Skullcandy’s New Line-up for 2009

If you haven’t heard of Skullcandy, then you really should. Skullcandy is a company that produces a quality line of headphones, MP3 players, and other audio accessories that all have a certain style to them. I suppose the best word to describe the style would be extreme, as the product appears to be marketed to skiers, snowboarders, and anyone else who lives life on the edge.

The company has made several announcements about their direction for 2009 that began before CES 2009. The first is that SkullCandy intends to incorporate color mirasol displays into future MFM Pro headphones with an integrated music player. These particular displays have a color changing ability that works by reflecting light, and uses less power than most full color displays.

Skullcandy also intends to launch an entirely new division of audio electronics known as 2XL. Unlike Skullcandy’s usual fare, the 2XL is designed for both the non-extreme crowd, as they have both individual style with universal appeal. They will also be available at mainstream outlets such as Best Buy and Radio Shack.

Another development is that Skullcandy is partnering with Snoop Dogg, arguably one of the most well-known rappers in the world. Snoop had this to say about his Skullcrusher line:

The Snoop Dogg Skullcrusher is the hottest headphone comin’ to a hood near you. I’ve been a fan of their products for years and I decided it was time to break bread with them. Our headphones are fly, affordable, and most importantly ¢â‚¬â€œ bangin’ like Niggaracci beats. Make sure to scoop a pair in Spring 2009 and be on the lookout for more Snoop Dogg/Skullcandy products, ya dig?!?

Yeah, that is definitely Snoop, dog. In addition to the partnership with Snoop, Skullcandy is also teaming up with legendary Heavy Metal band Metallica.

Skullcandy is definitely one of the companies to watch in the next few years. With what they are doing with mirasol displays, 2XL, and partnership with award-winning artists, they stand to make a lot of capital in 2009. I wonder what they plan to do for an encore in 2010?

Guitar Hero: Metallica has Release Date, Will Destroy Your Shins

Over at Metallica’s website, they’ve revealed that the release date for the Metallica-focused Guitar Hero: Metallica is March 29th for XBox 360 and PlayStation 3.

The game will essentially be Guitar Hero: World Tour, with real venues, real members of Metallica, and a lot more Metallica than your average rhythm music game. 28 Metallica songs will be included, and if they’re anything like the downloadable Metallica songs for Rock Band, they will be incredibly difficult.

In an interesting choice for a game that has Metallica in its name, the game also includes some bands that aren’t Metallica, such as Slayer, Machine Head, Alice in Chains, Queen, and Foo Fighters. I guess Guitar Hero: Metallica, with special guests Slayer, Machine Head, Alice in Chains, Queen, and Foo Fighters was a bit too verbose.

Most importantly of all, Guitar Hero: Metallica will include an expert-plus mode, which will include double bass pedals, for those who are truly masochistic enough to want to play Lars’s full bass beats. I’ve played some of Metallica’s songs on drums on expert in Rock Band, and they turned my legs into quivering jelly, so I can only imagine how hard double bass will make this game.

Check out the trailer!

[youtube]http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4N3t9GiLVA[/youtube]