MP3 Players Are Dead - Business Insider

Apple

They were at the forefront of the digital revolution when they launched over a decade ago, but UK sales of iPods and other MP3 players slumped by more than fifth in 2012 as consumers turned to smartphones as their gadget of choice.

According to analysis by Mintel, the research company, sales of MP3 players fell by almost ?110 million ? or 22 per cent ? to ?381 million this year compared to 2011.

Mintel predicts that sales will halve again by 2017. In its ?worst case? scenario, the group forecasts that sales of MP3 players could drop to just ?25 million within five years.

MP3 players ? or Portable Media Players (PMP) as they are also known ? are rechargeable pocket-sized devices that play digital music and videos. However they have been usurped by smartphones, which carry out the same functions but also allow users to make telephone calls and connect to the internet.

When Apple launched its iPod in 2001 it changed the way that people listened to music. Using its own ?digital jukebox? software, the device ? which was the same size and weight as a packet of playing cards - could hold 1,000 songs in compressed digital files.

Prior to the iPod, music fans had to rely on cumbersome portable CD players, short-lived mini-disc players or even cassette players like the Sony Walkman to listen to music on the move.

Within a year of the iPod launching Apple released a version capable of carrying 4,000 songs. By the autumn of 2010, around 275 million iPods had been sold around the world.

However the rise of smartphones ? like the Apple iPhone or the Samsung Galaxy - has halted this growth. Ofcom, the regulator, recently found that two-fifths of UK adults now own a smartphone.

Samuel Gee, a technology analyst at Mintel, said that the decline in MP3 sales is ?unlikely to reverse?.

?It is impossible to talk about the current PMP market without extensive reference to smartphones. The devices have directly contributed to the sharp decline in the value of PMP sales,? said Mr Gee.

He said that MP3 players are being ?steadily outshone? by increasingly affordable new technologies, like smartphones.

Ian Fogg, a technology analyst at IHS, the research company, said smartphones are becoming as ubiquitous as iPods once were.

Mr Fogg said: ?The convenience of a smartphone is greater than an MP3 player because it is always with someone. It also provides more choice of mobile music because someone can play back their own music ? as they can on a MP3 player ? but they can also access other music services like Last FM or Spotify. Therefore there is a greater choice of music available.?

As well as disrupting sales of MP3 players, smartphones have led to a decline in sales of compact cameras due to the phones? own in-built camera function.

Figures released in October showed that there are more than one billion smartphones in use around the world. Strategy Analytics, a consulting firm, said that growing demand for the devices is likely to push the number to over two billion within the next three years.

Apple recently said that it had sold 5.3 million iPods globally in its most recent financial quarter, a fall of 19 per cent compared to the same period the previous year.

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/mp3-players-are-dead-2012-12

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apollo architects and associates: grow - a family home in downtown ...

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?grow ? by apollo architects & associates
image ? masao nishikawa

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situated on an extremely small plot measuring only 65 sqm, ?grow? by apollo architects & associates is a downtown tokyo residence conceived
for a husband-and-wife designer couple.

on the ground floor, a cockpit-like office at the entrance which runs along the east side of the home, neighbors the garage,
separated by a single pane of glass which visually expands the narrow space. when the garage is open to its fullest extent,
it creates a sense of unity between the street and interior. a small square white rock covered courtyard located at the back left corner
of the garage fills with diffused light which floods down from the upper levels, projecting a sense of tranquility into the adjoining master bedroom.

a staircase which spirals from the ground floor to the penthouse leads upwards to the second floor outfitted with a large changing room
and sleeping quarters for the client?s three children ? this area is divided by a curtain. two large doors which open out over the courtyard
from the bathroom allow one to enjoy a relaxing ?outdoor? bath complete with fresh air and sunlight.

the third floor floor houses the dwelling?s main communal areas such as the kitchen and living room. high skylights installed along the walls
and the ceiling ? which is sloped as a result of the setback limit imposed by the city ? provide a lot of natural light into the home,
making it feel open and airy despite its small area. these windows also offer panoramic views of the sky and downtown area with built-in furniture
covered in tatami mats lining the south and east facing walls of the family room. a balcony extends from the kitchen where the residents
are able to grow their own plants, allowing them to prepare food in an open environment, while a rooftop garden offers an additional green oasis
for the owners in the middle of the city.

