Cool Ringtones Blog

Court Approves Ringtone Lawsuit Settlement

2009-11-13T15:44:00.002-05:00

A court in Chicago has given preliminary approval to settle 30 class-action lawsuits against companies that charged for ringtones, games and other content that end users thought were free. Each claimant will receive either $10 cash award or a $10 refund (via their carrier). Given the number of possible claimants, the companies in question may pay out as much as $63 million. Some of the defendants include Sony Pictures, MBlox, and Lavalife.

Source: Phonescoop.com

Ridiculous: Verizon Pays ASCAP $5M Interim License Fee For … Ringtones

2009-09-28T13:29:00.002-04:00

The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) recently made the ridiculous assertion that cellphone ringtones are to be considered “public performances” of music under the Copyright Act and thus require a license. As Ars Technica eloquently pointed out, the claim is ridiculous because after all one doesn’t need a public performance license to drive around town in a convertible with the radio on.

Even the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) sided with the defendants in the case (AT&T and Verizon Wireless), called the organization’s claims downright ‘outlandish’ and urged a federal court to reject the “bogus” copyright claims.

Imagine my surprise to find out that Verizon has now agreed to pay the ASCAP an interim license fee of more than $4.99 million for songs the phone service provider uses in ringtones for its customers. Meanwhile, the two sides will continue to debate how much the group should receive for the tunes.

For the record: carriers already pay royalties to song owners for the right to sell snippets to their customers in the form of ringtones. The ASCAP, however, told a federal court that each time a phone rings in public, the phone user is violating copyright law and thus carriers must pay additional royalties or face legal liability for contributing to what the group claims is cell phone users’ copyright infringement.

ASCAP has made it clear that it has no intentions to effectively start charging mobile phone users for playing ringtones, just mobile phone service providers for making it possible for them to do so. But as the EFF says in its rebuttal, consumers could find themselves targeted by other copyright owners for “public performances” if the ASCAP should prevail, not to mention the stifling of innovation in the field and the fact that it could ultimately increase the cost for the average mobile consumer.

All this brouhaha brings back fond memories of the time the ASCAP went after Girl Scouts for singing around a campfire. I wonder if they ultimately complied to the copyright claims and coughed up a couple of millions for the right to sing “Row, Row, Row” at summer camp nights, too.

Source : Techcrunch.com

iPhone 3.1 brings Genius changes, ringtones

2009-09-10T14:06:00.005-04:00

At its special event Wednesday, Apple announced the latest iPhone software update iPhone 3.1. We're still downloading it now, but below you can read the list of changes as provided by Apple. Keep in mind that the ability to save a video from a multimedia message is dependent on MMS going live on September 25.

* Genius recommendations for Applications
* Support for iTunes 9 (Mac and Windows downloads), which offers Genius Mixes, app organization in iTunes, improved syncing options for music, movies, TV shows, podcasts, and photos, iTunes U Content organization
* Redeem iTunes Gift cards, codes, and certificates in the App Store
* Display available iTunes account credits in the App Store and iTunes Store
* Browse and download ringtones wirelessly from the iTunes Store
* Save video from mail and multimedia messages into Camera Roll
* Option to "save as new clip" when trimming a video on iPhone 3GS

Source : cnet.com

Honda Celebrates 50 Years of Racing with Ringtones

2009-08-21T13:22:00.003-04:00

In celebration of the company’s 50 years of participation in World Championship racing, Honda Motor Company Ltd. has launched a commemorative webpage loaded with all sorts of cool historical photos, videos, wallpapers, and even downloadable ringtones of past Honda Grand Prix racebikes. Everything from a copy of company founder Soichiro Honda’s written declaration to Honda employees of his intent to enter the 1955 Isle of Man TT and begin the company’s ascent in world racing, to photos and videos of the 990cc RC211V MotoGP machine, are included. It’s an interesting chronological pictorial narrative of the Honda’s involvement—and technological achievements—in Grand Prix racing.
While the numerous videos don’t have any narrative dialogue and are mostly moving panoramic studio shots of the bikes, the neat aspect is that they all include sound clips of each bike in action. Of particular interest to hard-core racing fans would be the F1-like whipping exhaust note of the ’79 NR500 oval piston four-stroke (its lack of flywheel mass meant that the engine needed to be constantly revved in order to keep from stalling), or the hornet’s nest shrill of Freddie Spencer’s ’85 NSR500 V-four two-stroke, or the tonal scream of the 1966 six-cylinder 250cc RC166 racing machine. The downloadable ringtones obviously include these great sounds.

