Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
That is too bad. Did you try to get help from these mailing lists? There are many helpful users here...On 10/26/06, GregP [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:Wow,Good luck...I'm in the process of sending my squeezbox back becauase I was unable to get Slimserver to work even with some customersupport...I don't think slimdevices is ready for the general consumermarket.For the general computer consumer I think it is verycomplicated. GPseanadams;147400 Wrote: I am pleased to announce that Logitech is acquiring Slim Devices, and I am glad to have the opportunity to share the news here in our forum before the official press release goes out. We have been building a relationship with Logitech for quite some time. As we got to know their executive team, it became clear that there was a compelling opportunity for us to work together to bring Slim Devices' products to the mainstream market. As you may know, Logitech recently launched the Wireless DJ music system, and also produces Harmony remote controls, which many of our customers already use with their Squeezeboxes. This is an opportunity for us to introduce Squeezebox and Transporter more quickly to a lot more people. Slim Devices will benefit from Logitech's brand, their retail channel, their expertise in developing quality hardware, and their existing portfolio of complementary products such as speakers and remotes. Logitech believes this will be a fast growing segment of their business, and we are looking forward to making that happen. One of the most exciting things about this opportunity is Logitech's enthusiasm for our open development model, and the way we collaborate as a community to improve our products. We plan to expand this model as we continue to develop great new software and hardware. SlimServer will continue to be available free of charge under the GPL, and we will participate in these forums in much the same way. All of our employees have accepted new employment offers, and we will remain in our Mountain View location. Dean, Patrick and I expect to stay for the foreseeable future. I'll be here on the forums if you have any questions, and as always, welcome your feedback and ideas. Best regards, Sean--GregPGregP's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=8038View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=28821___ discuss mailing listdiscuss@lists.slimdevices.comhttp://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
I, on the other hand, would purchase Microsoft hifi if it sounded good. The label doesn't affect the sound.On 10/26/06, P Floding [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:That is the way it works in the connoisseur arena. And there is nothing level-headed people can do about it, no matter how logical theirarguments are. I would NOT want a Microsoft hifi. Period! ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
Human nature is a strange thing. You hit the nail on the head. For me, I'm already in the club. Unless Audio Research, Classe or Theta builds something similar, I'll probably buy a Transporter. Just please don't name it LogSqueeze. I liked your posting: while the message is the same as said so often before, I like its slightly ironic and self-critical touch. As Juliet said to Romeo: What's in a name? That which we call a SlimDevices Transporter By any other name would sound as sweet. BTW: isn't Porsche just a Volkswagen (or therefore: Skoda!) with spoilers? It's the same company, isn't it? -- Michael - http://www.herger.net/SlimCD - your SlimServer on a CD http://www.herger.net/slim - AlbumReview, Biography, MusicInfoSCR ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
isn't Porsche just a Volkswagen (or therefore: Skoda!) with spoilers? It's the same company, isn't it? No, two completely separate companies, who have colaborated on occaision. Skoda is owned by VW, as is Audi. Tom ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
On Mon, Oct 23, 2006 at 05:31:11AM -0700, rhymesgalore wrote: Harry G;148941 Wrote: I know that Mercedes today is made by Chrysler, whose cars we also wouldn't buy, yet, the association doesn't bother me. Maybe because they're so different. Ouch, that hurt my german auto pride^^.. now you've hurt my detroit auto pride. Mercedes Cars are still made by Mercedes, here in god ol' germany. Mercedes aquired Chrysler quite some time ago, to form up Daimler-Chrysler (and let me tell you, they lost a fortune for doing so...) daimler-benz and chrysler merged. neither acquired the other. -- bill ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
What ends? The unfounded doomsaying? I sure hope so!On 10/22/06, RadioClash [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:And so it ends. --RadioClashRadioClash's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2839 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=28821___discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.comhttp://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
Here here. Grammar-Nazi It's HEAR HEAR, as in Oh my fellows, won't you unplug your ears and hark unto the clear wisdom emanating from this person who is speaking? /Grammar-Nazi -- I spent all me tin with the ladies drinking gin, So across the Western ocean I must wander -- traditional ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
