A new report from the Verge  claims that Microsoft will show off a brand new browser based music service aimed to rival the uber-hot music streaming service Spotify at this year’s E3.

Citing unnamed sources, the browser based project, code named Woodstock will allow users across multiple platforms including Xbox, iOS, Andorid and windows phone to share tracks and create group playlists. It will also reportedly also feature a system similar to Match on the iTunes.

Blast will be at this year’s E3 to bring you all of the up to date gaming — and music streaming goodness.

This happens a lot. A family member or friend buys a new PC and says “Gee can you install all the software for me and set it up?” My dad finally bought a new PC, only his second since 2003, and the task fell on me to get it ready for everyday use.

And sure, we admit it, our inner nerd squeals with delight whenever we get our hands on a fresh computer, out of the box.

Depending on who the computer is for, you may have some business software and games to install, but if you’re the technologically-adept one in your family, make sure you don’t overlook these five programs that will make everyone’s life easier now and in the long run:

5. The PC Decrapifier

The PC Decrapifier is a magazine and tech-site favorite, and it is well-regarded as an essential tool for new computers.

What is boils down to is this: sometimes it’s not only about what you put into a computer, but what you take out of it that makes a difference.

When you buy a new computer, it’s loaded with software. Loaded. We call this “bloatware.” It’s fat. You don’t need all of it.

You want to remove trial software, search engine toolbars, Dell/Sony/etc. support software and anything else that you don’t need — and don’t need running in the background — on a new PC.

You can run ‘msconfig’ and then open up the Control Panel’s software add/remove tool to get this same task done, but the Decrapifier has online resources that will tell you which software should go and which software can stay. So it’s helpful.

4. Dropbox

With all this talk about cloud computing and online data storage, even your mom or dad should be able to take advantage. Enter Dropbox, an easy-to-use service that gives you 2GB of online storage for free or up to 100GB for $19.99 per month.

Dropbox is useful. You can store software installations, photos, videos, documents, website files and anything else you need to access later.

3. iTunes and/or VLC

iTunes has come a long way on the PC since I ranted about it in 2009.

And the fact is, your parents and aunts and uncles are using iPads and iPhones, so they need iTunes. Go ahead and install it for them, but then make sure you set up their iTunes account also. Old people get confused.

Beyond iTunes, there’s a bit of Gen-Y software magic that even dear-old-dad can enjoy. VideoLAN’s VLC Media Player is the best, open source, cross-platform media player that can play nearly every disc, video file and audio file available, including DVDs, DivX movies and MP3s, and it has no advertising or spyware

It’s software that we use, so they should use it too.

2. Chrome or Firebox

I still install Firefox on family computers. It’s faster, better and more secure than Internet Explorer. A growing number of people are plugging into the Google matrix, however, so Chrome may be the way to go.

Either way, you need to install a second browser and set it as the default.

Just make sure you tell your loved one to allow the updates to install when prompted. Keep that most recent version running.

1. Microsoft Security Essentials

Go back to the Decrapifier for a second. Now remove whatever trial version of Norton or McAfee came with the computer. Get rid of it. Your relative is never going to pay to renew it after it expires, and the constant prompts reminding then to upgrade will result in “I think I have a virus” phone calls that you don’t need.

So just uninstall the stupid trial editions.

Install Microsoft Security Essentials. It is the best piece of software that Microsoft never charged for. As long as you have a genuine version of Windows (and all new, out-of-the-box commercial PCs do) you can download and install Microsoft’s always up-to-date antivirus, anti-spyware, anti-malware security suite.

It integrates with the Windows Firewall (make sure that’s turned on, especially once you remove the Norton/McAfee software) and gives you real-time protection just like the expensive boxed products.

If you have some moral problem with Microsoft securing your computer, you could try avast! and the free version of its antivirus software. It’s a very good solution that keeps your computer secure.

Honorable mentions

You may also want to consider EASEUS Partition Master, if you’re really doing some hardcore configuring. If the PC has one big 2TB drive, it may be a good idea to break it up into a system drive and some workspaces.

Recuva is a good choice for file recovery. It helps you recover accidentally-deleted files. We’ve all been there. Another phone call-saving measure.

Blast recently came into a pretty large amount of codes for games for the iPhone and iPad, and we want to pass them on to you. Here’s what we’ve got:

- Monsters Love Gum (iPad): A terrifically addicting and colorful game reminiscent of hungry, hungry hippos. Here though — you control a monster and you scarf up as much gum as you possibly can. The best part is the ability to mess with your opponents through powers you earn through playing.

- Grumps (iPhone): You know those stupid adds for free…ahem…emoticons? Now you have a reason to hate them rather than them just being annoying. They’re coming to get you! In Grumps, you have to dodge an ever growing army of emoticons as they try to crush you.

- Stranded without a Phone (iPad): Formerly called Stranded, SWAP is one of the most highly recommended iPhone games to come out in some time.Can you survive on a deserted island for days? What about weeks?