Source : sportrider.com

Out of Tune Ringtones

2008-07-08T14:49:00.006-04:00

There seems to be a never ending supply of ringtone offerings available to the ringtone enthusiast. Content providers are constantly in search of the next category winner….even if it means “tuning out”! I recently came across a fun and somewhat amusing category where songs are recorded out of tune creating a comedic spin on popular hits and performances
With Britney Spears once bright shining sun on the west coast (read setting), have you ever wondered how she must be singing “Oops I Did it again”? with a sad tone. These are the Out Of Tune ringtones, albeit not by artists per se but a funny way to listen to these hot songs in a weird manner. Britney is not alone, with her are James Blunt, Mika, Robbie Williams and also some movies. And yes remember Ketchup Song? It is also there. These ringtones are real fun to enjoy & have it on your cellphone.

Future of Music? Mobile Ringtones

2008-06-09T15:22:00.004-04:00

Increasingly, musicians are trying to sell their songs via ringtones. With CD sales declining music industry needs phone carriers more than ever.
Even artists are using this route is British pop singer Natasha Beddingfield. She has signed up for Verizon VIP tour, following footsteps of Fergie who did same thing last year.
According to Jesse Jensema, supervising producer for the Verizon Mobile Recording Studio, music industry teaming up with phone carriers is a revolutionary way to bring music back to the world as this (music) industry is going downhill.
Verizon has said that mobile data has accounted for more than 20 percent of its total wireless revenue, an indication that mobile market is maturing

Source: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080607/BUSINESS10/806070411

Top 10 ringtones downloads for 2007

2008-01-03T12:26:00.003-05:00

US mobile operator AT&T has released list of Top 10 downloaded ringtones for year 2007. The most popular ringtone is Party Like A Rockstar, also in the list are This Is Why Im Hot, Crank That, Rockstar, Dont Matter, "Buy You A Drank” by T-Pain feat Yung Joc, "A Bay Bay” by Hurricane Chris, “Beautiful Girls” by Sean Kingston, Pop, Lock and Drop It by Huey and “Big Girls Dont Cry” by Fergie. Astonishingly Kiss Kiss by Chris Brown, No One by Alicia Keys, Stronger by Kanye West are missing. Probably because these songs/ringtones were released towards the end of the year.

Big Names jump on RIngtone wagon

2007-12-12T15:18:00.000-05:00

According to Billboard article, US mobile operator AT&T has bagged exclusive access to handful of Dave Matthews Band ringtones. This comes on heels of Van Halen also joining the ringtone bandwagon. But why now? According to Industry sources, bands gave into the ringtone craze along with rock regends AC/DC, Led Zeppelin to name among the latest to give in.

Ringtones Galore

2007-12-07T09:33:00.000-05:00

With festive season just around the corner, companyies are vying to attract users to them. US Mobile Operator AT&T is giving holiday ringtones free to its customers. Among the ringtones offered are "Jingle Bells", Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" by Cyndi Lauper, Feliz Navidad and others.
According to San Fernando Valley Business Journal, Indiana Jones ringtones see released in time with the release of the new Indiana Jones Film.
And finally, The King Of Spain outbursts against President of Venezuela, "Why Don't You Shut Up?" has been the latest craze in ringtones industry. It has generated approx. $2 million in sales with approx 500,000 peoples have downloaded different versions of "Shut Up" ringtone.

