Review: 808

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Apple Music subscribers got a treat this week when 808, a documentary on the Roland TR-808 Drum Machine, was made available on the service (viewable via iTunes). The Roland 808 started as a tool to accompany organ players but in the hands of early rap and dance music producers it became the sound responsible for launching myriad music movements during the past 30 years.

The documentary is narrated by Beats 1 DJ Zane Lowe  and features interviews with musical luminaries iike Afrikaa Bambataa (whose Planet Rock served as the blueprint for just what could be achieved with this tool turned instrument), The Beasti Boys, Rick Rubin, Fatboy Slim, New Order and a host of many others whose use of the 808 defined their careers, hit songs and various followers.

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Samsung's experimental Hum On! app can turn your humming into a piece of music

Samsung has got a skunkworks operation where it dreams up new apps and solutions including Hum On! Samsung says "Hum On! is an app that allows just about everyone—from industry veterans to the less tonally-aware—to score, arrange and share hummed melodies in mere minutes."

The app records hummed melodies, instantly transcribes them into musical notation, and then plays it back to you using your preferred arrangement style: R&B, classical or rock. “For hundreds of years, music has only been created by a select few, but that will no longer be the case,” explains David Choi, Creative Leader of the project. “With Hum On!, we aim to provide a platform where anyone can turn their inspiration into great music.” Currently in Beta, Hum On! is expected to come to market soon.

Apple gives Beats Music subscribers until January 19 to move to Apple Music

As Beats Music evaporates into the ether, Apple is giving current subscribers ample time to move their content, playlists, music, and preferences over. These will be retained until Jan. 19, 2016 when the information will be gone for good. Apple emailed Beats Music subscribers a quick link to start a three-month free trial of Apple Music along with steps for migrating to Apple Music from Beats Music for both iOS and Android devices.

Don't call it a comeback: iPod line expected to see a refresh

With Apple Music showing a renewed interest in the consumption and enjoyment of music, many have wondered what was to happen to the Apple's iPod line.

Well, wonder no more. There have been various leaks and indicators that we are going to see updates to the iPod Touch, iPod nano and iPod Shuffle. French website iGen has earmarked July 14 for an iPod refresh. Aside from bold new colours, the iPod Touch is likely getting a processor upgrade which should at least put it at par with the iPhone 5s. As for the iPod Classic? it is still gone but not forgotten.