TechBytes: Rhapsody to Release Music App

March 15, 2010— -- Rhapsody has created a new way to listen to music on the iPhone. The music-subscription service is planning to release a new app for the iPhone and iPod touch that allows users to download songs. Right now, customers can only stream songs, meaning they have to depend on unreliable wireless or Wi-Fi signals. This app will let subscribers listen to the songs they download anytime, anywhere. It will also save battery life since playing music from the device doesn't require nearly as much power as streaming.

Facebook is rolling out the red carpet for a new documentary from PBS. The social networking site will broadcast "Earth Days" next month, eight days before its television premiere. The documentary is about the origins of the U.S. environmental movement. Members will be able to watch communally and interact with the filmmaker and the executive producer, according to the New York Times. It will be the first time a major broadcaster has introduced a full-length documentary on Facebook.

Most digital cameras these days offer face-detection technology to capture the moment when everyone is smiling. Now, Fujifilm is introducing a similar feature for animal lovers. Its new Finepix Z700 camera is the first to include pet-detection software. It automatically snaps a picture when your dog or cat looks towards the lens, although the company warns that it won't work if you can't get your pet to sit still. The camera will be available later this month for $280.

If diamonds are a girl's best friend, the tech geek in your life will love this. A diamond importer is offering what it says is the world's first diamond covered iPad. The company's Web site shows a mock-up of the device, and a price tag $20,000. It says the first models will ship June 1.