- Dragon Fire (iPhone): A retro inspired 2D top down RPG where you have to fend off hordes of enemies.

So just how do you win? Simply register for Blast Magazine and comment here telling us what kind of iPhone or iPad game you’d create. Winners will be chosen at random this weekend. Go ahead and enter as many times as you want, it won’t help your chances though.

You’ll soon be able to play with your Windows programs on your Apple portable device with an app from Parallels.

Announced at the DEMO Fall 2010 conference in Santa Clara, Calif, the new Parallels Mobile app will be free. It will allows users of Parallels Desktop 6 for Mac and Parallels Desktop 6 Switch to Mac Edition to use their iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch to access and utilize Windows applications running on a Mac from any network, from anywhere, at any time.

The app is available now.

Parallels also makes it possible for iPad users to do things like print, view Flash material, and use work programs like Outlook and Lotus Notes.

“With the popularity of mobile devices skyrocketing, our customers overwhelmingly desire the ability to do more from anywhere without the restrictions that usually come from working remotely,” said Serguei Beloussov, Chairman and CEO, Parallels. “With our new Parallels Mobile app and MyParallels service, we make it possible for Parallels Desktop 6 customers to access and utilize their Windows apps wherever they are.”

(ARA) – When fingers get pointed in debates over the obesity epidemic in the United States, technology sometimes shoulders some of the blame. Time in front of computer screens or television is often listed as part of the reason why Americans aren’t as healthy as they have been in the past. But the truth is there are also technological advances that have the potential to guide you in your quest for a healthier lifestyle, whether that is eating right, exercising or keeping tabs on vital numbers that are important to your health.

Take smart phone applications for example. Nowadays, you can find applications for just about anything in life that might capture your interest, and healthy living is no exception. So if you’re looking to stay fit and healthy, here are six mobile apps that give you and your family a little extra help:

1. Lose It!

Counting calories is perhaps the simplest and most effective way to keep track of your health goals, especially if it involves weight loss. But it’s difficult to do all the adding and subtracting in your head, which is where the free app Lose It! comes in. The app allows you to enter what you eat each day and calculates not only calories, but fat, protein, cholesterol and carbohydrates based on portion size. It also allows you to enter different types of workouts, from walking to yoga, to see how many calories you will burn while you are exercising.

2. Carb Counting with Lenny

This app is designed to help children with diabetes count carbohydrates to help manage their diabetes, but can be of use to anyone. Using their mascot Lenny the Lion, who also uses insulin pump therapy, Medtronic Diabetes introduced this app, which allows children with type 1 diabetes to learn about carbohydrate levels in basic foods. The application also allows users to create a customizable food guide using their own photos or ones they find on the Internet, as well as play games to test their carb-counting knowledge. Periodic contests and giveaways (www.medtronicdiabetes.com/carb-counting-contest) are announced to reward registered users who get highest game scores. Medtronic Diabetes, which makes such products as continuous glucose monitoring devices, designed the app to be useful and educational for both children with diabetes and others who are interested in monitoring carb intake.

3. Size Me Up

Another application for kids. This one allows children to enter their current height and receive estimates for how tall they might be in the future, at any given age. This can be used to help keep your child motivated to eat right, so they can grow up to be tall and healthy.

4. BP Buddy

This application allows people who are monitoring their blood pressure to input their blood pressure numbers and heart rate numbers and log them for up to 60 days. An e-mail feature allows users to send their numbers to their doctor for analysis.

5. The Carrot

As an interactive journal, this application allows you to track multiple items related to health. In addition to entering information on meals, workouts, and even medication, you can also enter your assessment of your moods or the level of job satisfaction you are feeling at the moment to see if you can pinpoint what healthy habits work best for you.

6. FitReach

This training and diet application allows you to enter information on your meals, as well as workouts. It also encourages you to do regular weigh-ins so you can compare your weight loss with your goals on graphs that are a part of the app.

Applications are available on iTunes and can also be downloaded through your iPhone, smart phone or other compatible mobile device.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Before February 2009, Mike Posner was a junior at Duke University recording demos and beats in his dorm room. Today however, he’s holding No. 1 spot on the iTunes charts with his album 31 Minutes To Takeoff.

The album was released on August 10, and was much anticipated after Posner self-released two consecutive mixtapes titled A Matter Of Time and One Foot Out The Door respectively.

Posner’s first mixtape was released in February 2009, and although it was successful (charting No. 1 spot) on the iTunesU charts and gaining record labels’ attention, it left us puzzled over this new pop/hip hop/indie artist, was he going to be the next big thing, or was he going to flop with his first real album? The mixtape was entirely self-produced, coming out with an excellent mixture of pop instrumentals, hip hop beats and club friendly synthesizers.

