Hypebot’s New Music Industry Briefing For Wednesday September 13th, 2006

– As predicted Apple is now in the movie download business. The move includes tiered pricing – something record labels want desperately and a coming iTV player which allows playback via TV.   Some cool but not earth shattering upgrades to the iPod and Nano lines were also announced. (Gizmodo).  Yet in the UK at least iPod fever seems to be cooling. (Observer)

– Nettwerks’ Bare Naked Ladies join the MySpace/Snocap program with 89 cent mp3 downloads. (here) 

– Execs at a mobile music conference state that major labels will continue to resist the the open mp3 format.  Former EMI exec and consultant Ted Cohen also rightfully postulated that the majors may be handing the Indies a leg up by holding back on the consumer friendly format. (DMN)

– RealNetworks has bought Korean mobile ringtone and download provider WiderThan and their affiliations with Verizon and 49 other carriers in 55 countries for $350 million. (press release)

– BlogMusik and it’s free virtual iPod player as well as other rumored sites may just be the Web 2.0 version of the original Napster.  (Wired.com) Full coverage from Hypebot here.

– A look at the competitors lining up to take on the iPod and iTunes. (MacNewsWorld)