Request Multimedia has announced the latest release of its AudioReQuest software v1.9.2. ReQuest's new firmware features automatic Internet AlbumArt Loookup, Play While Encoding, New Screen Saver Options, Enhanced Feedback for control systems such as Crestron and AMX, and a database containing over 1,000,000 albums. Also, included are updates for JavaRemote 4.5 Windows and Macintosh Remote Software, ARQPocket 2.0 PocketPC software, and Crestron modules and panel designs.

In an interview with Newsweek magazine earlier this year, Apple’s Steve Jobs stated that he’d love to see the day when there is a $100 iPod, but didn’t think it was possible. His wish may be coming true in 2004 as reports are surfacing from sources such as CBS Marketwatch, MacNN.com and Appleinsider.com that Jobs is expected to unveil a new entry-level iPod that will most likely be priced in the $100 range at MacWorld next month. Sources at an Apple retailer in Los Angeles tell AudioRevolution.com that the rumors of the new budget priced iPod are completely true. Apple has not made any official statements on the matter, as they tend to prefer to make their new product announcements public at MacWorld.

Samsung Electronics and Napster are forming a technology and marketing partnership to improve the experience of consumers using digital music. The partnership just announced the introduction of a new Samsung-Napster digital audio player that is designed to work with the Napster 2.0 music service launching in the U.S. by the holidays. The new device will be available in retail stores this Fall. The partnership will include joint engineering and co-marketing activities centered on a line of portable music devices that integrate with Napster 2.0. The Samsung devices will be co-branded and identified as "Napster compatible" on the packaging, helping consumers understand that the Napster service and Samsung device work together.

The Linn presence at CEDIA USA 2003 focuses on new “true convergence” AV and networkable products for high quality domestic and commercial applications. At CEDIA USA 2003, Linn staff will demonstrate involving multi-channel and multi-room custom entertainment solutions and new additions to the Linn range of KNEKT multi-room and multi-channel source, control and playback components. The King Suite at the Crowne Plaza Hotel will feature the “true convergence” UNIDISK 1.1 player and new UNIDISK 2.1 player. Demonstrated with the new KISTO system controller and the new AKURATE multi-channel loudspeaker system, these engineered products all offer pitch-accurate, high-performance home entertainment.

Linn has introduced their KIVOR INDEX music library which offers quality audio performance, convenient and cost effective storage capacity and robust software management for music files of all types in systems ranging from a simple stereo arrangement to the most complex home theater and distributed music systems.