Billboard.biz - News

Apple Tops Phone Chart As Nokia, Samsung Step Up

By Tarmo Virki, Reuters — Wed, 11 Nov 2009

The world's two largest cellphone makers, Nokia and Samsung Electronics, have unveiled their latest rivals to the iPhone as Apple became the top profit generator in the handset industry.

Music Tops European Paid Digital Content, Says Study

By Andre Paine, London — Tue, 10 Nov 2009

A new report by Forrester Research has found that music is leading the way in paid digital content across Europe.

Business Matters: Rdio, Keith Urban, Sky Songs

By Glenn Peoples, Nashville — Tue, 10 Nov 2009

Details of the new on-demand music streaming service Rdio; ticketing practices of the music business were investigated by a Nashville's News Channel 5; Sky Songs makes a push through a Sun special offer, and more.

Shazam Unveils New $5 App, Adds Restrictions

By Billboard staff — Mon, 09 Nov 2009

Mobile music discovery provider Shazam launched its new Shazam Encore App today and announced new limitations to its existing free app.

Analysis: Sky Songs, Where's The Buzz?

By Glenn Peoples, Nashville — Mon, 09 Nov 2009

BSkyB, the British ISP, quietly launched Sky Songs a few weeks ago. Very quietly.

Ciara Onboard For LG, Verizon Push

By Mike Shields, Mediaweek — Mon, 09 Nov 2009

As a lot of attention falls on high-end smartphones, LG is focusing where much of the volume is—the middle of the market—with a marketing plan that calls for more spending and celeb endorsements

Business Matters: BlueBeat.com, Qtrax, Choruss

By Glenn Peoples, Nashville — Mon, 09 Nov 2009

Qtrax misses Australian launch date; Bluebeat.com CEO explains site's technology; Billboard charts on Spotify; and more.

Italian Biz Bemoans Broadband Cut

By Mark Worden, Milan — Mon, 09 Nov 2009

The Italian record industry has expressed its concern about the government's decision to block 800 million euros ($1.2 billion) in funding that had been destined for the development of broadband networks.

Business Matters: Spotify, Sirius XM, Journey and More

By Glenn Peoples, Nashville — Fri, 06 Nov 2009

A look at Spotify's job of converting its free users to paid, premium subscribers; IFPI responds to a survey by think tank Demos that says file sharers are avid music buyers; Sirius XM's Q3 2009 earnings, and more.

France's Deezer Launches Premium Services

By Aymeric Pichevin, Paris — Fri, 06 Nov 2009

Paris-based on-demand streaming service Deezer has unveiled premium offers to complement its free ad-supported service.

CTS Eventim, iTunes Partner On Ticket Offers

By Andre Paine, London — Fri, 06 Nov 2009

German ticketing company CTS Eventim has partnered with Apple's iTunes store to provide exclusive concert offers.

German Biz Loses Private Copying Case

By Wolfgang Spahr, Berlin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009

The German record-industry has failed to successfully fight against provision 53 of the country's copyright law, which allows the digital copying of CDs for private use.

Internet Censorship Seen Liable To WTO Challenge

By Jonathan Lynn, Reuters — Fri, 06 Nov 2009

Censorship of the Internet is open to challenge at the World Trade Organization as it can restrict trade in services delivered online, a forthcoming study says.

Business Matters: EMI, The Beatles, Kill Rock Stars

By Glenn Peoples, Nashville — Thu, 05 Nov 2009

Free vs. paid content; bad news for piracy fighters; a look at EMI's complaint against BlueBeat.com and more.

HMV Canada Flips Switch On Beta Music Site

By Robert Thompson, Toronto — Thu, 05 Nov 2009

Music retailer HMV Canada has launched a beta version of its digital music Web site.

EMI Wins Temporary Injunction Against BlueBeat

By Antony Bruno, Denver — Thu, 05 Nov 2009

EMI Music has won an injunction against a small digital music retailer that has been selling digital downloads of the Beatles catalog at bargain prices.

No Doubt Sues Activision Over 'Band Hero'

By Alex Dobuzinskis, Reuters — Thu, 05 Nov 2009

No Doubt has sued video game publisher Activision Blizzard Inc over the use of their likeness on its new "Band Hero" product, accusing the company of turning the rockers into a virtual karaoke act.

EU Says Internet Access Can Be Restricted

By Andre Paine, London — Thu, 05 Nov 2009

The EU has agreed that a user's Internet access may be restricted, if necessary and proportionate, only after a fair and impartial procedure including the right to be heard.

Rihanna Partners With Nokia On 'Rated R'

By Andre Paine, London — Thu, 05 Nov 2009

Island Def Jam has teamed up with Nokia on a globally streamed live performance by Rihanna, featuring songs from new album "Rated R."

Spanish Govt Rules Out Three-Strikes Law

By Howell Llewellyn, Madrid — Thu, 05 Nov 2009

Spain does not intend to disconnect Internet users who repeatedly ignore warnings not to download copyright protected content, according to culture minister Angeles González-Sinde.