Fred Amoroso, the CEO of DRM, electronic licensing e-licensing, and software asset managment provider">Macrovision, the original DRM company, has made a response to Steve Jobs' open letter regarding the role of Digital Rights Management (DRM) in the current electronic content marketplace. In his response, Mr. Amoroso highlights four major points.

First, is that DRM is just broader than music, and that DRM has an impact across many forms of content across different media. Therefore, the discussion should not be limited to just music.

Second, Amoroso asserts that DRM increases, rather than decreases consumer value. He says that without reasonable, consistent, and transparent DRM, there will only be a delay in consumers receiving premium, quality content in their homes in the way they want it.

Third, Amoroso believes that DRM will increase electronic distribution. He says that if owners of high-value content are asked to enter or stay in an environment/platform that offers no protection for their content, there will be no reason for them to enter.

And finally, Amoroso notes that what DRM needs is for it to be interoperable and open. He says that true interoperable DRM will speed the shift to the electronic distribution of content and make it easier for consumers to manage and share content in the home. He adds that it will also enable an open environment where content is portable across a number of devices and not held hostage in just one company's product.

Amoroso expounds:

As an industry, we can overcome the DRM challenges. A commitment to transparent, interoperable and reasonable DRM will effectively bridge the gap between consumers and content owners, eliminate confusion and make it possible for new releases and premium content to enter the digital environment and kick off a new era of entertainment.

We feel that we should have enough self-control to not laugh out loud at the use of words like "enabler" and "not decreases consumer value", and take those points suggested by Mr. Amoroso with reason. We're not sure about you folks though. We'll leave the laughing, nitpicking, and debating for and against DRM to you guys.

Anyway, here's a pseudo-analytical look at this. Jobs' letter said something that implies something like this: "The industry wants something impossible, like a unicorn headed for candy mountain." Macrovision's response is this: "Yeah! Candy Mountain rocks! Let's grow pink wings, turn into unicorns and fly to Candy Mountain!"

Double plus ungood. Read the exec's letter yourselves via our "read" link below.

QJ Blogger Victor B has previously reported on Steve Jobs' suggestion  to abandon digital tunes copy protection earlier this week. Here's a bitter and yet somewhat expected update to that report. Warner Music CEO Edgar Bronfman has rejected that suggestion, saying that they advocate the continued use of DRM. Bronfman explains:

The notion that music does not deserve the same protection as software, film, video games or other intellectual property, simply because there is an unprotected legacy product in the physical world, is completely without logic or merit.

Jobs, in his open letter, has criticised major labels including Warner, EMI, Sony, and Universal for demanding DRM on their music sold online while at the same time selling billions of CDs containing unprotected tracks.

PC World reports that Bronfman is the first executive of a major recording company to respond to Steve Job's open letter. Bronfman reportedly urges Apple and the music industry to continue working with each other. Bronfman adds, "Frankly, manifestos in advance of those discussions is counter-productive."

A few days ago we brought you a list of seven Japanese high-tech gadgets you can't buy just yet. Today we have another list - courtesy of TechEBlog - of seven gadgets that are not yet available for the consumption of the general public. This time, we're setting our sights on one of the most useful accessories we've ever come across: watches.

First up is the iPod watch. Designed by Peter Burns, this concept watch is supposed to be a "10GB player with Bluetooth-enabled earphones." The clean design is enhanced by the lack of wiring between the player and earphones, "a sleek, efficient method of dealing with the increasing risk of misplacing the unit as the iPod gets smaller and smaller."

Check out the rest of the high-tech watches after the jump!

Parting from the conventional cubed iPod docks, Hong Kong brand Brando introduces a tubular iPod dock/speaker combo called iSing. Looking very polished and dapper, iSing comes in a variety of colors, such as the default silver, green, or purple. Other than your iPod Nano and iPod 5G (Video) 30G, it is also suitable for other portable music devices thru line-in.

As for its capabilities, well, they're fairly simplistic, with not much frills. It's powered by AAA batteries, DC adapter, or your USB port. For that complementary touch, the accents are in "iPod white". Oh, and of course it has volume control.

Hmmm, so it doesn't really boast of some mind-blowing hi-tech capacities. But hey, iPod has evolved to become more than just about the music, anyway. Now, it's all about the fashion. And as long as the iSing plays your music while at the same time jazzing up your style, then there's really no reason to complain, right?

The iSing Speaker Dock for your iPod is yours for only US$ 25.00.

Don't want to spend your money on all the nice-looking iPod peripherals/Docking Stations that cost an arm and a leg? Here's a nice project to do just to prove that you're "hardcore" when it comes to tech. If you've got some free time, and some spare CDR cases, this "custom" iPod amp can truly emphasize your "1337"(elite)-ness.

   

Read on, and see how to make it.

Nope, that's not an '80s boombox accessory for your iPod (although such a thing would be way cool). That thing to the right of this block of text, the one that looks like a cassette deck, is the HouseParty 24/7, Gear4's new speaker system for apple's iPod. Now, we've covered a lot of iPod speaker systems here on QJ since we first started, and we guess you guys have seen quite a lot of these newfangled iPod accessories yourselves. So maybe you're asking yourself, "What's so special about this thing, then?"