Media Streaming is clearing an up and coming market and SD are not going to be able to continue forever on ripped CDs as a source - CD is a dated format now and I'm sure the music industry would dearly love to hasten its demise. Online music and DRM is going to be the future whether we like it or not. I really hope you're wrong in this point. I like to carry my own music with me. When travelling, when abroad, when in places where there's no internet, not even mobile phone. And DRM is just out of discussion for me. It does feel like the end of an era, but to quote the late great George Harrison 'All things must pass'. Last night I listened to some songs of this very album. But I'm sure even great musicians can be wrong :-) -- Michael - http://www.herger.net/SlimCD - your SlimServer on a CD http://www.herger.net/slim - AlbumReview, Biography, MusicInfoSCR ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
Unless it's a IR based device (limited functionality and not what people want) or just a fancy Logitech/SD branded web tablet (i.e. a crippled 770), it's going to have to have some kind of proprietory software if it's going to be as slick as, and compete with, the Sono's. What does proprietary exactly mean? Closed? Not following standards? Isn't SlimServer proprietary as it is not following common standards (eg. UPnP)? I think what you want is a dedicated, fat client. Not a web interface, but a binary executable on a dedicated hardware device. But couldn't this application be open source (as eg. the Nokia770)? Might be my understanding of prprioetary is a linguistic problem of mine :-) So, my questions are; Are logitech prepared to build a device and software that will function in Linux and all the OS's that SlimServer currently does? It does not have to: there's already the very powerful CLI. It could talk to the server on that base and http requests (for coverart and more). And will that remote's software be open source? I hope so. There is no way they will start making there own products open, something will have to give. Why not? I assume you've heard of Open Office. Some ten years ago this was closed source StarOffice, pretty successful in Germany, but hardly anywhere else. When Sun bought them, many of the users thought this was the end. A little later Sun opened the source - something they imho hadn't done before. The only way to move SlimServer forward is to completely redesign it from scratch. At some point soon they will have to IMO. I doubt that. 6.3 to 6.5 didn't add much functionality, but there were massive changes in the background. One of the major issues people were complaining about was the scanning process. Too slow, GUI unusable during scanning etc. 6.5 separated the scanner - and complaints about these two issues are virtually gone. Thats when we will see if we still get an open source and Linux version of Slimserver i guess, if it fact its still called Slimserver after Logitech start bringing it into line with their current porfolio. That's where I agree: starting from scrath would be a mess. Implementing the current level of functionality would not be possible with a reasonable effort. So why start from scratch anyway? I still don't understand why everybody's thinking Logitech wanted to kill SD. SD wasn't a competitor. Logitech has its own line of entry level systems. I'd rather say, they want the higher end. Money's not only in the masses, but in the audiophile world, too. -- Michael - http://www.herger.net/SlimCD - your SlimServer on a CD http://www.herger.net/slim - AlbumReview, Biography, MusicInfoSCR ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
CardinalFang wrote: Dan Sully;147909 Wrote: FLAC support is here to stay. SqueezeNetwork is here to stay. Linux/Unix support is here to stay. With all due respect Dan, no-one could or should make that promise. Things beyond your and your company's control can affect what happens and all you can really say is that there is no current intention to change anything. You really wouldn't want a law suit... That's definitely true about SqueezeNetwork (well, except the lawsuit part -- I'm pretty sure that an unsanctioned statement like Dan's wouldn't be actionable, but IANAL). But as for FLAC and Linux/Unix support, the code is GPL'd. If Logitech takes it in a way the community doesn't like, it can always be forked. Logitech _knows_ that, which makes them unlikely to force the issue. That was the whole point of buying gear from a company with open source server software, remember? Now we're protected from the big bad corporate overlords! - Marc ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
CardinalFang wrote: Dan Sully;147909 Wrote: FLAC support is here to stay. SqueezeNetwork is here to stay. Linux/Unix support is here to stay. With all due respect Dan, no-one could or should make that promise. Things beyond your and your company's control can affect what happens and all you can really say is that there is no current intention to change anything. You really wouldn't want a law suit... Legal bollocks. That's exactly what he is saying. Some people have too much time on their hands. R. ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
PhilNYC wrote: Jetlag;147912 Wrote: 2. FLAC support in perpetuity (unless something better AND also free comes along in the interim)? With the never-ending price drops in hard drive prices, why not just rip to WAV files and not worry about FLAC? Because WAV files don't support tagging. And, regardless of the price of hard drives, you *still* get more music/megabyte with FLAC. R. ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