Posner sounded like Adam Levine to an extent, and in some tracks he might have pushed his tenor voice a bit too much that he sounded whiny, but overall, the guy had talent! That summer Posner signed with J records, and in October released his second mixtape, One Foot Out The Door. Unlike his first mixtape, Posner has set the bar high with this one. Featuring guest appearances by some well-established artists such as Kid Cudi and Bun B, this mixtape was hot. It came out with even greater production and sampling, clearer club friendly synthesizers, and Posner was able to control his tenor pitch to the correct level. The mixtape charted to No. 1 again on iTunesU, and Posner had established himself as a sort of Maroon 5 meets The Script mixed with some hip hop kind of artist.

Both of Mike Posner’s mixtapes sounded spacey and disco-friendly, and with 31 Minutes To Takeoff, Posner proves that he can meet the bar he has already set for himself and that he progresses and matures musically.

With this album, Posner’s sound has evolved to include a bit more of hip hop elements, such in "D©j  vu", while keeping his club-friendly style, with songs like "Cooler Than Me" and "Cheated". In addition, the album came to involve more elements of pop instrumentations, with great songs like the electric guitar driven "Bow Chicka Wow Wow" and "Do U Wanna". Another thing that is note worthy of this album is that it sounds very personal to Posner, discussing themes such as bitter sweetness, betrayal and, yes, love. While listening to the album, I barely felt that Posner was trying too much, but simply singing harmonically soft lyrics that carried a lot of meaning while at the same time being extremely fun. The album also goes from the opening energetic singles "Please Don’t Go" and "Cooler Than Me" to a more mellow, soft and dreamy songs such as the "Save Your Goodbye" and "Falling." However, the album doesn’t go without floppy tracks or faults. The track "Delta 1406" sounded too vague and incomprehensible compared to the rest of the tracks, and at a few points throughout the album, it felt like the sound was just a bit lucid for its own good.

Overall, if you want to rock the dance floor at a party or just sit down and reminisce, this album is for you. Mike Posner is a great new artist that isn’t afraid from trying to progress musically and push himself a bit further.

Best tracks: "Synthesizer" and "Cooler Than Me"

Worst Tracks: "Delta 1406"

Last summer, I purchased my fifth iPod Nano in as many years.

Besides being a costly endeavor, it’s also annoying as shit.

Now, this has continued to happen to yours truly solely because I’m an avid runner who needs musical motivation, and more specifically, because I steadfastly refuse to leave my iPod at home when I head out for a run during a torrential downpour.

Yes, I know, I’m a stubborn ass who refuses to learn their lesson.

Still though, for the price that Apple is charging for those damn things, one would think that at this point they’d have made them, y’know, waterproof.

Thankfully, Finis XtreaMP3 is the answer to my recurring problem.

The XtreaMP3 is a 1GB MP3 player that is waterproof to depths of 15 feet. It comes with a surprisingly sturdy neoprene armband, and specialized waterproof earbuds that are roughly 8 thousand times more comfortable than the stock Apple earbuds you get with an iPod . The XtreaMP3 is also USB compatible for charging, and more importantly, for syncing up your music via iTunes (the easiest route) or via the drag n’ drop process through Windows Explorer (the archaic way to go about it.)

So, while all of that sounds all well and good, you’re no doubt wondering (much like I was) is this thing ACTUALLY WATERPROOF?

Oh, indeed it is.

Seeing as the weather has been pretty nice around these parts as of late, I wasn’t able to put the XtreaMp3 through it’s paces during a rain filled run. So instead, I did the next best thing.

I wore it while taking a bath.

While sitting in my own tepid filth, I was pleased to hear that the sound quality of this unit was much better than I had anticipated. The highs are nice n’ bright, and there’s just the right amount of bass. When I did the old school fat kid move of holding my nose and dunking my head underwater, I’ll admit that I noticed some loss in sound quality, but that’s to be expected I’d think, considering that you’re underwater and all.

The XtreaMP3 is very well made, and it’s buttons and overall “feel” are anything but cheap. One can easily and quickly go to the next and previous tracks, and change volume, without fumbling all over the place, and losing your stride and or breaststroke.

That said though, the one major drawback I found with the XtreaMP3 was this. See, unlike an iPod Nano (or really, just about any high end MP3 player at this point)  there’s no digital display for you to scroll through, which can be highly annoying at times. Still though, the lack of a display screen does make the XstreaMP3 more streamlined, and it’s probably what makes it just so waterproof in the first place.

All in all, even though I am an admitted Apple dork, I’m a fan of the XtreaMP3, and would highly recommend it to any avid outdoorsy type who just needs their tunes while they’re swimming, snorkeling, white water rafting or running in the pouring rain. It’s rugged, built to take a beating, and sounds pretty damn good.

Retail price of the Finis XtreaMP3 is $149.95.

Blast had the opportunity to listen and learn a bit with musical artist Mishka, winner of the 2009 iTunes Best New Artist award.