Well, for one, it's a 2.1 stereo speaker system featuring two two-inch six-watt magnetic shielded speakers and an ActiveBass 2.1T twelve-watt sub-woofer. This thing'll keep you and your neighbors up til the morning. So, okay, maybe now you're saying, "So? A lot of speaker systems have more output than that." Yeah, but although those speakers may be able to keep you up longer than the HouseParty 24/7 can, can they wake you up after you collapse from exhaustion?

Yes folks, the HouseParty 24/7 has a built-in alarm clock. Set your alarm and when it kicks in, the HouseParty 24/7 bursts into radio life. Yep, it's also got AM/FM radio with 5 preset stations and a snooze mode between 5 and 20 minutes. Aside from the alarm clock and the radio, the speakers also come with a three-stage dimmer LCD screen and a 16-function remote control allowing direct access to your iPod's menus.

Getting interested? Luckily, the HouseParty 24/7 is available now. It's available in sexy black or cool white and will set you back £99.99 (around $190 US).

With its new offerings catering to the iPod market, Logitech has its eyes set on providing the best-sounding most powerful speaker with the AudioStation brand. The AudioStation and the AudioStation Express are scheduled to be released in Europe and the US this October.

The AudioStation is a boombox-sized speaker system designed to function as a home stereo measuring 16 inches long, 4.5 inches deep, and 7.25 inches tall.  For that wide frequency response, installed in it are high-power long-throw woofers at four inches, and an 80-watt bi-amplified design.

It sports an integrated AM/Fm tuner and features a large LCD where the station information, track information and a spectrum analyzer are displayed. Peculiar to its design is that the AudioStation fashions no buttons, switches or knobs as its font panel is touch-sensitive. The controls emit white LEDs when the unit is powered on.

It also comes with a remote, 3D stereo imaging, sleep timer and more. iPods charge while playing aboard the AudioStation, and it is compatible with any iPods that offer Universal Dock connector.

The AudioStation Express on the other hand is more portable, offering flexible power options, a protective case and wireless remote. It can be powered with either an AC adapter or 6AA batteries. The wireless remote offers volume, track-hopping, play, and pause controls. At the back of the speaker system is a storage slot where it can be stored when not in use. Like the AudioStation, it supports any iPod with a Universal Dock connector, and offers a 3.5mm jack for older iPods and other audio sources.

The AudioStation Express is priced at $129.99, while the AudioStation is offered at $299.99.

Most of us probably start the day to the sound of our alarm clocks. The irritating, beeping sound sure doesn't guarantee a joyful way to greet the morning, but it sure is efficient in waking us up from a good night's sleep.

Now, you could start the day with the  Excalibur iBlaster (also known as the iBlaster Alarm Clock, iBlaster Clock Radio AM/FM Radio & Video Player). It's an FM/AM radio-iPod player-slash-alarm clock, plus a remote control for a bonus add-on.

But if you want more time to stay in bed, the remote control of the device will become quite handy for manuevering the iPod from a distance (meaning, when you're too tired to get out of bed). There are also buttons on top of the gadget if you prefer your iBlaster nearby (making it not too hard to pound it when you still want to get extra snooze time, much like what we do with conventional alarm clocks).

This add-on is compatible with the iPod 3G, 4G, 5G, nano, mini, shuffle, 1G/2G*, and  according to our source, is available for a "relatively attractive price."

So if you think you'd get off on a better start with your favorite song waking you up, maybe you'd like to consider giving this iPod add-on a try.

If the Memorex's iMove is a boombox designed for your iPod.

Much like in the Hi-Fi, just slide your iPod into the dock and let her rip. It supports iPod Video (5th generation with click wheel), iPod Photo/U2 (with click wheel), iPod/U2 (4th generation with click wheel), iPod Nano and iPod Mini.
   
It also functions as an AM/FM radio with station presets. So not only does it play your favorite tunes it also helps you find new ones. The 15.7" x 6.0" x 7.9" boombox, comes with a user manual & warranty card, universal iPod adapters, AC adapter and wireless remote control.

Although, I personally feel that it defeats the whole purpose of the iPod being a compact device, iMove breathed new life to the 80s boombox retro design by streamlining the product, thus, eliminating corners making it easier to put on your shoulders like in the old days. 

iMove is for the mobile audiophile (who doesn't mind the extra weight), who would want to share to their music in a different way. Loud and clear that is.

Ever wish that your iPod could use Bluetooth technology? While the inclusion of Bluetooth into your iPod may remain on every Apple fan's wish list, Anycom Technologies has an item that should tide you over - Anycom's BluNa new Bluetooth adapter for the iPod Nano.

According to iLounge, this device sends music from the Nano to any Bluetooth receiver. So, imagine using BluNa to send your music to Bluetooth speakers, headphones, computers, or stereo systems.

Will BluNu work with your Bluetooth device? Well, BluNa is compatible with Bluetooth products from Anycom and companies such as Logitech, Motorola, Plantronics, and others using the automatic device pairing feature.

You can buy the BluNa adapter for $120 later this month. Or, if you want multiple items from Anycom, you can get your BluNa in a bundle with the Anycom BIWAS-20 Bluetooth speakers for $350 or with the Anycom BSH-100 headphones for $230.