Along with Apple’s new line of iPods, CEO Steve Jobs announced the company’s “social network for music” at the company’s music-themed conference on Wednesday afternoon. Called Ping, the service will allow iTunes users to connect with their friends for music recommendations. Coldplay’s Chris Martin also debuted a new song, “Wedding Bells,” at the event, quipping [...]

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin debuts new song “Wedding Bells” during an Apple Event on Wednesday (September 1) in San Francisco, Calif. “It could go terribly wrong,” the 33-year-old joked before he took to the piano. “[The song] might not ever come out.” “Wedding bells ringing up upon that hill / And I don’t wanna swallow such [...]

Chris Martin debuted new song 'Wedding Bells' during a surprise performance yesterday (01.09.10).The Coldplay frontman made the appearance at the end of a...

The song reportedly is titled 'Wedding Bells' and was showcased at the end of an Apple press conference in San Francisco.

Kanye West is working on a movie, Jay-Z would have mugged Coldplay's Chris Martin, Soulja Boy to release a book, and more.

By Joe Wilcox, Betanews

Apple's September 1 music event ended on a sour note. Coldplay's Chris Martin gave a tepid and pitchy performance that would have sent him packing from an American Idol audition. Michael Stanclift aptly tweeted: "This guy could have practiced before this gig." Martin, whose daughter is named Apple, seemed like the right performer for what was otherwise an outstanding event. While Martin muffed, Apple -- the company, not his child -- hit every key. Not since the first iPod nano launched five years ago has Apple delivered such spectacular new music products.

For the past week, pundits and rumormongers spewed forth the most ridiculous and seemingly sensible conjecture about what Apple would announce today. Nearly every rumor was wrong. There was a new Apple TV, but with no storage, no apps and no gaming capabilities. It's a Roku with a nicer design and streaming support for Apple services and devices, Netflix and YouTube. Yes, there are 99-cent TV rentals as rumored, but only from ABC and Fox -- and they're all HD. Otherwise, the rumors missed all the significant stuff, even the most important details about the new multitouch iPod nano. Who guess right about iTunes 10? There was no iLife `11 as rumored, among the other bits of mistaken reporting (and blogging).

By far, Ping is the biggest single announcement. "Ping is for social music discovery," Jobs said during today's Apple event. People can "sign up for Ping immediately." That "immediately" depends on when you can get iTunes 10, into which Ping is built. As I write, Apple has placed notice "iTunes 10. Coming Soon." on the download page. Based on Twitter chatter, some people have the software. But not me. So my first-take Ping analysis is based on the strategy and not actual usage.

Apple is a surprising latecomer to the social sharing/networking circus. Ping is but the first of the day's two entrants. The other is the new FaceTime-supporting iPod touch, which I predict will be a big seller this holiday. I tweeted during the event: "OK teens, will your new 'face' be FaceTime instead of Facebook?" I'll circle back to the "Why?" in a few paragraphs.

In watching Jobs' announce Ping, I suddenly time traveled, first to January 2001 and then to October of the same year. In January, Apple announced iTunes 1.0. In October, the first iPod shipped. Both product launches marked Apple's late entry into music products and services. The media software wasn't just about managing music but being able to rip from CDs and later sync to iPod. I time traveled because of what made the iTunes/iPod combo eventually successful: People already owned content. There was no need to buy more to fill iPod. Users could just rip from CDs they already owned.

PIng is somewhat similar. People already have the content around which they will interact with others. Similarly, Ping users (hereafter referred to as Pingers) can discover new music through social interaction with people who own music of potential interest. "Facebook and Twitter meet iTunes," Jobs said of Ping. That's an apt description.

Ping really is two services with intertwined objectives. The first is social interaction around artists, whose activities Pingers can follow. Artists post updates, photos, videos, playlists and concert information to their fan subscribers. I'm somewhat surprised that Fox is one of Apple's TV-rental partners, because Ping is quite likely a MySpace Music killer. Ping offers many of the same benefits, and music buying is just a click or two from discovery. If Apple and the artists are really smart, they'll use "Facebook and Twitter meet iTunes" feeds for making exclusive offers.

The second objective is around non-artists -- as in friends. Around them are three main points of discovery: following, and seeing what they're listening to; seeing what friends of friends are listening to; and who is attending local concerts. Additionally, the discovery feature produces music charts for people Pingers follow.

I see lots of potential in Ping, which integration into iTunes for Macs/Windows PCs, iPhone and iPod touch, make it a better fit than Microsoft's socially-oriented Zune. I'm a big fan of Zune, but too much of the experience is on the Web -- outside the core device/software/service. Apple has done what Microsoft should have: Created a more enclosed and sticky service. Pingers won't easily switch to something else, because of the iTunes enclosure.

