Apple 10281 Published by Bob 0

Apple has been feeling increased regulatory and rhetorical heat in Europe, where its iTunes-iPod near-monopoly in digital music is under heightened scrutiny. A member of the regulatory body overseeing antitrust and consumer protection for the EU lashed out at Apple, saying its policy of tying together the iPod music player and the iTunes Music Store is improper.

iTunes Draws Ire of EU Commissioner

Apple 10281 Published by Bob 0

Al Gore on Monday launched his revolutionary new TV for the Internet generation in Britain. The 24-hour Current TV service, screened on Sky and Virgin Media, allows viewers to decide what is shown and when, and make their own programs. The channel, described as the television equivalent of the iPod, went on air Monday with a mix of news, fashion, music, politics and the environment.

Gore Takes 'TV Equivalent of iPod' to UK

Apple 10281 Published by Bob 0

Sony is to launch an online store selling films, music and TV shows in the UK. It is expected to sell downloadable versions of Sony films such as the Spider-Man series, along with music from Sony artists. The move will put Sony into a head-to-head battle with Apple, which is expected to launch a UK film and TV download service within months to complement its iTunes music store.

Sony to Debut UK Challenger to iTunes

Apple 10281 Published by Bob 0

In a move to fend off competition from the likes of Apple and Motorola, Sunnyvale, Calif., smartphone maker Palm has hired one of the engineers behind the vaunted iPod to work on future products. Paul Mercer, whose start-up Pixo -- since acquired by Sun Microsystems -- helped create the original iPod operating system for Apple, joined Palm in February, according to a Palm spokesperson.

Palm Snags Former Apple Engineer

Apple 10281 Published by Bob 0

EU consumer protection commissioner Meglena Kuneva has criticized Apple in an interview with a German magazine, arguing that the company violates consumer rights by coupling its iTunes service exclusively to its iPod MP3 player. The group's online music store is not compatible with digital music player systems other than its own Apple iPod.

EU Commissioner Scolds Apple Over iTunes