THE FUTURE DOES NOT COMPUTE

We are truly living in an exciting period. We are about to experience a major transition that will shake the very foundation of all music labels, music consumers and sharers around the globe. I am talking about the dawn of Music 2.0 as coined by Forrester Research analyst James McQuivey. Music 2.0 refers to the transition from conventional business models to new not yet proven models based revolving around the internet and most importantly file sharing. Only until now have music executives started to realize that file sharing is actually beneficial to the industry. They have yet to implement a working model where sharing of files is possible while still making a revenue.

That is exactly where Sony BMG, Warner Music and Universal have stepped in to make it possible. They have partnered with MySpace to create the MySpace Music service, yet another iTunes killer. It will offer DRM-free downloads, paid for videos, free music streaming and a host of music-related activities like tickets sales and music merchandise. Shaaaweet!

The internet is where the future lies for the music industry. Guess who the biggest dealer of music in the nation is? It’s not Tower Records or Sam Goody (both defunct). It’s not Target, Amazon, or Wal-Mart. Not anymore. The number one is Apple’s own online store, iTunes.

EMI, one of the top music labels took a bold step on Thursday and hired Douglas Merrill, Google’s former Chief of Information, to run the label’s digital unit. Mr. Merrill has no prior experience with the music industry but he understands the internet and the role it will play in the upcoming years.

According to CNet “record companies are going to have to morph into smaller entities that represent fewer acts and then oversee their total output: music, video, concerts, and merchandise.”

Record companies will still play a big role in the game but only if they play their cards right. We have seen several artists breaking away from their labels and embrace the power of the internet to distribute their music.

In the words of Greg Sandoval from CNet: Long live Music 2.0!

Apple just introduced the new redesigned iMacs with a new brushed metal look and a couple of hardware changes. The new design design mirrors the metal look of current Apple displays combined with the glossy screen and black border of the iPhone. Of course the new iMacs are much much slimmer and faster than its predecessor. Along with the new iMac Apple released a redesigned slimmer keyboard with the same metal look to it and what seems to be the same key design as the current Mac Books. Of course just like any Apple fanboy I am already drooling over the new iMacs, I have been meaning to get a new computer and been thinking of getting an iMac, I think now it’s the best time. Did I mention my birthday is coming up *ahem, ahem*.

Anyways here are some pics:

Those guys over at Coudal Partners have put together a nice little video on how to wash your Apple keyboard with a dishwasher. Perfect for getting rid of all those pizza crumbs and coffee spills.

That’s the same exact question I have been asking myself. It has been way too long since my last post, but the truth is I barely have the time to keep up. I wish I didnt have to sleep in order to do the millions of things I need to get accomplished.

In other news, iPhone anyone? The much much anticipated iPhone is finally out, worth $600, it’s a hefty price to pay for such a small yet powerful device. I think I need to start a donations section so I can get one…

Today Apple announced the long awaited Apple iPhone; Microsoft tremble. I cannot stress how exited I am about this product, first of all it is exactly what I’ve been waiting for, an all in one gadget with robust media capabilities. iPod, phone, organizer, camera, email and internet all in one with one cool looking gadget with the slickest interface out there for such product.

Make sure to keep posted for more updates. Check out Apple’s website for more info or go watch the Keynote.