Google Defies RIAA Over Download App

Google defies RIAA

A battle of behemoths is brewing as Google goes toe to toe with the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) over the availability of the app "MP3 Music Download Pro" in the Android Market which could be used to download copyrighted music.

Google contends that the app can also be used to download legal files and has so far refused to remove it from the Android Market.

The RIAA sent a takedown notice to Google in August over the app, which the RIAA said, "...is clearly being used for illegal purposes, and Google responded that they were declining to remove it from the Android Market."

Downloader App Screenshot

Google has removed apps from the market in the past that could be used for obtaining copyrighted music but an RIAA spokesperson complained that often the same or similar apps re-appear a few days later and, "...too many apps created to harvest links to unauthorized files remain available and popular on the Android marketplace, resulting in widespread infringement of copyrighted works."

In May, 2011, Google's Chairman Eric Schmidt called a proposed law, the  'Protect IP Act', "A disastrous precedent for Free Speech". This legislation, designed to combat offshore servers and endorsed by the RIAA, requires Search Engines and DNS servers to remove links and make targeted websites 'disappear' from the Internet.

Rumors persist that Google is working on agreements with the major record labels and plans to offer music purchases through the Google Music Store, similar to the successful Apple iTunes Music Store.

Downloader Pro Barcode

Google is building anticipation for a November 16, 2011 event "These Go To Eleven", an homage to the old 'This Is Spinal Tap' flick. There is speculation the announcement will include music purchases through the new music store and sharing services through Google+.

The RIAA has declined to say if they plan on filing suit against Google for facilitating copyright infringement. If they choose to take Google to court, the RIAA may find Google to be a tougher opponent than the thousands of private citizens the RIAA has been suing for several years.

First published as Google Defies RIAA Over Download App

DIY - Ghost Hunters Toolkit

Do you believe in ghosts? Millions of people do and stories of haunted places and the spirits that dwell there have persisted throughout history.

From the two thousand year old story of a ghost of an old man, complete with rattling chains, to the ancient Roman festival of Lemuria, which residents performed a ritual exorcism to clear their homes of evil spirits of the dead, ghosts have haunted our homes and dreams through the ages.

Studies show about one third of people believe in ghosts and millions have had experiences they cannot explain. TV shows like Ghost Hunters and Paranormal Witness are among many aimed at believers and the curious.

You don't have to be a professional ghost hunter to do your own investigation. The tools of the trade are widely available online and even as apps for your smart phone. Here's a roundup of the most common ghost-busting tech to liven up your Halloween.

Basic equipment should include a camcorder with a good quality microphone and night vision. Use webcams for remote rooms. Connect these to a central computer to record paranormal activity.

A digital camera with good resolution and an old fashioned 35mm camera for capturing ghostly images.

Cassette tape recorder. The analog method of recording sound can capture background noises which may be missed by digital recordings.

Motsha Ghost Detector

A classic ghoul finder, EMF Detectors register changes in the electronic and magnetic fields. These are relatively inexpensive and even are available as an app for your smartphone.

Check out Motsha Ghost Detector and Ghost Meter-PKE Detector, both free from the Android Market. iPhone users can try Phantom Radar or Ghost Radar among others.

A compass is handy as a backup EMF Detector. It will also respond to changes in the magnetic field.

A thermometer is essential for verifying temperature fluctuations and identifying hot and cold spots.

Finally, don't forget the flashlights and extra batteries for all your electronic equipment.

The stories have persisted for thousands of years. Finally, we can use modern technology to help answer that age old question, "Do you believe in ghosts?"

First published as DIY- Ghost Hunters Toolkit on Technorati by Michelle Blowers

ghost window image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/calliope/5054420781/sizes/m/in/photostream/