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the compact site measures 65 sqm
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the third floor family room features built-in furniture covered in tatami mats
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north facing view of the third floor which features sloping ceilings as a result of the city?s setback limits
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east facing wall
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general view of the third floor kitchen and family room
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a door in the kitchen opens to a balcony where the owners can grow plants
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a green roof offers an urban oasis for the residents
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a spiral staircase leads from the ground floor all the way to the top of the home
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second floor bathroom
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large doors from the bathroom which open over the courtyard offer an environment in which to have an outdoor bath.
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a long narrow office neighbours the garage, separated by a pane of glass
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view into the garage from the street
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garage and office space by night
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?grow? by night
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third floor lighting by night
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first floor plan

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second floor plan

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third floor plan

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penthouse

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south and east elevation

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north and west elevation

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project outline

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architecture: satoshi kurosaki/apollo architects & associates
location: shinjuku ward tokyo
date of completion: july 2012
principal use: private housing
structure: concrete
site area: 38.37m2
total floor area: 124.33m2 (43.61m2/1f, 38.37m2/2f,38.66m2/3f,3.69m2/ph)
structural engineer: kenta masaki
mechanical engineer: zenei shimada
material information
exterior finish: exposed concrete
floor: wood flooring
wall: synthetic resin emulsion paint
ceiling: exposed concrete

Source: http://www.designboom.com/architecture/apollo-architects-and-associates-grow-house-in-downtown-tokyo/

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Your table is ready, Mr. HeadsetsDotCom

28 min.

Cindy Perman

How much is a name worth?

If you're this guy, Jason, it's exactly $45,500.

How does he know?

He sold it for auction (www.buymylastname.com). His last name used to be Sadler but for the next year, it will be HeadsetsDotCom.

It's got a nice beat, you can dance to it, don't you think?

Sadler ? Sorry, HeadsetsDotCom ? is the guy who started a business mid-recession as a professional T-Shirt wearer, where companies pay him to wear a T-shirt with their logo on it, then talk about it on Facebook, Twitter and in YouTube videos. Within just a few years, he's turned his one-man band into mini T-shirt-wearing empire,watching his revenue double in each of the first few years.

After his mom got divorced earlier this year and decided to change her name, he thought maybe he should change his own name and ? ding! ?the light bulb went off and he thought ? why not just auction it off?

It was a bidding frenzy among 25 bidders over the past month or so, including an 11th hour back-and-forth between HeadsetsDotCom and PawnUpDotCom. To the last minute, he had no idea what his last name would be.

"It was definitely exciting and had me on the edge of my seat watching it unfold!" HeadsetsDotCom said.

The capitalists and entrepreneurs among us would high five Sadler, but, um, what does his mom think? His girlfriend?

His mom stayed up late texting him about how nerve-racking the whole thing was.

"My girlfriend thinks I always need to wear headsets now!"HeadsetsDotCom said.

So, how is he going to explain his name at the DMV when he goes to get a license for Jason HeadsetsDotCom (he will) or at the security check at the airport?

"I think the best way to explain it is just going to say it's a Russian name or something!" HeadsetsDotCom said. "Hah, no, I'm proud to have a brand's name as my last name for 2013, and if the timing allows it (not standing in line to board a plane), I'll be happy to tell the story of selling my last name."

Of course, you know he's going to get a thousand "Can you hear me now?" and other jokes from self-amused punsters. What's his comeback?

"I've always been passionate about hands-free phone conversations!" HeadsetsDotCom quipped.

So now, in the harsh light of day, does he ? like a Vegas wedding or face tattoo ? have any regrets?

"No regrets at all. This was a crazy adventure and I look forward to rocking this last name for the next year!" HeadsetsDotCom said.

And for the record, he's not amused with the face-tattoo analogy. It's a year, not a needle to the forehead!

So Jason Sadler, you just changed your name to HeadsetsDotCom, what are you going to do now?

"I'm going to Vegas! Well, not really, but I'll be celebrating at my favorite restaurant in Jacksonville (TacoLu) with my family,"he said.

OK, we got ask ? what will this guy sell next?

" It was my shirt, now my name, I think I'm good on selling things for the time being!" HeadsetsDotCom said.

Boom Ts ? Boom Ts ?Boom Ts ?.cha-ching!

Hey, what's that sound?

Oh, that's just Jason HeadsetsDotCom!

More from CNBC.com:
And?the best place to work in 2013 is?
Cool?Jobs you've never heard of

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/business/your-table-ready-mr-headsetsdotcom-1C7601571

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Happy birthday, Bill of Rights!

Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment II
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Amendment III
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/happy-birthday-bill-rights-111808323--politics.html

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No. 6 Louisville rallies, downs Memphis 87-78

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) ? Chane Behanan scored 22 points and No. 6 Louisville rallied from 16 points down in the first half to beat Memphis 87-78 on Saturday.

Louisville (9-1) trailed 25-9 in the first half before pulling out its fourth straight win in this rivalry with a team the Cardinals have played in three conferences. The Big East will be the fourth when Memphis joins in July.

Russ Smith scored 13 of his 19 points in the second half for Louisville. Peyton Siva added 19 points, and Luke Hancock had 11.

Memphis (6-3) had five players foul out, helping Louisville to a huge edge at the free-throw line. The Cardinals were 38 of 46; the Tigers 14 of 20.

Joe Jackson led Memphis with 23 points and eight assists, and Tarik Black added 21 points. Geron Johnson added 12 and D.J. Stephens 10.

