NBC Universal to cut iTunes contract
NBC Universal has decided to sever its connection with iTunes. They have opted to not renew their contract with the online retailer because of Apple's grip on the pricing on the website. NBC Universal's content currently accounts for 40% of iTunes' video downloads. NBC Universal's current contract ends in December and it will continue providing content until then. It is possible that the two could come to another arrangement in that time, however it looks as though Apple and NBC Universal are done negotiating for the moment.
Sony to phase out Atrac format
Sony has decided to phase out Atrac format in Europe and North America. Atrac is its proprietary music format. Sony has introduced new products that will be able to use Advanced Audio Coding, Windows Media Audio, and MP3. Sony has also announced that it will close its Connect Music Services. Sony has also said that its Connect e-book service will not be affected by this.
REM have announced that they are nearly finished with their next album. The band of said that they have another three weeks of recording to do. The expect that this album, which will be a follow up to 2004's Around the Sun will be out in Spring of 2008. The band played five shows in Dublin earlier this year as a "working rehearsal" of the new songs. Footage of some of those shows can be found on YouTube.
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