Quoting CardinalFang [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Ultimately, I would tend to agree with you, I don't see a Transporter 2 in the future. I'd agree with you there as well. However, I would say that this was still the case for me a week ago. Transporter is a BIG leap from SB3, in technology and form. The next step would be to fill in that gap, create a portfolio. With Logitech, this means the portfolio can include really great remotes, and some much needed cash flow for new devices. Nothing currently from Logitech fills the gap between SB3 and Transporter. SD marked their intended territory with Transporter. Logitech is now doing the same. Logitech is not audiophile, I get that. But with this acquisition, they clearly want to play in the market previously defined by Slim Devices alone. Yes, they may have an upward climb getting brand credibility, but they now have full use of the SD name. I expect that as long as there is value in that name, we'll be seeing it for a long time. -kdf ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
On 10/19/06, Lowrent [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Talking about pride, even if the quality of the hardware and theservice stays the same, the Logitech logo will never be near my hi-fi gear...For me, hi-fi and music are about sound, not the logo on the box. If you knew the quality was the same, why would you care about the logo?Mitch ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
Quoting Jetlag [EMAIL PROTECTED]: It would really be great if Sean or Junien would comment on some of the concerns that have been raised in this thread since the announcement. Or has Logitech already placed limits on what they can address in their posts? oh good lord. that's just too funny. Dan posted some assurances, and just got stomped on. I can't blame them for sitting back one bit. This conspiracy theory...just too much -k ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
On 10/20/06, nicketynick [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:Jetlag;148239 Wrote: Or has Logitech already placed limits on what they can address in their posts?Talk about throwing down the gauntlet!I wonder if anybody will takethe bait?Actually, I sincerely hope that both of them have better things to do than to participate in this pathetic whine fest. The fat lady has yet to sing. I appreciate that everyone's very excited about this change, but let's get real. Previous bad experiences do not automatically mean new bad experiences. Why not wait and see what happens? -- I spent all me tin with the ladies drinking gin,So across the Western ocean I must wander -- traditional ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
I agree completely.On 10/20/06, Kevin O. Lepard [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Talking about pride, even if the quality of the hardware and theservice stays the same, the Logitech logo will never be near my hi-figear...That's just silly. A Skoda is a Volkswagon in all but badge. Which one would you prefer onyour drive?Never owned either.But if the _only_ difference is the badge, andthe fit, finish, options, etc., are the same then I'll take the cheaper one.Results matter, not the logo on them.I wouldn't buy a Logitech Transporter because they are not renowned forhigh-end audio engineering or for understanding the needs of the HiFiaudience. If you're not buying it because it doesn't perform, that's one thing.If you're not buying something that does perform, but because it saysLogitech on it instead of AUDIOPHILE EXPENSIVE BRAND X on it (or for that matter SlimDevices), then I stand by my original comment:That's just silly.But hey, it's your call to buy or not buy.Kevin--Kevin O. LepardHappiness is being 100% Microsoft free. ___discuss mailing listdiscuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
Quoting CardinalFang [EMAIL PROTECTED]: . You've just described the audiophile market :-) Doesn't really fit with me. Sure, it's the joke, but any company making audiophile gear had to start somewhere. Any name is made or broken on the quality of their gear. Calling yourself TacT might be worth something now, but it wasn't a guarantee until their products made a mark. Again, we're back to the Slim Devices name having value. Now Logitech will have the gear to bring value to their name in new markets as well. -k ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
Quoting CardinalFang [EMAIL PROTECTED]: . You've just described the audiophile market :-) Again, we're back to the Slim Devices name having value. I agree that Slim Devices has earned some street cred. Now Logitech will have the gear to bring value to their name in new markets as well. I agree. I suspect the credibility of a successful product is part of what drove their purchasing interest. I think they've done a good job with improving the Harmony remote product line and I certainly hope they do the same here. Retaining Sean, Dean, Co. certainly is a good start, IMO. Kevin -- Kevin O. Lepard Happiness is being 100% Microsoft free. ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
Why would you hesitate to buy a Transporter due to the Logitech deal? The one you get will doubtless still say SD on it...On 10/20/06, mauidj [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:Personally I do fear for the core values of SD and I am currently holding my finger over the buy now button for a new Transporter.I wanna press it but.--mauidjOracle Delphi/FR64/Dynavector, Krell EVO-555, Krell EVO-202, KrellEVO-402, BW 801-Matrix3. Music all the way! mauidj's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=7648 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=28821___discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.comhttp://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