These teams have been rivals for decades dating to when both belonged to the Missouri Valley Conference, then the Metro Conference and most recently Conference USA between 1995 and 2005. They're due to be back in the same league starting in July for at least a season in the Big East, if Louisville doesn't bolt early for the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Memphis called for a "blue-out", and fans responded. They also spent much of the game on their feet, booing or cheering every call and basket. The foul disparity was such that fans stood and cheered the Big East officiating crew derisively when Hancock was called for a foul with more than 6 minutes left

The Tigers outshot Louisville 51.8 percent (29 of 56) to 42 percent (21 of 50) and outrebounded the Cardinals (34-28). They just couldn't overcome the difference at the free throw line.

Memphis led 54-44 on a dunk by Johnson with 12:25 left. That's when the Cardinals took control scoring 13 straight points, and Hancock hit a pair of 3s and Behanan added another. Kevin Ware hit a pair of free throws to cap the spurt and put Louisville up 57-54 with 9:58 left.

The Tigers could get no closer than five in the final minute as Louisville sealed the win hitting 10 of 12 at the free throw line down the stretch.

Memphis now is 0-11 against ranked teams under coach Josh Pastner, even though it looked like this would be the day the Tigers would finally give their young coach his signature win leading 35-28 at halftime.

Louisville jumped out 5-1 before Jackson got Memphis going by hitting a 3, and the Tigers wound up hitting 13 of 22 in building a 16-point lead. Stephens even stepped out and hit a 3-pointer, which put Memphis up 25-9 with 10:05 left. Memphis kept the Cardinals off balance by switching up defenses from its usual man to man, and the Cardinals wound up shooting 8 of 24 through the first 10 minutes.

Louisville also lost Smith for part of the first half when he hurt his left ankle when he collided with Stephens near the Tigers' bench with 6:02 left. Smith laid on the floor and rolled around for a couple minutes before being helped to the bench, unable to put his foot on the floor. But he was back late, though he shot only 1 of 8 from the floor missing all four of his 3-pointers.

The Cardinals took advantage of Memphis turning it over 24 times, turning those into 29 points.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/no-6-louisville-rallies-downs-memphis-87-78-221922706--spt.html

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Friend: Adam Lanza's mom was gun enthusiast

Nancy Lanza, in a photo that a relative saved from Facebook.

By Michael Isikoff and Hannah RappleyeNBC News

NEWTOWN, Conn. -- The mother of the suspected Sandy Hook Elementary School gunman, herself slain at the outset of the murderous rampage, was an avid gun enthusiast who liked to take her sons to the shooting range to practice their marksmanship, a friend tells NBC News.

Dan Holmes, a local landscaper and a friend of Nancy Lanza, mother of 20-year-old suspected gunman Adam Lanza, said she also was a collector.

??She had a pretty extensive gun collection,? Holmes said. ?She was a collector, she was pretty proud of that. She always mentioned that she really loved the act of shooting.?

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Holmes recalled that she said she was able to ?focus in? while shooting.

Federal officials tell NBC News that Adam Lanza took three weapons with him to the school ? two pistols, a Glock and a Sig Sauer, and a Bushmaster .223-caliber semi-automatic assault-style rifle ? all of which were registered to Nancy Lanza.

It is unclear whether all the guns were used in the attack. At a news briefing on Saturday, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. H. Wayne Carver II, who led the team that autopsied the victims, said, ?All the (injuries) ? I know of were caused by the rifle.?

The Associated Press reported that authorities investigating the school shooting later recovered additional weapons -- a Henry repeating rifle, an Enfield rifle and a shotgun. It was not clear where those weapons were found.

Holmes, Nancy Lanza?s friend, said the 47-year-old single mother also frequently talked about how she was worried about Adam.

Investigators and former classmates of Connecticut school shooter Adam Lanza say he was bright, but extremely shy and remote. NBC's Pete Williams reports.

Related content from NBCNews.com:

She talked about ?how he was an unstable kid,? he said. ?She would talk about that. ?She was very protective of him. I don?t ? think she ever got major help for him. She just tried to handle it on her own. It was something she was definitely disturbed about.?

Meantime, federal agents visited a gun shooting range near Newtown, Conn., in an effort determine if Adam Lanza visited in the months before the attack, which could indicate he was planning or practicing for the bloodbath he carried out early Friday.

Dean Price, director of the Wooster Mountain Shooting Range near Newtown, told NBC News that he was visited by agents from the federal Bureau of Alcohol ,Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on Friday night and that they searched through his records for any evidence that the younger Lanza had signed in there in 2012. They also checked to see if he had used the name of his older brother, Ryan, Price said.

There was no indication that Adam Lanza had used the shooting range, which requires customers to sign in and show identification prior to using the facility, Price said.

Agents also have been checking local firearms dealers to see if Adam Lanza purchased or attempted to purchase weapons or ammunition prior to the shooting.

Law enforcement officials said members of the public reported they thought they saw Adam Lanza trying to buy a rifle at a Dick?s Sporting Good store in Danbury, but investigators have yet to confirm that. ??

NBC News' Senior Investigative Correspondent Lisa Myers and Justice Correspondent Pete Williams contributed to this report.

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Source: http://openchannel.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/15/15935397-mom-of-suspected-school-shooter-first-to-die-was-avid-gun-enthusiast-friend-says?lite

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