Sunday, July 24, 2011

CDs Following in Cassettes Footsteps

Throughout the years technology has drastically changed the way people listened to music. At one point in time people could only listen music on the radio. Then vinyl came out along with the player. 8-tracks, cassettes and CDs were to follow. But now they are in the digital form of MP3s. This change not only affects consumers but it also affects businesses.
Retailers such as Best Buy, have drastically downsized their selection of music. I went to purchase a CD the day the album was released and they did not have it. They didn’t even have the artist listed on the shelves. Places like Wal-Mart are lowering the prices of all CDs. They not only have a five-dollar movie bin but five-dollar CD bin as well. They will do anything to get the consumers to buy the products.
The switch to online sales can also leave businesses confused. They still have to pay the record companies all the rights and royalties for every album they sell. The business needs to watch and record the sales of the digital media. Complications begin to arise when tracks are sold separately. The company has to make sure that everyone gets their share of the profit.
The process of sales reporting can be complex with all the different packaging models of the digital music. But by automating the system it will make the process go a lot smoother. It will also benefit the retailers and record labels. There is a program that can list the transactions using product, date and price that the item is sold. This system can better ensure that everyone gets the royalties.
The technology is growing to help more people use digital media as their main source of entertainment. This is making the physical CDs become obsolete. Will they ever really go away?

Your Opinion is needed!

Monday, July 11, 2011

Warped Tour Mobile App!

Summer, the time to relax, chill out and go to Warped Tour! The Vans Warped Tour is one of the biggest, largest travelling festivals and has been on the road since 1994. Every summer, sixty bands come together to make the festival a success. If you have ever been to Warped Tour you know how hectic it can be getting the times for the bands you want to see. I normally just take a picture on my camera of the inflatable so that I always have it with me. Last year Warped Tour introduced an application on the mobile markets and this year they brought it back! It is better than ever! The application is a helpful device and your guide to Warped Tour this summer.
One of the features of the application is news and updates. This is helpful because it allows fans to stay on up-to-date on all news about the tour. This also gives you links to the twitter page so you can stay on track with all the news happening the day of your show! The feature also gives  fans links to related sites such as Alternative Press and Buzznet.
Another part of the application is the Extra’s. There is a survival guide that tells you the DO’s and DON’Ts of Warped Tour. For example, it tells you to wear lightweight, light colored clothing and comfortable sneakers rather than layers or flip-flops. The section gives the 101 on the venue and what you can bring into it. The coolest part of the section is the camera. It allows you to take a picture of you and your friends while it automatically adds the logo to photo. It’s a neat way to remember the day!
The coolest part of the application is the ‘My Set List’ feature. This allows you to add the bands you want to see at the show. It also lets you add the time they are playing and what stage. It even lets you put the location and time of the meet and greet! Also, the feature lets you set an alarm so you do not miss your favorite bands!
The Vans Warped Tour is connecting with fans through the advances in technology. With the help of the application, fans will be able to enjoy their time at Warped Tour and not miss out on their favorite performers or the chance to meet them!