What surprises me about these facts and figures — apart from iTunes skyrocketing again after the introduction of variable pricing — is the fact that CDs are not completely dead yet. They are clearly going down, but I had this mental image in which all of those round mirrors were destroyed, melting like Dali clocks in a desert of indifference. [Mint]

Rhapsody claims its catalogue includes eight million tracks, but unfortunately they only stream at 64kbps quality. [Real Networks | iTunes]

Rhapsody on iPhone from Jamie on Vimeo.

The screenshot is courtesy of a Gdgt hands-on, which explains that “unlike Spotify’s yet-to-be-released iPhone app, Rhapsody’s app lacks offline capability”. No local storage until version 2.0, apparently. Bummer.

Also worth noting: The free app won’t support Rhapsody Unlimited subscribers ($US12 a month).

Even if the app is approved (that is, Apple doesn’t baulk at competition to iTunes on its own device), you kinda get the feeling it’ll be a tough sell beyond existing subscribers until they get the local storage sorted. In the meantime, the company plans a limited time free-trial, and an Android version. From its blog:

“We are working diligently on an Android app and once we’re done there, we plan to turn our sights on more mobile platform and carrier app stores”

[Real Networks Blog and Gdgt]

Rhapsody on iPhone from Jamie on Vimeo.

Weird. The new Denon iPod docks are not only pretty, but they also can access some stuff called “Rhapsody” and “Napster.” Don’t quote me on this, but they are some kind of streaming music services.

The ASD-51W—which goes for $US300—has Wi-Fi connectivity, with automatic setup and WPS compatibility. The ASD-51N has the same features, but will require a cable for $US250.

Note: Denon released the news without images, except for some low-quality ones we weren’t allowed to use. So we decided to produce our own. I think these are better, right?

DENON DEBUTS TWO NEW NETWORK-ENABLED iPOD® DOCKS
WITH ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND CAPABILITIES

— Network-Enabled A/V Servers with iPod Command and Control Add Rhapsody and Napster Connectivity, Faster Networking, IP Control and More —

Mahwah, NJ, May 11, 2009 – Denon Electronics, one of the world’s premier manufacturers of high-quality home entertainment components, introduced two new Network-Enabled iPod Docks, models ASD-51W and ASD-51N, both with Apple® iPod command and control, as well as a host of new capabilities and features. Both the ASD-51W (SRP: $299.99) and ASD-51N (SRP: $249.99) are scheduled for August 2009 availability.

Connectivity to Rhapsody and Napster Music Services
Building on the capabilities and benefits of Denon’s predecessor ASD-3N/W models, the ASD-51N and ASD-51W add exciting new features that give users an even greater level of network connectivity to many A/V components, including A/V receivers, video display products and single speaker solutions, allowing them to stream audio files, pictures, Internet radio stations and more through the connected devices. Notably, both new devices let users stream music from Internet Radio sources, as well as provide connection to Rhapsody™ and Napster music services (subscription required) and other network attached storage devices. As with the ASD-3N/W, the devices recharge the iPod while in dock.

New Features Geared Toward Custom Integrators
Both new Denon Network-Enabled iPod Docks were engineered with a variety of features and capabilities designed to help professional custom integrators better serve their clients. For example, they offer IP Control (AMX/Crestron), Web Remote Control, and iPod audio streaming to new Denon networked products. In addition, a new Multi-Zone Management feature allows custom installers to quickly and easily perform a status check of all networked Denon products. Both models also feature a special “Party Mode” multi-zone network streaming management system for use with new Denon A/V receivers that allows users to enjoy music throughout the home played simultaneously in up to five Denon devices on the network.

Windows 7, Plus Automatic Wi-Fi Connectivity and More
In addition to having Rhapsody and Napster connectivity, the new Denon iPod docks provide Windows 7 connectivity and overall faster networking capabilities. Notably, the ASD-51W adds Wi-Fi (11b/g) connectivity and WPS compatibility (Wi-Fi protected setup). This easy solution for wireless connectivity allows users to quickly connect the ASD-51W to the wireless router and automatically start communication and authentications without having to enter any password or SSID input. Adding to their flexibility and convenience, both new products also feature Digital Coaxial Output and Last Function Memory. For additional networking flexibility, the units feature an Ethernet port.

To minimize “remote control clutter,” both devices connect to any Denon receiver using the dock control port and give users command and control of their iPod via the receiver’s remote control. Whether connected to a current Denon receiver or other product, audio and video signals are sent via analogue audio output and S-Video to the respective inputs on a connected device in order to view the GUI and hear the audio. The two models include a remote control and feature a screen saver and a newly designed GUI for displaying meta-data, full-colour album artwork and user photos. The GUI will support English, German, French and Spanish languages for both GUI text as well as meta-data from the iPod and other streaming media.

Both the Ibiza Rhapsody Mini and Ibiza Rhapsody Touch are equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities for content browsing and instant downloading. While they are still working on getting YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter accessibility, the Mini and Touch are already set to go with Rhapsody, Flick, Audible, and Internet radio.

Although both MP3 players will be 8.9×5.1×1.0cm—and will come in sizes ranging from 8GB-32GB—the Mini has a 2.2-inch colour screen with a four way d-pad and supports MP3, AAC and WMA, while the Touch is equipped with a 2.8-inch touch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, and is able to play MPEG-4, H.264, VC-1 and DiVX 3/4/5, and stream stereo audio.

Stay tuned as there is still no word on pricing or release date. [CNet]

AU: I haven’t checked yet, but I’m almost certain that this will be US only. Feel free to let me know if we can access it down under.

[Rhapsody]

That’s right, in living video, our buddy John Falcone explains the Wi-Fi-powered system, and notes that, aside from DRM protected content, the Squeezebox Duet gets at “any music, anywhere” including stuff from Rhapsody, Slacker, and Pandora, plus internet radio and podcasts.

Falcone was particularly excited about the Squeeze network, which lets you manage all your music online, and says that because of the open-source and Linux-friendly nature of Squeeze, the “tweaker or hacker type” will have lots of fun.

In the written portion of the review, Falcone mentioned that “it lacks the iPod’s speed-sensitive ability to quickly jump up and down through long lists,” something that scares me a bit because I have lots of music and very little patience. Also in the prose, Sonos is mentioned as an expensive rival good for people who want to fill five or more rooms with sound, or people who already own Sonos.

In the end, Falcone says he “couldn’t be more pleased with it,” which is good news for those of us unwilling to start at US$1,000 for a wireless audio system, and bad news for the good people over at Sonos. Sorry dudes! [CNet]