Ringtone Industry

2007-12-04T13:49:00.002-05:00

Hunger for ringtone is showing no sign of reduction in sales. Global ringtone market is forecasted to grow at whopping $5.2 billion annually. Last year (2006) alone ringtones accounted for approx. $32.3 billion or over 10% of the worldwide music market.
The hip-hop artists contribution has accounted for more than half of the ringtones downloaded ringtones. No wonder that artists like 50 Cent, Mariah Carey, Red Hot Chili Peppers are more than willing to compose ringtones It has already been forecasted by professionals that ringtone sales will surpass that of actual CD sales.
Its interesting to see as the battle between Kanye West & 50 Cent was nothing but a publicity stunt Kanye West had dreamed up to sell more records.

Christmas Ringtones

2007-12-03T10:38:00.000-05:00

WIth Christmas fast approaching, US operator AT&T has started offering fetsive ringtones free to its customer.
Jingle Bells of course is the most popular Christas Ringtone along with All I Want for Christmas is You. When Rudolh the Red Nosed Reindeer goes for a Sleigh Ride we truly feel The Bells of Christmas ringin, what a fantastic way to you have your Cellphone ringing on that tunes.
On other note No One by Alicia Keys has been number one on Billboard Top 100 chart for 2 weeks in a row dethroaning Chris Brown's Kiss Kiss which had reigned Top 100 chart for approxiametly 3 weeks.

Top Selling Ringtone

2007-10-23T18:53:00.000-04:00

Buy U A Drank by T-Pain feat. Yung Joc has become best selling ringtone to date by selling more than $2.3 million units. To capitalize on popularity of such ringtones music companys release more than one version. Buy U a Drank has 6 versions one featuring Kanye West while other featuring Yung Joc which are 2 of the versions.
Ringtones as an industry has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry, even though ringtones are despised by many consumers, in US consumers will pay approx $550 million in the year 2007 alone.
Soulja Boy is not ready yet to give up number one spot on Billboard Top 100. Soulja Boy's song "Crank That" has been on Billboard top for consecutive 2 weeks.

Hit and Miss

2007-09-18T21:31:00.001-04:00

It has been a very exciting week in songs and ringtones world,especially Britney Spears fans awaiting in anticipation for Britney's comeback. All Britney's Fan wanted to say Gimme More, but unfortunately Britney's VMA comeback was disaster as she tried to keep up with professional dancers lip synching her way to her latest single.
In other news, competition between Kanye West and 50 Cent is getting exciting. With latest reports indicating that Kanye West's latest CD moving closer to 7 figure mark, 50 Cents latest release is at number 2 spot but trailing by more than 200K.
It becomes more interesting as 50 Cent has mentioned that he will "retire" from making solo albums if Kanye West wins the record sales battle. We will keep an eye on it and keep you posted

Ringtone Sales Go Up

2007-06-25T20:17:00.000-04:00

Reports received through newsletter estimates that ringtone sales in China have crossed $360 million in year 2006. With many users buying ringtones on weekly basis. Over 80 percent of the mobile users have downloaded more than one song to be used as ringtone.
Here in North America former Amrican Idol winner Carrie Underwoord became only 2nd Country star to earn platinum status for ringtone “Before He Cheats” for one million purchased ringtones. The first country tune to hit million download mark was Waylon Jennings for theme song Dukes of Hazzard.

Ringtones – Way to Go.

2007-06-12T14:49:00.001-04:00

With reports that music industry is loosing millions of dollars every year, thanks to illegal download and duplication, Ringtones are catching up. With young generation interested in personalizing their cell phone with variety of ringtones like Fight Ringtones, Animal sounds. Even hot artists like Beyonce are reported to making big bucks from ringtones.
On the other side of world, Animal sounds like Cows Mooing, Rooster Calls are used to draw stray leopards to capture them and later release them at safe distance in the forests. What a technology instead of using live baits. Simple eh!

