Apple to Launch Ringtone Service?
NYPost reports that Apple will be launching a ringtone service for iPhone users next week.
The service is said to allow users to convert songs they have previously purchased to be turned into a ringtone, with user-controlled ability to choose which portion of the song to use. Beyond that, Apple is said to plan on offering traditional ringtones as well.
Much of this reiterates a rumor earlier this week also suggesting that Apple will introduce ringtone support during the September 5th media event.
The rumors are also consistent with a previous report about Apple's plans to sell custom ringtones.
In the meanwhile, 3rd party developers have stepped up to fill this custom ringtone demand. Ambrosia Software has released their ringtone tool (iToner) for the Mac. Of interest, Ambrosia's iToner is said to install ringtones "the proper way, without any hacks" which should be resilient to future iPhone updates. Windows users have had the option of using iPhoneRingToneMaker.
While both tools are shareware, they do not have a per-ringtone fee that is expected with Apple's service. More adventerous users can use various hacking tools such as iFuntastic.
The service - expected to be unveiled when Apple announces its new lineup of iPods - would allow users to turn almost any song sold through iTunes into a ringtone for an additional fee. The exact price was unclear.
The service is said to allow users to convert songs they have previously purchased to be turned into a ringtone, with user-controlled ability to choose which portion of the song to use. Beyond that, Apple is said to plan on offering traditional ringtones as well.
Much of this reiterates a rumor earlier this week also suggesting that Apple will introduce ringtone support during the September 5th media event.
The rumors are also consistent with a previous report about Apple's plans to sell custom ringtones.
In the meanwhile, 3rd party developers have stepped up to fill this custom ringtone demand. Ambrosia Software has released their ringtone tool (iToner) for the Mac. Of interest, Ambrosia's iToner is said to install ringtones "the proper way, without any hacks" which should be resilient to future iPhone updates. Windows users have had the option of using iPhoneRingToneMaker.
While both tools are shareware, they do not have a per-ringtone fee that is expected with Apple's service. More adventerous users can use various hacking tools such as iFuntastic.
Top Rated Comments
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58 months ago
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/07/08/31/apple_to_launch_ringtone_service_for_iphone_users.html
Revenues from the sale of ringtones in the U.S. topped $600 million in 2006.
And you wondered why we didn't have ringtones initially...
Revenues from the sale of ringtones in the U.S. topped $600 million in 2006.
And you wondered why we didn't have ringtones initially...
58 months ago
And what about coverting CDs we own into ringtones? I just dump MP3s onto my phone and it works fine. Is this against the law?
58 months ago
And what about coverting CDs we own into ringtones? I just dump MP3s onto my phone and it works fine. Is this against the law?
Wouldn't that be a trip. Though I've gotta say, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if the music industry made it illegal for some obscure reason. Good 'ole corporate activity.:)
58 months ago
i realize that there are mitigating reasons for this, such as the labels not wanting to be without the ringtone revenue.
but i think this is pretty lame. i have an old sony er. flip phone and i can make any mp3 a ringtone. "best phone in the world." hmmmm
that being said, i hardly ever have my phone on anything but silent/vibrate.
~kyle
but i think this is pretty lame. i have an old sony er. flip phone and i can make any mp3 a ringtone. "best phone in the world." hmmmm
that being said, i hardly ever have my phone on anything but silent/vibrate.
~kyle
58 months ago
That's absolutely absurd. Charging to edit a song (that you've already purchased, mind you) down to 30 seconds, and stick it in a folder.
No, Apple. This is where consumers draw the line for customer rights.
No, Apple. This is where consumers draw the line for customer rights.
58 months ago
The fact that you are going to have to pay to do such a simple thing as set your own ring tone is utterly absurd.*
*Unless you hack it or use 3rd party software. Still, the fact you have to do this is madness.
*Unless you hack it or use 3rd party software. Still, the fact you have to do this is madness.
58 months ago
Please keep in mind that this is part of Apple's licensing agreement with the labels, as you can see if you read the iTunes Music Store Terms of Service. There has been a clause for years stating that the songs are not licensed for use as a ringtone. This doesn't have anything to do with Apple's revenue.
58 months ago
If Apple thinks they are going to charge me to use MY music that I have ripped from MY 20 dollar cd's they are nuts!! I will start using all of the different hacks before I pay!!!:mad:
58 months ago
Agreed with the above posters-- this is pathetic, nickel-and-dime behavior. I don't care if it's because of Apple or the labels, this is a feature that should have been available from day one at no extra cost whatsoever.
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