Forrester Research analyst Mark Mulligan isn't as enamored with Ping as I am. He blogs:

This social functionality (which looks like the best of MySpace, Last.FM, Twitter and Facebook) will be a valuable way of driving music discovery. But it needs more. My guess is that within 12 months we'll see this upgraded with the resultant social data combined with Genius data to create a robust crowd sourced discovery tool.

Maybe, but there is something even more potentially powerful here: iOS devices and FaceTime. Artists can upload photos and videos to their Ping pages. Can regular Pingers do likewise? Since I still can't download iTunes 10, I don't have an answer. But what if they could use iPhone or iPod touch to shoot concert photos or video clips (short enough to avoid copyright problems) and post to their Ping feed? The tools are there. Only the connections are necessary.

FaceTime is potentially huge, separately and as part of the social iTunes interaction someone is sure to call Pinging. FaceTime and Ping are both social services, even if Apple fails to initially treat the video chat service that way. There's a synergy FaceTime and Ping share that Apple should exploit, and it's something competitors should copy -- even if badly.

Given just how much social sharing takes place around music and music events or those where music is a part (think any party), Apple could and should assemble together the hardware, services and software pieces placed before existing and new customers today. It's 2001 again and Apple is moving into territory occupied by others with something game changing. Apple came late to CD-burning, music software and MP3 players in 2001, just like it's following behind FaceBook, Last.FM, MySpace Music, Twitter and many other social-oriented services today.

There was an earthquake in San Francisco today. The shockwaves will reverberate from iTunes 10, Ping, iPod touch and iOS 4.1. Apple is finally getting into social media. Perhaps it's fitting then that Chris Martin fumbled as a solo act. His strength comes from the group.

Copyright Betanews, Inc. 2010



Apple - Steve Jobs - Facebook - iPhone - Microsoft

Apple's new lineup has been announced: A new iPod touch with a Retina display and dual cameras, a bite-sized touchscreen Nano , a sandwich-sized stream-only Apple TV , and updates to both iTunes and iOS , improving their social and gaming capabilities. We've got the news in about 20 separate posts , sure, but we have yet to apply our keen blogging sense to the announcements, rooting through the specs and pricing like trained truffle-hogs , and emerging gorged with opinion. Only then, our blog-thirst sated with Coldplay and turtlenecks, can we resume normal coverage of non-Apple news.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs used a performance by Coldplay's Chris Martin and the music of Lady Gaga to help launch new Apple music products during the company's annual media event earlier today (Sept. 1).

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin's Devon childhood home is for sale at £1.35million

Jay-Z and Coldplay's Chris Martin are the best of friends, but that wouldn't have been the case if Jay met Chris back when he was a teen. In an interview with UK's The Mirror, Jay (born Shawn Carter) explains that although he is friendly with Chris and his wife Gwyneth Paltrow now, back during his hustling days: That's a different scenario. He couldn't walk through [the Marcy projects]. I was a different person then. I wasn't open to the world and to cultures. I would have been, 'Yo! Who are you? Give me your money.' You couldn't have a guy like Chris...

Jay-Z has always been reserved when it comes to his personal life. Rarely does the Brooklyn-born rapper openly disclose life as a married man or reveal details about the friends he keeps in his tight-knit circle. Yet when Hov spills some details about either, the public anxiously awaits on what he’s prepared to discuss. This [...]

Jay-Z reckons he would have robbed Coldplay's Chris Martin if they'd met when he was 16.

Jazz chanteuse Shannon Butcher likes to jog along to many types of music, but the main point of her running, besides fitness, is finding the time to think about her own music.

Chris Martin's sister has set her sights on a career in showbusiness, but won't take advantage of her famous relations.

If the producers of Glee are going to "use somebody" for their music, don't count on these guys. While Coldplay, Madonna, Paul McCartney and Britney Spears can't wait to...

If the producers of Glee are going to "use somebody" for their music, don't count on these guys. While Coldplay, Madonna, Paul McCartney and Britney Spears can't wait to...

Rockers Coldplay have landed a money-spinning deal with Universal Music Publishing.British newspaper The Sun reports the new deal is worth millions to each member of...

The former Razorlight drummer was about to name his new band with his own name, but the Coldplay member thinks the eponymous title boring.

The Coldplay frontman is seen sporting a cast on his foot while spending time with his family in the Hamptons area of New York.

ROCKERS sign huge publishing deal - one of the biggest in music industry HISTORY

Coldplay star Chris Martin is sporting a cast on his foot after reportedly injuring himself in a surfing accident. The singer has been spending time in the Hamptons area of New York, hitting the wave...