His new album, "Talk About," (out March 30) which he describes as an “album of movement,” integrates steady beats, bright sounds, and lyrics woven together by consistent themes. And after a delightful spin of the newest tracks, Blast asked the artist a few questions-from working with Butch Walker, teaming up with Matthew McConaughey, and just plain musical inspiration.

BLAST: Congratulations on the iTunes Best New Artist award! How would you describe the past year for you in terms of your music career?

MISHKA: Fulfilling, with a lot of personal and musical growth.

BLAST: Was growing up around Bermuda an influence in your music? What impacted you most in becoming a musician and songwriter?

M: Bermuda, an inspiration! The people, the beauty of the place. Music and musicians have had a huge impact on me from as long as I can remember. I just love it.

BLAST: What swayed your musical tastes toward reggae?

M: The relevance of the message and the feel of the music…..I personally find it to be a complete kind of music, spiritually, historically culturally … in so many ways.

BLAST: You and your sister are both involved in music, correct? Was your family as a whole very much into music? I ask because I see so many music programs being cut now due to funding, and am wondering what you think about music being introduced at an early age.

M: Yeah, Heather [Heather Nova] is my big sister singer songwriter. We were brought up listening to a lot of good music, nothing really formal as far as music education, but I think it’s great for kids to get involved with music and making music at a young age…it helps you stay connected to the creator. It’s your heartbeat.

BLAST: Reggae has been used as a powerful tool, as music in general often has, in relation to politics and social issues. What do you think about using music in this way? We saw in an interview you mentioned thinking of future generations. Do you think this is something that has been ignored for too long? What do you think is something we need to focus on in order to help future generations?

M: It’s a duty to sing or write with conscience . Political is a very broad term, but I think people can find the truth of a situation if they check a musical vibe as it relates to any given situation.
Future generations are all we have and all that we are, we are telling them of a time that we are living in. I listen to the music of those gone before us and the relevance of the message still stands today, maybe even more than it did at the time. So yes, it’s important to keep the future generations in mind… what (will) they make of us or our works? Only time will tell.

BLAST: I see Matthew McConaughey has been a major help with your label-what has working with him been like?

M: Matthew is a big part of the label, he started it and is the head of it (record label, j.k. livin). Working with him has been really good in that he really wants to get the music out to as many ears as possible, and he is a big fan of my music.

BLAST: How was it to collaborate with Butch Walker? How was his musical approach different?

M: Really cool. Easy going guy, but very focused and professional as a producer.

BLAST: What is your songwriting approach?

M: It just flows when it flows, sometimes, it’s a pen and paper, sometimes it’s a guitar and a melody… inspiration.

BLAST: Do you have any aspirations for future projects?

M: Just to keep on playing music, maybe work with some other artists on collaborations…

BLAST: Anything else you would like to add?

M: Thanks and praises to the most high. Jah rastafari live!

The iTunes Store is approaching 10 billion song downloads and Apple is awarding a $10,000 iTunes gift certificate to the customer who purchases the landmark song. If you don’t want to purchase a song, you can fill out a form at apple.com up to 25 times per day in lieu of spending money.

In January 2009, Apple revealed a cumulative download total of 6 billion, according to Digital Music News. Slightly more than one year later, the 10 billion mark is imminent.

“iTunes changed the way you buy music, making songs and albums available for download, day or night," Apple declared in a statement. “Seven years later, we’re about to celebrate our biggest milestone for music, yet: 10 billion songs downloaded."

According to Rolling Stone, Apple has put together a special download called the "Most Downloaded iTunes Songs of All Time," which compiles the 25 most downloaded tracks in its seven year history in anticipation of their 10 billionth download. Apple’s sales have increased significantly in the last year, and many of the most downloaded tracks are recent hits. The number one and three most downloaded songs are The Black Eyed Peas’ "I Gotta Feeling" and "Boom Boom Pow," respectively. Lady Gaga sits at number two with "Poker Face." The only song on the list from the 20th century is Journey’s "Don’t Stop Believin’" at number 21.

The contest is restricted to the United States, the U.K., Canada, and Australia.

The compilation album featuring musical performances from last Friday’s Hope For Haiti Now telethon debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 200 chart. The album sold 171,000 units and currently sits atop the iTunes top albums charts as well. "Hope For Haiti Now" also holds the honor of being the first digitally-exclusive album to be top of the charts. The charity album (artists donate their share in the proceeds to relief organizations) features twenty songs by artists such as Sting, Jennifer Hudson, Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, and Beyonce. Three of these singles have already cracked the iTunes top twenty, "Hallelujah" by Justin Timberlake and Matt Morris (2), "Lean On Me" by Sheryl Crow, Kid Rock, and Keith Urban (12), and "Breathless" by Taylor Swift (19).

