube Audio Library... as long as I can cover up the Eminem song playing in the background.
[via YouTube Creator Blog]
Apple sells more than nine million iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c models in first three days
The new era of Apple’s popular iPhone ushered in on Friday with the launch of two new models: the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 5c. As has been customary for years, many lined up to be among the first to take a bite out of Apple’s next wave of the popular smartphone, so much so that the company has set a new record.
This morning, Apple announced that the combined weekend sales of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c had reached nine million units sold with plenty more to come over the upcoming weeks as stores are restocked with extra shipments. Of course, the news comes with an asterisk to the record as this is the first time that Apple has released two new iPhones at the same time; the eight different color variations for the smartphones (three for the iPhone 5s, five for the iPhone 5c) also helped pad the enormous amount.
Of course, nine million units sold in three days is nothing to scoff at despite any positive PR spin Apple applies to the launch. However, what would be more eye-opening would be the revenue the company made over the same three day time period with the cheapest versions of each phone priced at $199 for the iPhone 5s and $99 for the iPhone 5c.
[via engadget]
Grand Theft Auto V’s first three days made $1 billion in revenue
Grant Theft Auto V has been my most anticipated video game of the year, and with good reason. After a five-year span since the last prime Grant Theft Auto game and with the current generation of consoles running on their last legs, GTA V was going to represent the final hurrah for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 era.
Needless to say, the game hasn’t disappointed both critically or commercially as the game currently has a Metacritic score of 97+ and generated over $800 million in revenue in its first 24 hours, shattering the previously set Day 1 record of $500 million made by 2012’s Call of Duty: Black Ops II.
It only took three days for Rockstar’s gaming opus to pass the $1 billion mark, shattering analysts’ expectations of the game surpassing the number in five months. Considering a PC version hasn’t been released yet, Grand Theft Auto V is guaranteed to still have a large amount of money coming in.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a Juggalo lackey to patronize.
[via Destructoid]
Netflix Follows Pirating Trends
There is a reason Netflix is so comfortable with the Hollywood bigwigs and it's got little to do with bringing Arrested Development back, or maybe it does. CNET reporter Steven Musil wrote an article for the site detailing how Netflix mines illegal pirating sites for what their most popular programs are. It makes sense, Netflix can do better business with the studios if they are helping them to regain lost profits elsewhere. Piracy sites essentially act like the minor leagues for the online streaming behemoth. Like the Yankees keeping an eye on one of the Cubs players before picking him up late in the season, Netflix waits to see which shows are doing well in the illegitimate free download spectrum before bringing them into their own red army. In the piece, Musil cited Kelly Merryman, the company's vice president of content acquisition in Europe as saying, "With the purchase of series, we look at what does well on piracy sites," Merryman told Amsterdam-based tech site Tweakers, noting that that information contributed to its decision to pick up the hit TV show "Prison Break." "'Prison Break' is exceptionally popular on piracy sites," she said. It is an interesting strategy that harks back to the NSA issue in Washington, just how much are they watching? For now, Netflix is simply concerned that you are watching.
Apple Announces Launch Date for iTunes Radio
It looks like Apple is ready to step into the ring with Spotify, Rdio, Pandora, and Google Play Music All Access by officially announcing that it's music streaming service iTunes Radio will be available September 18. Apple's newest music feature will be released as part of the new iOS7 update. "Its focus is placed on playlists or stations based on the music that already exists in users personal libraries, this is generated from iTunes entire catalogue." You will be able to use iTunes Radio on all Apple devices as well as with iTunes Windows based devices. There is no cost to using iTunes Radio and it is completely free but like other services it will supported by ads but there is an upgrade that's ad free for a price.
[Via Hypetrak]
[Video] RICOH THETA Brings Spherical Photographs To The Masses
RICOH has created a new camera that takes full spherical photos in just one shot, something that is new to the digital photography world. No more messing around with panoramic shots on your phone, the camera, named THETA, easily takes them with just the push of the shutter button. "The THETA’s ultra-slim twin-lens optical system snaps the view from around, above and below the device to create seamless panoramas." As soon as you take the photo, it is automatically sent to your smartphone or tablet for you to do what you please with it. You can expect to pre-order this starting in October, but until then check out the video and see what this camera is capable of.
[youtube id="E9Q6ac5NVgU"]
The New Leica C by Audi Design
Some new photos have surfaced of the new Leica C camera that has been designed by luxury car brand Audi Design. The new Leica C is a compact point and shoot camera with the very slick design that Audi Design is known for, and it's an equivalent to the Panasonic Lumix LF1. There is no price set for the camera yet, but you can expect to pay somewhere in the range of $700-800 when it releases. When you purchase the camera, you'll also receive Adobe Photoshop Light Room included with it, which is cool. There's no firm release date, but it's expected to be released sometime in October. For more about the specifications of the new Leica C and photos check them out below.
[Via Phoblographer]
Design by Audi Design
Based on the Panasonic Lumix LF1
12.1MP 1/1.7? sensor
7.1x zoom, Leica DC Vario-Summicron f2.0-5.9/6-42.8mm ASPH. lens (28 – 200mm equivalent)
EVF
WiFi / NFC connectivity
Comes with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
New accessories for the Leica C will be available
Size: 103 × 63 × 28mm
Weight: 195g weight
Philips M1X-DJ iPad Dock and Mixing Deck
So your turntables are in the shop, you lost your phone, your laptop has crashed, and now you're left with only your iPad. Thanks to Philips, you're still able to listen to all of your favorite tracks and even test out your mixing skills. The M1X-DJ is a portable DJing gadget that can connect to your iPad and iPhone 5 and is controlled via the DJ 2 app. It features 80 watts of power, professional-grade platters, and other controls including cross faders; it also has Bluetooth capabilities if you want to connect other devices. Look for the M1x-DJ to be released sometime in November.
[Via Highsnobiety]