Even if they never release another version of Slimserver, your Transporter will continue to work. If there are any show stopping bugs and if, for some reason, SD decides not to fix them, you can bet that the community will try to do so. I dunno -- that reasoning just doesn't make sense to me. If I had planned on buying a Transporter last week, I don't see how this would change my plans. I don't buy a product unless I am happy with what it does. And if I was happy with what the Transporter did last week, then nothing has changed since then. If Logitech someone ruins Slimserver, well, I just wouldn't upgrade. On 10/20/06, mauidj [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:Mitch Harding;148414 Wrote: Why would you hesitate to buy a Transporter due to the Logitech deal? The one you get will doubtless still say SD on it... [/color]Yes I know that.SD on the front or not...no worriesbut what will be behind it? (support, upgrades etc)That's what concerns me. --mauidjOracle Delphi/FR64/Dynavector, Krell EVO-555, Krell EVO-202, KrellEVO-402, BW 801-Matrix3. Music all the way! mauidj's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=7648View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=28821___discuss mailing listdiscuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
-What will happen to openness in regard to platforms and data It's been mentioned before: SQN is running on Linux (or even BSD?) - they'll have to further support *x systems if they want to continue SQN. -- Michael - http://www.herger.net/SlimCD - your SlimServer on a CD http://www.herger.net/slim - AlbumReview, Biography, MusicInfoSCR ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
I think this is good news - what Slim needed to progress to mass market was more RD investment, access to mainstream, global, distribution and cheaper manufacturing costs to get the end product price down.All of that should come with Logitech. They're one of the high end aftermarket peripheral companies IMV. Their current audio kit might not be aimed at the high end but that can change and the Harmony remotes are most definitely aimed at high end AV. The Harmony remotes are excellent and the potential for integration between Harmony and SB is huge. ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
Congratulations! I see no immediate impact on my own Slim relationship, but note happily that this deal just possibly might be a beachhead into mainstream consumption of electronic gadgets, for a heavily open sourced community product development participation model. Hopefully more mainstream media will report on the benifits of this, and others might follow... dream on :-) peace, peter ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
I hope Logitech understands what they have bought. If you're interested in a postive example, I'm assuming that Logitec purchased Harmony, and that's why the remotes are named Logitec Harmony. For me, congratulations to the Slim Devices people! -- Joe ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
kdf wrote: From the working side of the picture, I can certainly imagine that expanding user base with the existing small club will be crippling. As is often the case, kdf's comment is among the most insightful among the chatter. The one thing I fear about this change is *the management of success*. Many of us were here when AOL arrived on usenet. Remember that? I'm a SB1 owner (old but hardly among the originals) and I remember reading every single slimlist post...now, forget it. I finally aliased a Delete Thread key in my mail client just for this list. What's going to happen when we get 10K new users? [Note the use of the pronoun we - as if it's something more than just a cool box that plays my music.] P.S. - I can only imagine some of the discussions over the phone/table. Well, first we have this users' group. Second, we have this guy, kdf... Good work, slimdevices. You deserve every bit of your good fortune. -- Chip Hart - Pediatric Solutions * Physician's Computer Company chip @ pcc.com * 1 Main St. #7, Winooski, VT 05404 800-722-7708 * http://www.pcc.com/~chip f.802-846-8178 * Pediatric Software Just Got Smarter. Your Practice Just Got Healthier. ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
Was Harmony open source prior to the acquisition by Logitech? If not, it seems like apples and oranges, as far as that goes.On 10/19/06, tamanaco [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Mitch G;147743 Wrote: One final thought, I always forget that Harmony is owned by Logitech. In other words, they are Harmony remotes - not Logitech remotes. I don't see why this same phenomenon won't occur for SD products. MitchThe BIG unknown in this equation is SD's Open Source and communitybased developement that does not have to wait for big brother toapprove code releases. When was the last time you were able to make your own modifications to the Harmony remote code just to make theremote do exactly what you want? Not possible... right. You're tied toa web interface/wizard that only allows you to make predifined changes. This is what's at risk here. But again... this is still TBD.--tamanacotamanaco's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=4620View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=28821___ discuss mailing listdiscuss@lists.slimdevices.comhttp://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
