Spotify adds buying links

via spotify.com

Spotify have now made it FAR more obvious that you can now buy tracks in their software.

Personally, I'm not a fan (they can't be hidden, even if you're a paid subscriber). However, I can definitely see WHY they did it.. There was some concern that Spotify wouldn't be able to continue indefinitely - too many people taking the free option, not enough revenue from adverts and paid subscribers.. however with the requirement to have premium for the mobile version, and these new buying links, perhaps spotify has a chance to stay afloat?

I certainly hope so, as it has brought a welcome revolution to the music industry that was stuck in iTunes grasp.. iTunes is still a great piece of software, but at least now we have more choice..

Posted via web from Technology Log

Microsoft Debuts Mobile Backup Service ‘My Phone’, Adds Premium Features

via feedproxy.google.com

Pretty sweet for WinMo users! However is this type of backup service really all that new / exciting?
iPhone and BlackBerry users have for some time been able to backup their phones to a computer, and almost all smartphones can now sync Calendar, Contacts and email to Google systems wirelessly..

So, will this make that big an impact, enough to make people switch?

Posted via web from Technology Log

Mmm, heated boots...

[Via besportier]

Quite possibly one of the most amazing inventions ever.. Hi tech, AND it keeps your feet toasty!!

Posted via web from Technology Log

The home media plan

I would like to envisage a home media system, and by system I mean a complete - all devices working in harmony.. I haven't got this system setup, but this is the way I see it going with a total of 7 devices (6 if you throw away the second laptop):

Network and broadband

1.    ADSL+ modem (free from broadband supplier)

2.    Airport Express
Supplies n-class wireless to all, easy setup

Storage

3.    Drobo (FAT32) (Connected to Airport Express)
Multiple hard-drive enclosure with easy, hot-swap hard drives, and idiot proof Raid to combat hard-drive failure. Stores Music, Movies, Recorded TV and all other large files (e.g. original Photoshop artwork)

4.    External HD (HFS+) (Connected to Airport Express)
Provides Time Machine support (backup) for OS X computers

Computers

5.    Media PC (Windows Media Centre 7) Always-on, connected to TV
Records shows to Drobo over Wireless, plays back movies / music / photos, can be configured over the web, includes bittorrent (stores to Drobo). Minimal size, aiming for virtually silent when on

6.    Apple laptop (OS X)
For general work, including heavy use in artworking. Backs up automatically to External HD using Time Machine, and can access files on Drobo over local network, or remotely via Media PC.

7.    Linux Laptop (Ubuntu)
Second laptop for general use in case anyone needs it and general play toy

All Photos and Office documents stored in Dropbox on all 3 computers (gives local and web based access, syncs automatically to all machines).

Linux and Apple machines using Airfoil app to send audio (movies, music etc) to Media PC for best speakers.

Does it look complicated? Oh yes. However I think the setup of the entire thing (with the possible exception of setting up web remote access on the Media PC) would be relatively easy even for the non-extremely geeky..

What do you think? How would you change the system, or what does yours look like?

Posted via email from Technology Log

Spotify goes offline - who needs MP3s?

Spotify are now matching their desktop app and enabling the desktop application to go offline (premium subscribers only).
I'm a massive fan of Spotify and a premium subscriber, and haven't downloaded / purchased any music ever since starting with it.. And why would you? Infinite (ish) music available in a constantly changing collection. I get bored with music very quickly and want some variation, and with Spotify, I can have it!

So why would you want MP3s? Why iTunes?
- Embedded lyrics, genius mode on desktop
- background playing and inline controls on the iphone

But are those enough to have to worry about storage space, proper tagging and management, files only being in one location (or some very clever networking all over the place..) - not for me!

Spotify goes offline

via Spotify by Andres Sehr on 10/1/09

No, we’re not turning off the music - we’re extending the popular ‘offline mode’ that is available on Spotify Mobile and bringing it to your computer!

Starting today, Spotify Premium subscribers will be able to select their playlists and set them to be ‘Available offline’. Those playlists will then be synced to your computer so you can continue to listen to your favorite tunes if you have a slow connection or even if you have no connection at all. Each computer will be able to store up to 3,333 tracks at a time.

To use ‘offline mode’ you’ll need to be running the latest version of Spotify and you may have to log out and back in for the feature to kick in.

So don’t let the lack an internet connection stop you from listening to Spotify - upgrade to Spotify Premium today and sync your music.

Posted via email from Technology Log