"Hope For Haiti Now" racked up these impressive sales numbers after only being available for pre-order beginning last Thursday and furthermore was the "biggest one-day album pre-order in iTunes history" according to MTV.com. The album proceeds benefit the following organizations: Oxfam America, Partners in Health, the Red Cross, UNICEF, United Nations World Food Programme, Yele Haiti Foundation, and the Clinton Bush Haiti Foundation.

The mobile division of Electronic Arts recently launched a Rock Band for iPhone/iPod Touch App without much fanfare. We thought we’d be treated to a host of pre-release hype, but no, none of that.

Now that it’s here though, we’re ready to believe it’ll quickly surge to the top of next week’s highest-grossing App chart.

It’s not a knock-off, and is much more advanced than its main competitor Tap Tap Revenge, allowing users to rock out however they see fit with up to four players jamming at the same time.

The game supports guitar, bass, drums, and singing, though for the singing component, there is no vocal recognition, only beat-matching, a la every other instrument.

The game cannot be played online, but with its Bluetooth support, up to four players, on both iPhones and iPod Touches, can jam out to the same tune at the same time.

Rock Band for iPhone/iPod Touch comes with 20 songs from such artists as The Beastie Boys, Blink 182, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the Smashing Pumpkins. Additionally, an in-App music store will allow enthusiats to purchase additional tunes playable in the game.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the App will run you $10, and requires the 3.0 update, which is also $10.

Check out the App in action at our original story.

Last Wednesday, YouTube began talks with Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., Sony Pictures, and Warner Brothers concerning a movie rental service similar to iTunes and Netflix. This would mark the first time ever that the Google owned video site would charge for content. The fee would also be similar to the other video services, charging around $3.99 a rental.

YouTube is also in talks with many other partners in an effort to shore up its offerings of professional grade content, which advertisers prefer.

“We hope to expand on both our great relationship with the movie studios and the selection and types of videos we offer our community,” said YouTube spokesman Chris Dale.

Such a program would be quite a change for YouTube. We think this is due to pressure from investors who see that the cost of supplying video to users all over the world still isn’t bringing in its equivalent in advertising revenue.

YouTube became successful because it allowed people to share their own personal “LOL” with the world “" for free! Considering that there are plenty of other and more well established places to stream movies, most offering better quality or lower prices at this point, and YouTube is a late entrant into the game.

Apple is confirming a musical “rock and roll” event will take place September 9, confirming Internet rumors.

The event will open at 10 a.m. at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco, Calif., at the Moscone Center, the same site of Macworld Expo and Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC).

Since 2005, Apple has used these events, usually near September, to introduce massive changes to its music business. Last year Apple introduced new iPods and iTunes 8 at a similar event.

“It’s only rock and roll, but we like it” Apple says in an email inviting people to the event, Macworld reported. Apple gave no details about the event or what could be announced.

Maybe its a tablet device?

Sumthing Else Music Works and Capcom today announced that the Bionic Commando of 2009′s official soundtrack is now available on iTunes and on the music-distributor’s website.

Priced at $9.99 and filled with 20 original compositions that you’ll recall from the game, the soundtrack is the latest addition to the Sumthing Digital Music Store.

Composer Jamie Christopherson: “I remember playing Bionic Commando back on the NES and like everyone else I was blown away by the quality of the music. Not only were there extremely ‘hummable’ epic melodies, but the use of the MIDI chip to create a very dense and complicated orchestral arrangement was astonishing. If someone would have told me that 20 years later I would be working on a next generation Bionic Commando game, I would never have believed them. I was fortunate enough to take the music (including the famous main theme) and give it a modern treatment, complete with an anthemic 15-piece brass ensemble.”

If you’ve been reading Blast you’ll know that other such soundtracks as Banjo-Kazooie Nuts and Bolts, Resident Evil, Street Fighter IV, Gears of War 2, Halo Wars, Viva Pinata and many, many more are available through the service and if you’re somewhat of a collector (like meee) you’d do well to snatch them up while their hot.

Sumthing Digital Music Store.

Considering the shear unsuccessfulness of most streaming music platforms, one might thing that streaming music can’t be more than a novelty. Napster is barely a thought in today’s music marketplace, Rhapsody shares a laughable market, and the Zune Marketplace is just sort of puttering along in the background. When users have the uber-intelligent Pandora and Slacker Radio to tap into their minds and pick songs they’ll love, why pay for streaming music? Likewise, polled Internet users routinely state that they want to own their music collections, hence why they so rarely choose subscription-based music models.

But what about those times when you want to listen to a certain song — like right now? Sure you can try to prod Pandora into playing the song for you, but it’s hit or miss. Slacker lets you choose some favorites, but these choices are limited, and again, there are no guarantees. And since the RIAA is actually still suing people, despite their assurances otherwise, we’re going for legal methods.

Enter Spotify.