davep wrote: 2. The Transporter is my second area of concern. I can see how the SB3 might fit into a Logitech product line-up as they are obviously moving into that area, but not the Transporter - it just not feel like a match for a company founded on mice and keyboards. And, as others have pointed out, the high end audio world is unlikely to embrace a Logitech device as being a credible serious device, however good it is. And I believe from my own experience it is a VERY good high end audio source. I cannot honestly see the Transporter surviving for long under the new owners (so get one while you can). Two thoughts on this: Slim may continue to co-brand or solely brand a portion of their lines. Or they might decide to define a new brand for their high-end offerings.So the Transporter might be the Logitech Transporter, it might something else entirely. After all, the Harmony remotes are still branded under that name. The RD costs of the Transporter are sunk. And that product is an asset that Logitech has just paid for. It doesn't make sense to me that a decision would be made to kill a product just as it is beginning to make money. It also provides an entry point into AV specific sales channels that may be desirable in Logitech's planning. --rt ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
I think the trepidation you have shouldn't stop you from buying a Transporter. Why? Because even if they never release another update to Slimserver, you have a working product. This product works with FLAC. I certainly hope Slim keeps up with the excellent work they have been doing, but if they dropped off the face of the planet today, I would still be happy about all of my purchases from them. I'd just be sure to keep plenty of backup copies of the Slimserver install media. On 10/19/06, Jetlag [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:I was just getting ready to order a Transporter, but now I am quite hesitant.My concerns?1.Will we continue to see the release of dailies, timely updatesand bug fixes or will this turn into a rare firmware upgrade once everyblue moon?Will these frequent updates (usually created as a response to user input) disappear altogether?2.DRM - I don't own and iPod or Zune because of it (nor do I useiTunes, Rhapsody, etc as I refuse to pay $1 for a lossy crappy soundingMP3 song | Your opinion may be different).I don't illegally trade or sell my music, but once I buy a CD, I want to use the FLAC files I makefrom them as I wish whether it be in my home setup, on my DAP, in my caror on my laptop.Because of Logitech's more mainstream computing presence (for lack of a better term), will we soon be forced to pay forand download Logitech branded MP3s that will only play on theLogitech-Slimdevices gear and possibly ONLY on that specific player?3a. What is Logitech's plan for continued support of FLAC? 3.I love the integration between my Infrant NV ReadyNAS and mycurrent SB2 and SB3.Will this relationship continue with SS beingpart of the ReadyNAS OS or will this also vanish in the future due tobig company corporate meddling in my much loved current setup? 4.How soon will we see the SB3 and Transporter appear with a Logitechlogo emblazoned on the front?Much trepidation and concern over the future of my music--Jetlag Jetlag's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1012View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=28821___discuss mailing listdiscuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
On 10/19/06, Jetlag [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: 2. DRM - I don't own and iPod or Zune because of it (nor do I use iTunes, Rhapsody, etc as I refuse to pay $1 for a lossy crappy sounding MP3 song | Your opinion may be different). I don't illegally trade or sell my music, but once I buy a CD, I want to use the FLAC files I make from them as I wish whether it be in my home setup, on my DAP, in my car or on my laptop. Because of Logitech's more mainstream computing presence (for lack of a better term), will we soon be forced to pay for and download Logitech branded MP3s that will only play on the Logitech-Slimdevices gear and possibly ONLY on that specific player? I'm pretty sure no company has ever released a music player that /only/ supports DRMed files. It would be an absolute flop. I have my worries about this, sure, but some of the speculation going on is just ridiculous. Slim Devices has said clearly and repeatedly that their open source server / development model are not going to go away. - Jacob ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
Even if they do remove FLAC support (which I tend to doubt), you still have a working product now -- just don't download version 8.5 (or whatever one removes the feature that you want)... On 10/19/06, Robert_W [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Jetlag;147847 Wrote: I was just getting ready to order a Transporter, but now I am quite hesitant.My concerns? 1.Will we continue to see the release of dailies, timely updates and bug fixes or will this turn into a rare firmware upgrade once every blue moon?Will these frequent updates (usually created as a response to user input) disappear altogether? 2.DRM - I don't own and iPod or Zune because of it (nor do I use iTunes, Rhapsody, etc as I refuse to pay $1 for a lossy crappy sounding MP3 song | Your opinion may be different).I don't illegally trade or sell my music, but once I buy a CD, I want to use the FLAC files I make from them as I wish whether it be in my home setup, on my DAP, in my car or on my laptop.Because of Logitech's more mainstream computing presence (for lack of a better term), will we soon be forced to pay for and download Logitech branded MP3s that will only play on the Logitech-Slimdevices gear and possibly ONLY on that specific player? 3a. What is Logitech's plan for continued support of FLAC? 3.I love the integration between my Infrant NV ReadyNAS and my current SB2 and SB3.Will this relationship continue with SS being part of the ReadyNAS OS or will this also vanish in the future due to big company corporate meddling in my much loved current setup? 4.How soon will we see the SB3 and Transporter appear with a Logitech logo emblazoned on the front? Much trepidation and concern over the future of my music Here hereexactly.FLAC support? What'll you bet it goes away real quick?I've read all 16 pages now and have yet to see any one from SD orLogitech address specifics.Please give us all some reasurance that the things that make these audio products great will continue to be the main stay of the businessmodel.--Robert_WRobert_W's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=6540View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=28821___ discuss mailing listdiscuss@lists.slimdevices.comhttp://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