Coldplay star Chris Martin is sporting a cast on his foot after reportedly injuring himself in a surfing accident.

Coldplay star CHRIS MARTIN is sporting a cast on his foot after reportedly injuring himself in a surfing accident.The singer has been spending time in the Hamptons area...

Continue reading Three new track packs available for iPhone Guitar Hero

Three new track packs available for iPhone Guitar Hero originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 23:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Coldplay front man took to his surfboard on exclusive Long Island, in New York's The Hamptons.

Plus: Coldplay's Chris Martin "hangs ten" and more star sightings

Section: Audio, Headphones, Portable Audio, Reviews, Features

Yes amazingness. No it is not a real word, but it is the only way to describe the quality, build, comfort, and sound of the Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) P5 headphones.

Quality/build:
Here’s the rundown: memory-foam-padded earphones, sheepskin earcups, interchangeable cables, no exposed ports, detachable earpads (but there aren’t replacement pads available), magnetic coupling. The price is a steep $300, but the quality certainly equals the price. There is also an integrated in-line microphone, volume control, and remote for use with your iPhone and iPods (though over-the-ear headphones seem a bit bulky for me to air with my iPod on-the-go). If you don’t have a compatible iPhone or iPod there is also a shorter cable included, as well as 1/8 connector for home audio system or DJ equipment.

Technology/Sound:
There are two types on noise canceling headphone technologies available: active (Bose QuietComfort 3) and passive (the P5’s). The P5’s remove external noise by absorbing sound and fitting snugly against your ear. I find this to result in a truer reproduction of the sound, though certainly not as quiet as Bose headphones.

From a sound perspective, they were just as one would hope. As expected from B&W, lighter sample tracks such as Norah Jones, classical symphonies, and contemporary rock (The Fray, Straight No Chaser)  all sounded great. The lyrics and accompaniments sounded great. My real challenge for the headphones was when I moved to bass heavy tracks from Akon and more complex rock (DMB, Coldplay). Surprisingly the lows were dead-on and left me extremely satisfied, while the high notes and mid-ranges were crystal clear ... as expected

Overall:
From a speaker company that certainly knows a thing or two about sound quality, they have truely outdown themselves with there first entry into personal audio. Don’t believe me? Think I’m getting paid to say this? Head into a store and listen for yourself - the only money you’ll be hoping for is an extra $300 to grab a pair for yourself.

4.5/5

Product [Bowers-Wilkins]

Full Story » | Written by Adam Berger for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Check out Gwyneth Paltrow singing the title track Country Strong from the upcoming Nashville-set drama of the same name, in theaters Dec. 22. Listen below! “I won’t stay down long / Because I’m country strong,” the 37-year-old actress belts out. To help her prepare for her role, Gwyn tapped her husband, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, to [...]

"Hello, Apple Customer Support, this is Janice speaking. How may I help you?"

"Does my iPhone replacement plan cover ... um, if I accidentally jammed my thumbs through my screen?"

"If you jam your -- sir, I have to ask ... were you attempting to play 'My Name is Jonas' on Expert on the Guitar Hero App?"

"How on Earth did you know?"

"Sir, you're the twentieth person to call with that issue today. Oh, and the answer to your question is of course not ."

Click past the jump to see all the tracks from Breaking Benjamin, Coldplay, Rise Against and Weezer which were recently added to the Music Store on Guitar Hero for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Also, be gentle with those thumbs, okay?

Weezer-and-more-added-to-guitar-hero-iphone-s/">Continue reading Breaking Benjamin, Weezer and more added to Guitar Hero iPhone store

Weezer-and-more-added-to-guitar-hero-iphone-s/">Breaking Benjamin, Weezer and more added to Guitar Hero iPhone store originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When Coldplay issued their debut, Parachutes in 2000, many assumed they only succeeded because they filled the void left by Radiohead, who had became less radio friendly and more experimental with each new release. No doubt, Coldplay's sound —elegant, melodic, vaguely spacey and very dramatic — bore plenty of similarity ...

Filed under: Music News, Videos, Interviews, Exclusives

Who: Ry Cuming Videos: 'Always Remember Me' and 'Some Kind of Love' Album: 'Ry Cuming' Hails From: Australia For Fans Of: Jeff Buckley, Coldplay Why He's About to Pop: Ry Cuming has two loves: the ocean and music. Growing up on a beach in ... Read more

 

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The funny man has seen his celebrity status rise in the States and A-listers even ask after co-star Karl Pilkington.