Spotify is essentially a digital version of the iTunes catalog, where every song is available for free streaming. No kidding, you can pick and choose any song you want to listen to, and it will begin playing on demand. (OK, OK, The Beatles are still nowhere to be found, but that’s surprising to no one.) The familiar interface works much like iTunes. Artist names and albums are hyperlinked to the respective pages where you can listen to the artists other songs and albums.

I was very impressed with the selection. While all of the most obvious artists and songs are available, there’s an impressive back catalogue. I found many b-sides and live albums I didn’t know existed for many of my favorite bands as well as many, shall we say, “band nerd” songs from my yesterdays in the high school band.

The software allows you to build playlists drag and drop style but many websites also offer a robust selection of playlists that you can add. The software also comes with the ability to share songs via links.

All in all, this possibly strikes you as too good to be true; and alas, for anyone living state side, it is. Spofity is currently only available in a handful of European countries. Of course, enterprising users have managed to find a way around the IP address checks used to make sure that users are from these allowed countries; a simple Google search will probably reveal the methods.

Though currently in invite only-beta, the site actually allows new users (again, from the appropriate countries) to sign up and download the software, all for free. The company’s revenue model is based on inserting ads in the software and in the audio stream. Users can also sign up for premium service to eliminate these ads.

For the future, the company also has iPhone and Symbian apps in development, an obvious addition considering the limited space on most devices. All in all, free is hard to argue with, and should Spotify manage to strike the right licensing deals, they might just have a winning formula.

There are two pieces of software out there that are more greedy and bloated than Apple’s music-playing, music-downloading title: AOL Instant Messenger and Microsoft Internet Explorer.

I hate iTunes.

I’m sick and tired of Apple getting a pass on quality control just because they gave us the Holy Roman iPod Empire and, by a roll of the dice, beat out 10 comparable music download services, both of which are jam packed into our worlds and force-fed to us through iTunes, a software title that just about creeps by on 4 GB of RAM.

It started out innocently enough with iTunes for managing and syncing your iPod and downloading new songs. But where did this incompetent “Genius” come from as it utterly paralyzes my computer from doing the one thing I’m actually trying to do — play a single song from my library?

What’s a decent sized audio library for anyone in their mid-20s? I have 2,000 songs that fit into a space under 8 gigs and play perfectly find on both my new Nano and my original third-generation iPod. Why is it that these same songs can bring a multi-core computer to its knees under the banner of iTunes?

And who gave Apple permission to try and install Safari and several other programs on my computer under the false auspices of “upgrading my iTunes to the latest version.” AIM tried to do that around the same time the term “adware” was coined.

Seriously, is Apple still so desperate for exposure that they will literally try and sneak their software into someone’s computer? No I don’t want Mobile Me. Thanks though.

When dragging a song from my library to a playlist is a 45 second, six click ordeal, there’s a problem here.

Strip it down! Turn off automatic art downloading. Save the Geniuses for the chess club.

In a way this is all our fault. We adopted the whole package and forked over our credit card numbers without asking questions. We can’t switch, right?

Now excuse me, there’s a new MGMT song I have to buy off the iTunes Store.

Since publishing our last article about Bobby Long and friends, we’ve gotten a lot of responses from fans who were upset because New York and California were too far for them to travel to see Bobby play live, but professed their undying love in any case. This is your chance to prove that love, girls.

Blast just received this information from Phil Taylor, Bobby’s manager:

“Bobby Long is going to release at least two singles before he comes to America to play shows in April. He would like to say a huge thanks to the fans by letting them chose which song they want him to release first. This will be an acoustic track available from iTunes only. If enough people buy the song Bobby will chart in the US and in the UK. This will bring him to the attention of more fans and record labels – and speed up the delivery of a full album to you all!

If you would like to vote for a song please leave Bobby Long a Myspace message at www.myspace.com/musicbobbylong stating which of his own songs you would like to see released as his first single.”

You know what to do.

With its customary flair for sexing up the art of gizmo glorification, Macworld 2009 didn’t disappoint with some big reveals today.

Topping all the charts was Apple’s latest update to its iLife suite, touting major retrofits of iMovie, iPhoto and GarageBand. The changes range from a better system for organizing photos in iPhoto to more powerful video editing functions in iMovie to a series of learning tutorials for various instruments in GarageBand.

“iLife continues to be one of the biggest reasons our customers choose to get a Mac,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO, in a statement. “With iLife ’09, we’ve made working with photos, making movies and learning to play music a lot more fun, and iMovie users are especially going to love the advanced but easy-to-use new features.”

Right after the big iLife news hit, Sling Media introduced a real stunner: HD streaming for Macs and iPhones via Sling.com. Sling Media expects to have an iPhone app out soon. Expected release date for SlingPlayer, a downloadable application that will interface with Sling.com to deliver HD content, is sometime in the first fiscal quarter of this year.

“SlingPlayer Mobile is ideally suited for the iPhone’s large touch screen display and I know iPhone users are eagerly anticipating the application’s availability,” said Blake Krikorian, co-founder and CEO of Sling Media.