It's not anything definitive, but yesterday when someone expressed concern that Slim would stop supporting Linux, Sean tried to reassure them by pointing out that Squeezenetwork itself runs on Linux. That comment would be a little misleading if Sean knew that there were plans to kill off Squeezenetwork, and I've never seen Sean be deliberately misleading in that way. On 10/19/06, Jetlag [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:mzpro5;147872 Wrote: I periodically look at the forums but rarely post so just saw this announcement.Went thru all 17 pages and only saw one person concerned about the future of Squeeze Network.I use SN alot and woudl be very disappointed and pd off if somewhere down the road we lost the SN or ability to connect to a network without going thru the PC. Can Sean or Dan or someone from Logitech address conserns about Squeeze Network's future?I hadn't thought of this yet, but will add it to my list of concerns that I posted earlier.I use SN as often as I listen to my own music.Losing it would be a huge negative IMO.--Jetlag Jetlag's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1012View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=28821___discuss mailing listdiscuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
Wow, that's not my experience at all. I've had several mice from them and one webcam, and all of them performed well and were good values for the money. Not sure about support since I've never had to call it for my Logitech products. On 10/19/06, Mark Norton [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:This is bad news - the worst. Every Logitech product I have ever bought has been garbage - badly made, dummed down to the lowest possible buildcost and it will only be a matter of time before the rot migrates acrossto the Squeezebox and SlimServer. And don't get me started on Logitech support. Staffed by people who know nothing and care less.--Mark NortonMark Norton's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=4722View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=28821___ discuss mailing listdiscuss@lists.slimdevices.comhttp://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
I don't think the RIAA really worries much about FLAC. If they were go to go after anything, it would be MP3. FLAC is used by so few people that I doubt it's causing anyone to lose any sleep. On 10/19/06, Robert_W [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: jeffluckett;147863 Wrote: Just curious ... but what motivation would Logitech have for dropping FLAC support???Just hypothetical but lets say..When one big corporate entity, IE the RIAA decides that maybe DRM is the way to go, then they put pressure, or go into cohoots withsayother big corporate entityIE Logitech and every other playerin the game and decide that since FLAC is open source.well, you getthe idea. I could very easily seeing it being phased out over time. What we havenow would be fine. But what happens when you can no longer buy aphysical CD and we're all having to download our media digitally? --Robert_WRobert_W's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=6540 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=28821___discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.comhttp://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
Even if the digital music is lossless and not DRMed? If so, what is the rationale? I'm just curious -- not trying to be argumentative.On 10/19/06, Kevin O. Lepard [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: But what happens when you can no longer buy aphysical CD and we're all having to download our media digitally?Then I quit buying music.Sad, but that is what I will do.Kevin-- Kevin O. LepardHappiness is being 100% Microsoft free.___discuss mailing listdiscuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
I don't think Logitech would be selling $1k Harmony remotes if the only market they cared about was $99 players...On 10/19/06, thaumaturge [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:Well, Sean and the boys cashed out. I'm disappointed, but not surprised. Good for them. Better to take the offer now before the SB shipmentsdrop off after even more media-server products are released thisquarter at half or a third of the SB price.Slim Devices' exit wasnever going to be an IPO anyway. Now while the press release doesn't state it overtly, there is a muchbigger payment than $20M cash waiting for them from Logitech shouldthey meet certain targets down the road.Obviously, those targets are based on quantitative factors and will lead SD straight down the roadtoward higher volume shipments and maximized profits.Will this leadto more Transporter or SB-level devices?Not if I were runningLogitech, how 'bout you?If that performance-based payment is really going to be several times the $20M, then those profits have got to comefrom somewhere.In any case, the investors in SD just made 20x or so ontheir money and stand to do better in the future.The days of considering SD to be somebody's audophile / open source company are over.Logitech no doubt loves the free developmentprovided by the open source world.From a business standpoint, thismakes perfect sense - to a point.The current UI of