Roller Coaster Ride

2007-06-08T12:43:00.000-04:00

What a roller coaster ride it has been for
ringtones!.
You had This is why I'm Hot by Mims at the top only to be displaced by Shakira & Beyonce with Beatiful Liar.
Makes Me Wonder being overtaken by T-Pain offering to Buy you a Drank.
Justin Timberlake had Sexyback claiming number one but have to creep up slowly with Summer Love.
These are interesting days for ringtones as every artist be it Avril Lavine or Daughtry trying to get attention with one hits after other.
Don’t forget there are tones like Mosquito Tone that still appeal to students like Bee Buzzing.

Spooky

2006-10-19T13:28:00.000-04:00

Spooky feleing eh! why not its Halloween time :D, is it not as scary when you see Blood on the TV ? or that Creaking door opening sound which will definately make you Yell in terror. Wondering where did those Ghostbusters have gone? Well guess what, the Thriller feeling you have will definately be gone when you go out for Trick or Treat.
On another note, remember that Mosquito ringtone, yes that same ringtone which only kids can hear (squeaky or scrathing high pitched sound), guess what an UK based company Phat Tonez decided to pull the plug on that ringtone after receiving complaints.

80’s

2006-06-28T16:03:00.000-04:00

Who likes 80’s music? Is it the unmistakable synthesizers or is it the mysterious combination of the keyboard guitar (key-tar) that grabs your attention? From the days when Miami Vice ruled primetime TV and George Michael was with Wham!, the 80’s had a lot to offer.

There were bands that never seem to take a day off, like the Men at Work and the daring Men without Hats, who besides their name dance the safest dance of all, The Safety Dance. Hangin’ tough were the New Kids on the Block to the music scene, showing the man-bands the boy-bands were moving in step by step. Some bands were ready to lay it on the line for the chance to Triumph and be a survivor in the eye of the tiger. There are even bands that have lasted the test of time and had the desire to travel streets with no names and stay united to remain U2. From the days when a Flock of Seagulls ran so far and Madonna was like a virgin, there was always something special about the 80’s.

With so many genres of music, trying to place certain bands into categories is an impossible task – hence the genre: 80’s.

Free Easy Ringtone Maker

2006-06-21T16:38:00.000-04:00

Have you ever tried to find that special ringtone you want? Your search ends now! Visit Monstertones and make your very own ringtone! Download and install your free Easy Ringtone Maker, pop in a CD or open a file with your favourite song and in minutes you will be signing to your sweet creation.

Making your very own Realtone ringtone is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1 – Enter your mobile phone number and Carrier.

2 – Select your audio file.

3 – Make your ringtone!

Go to www.monstertones.com and download your free Easy Ringtone Maker application and start making sweet tones!

Mosquito Ringtones

2006-06-16T15:24:00.001-04:00

Have you ever wondered how dogs can hear a whistle that makes no sound? Now most adults will wonder how teenagers are hearing their cell phone when there is no sound!

Initially the Mosquito ringtone was meant as a deterrent to loitering teenagers, but now the tables have turned and the teenagers are using it to hear their cell phones while in class - which are supposed to be off. Since you lose the ability to hear high frequency sound as you get older, teachers (mostly) will be none the wiser. It’s the newest craze among teenagers in the UK and its making its way to North America at a rapid pace!

World Cup Ringtones - Follow FIFA World Cup 2006 with personalized ringtones for your team.

2006-05-24T16:48:00.000-04:00

FIFA World Cup 2006 is closing in; soon the world is going to switch to soccer mode, are you prepared? Well let’s give all Ringtone and World Cup Soccer fans an early start to get prepared.

We have composed a match schedule that will inform you of the latest games, its location and also provide you with a selection of ringtones for your favorite teams. Surprise your surrounding soccer fans and stand out with your team’s national anthem or the traditional “Ole Ole Ole” ringtones.