Following up, a new 17-inch MacBook Pro with unibody construction and a non-removable 8-hour life battery and an optional anti-glare coating on the screen was announced. The computer comes packed with a 2.66ghz Intel Core Duo chip, a 320 GB Hard Drive, and 4 GB of RAM, to name a few updates.

“We’ve developed new battery technology that is better for the user and better for the environment,” said Jobs. “Apple’s advanced chemistry and innovative technology deliver up to eight hours of use on a full charge cycle and up to 1,000 recharges.”

The final move of the day set social networking sites buzzing. Apple announced a new DRM free iTunes with a three tier pricing structure — $0.69, $0.99, and $1.29.

Both moves on the iTunes front were widely regarded as a necessity in order for iTunes to remain competitive with other online music stores, with the DRM removals hailed as long overdue.

It’s been three years since British electro-rock outfit Ladytron released its last record, and the band seems eager to get their new material out to the public, offering downloads of new album “Velocifero” on iTunes prior to its official release on June 3.

Their enthusiasm is justified.

After a less-than-amicable split with former label Rykodisc following the release of 2005′s “Witching Hour,” the Liverpool-based foursome (Helen Marnie, Mira Aroyo, Daniel Hunt and Reuben Wu) signed with Nettwerk Records last November. The band is currently in the midst of an extensive North American tour to promote the new record (see dates below).

In spite of its name, which translates to “bringer of speed,” “Velocifero” is collection of infectious melodies that, while danceable, are not frenetic. On the whole, the album, which was recorded in Paris, is less pop-y than previous Ladytron releases, but accessibility isn’t lost among the darker melodies – particularly on the easily stuck-in-your-head “Predict the Day.”

From the get go, it’s obvious that the band means business. Leadoff track “Black Cat” kicks off the album with a rhythm as ominous as its title. It’s inconsequential that listeners who don’t speak Bulgarian won’t be able to understand a single lyric, which Aroyo sings in her native language; the beat in itself is sufficiently enticing. The industrial-electro fusion “I’m Not Scared” takes things up a notch, with pounding drums supplementing Marnie’s airy vocals.

Throughout “Velocifero,” the lyrics take a backseat to the dense instrumentation, but some of the sentiments, delivered with deadpan indifference, are notable. (“I don’t hate you / Or want you / Enough to wake you,” Marnie sings on “Tomorrow.”) The bass-heavy “Deep Blue” highlights Aroyo’s low-pitched vocals (in English this time), while “Runaway” features a drum-n-synth meshing that evokes early Depeche Mode.

The album’s liner notes are blank, save for a few thank-yous. For now at least, it appears the members of Ladytron are content to let their music do the talking. And on “Velocifero,” their message is getting out loud and clear.

Ladytron Tour Dates:

Jun 2 In The Venue Salt Lake City, UT
Jun 3 The Gothic Denver, CO
Jun 5 Palladium Ballroom Dallas, TX
Jun 6 Stubbs Austin, TX
Jun 7 Meridian Houston, TX
Jun 8 House Of Blues New Orleans, LA
Jun 10 Club Firestone Orlando, FL
Jun 11 Czar Tampa, FL
Jun 12 Studio A Miami, FL
Jun 13 Variety Playhouse Atlanta, GA
Jun 15 Bonnaroo Festival Manchester, TN
Jun 16 The Pageant St.Louis, MO
Jun 17 Vic Theater Chicago, IL
Jun 18 St.Andrews Hall Detroit, MI
Jun 25 Terminal 5 New York, NY
Jun 26 Theater Of Living Arts Philadelphia, PA
Jun 27 Sonar Baltimore, MD
Jun 28 9:30 Club Washington, DC
Jun 30 Paradise Boston, MA

International dates:

Jul 2 Metropolis (Jazz Fest) Montreal, QC CA
Jul 3 Theatre Imperial de Quebec
(Summer Fest) Quebec City, QC CA
Jul 4 Harbourfront Centre Toronto, ON CA
Jul 5 Blues Festival Ottawa, ON CA
Jul 12 Gorgeous Ground @ Pantai
Carnival Ancol Jakarta ID
Sep 29 Metro Sydney, AU
Oct 1 Tivoli Brisbane, AU
Oct 2 Corner Hotel Melbourne, AU
Oct 4 The Great Escape Festival Sydney, AU
Oct 5 Bakery Artrage Complex Perth, AU

Apple proudly boasted on Thursday that their highly successful iTunes Store has passed Wal-Mart as the top music retailer in the US.

iTunes has sold over four billion songs to over 50 million customers since opening in 2003.

“We launched iTunes less than five years ago, and it has now become the number one music retailer in the world,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s iTunes vice president. “We are thrilled, and would like to thank all of our customers for helping us reach this incredible milestone.”