The rock band is subsequently the highest earning musician in the world, topping others like AC/DC , Bruce Springsteen , Lady Gaga and Coldplay .

Gwyneth Paltrow was taught guitar by her Coldplay front man husband Chris Martin for her role in 'Love Don't Let Me Down.' Like Joaquin Phoenix before her, Gwyneth Paltrow is picking up the six-string in an effort to play a country star.

Swedish pop star Darin just premiered his new Tony Nilsson-produced single “LoveKiller” and it’s EPIC. Def check it out below! His album of the same name, which will be released on August 18, includes his awesome Coldplay cover (”Viva La Vida“). If you like the below song, you can watch Darin perform “LoveKiller” live from last [...]

Section: Web, Web 2.0 / Social Networking

So some guy from New York has recently field a law suit claiming that he owns 84% of social networking juggernaut Facebook. Paul Ceglia’s lawsuit, filed on June 30th, claims that that a contract he signed with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg gives him majority ownership of the website. The contract, which was signed on April 28, 2003, was in order for Ceglia to design and develop a website with a $1,000 payment. In addition, Ceglia would receive 50% stake in the product with an additional 1% interest in the company for every day after Jan. 1, 2004, until completion.

“We believe this suit is completely frivolous and we will fight it vigorously,” a Facebook spokesperson said. Both Ceglia and his lawyer have not commented or returned calls as of yet.

I can’t imagine how many more of these bothersome trials Zuckerberg can go through without completely losing his mind. This reminds me of that Coldplay song “The Scientist” which several other “talented musicians” have claimed to have written over the past few years. I’m not seeing this case going any further than an out-of-court settlement to get Mr. Ceglia’s to shut his trap.

I can’t imagine why Zuckerberg wouldn’t just get one of his geeky buddies at Harvard to make the website for a box of ramen noodles and a bucket of chicken wings. In any case, the moral of the story is: watch your neck when you sit atop the mountain.

Read [WSJ]

Full Story » | Written by Tarun Kunwar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Mark Ronson found singing on his new album an "intimidating" experience. The music producer - who covered songs by the likes of Coldplay, Radiohead and The Zutons on...

Coldplay thank fans for hard work in helping to save BBC6 Music with website message

Jarvis Cocker and the members of Coldplay express their happiness at the decision to save BBC 6 Music.

Coldplay have thanked fans for supporting their campaign to save BBC 6 Music from closure, insisting they are "very pleased" to have achieved their aim.

British rockers Coldplay have thanked fans for supporting their campaign to save a U.K. radio station from closure, insisting they are "very pleased" to have achieved...

THE Coldplay singer stunned onlookers by stepping out sporting studs in both his lugs

Coldplay rocker CHRIS MARTIN has been reunited with a handful of private family photos of him and wife Gwyneth Paltrow after his father lost them on a train.Railway...

We never thought we’d say this, but Bryan Adams is now our only hope of averting worldwide cultural meltdown.

Unbearably saccharine source of tween fake optimism and total travesty Glee has been given the go-ahead by Coldplay – purveyors of music so meh that if it were a colour it would be beige – to join forces in a multimedia experience so appallingly bland and false that the cerebral cortex of anyone watching will be in danger of just not working anymore.

As any individual left in the world with a brain shuddered at the thought of the sixth of the obligatory eight-per-episode…

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin steadfastly refused to let his songs appear on Fox’s hit singing show, but he finally changed his mind. Hallelujah!

What a difference a year makes! When the kids at William McKinley High were first introduced to the world last June, bands were refusing to let the Glee club sing their tunes — but now even the most reluctant group, Coldplay, has finally seen the light! “At the beginning a lot of people didn’t know what we were and asked to see pages [in advance], but I refused because I didn’t want to set precedent of them having any involvement,” Glee’s creator, Ryan Murphy, told Billboard. “My favorite rejection was Bryan Adams. Read more

After previously refusing to allow 'Glee' to use their music, the Chris Martin-fronted band finally grant the TV series access to their catalogue following the success of Madonna/">Madonna tribute.

The Sun have today sparked a burst of new online media articles about the updates to Coldplay's latest LP5 blog... nearly two weeks after it was originally posted.

Coldplay have done a U-turn and allowed their music to be used by hit TV show Glee

Coldplay have done a U-turn and allowed their music to be used by hit TV show Glee

They prominently said no to the show throughout the first season, but with two more seasons coming, the words "better late than never" couldn't make more sense.

British band Coldplay finally gave the rights to their entire catalog to the producers of Glee , paving the way for a possible New Directions version of their hits such as "Yellow", "The Scientist" and "Fix You", according to The Hollywood Reporter .