SlimServer andsome SB functionality is an obvious nightmare of confusion and complexity for current customers of Logitech products (and others too),so I am hopeful some things will change for the better.From the point of view of the current SD customer base, this is likelyto mark a high point in SD's product development history.Logitech has never steered their products toward the high end and understands thatthe market served today by SD is a tiny niche.The real money willcome when the $99 Logitech SB ships (my guess).In all likelihood, the future will hold no place for audio-only devices like the SB anyway.Whether or not you care about video, the window of opportunity for thecurrent SB has closed.Dateline Switzerland - 10/18/2006Logitech Delivers Best-Ever Q2 Sales and Profit Sales up 19%, Net Income up 36%.How many audiophile companies do $500M/Qtr and post those numbers?BTW, Logitech is exchanging ADRs and starts trading directly on theNasdaq next week.--thaumaturge thaumaturge's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=6723 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=28821___discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.comhttp://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
But what happens when you can no longer buy a physical CD and we're all having to download our media digitally? Then I quit buying music. Sad, but that is what I will do. Even if the digital music is lossless and not DRMed? If so, what is the rationale? I'm just curious -- not trying to be argumentative. Lossless without DRM would be fine. I--perhaps incorrectly--assumed from the prior conversation that downloaded content would be DRM'd. I have not objection to lossless, CD or better quality music free of DRM. Kevin -- Kevin O. Lepard Happiness is being 100% Microsoft free. ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
You could be right that they will go that route and try to force people into DRM. I can't imagine them getting rid of CDs and then not giving us a lossless option, but I can definitely seem them trying to force us down the DRM path. However, I have a feeling that in the long run fair use will win out. Maybe I'm just an optimist, though. In the meantime, though, I have no moral problems with breaking DRM in the name of fair use and not file sharing. On 10/19/06, Kevin O. Lepard [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: But what happens when you can no longer buy a physical CDand we're all having to download our media digitally?Then I quit buying music.Sad, but that is what I will do. Even if the digital music is lossless and not DRMed?If so, whatis the rationale?I'm just curious -- not trying to be argumentative.Lossless without DRM would be fine.I--perhaps incorrectly--assumed from the prior conversation that downloaded content would be DRM'd.I have not objection to lossless, CD or better quality music free ofDRM.Kevin--Kevin O. LepardHappiness is being 100% Microsoft free. ___discuss mailing listdiscuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
With the never-ending price drops in hard drive prices, why not just rip to WAV files and not worry about FLAC? erm ... cos FLAC has tags ... and if you save 40% of hard disk space ... FLAC does make a difference when you have lots of tracks ... ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
On 10/19/06, Nostromo [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Reading some of the posts in this thread, you'd believe that it wasWall-Mart, and not Logitech, that bought Slimdevices. +1. There are have been a large number of simply obnoxious posts the last few days from some people who have somehow associated their own [overly elevated] self esteem with the notion that their music hardware is from a cool company and now that it's not they get bumped down a few notches. Get a grip everyone -- it's a little bit of hardware and some software! It's the same software and hardware it was two days ago and it's not going to implode the minute Sean, Dean and Dan's checks come from Logitech! ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
Do you expect that your products will be marketed under the SlimDevices brand or the Logitech brand? ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
CardinalFang wrote: In that case, I would guess that in order to match the higher profile and wider consumer appeal that you would want to acquire, products like SlimServer have to break out of the more tech-led user base it has so far and develop a more consumer-friendly look and feel? I would say that the hardware, and the post setup user experience is already very consumer-friendly. Open source development is unlikely to provide that as it tends to build products that match the community's requirements, not the mass market's. This is not necessarily the case. Positive leadership in areas such as feature support and UI design can guide even the most raucous community to a usable outcome. Firefox is a good example. Also consider that the server is eminently skinnable, and would allow customizations for divergent user classes. You are also less likely to get support from that community now that it is to generate returns for anomymous major shareholders and not company founders. But community work still supports the community of users. Add a new feature then enjoy it yourself and enjoy the accolades of the other users. I would assume therefore that more in-house design and productisation is required - that would be the route I'd take. SlimDevices is already doing the bulk of this in-house. I'd actually like to see the server software get more consumer friendly, I'd feel more comfortable recommending it to friends. I wouldn't contribute freely to that myself though - Logitech are a rich company... And when rich companies join forces with a visionary community good things may come to be. Sure, this sort of change is scary. But I'd rather remain hopeful and work to keep the community going than to assume the worst and abandon the effort. Just my .02 --rt ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