The ranking comes from market research data from NPD Group’s MusicWatch survey that tracks consumer purchases. iTunes topped Wal-Mart based on their January and February 2008 sales figures, Apple said in a statement.

This is yet another blow to the hard copy, “old way of doing things” music shopping experience. And yet, it is has shown that legal music downloading can and does succeed in the US.

Apple announced Tuesday that they are adding new models of the iPhone and iPod touch with double the storage capacity.

The iPod touch now comes in a 32GB model for $499, joining the 16GB model for $399 and the 8GB model for $299.

“For some users, there’s never enough memory,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of worldwide iPod and iPhone Product Marketing. “Now people can enjoy even more of their music, photos and videos on the most revolutionary mobile phone and best Wi-Fi mobile device in the world.”

Both models feature Apple’s Multi-Touch user interface and the ability to play music, videos, photos and more with just a touch of their finger, Apple said Tuesday.

All iPhone and iPod touch models include the latest software enhancements announced last month including the ability to automatically find your location using the new Maps application; create Web Clips for your favorite websites; customize your home screen and watch movies from the new iTunes Movie Rentals. Both iPhone and iPod touch feature the world’s most advanced mobile web browser in the world with Safari and great mobile applications including Mail, Maps, Stocks, Weather and Notes.

The new 16GB iPhone is available now through the online Apple Store, Apple’s retail stores and AT&T retail and online stores.

The 32GB iPod touch is available nationwide.

The availability of the “Maps” positioning feature will vary depending on location.

After months of what seemed like torture following the release of the iPhone — and listening to consumers, technology experts, news anchors and my peers bragging about it — I must admit that I was tempted buy one. But I had to weigh a huge termination fee on my existing wireless plan in addition to the iPhone’s cost.

Then I heard Apple would release an iPhone without the phone. The 16gb iPod Touch is now in my hands.

The Touch’s design is astonishing, with its gorgeous three 3.5" widescreen display, multi touch user interface and its supermodel thinness at only .31 inches. It’s for any commuter looking to carry around their music, video collections, photos and the internet.

The unit comes in two versions, 8gb and 16gb, respectively priced at $300-$400.

I would strongly advise getting the larger capacity model because it’s still not a ton of space — considering older iPod’s gave you 20gb for just music — if you own a lot of music, videos or pictures, the device will fill up quickly. The operating system alone takes up over a gigabyte.

After using the iPod touch for a few months, my thoughts haven’t changed. The product packs a lot of functionality, which I adapted to very quickly.

One of the key features is the Safari browser. I find it extremely useful to be able to log in to social networking sites and surf the web. I can also read current events, stream media, and do regular tasks I would perform if I were on my computer.

It’s very rare that you find an ultra portable device like the iPod Touch that can stream both audio and video podcasts directly to the unit. It’s $400 spent wisely just in that feature alone.

The revolutionary touch screen interface built on Mac OS X is a head turner. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been complimented on the easy to use interface, which offers the user an optimal experience in every task.

It’s so nice flipping music with a swipe of a finger being able to quickly select a song. If you rotate the iPod Touch into landscape position, the built in accelerometer detects the position and displays you music in Cover Flow mode, similar to an iPhone feature.

Cover Flow is a technology which lets you see all the album art in you music collection. Gently tap on the cover art, and it spins around and lets you select a song within the album.

Sound quality is also impressive, with no skips because of reliable internal flash memory. The touch also offers the built-in iTunes WiFI Music store. I’ve bought a few tracks off WiFi store and was surprised on how seamlessly the store integrates with my music library.

You can browse the top one hundred songs of each genre or the top 100 songs on the iTunes store or search by name, artist, etc. for the song you want. The song will immediately download and appear in the users’ music library.

You can’t download movies, podcasts, games or music videos, but it’s a great start.

The rest of the features like video playback, the photo viewer, clock, calendar, calculator and YouTube application all work the same way as they do on the iPhone.

One suggestion that I have is if you plan to download podcasts, download the file with the Large QuickTime encoding. If you download the small QuickTime version, the video will be fuzzier and pixelated.

When watching videos, I was amazed at the quality of the picture. I sometimes forgot I was watching on a three and one half inch screen because the picture quality is so detailed.

The iPod Touch has minor drawbacks like its battery life, which in normal life only gets three hours when connected to WiFi and less than 20 hours of straight music playback if you enjoy flipping through cover flow and using some of its power hungry features.

Some other drawbacks are that Apple has blocked third party developers from creating native applications. You also can’t add calendar events on the go or download audio files other than the iTunes WiFi store.

There’s also no mail support and no flash support for viewing flash enabled sites, although hackers recently found ways to break through Apple’s encryption to add thirty party applications and features.

Overall, Apple really did a great job creating a device that provides so many useful features. I’m glad to see that Apple has taken the features from its popular iPhone and has added them into a device without the ongoing financial commitments.