Match	Date	Teams and Associated Ringtones			Time/Score
1	9-Jun-06	Germany	GER:CRC	Croatia	18:00	Group A
2	9-Jun-06	Poland	POL:ECU	Ecuador	21:00	Group A
3	10-June-06	England	ENG:PAR	Paraguay	15:00	Group B
4	10-June-06	Trinidad & Tobago	TRI:SWE	Sweden	18:00	Group B
5	10-June-06	Argentina	ARG:CIV	Côte d'Ivoire	21:00	Group C

Thrill Your Phone with Michael Jackson Ringtones

2006-05-23T11:51:00.002-04:00

You know the way it makes you feel when you hear that certain song and remember a time? Why not attach a ringtone to that special moment and enjoy the thrill again and again. Featured at Monstertones.com is an assortment of Michael Jackson ringtones for everyone to jam to. Let your phone out of the closet and release its potential to bring you memories and entertainment and ease on down the road to Monstertones and heal your world with our new classic ringtones.

Whether you’re a stranger in Moscow, a smooth criminal or just plain bad, there is a Michael Jackson ringtone for everyone!

Don’t stop until you get enough great ringtones!

Ringback Tones – Music While You Are Waiting For an Answer

2006-05-12T16:48:00.001-04:00

The world of ringtones continues to change with new terms emerging for ringtone fans. Ringtones, Realtones, and Truetones are some of the popular keywords. The latest buzz revolves around “Ringback tones”.

Confused? Well don’t be. Ringback tones are music clips that callers hear when an outgoing call is being placed. Rather than hearing traditional rings on outgoing calls, you will hear your personalized music clips. In order to use this service, you must subscribe for it from your carrier. The following carriers are known to offer this service in the US

Verizon Wireless
T-Mobile
Boost Mobile
Sprint

Say goodbye to boring outgoing rings.

Keep up your collection of ringtones so you can use your collection for your Ringback tones.

Music Artists Coalition – Against Suing Fans and Digital Locks

2006-05-03T22:57:00.000-04:00

A number of Canadian Music Creators have formed a coalition that is focused on voicing their goals to reform copyright laws. When major record labels sue music fans on the basis of piracy, they sometimes do so against the artist’s will. These labels also make it impossible to transfer the music into different formats with digital locks.

The Canadian Music Creators Coalition (CMCC) is against the above. CMCC states that government should repeal parts of the Copyright Act to allow music fans to share music and transfer music to different formats for non-commercial purposes.

This is good new for us ringtones fans as one would be able to obtain favorite artists ringtones with ease. Keep posted with the latest CMCC updates at http://www.musiccreators.ca/ .

Ringtones – Staying Cool With Trendy Ringtones

2006-05-02T15:08:00.000-04:00

Ringtones come in different formats, monophonic, polyphonic and truetones. Truetones are considered to be the dominant type. Monophonic ringtones are a thing of the past; no one really downloads them unless they are looking to be ridiculed or scheming to irritate someone.

Polyphonic ringtones and MP3 ringtones (Other names for MP3ringtones: Truetones, or Realtones) are able to pack quality and are recognizable in a 30 – 40 sec track.

Polyphonic ringtones are tone based versions of songs that are capable of playing more than one tone at a time. All new phones are able to play up to 40 tones at a time, giving content providers the flexibility to generate ringtones that sounds similar to the original song. On the down side to polyphonic ringtones is the lack of ability to play lyrics.

MP3 ringtones provide a solution for what polyphonic ringtones lack. New phones such as Samsung t509, LG LX350, Nokia N73, Nokia N93 and many others; come with built in MP3 playback support and add-on storage from 32MB to 2GB.

Ringtones have spread through the mobile community. Everyone is now able to have a ringtone for everyday of the week and for every occasion. Ringtones reflect the latest buzz.

The biggest buzz this week is the release of Mission Impossible 3. Get noticed with a Mission Impossible Ringtone. World Cup Soccer is another event highly anticipated by the world for this summer. Support your favorite World Cup team with their National Anthem Ringtones.

Start looking around to find great ideas from TV, Movies, POP Media. Slick up your cell phone with ringtones, wallpapers, games and other mobile content.

Monstertones provides a central location to download ringtones and wallpapers in the hottest categories. Also www.CNET.com has composed a top 10 games list for your cell phone.