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Google has introduced “Google Media Center”, free Windows-only software that, essentially, does the same thing as an Apple TV, enabling Windows users to stream photos, videos and music from their computer to the TV.
Of course this isn’t new, Microsoft has its own solutions for the task, but what makes this more interesting (other than the software being as intuitive as any other Google product) is Google’s tendency to explore and disrupt emerging markets. Given the company has its own market-leading video distribution system in the form of YouTube, might it be deploying infrastructure to make a media-focused bit to support the launch of phones based on its Android platform? We don’t know, but we’re interested to see this play out.
Google Media Center supports UPnP (Universal Plug and Play), compatible devices include things like the Xbox or Playstation gaming console, many set-top boxes or photo frames such as the Kodak EasyShare. Google Media Server will auto-discover any UPnP device that’s connected to your computer. You can also choose what of your content should be made available to the device. You must install Google Desktop to install Google Media Server.

The BBC plans a user-friendly set-top box to rival the Apple TV and Sky.
The device will reportedly transfer web videos such as the BBC’s iPlayer content onto TV screens, essentially an consumer-friendly IP-TV solution from the world’s first TV channel.
BBC director general Mark Thompson told the Financial Times: “There are many things out there in the market, but what we haven’t yet got is a simple standard, to mean that you can get services like iPlayer and Kangaroo [a joint venture to deliver archive and popular programmes online].”
Thompson explained the BBC to be “looking very hard at” forming an alliance to introduce “a very simple standard” for getting shows from computer screens to TVs. The plan would require clearance from the BBC Trust.

Apple will introduce remote control software for the iPhone and the iPod touch that enables these devices to be used as remote controllers for an iTunes collection,
It’s understood, this application will allow iPhone and iPod touch users to control iTunes from around their home, with the application to be made available as a free application from the App Store.
“Use iTunes 7.7 to sync music, video, and more with iPhone 3G, and download applications from the iTunes Store exclusively designed for iPhone and iPod touch with software version 2.0 or later. Also use the new Remote application for iPhone or iPod touch to control iTunes playback from anywhere in your home — a free download from the App Store,” the Read Me file states, as reported here.

Clear Channel Radio today announced that all ts 350 HD2 stations are now iTunes Tagging compatible, allowing songs played on the channels to easily be added to an iPod when tagged by a tagging-capable receiver.
“With radio now well established in the digital age, innovation is a priority at Clear Channel Radio, which is why we developed technology to make iTunes Tagging possible,” said John Hogan, president and CEO of Clear Channel Radio. “With 700 of our HD stations now tagging-capable, and because of our collaboration with iTunes, iPods can now continuously be refreshed with new songs discovered on radio.”
A recent survey from sonoro audio found that radio was still the number one way that consumers prefer to listen to music followed by iPods, which highlights the natural relationship between Clear Channel Radio and iTunes to provide more entertainment options for consumers.

According to anonymous executives close to the Los Angeles Times, Sony will announce an online video service for PS3 as early as summer, presumably (or conveniently) in July at E3, gaming’s largest worldwide press event.

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Came across this post, “Artists and record labels should no longer look to their fans for record sales. They need to seek new ways of generating revenue. Perhaps the most effective way is through the licensing of their music. As we have seen with artists such as Wale, N.E.R.D., and Santogold this proves to be an effective strategy…”

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Joss Stone isn’t buying into the anti file-sharing witch hunt – she hates the business, loves the fans and thinks file-sharing is “great”.
In an old video interview, Stone says of file-sharing: “I think it’s great. Yeah, I love it. I think it’s brilliant and I’ll tell you why. Music should be shared. I believe that this is how music turned into like, some crazy business. The only part about music that I dislike is the business that is attached to it. Now, if music is free, then there is no business, there is just music.”
She believes in the high-profile live income business model, it seems, adding: :As long as you come to my show, and have a great time listening to the live show it’s totally cool, I don’t mind.”
She even calls those artists who have been convinced piracy is the creature destroying their sales, rather than years of incompetent management, “brainwashed”.

BT, the UK’s largest broadband provider, has begun threatening subscribers with disconnection from the internet if it is told they are sharing copyright music over peer-to-peer networks, The Register has learned. The firm recently sent an email to one of its four million retail broadband customers, who asked not to be named, alleging that she had illegally participated in a network sharing of a track.

XM Satellite Radio and EMI Music Publishing today announced that they have resolved the lawsuit
brought by EMI Music Publishing against XM over its Pioneer Inno, a portable satellite radio with advanced recording features. The companies did not disclose terms of the agreement.

Apple is preparing a new, lower-priced iPod nano for release in September according to a report by FBR Research analyst Craig Berger. A revised version of the media player is due soon and is likely to appear in September along with larger-capacity iPod classic and iPod touch players.

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