I feel the same way. I had some trepidation initially, but I am willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. Now I still need to somehow get the money for a Transporter. :) On 10/18/06, Cleve [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Let's be fair to Sean, Slim, and Logitech.It seems premature tocomplain at this stage. Clarion's aquisition of McIntosh didn't wrecktheir product line, after all. I'm willing to keep an open mind. If bad things start to happen, then I'll complain.--CleveMcIntosh MX-132 preamp/tunerMcIntosh MC2205 amplifierMcIntosh MC7100 amplifierMcIntosh MAC4100 receiverKlipsch CF-4 speakers (front and center) Klipsch CF-3 speakers (surrounds)Denon DR-M3 Cassette DeckCleve's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2048View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=28821___ discuss mailing listdiscuss@lists.slimdevices.comhttp://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
Actually I am not sure I see a dicotomy between tech-led development and user-friendliness. In fact I was personally impressed about the ease of installation and of use of my Squeeze Box. The user interface of the Slim Server could probably become more consumer oriented. Yet this is not a priority. We are much more interested in extending the current technology to new hardware products and new markets. I also hope that the open source community will continue to be motivated by making the products stronger and more versatile. Video squeezebox?? (not actually interested in one myself) Will logitek on board (with their added clout) mean DRM support? (again, not that I am actually interested myself!) ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
Quoting radish [EMAIL PROTECTED]: My major concern is that the desire for people to pitch in and help with the software will dry up as Logitech can surely afford to hire as many devs as they need and everyone knows it. Slimserver wouldn't be what it is now if it were a purely in-house product. But again, if Logitech can find some way of keeping the small club feeling whilst expanding the user base 10x, then maybe it'll all be OK. From the working side of the picture, I can certainly imagine that expanding user base with the existing small club will be crippling. Those of us working on free time (don't get me wrong, free kit is cool, but it is a lot of time spent to get it) can easily end up trampled. Even just the added base from SB3 and the NY Times press gets hard to manage. I used to read every single forum/mail post and responded to easily over 50%. Now, subject is critical or I just don't have the time. Thankfully others have pitched in with the helpful info. I think the high profile of Logitech can work both ways. More money for in-house resources, but also a higher profile for attracting contributors. Selfishly speaking, I already have more than one SqueezeBox per room in my house. Remotes to access them and all my other electronics would be a nice change, now that my current universal remote (non-logitech) has a crippled IR output :) Welcome to the team, Logitech...you have a keen eye for greatness in picking out Slim Devices as a strategic growth path. Now, who's buying the rounds??? -kdf ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
On 10/18/06, shvejk [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: ...Oh, no. Must get my Transporter fast, before they change the logo. It isCorporate America is focused on maximizing profits. Build your product as cheaply as possible. Sell as much as possible. Ignore your customersas much as the laws allow you to. SlimDevices approach was so different,that is it almost unimaginable to be preserved in the future. Will I be able to add new features to my SB2 by simply refreshing the firmwarewith no extra cost? I would expect a corporation to push SB4 on meinstead of offering free upgrade of my SB2. We will see... Surely you meant to refer to corporate Switzerland... http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/about/company/US/ENanyway, your concerns are potentially valid, but there's no guarantee of any outcome; not only do different companies behave differently, but different divisions behave differently, and any unit changes over time. Simply look at Sony's slide from well-respected quality into crack-smokin' irrelevancy... ten years ago, would anyone have predicted complete debacles like the rootkit CDs or the exploding batteries? We'll just have to wait and see what happens. Personally, I'm still planning to buy another squeezebox for Christmas.-- I spent all me tin with the ladies drinking gin,So across the Western ocean I must wander -- traditional ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
Re: [slim] Re: Logitech to acquire Slim Devices!
On 18-Oct-06, at 8:08 PM, joncourage wrote: Not exactly like the Forum got some great advance scoop (and that probably wouldn't even be legal since Logi is publicly traded). time of post was about 2pm pacific. time of that article 9:57 pm ET so that's about 5 hours by my count. Fairly significant for as you say a publicly traded company. nevertheless, both after trading hours for NYSE. As Logitech is headquartered in Switzerland, I expect it is Zurich stock exchange that really matters. -kdf ___ discuss mailing list discuss@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/discuss
