June 2006 Archives

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Tech-savvy superfans set up elaborate gigs starring their favorite band for online gamers.

There are some key rules for attendees of a virtual U2 concert. Among them:

"No hoochie hair" ("So that this concert may be enjoyed by the maximum number of people").

"No particle poofs or particles of any kind."

And ... "DO NOT IM the band while the concert is in progress."

Failure to obey these edicts doesn't get anyone physically kicked out because no one is really at the concert. It's all taking place through computers: a massively multiplayer musical experience created and enjoyed by people logging into the virtual world "Second Life"

Since last year, a small group of players has taken advantage of the blank slate and creative flexibility of "Second Life" to create the stage sets, the bodies and the moves of their favorite band: U2. They've helped pioneer the concept of virtual concerts — shows that are attended not at a stadium or club but in front of a monitor and keyboard.

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Apple has launched a new edition of the U2-branded iPod that it first introduced in October 2004. The new U2 Special Edition iPod offers an extra 10 GB of storage for a total of 30 GB, and is being sold for a lower price.

Apple said the new U2 iPod can hold up to 7,500 songs, 25,000 photos, or over 75 hours of video. It comes with an all-black stainless-steel enclosure, a red click-wheel, and custom engraving of U2 band-member signatures.

Those buying a U2 iPod will receive 30 minutes of exclusive U2 video for free, downloadable from the iTunes store. The price for the new U2 iPod is $329.

Product Refresh

U2 was created by four Dubliners -- Bono, Larry Mullen, Adam Clayton, and The Edge -- in 1978. The four original band members are still part of U2 today. Bono has become as well known for his global political campaigning as he is for his distinctive singing.

The band's last album, 2004's "How to Dismantle an Atom Bomb," won eight Grammy Awards. Despite the band's continuing popularity, the relaunch of the U2 iPod has left analysts somewhat underwhelmed.

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