Universal Music 'Free Music' Plan to Take on iTunes
Businessweek details the plans of Universal chief Doug Morris to take on Apple's iTunes music service.
Morris was once a proponent of Apple's iTunes music store, but has since changed his tune. According to Businessweek sources, Morris is joining forces with other record companies to launch an "industry-owned" subscription service.
Representing 75% of music sold in the U.S., they would ask hardware makers or cell carriers to pay them a $5/month subscription fee. In exchange, consumers of their products would get unlimited music at no additional cost to them ("free"). Music companies would get the $5/month and hardware companies would theoretically sell more units.
Of interest, Businessweek notes that despite these efforts to undermine iTunes, Universal can't afford to simply pull their music from iTunes, which holds a 70% marketshare in music downloads.
Morris was once a proponent of Apple's iTunes music store, but has since changed his tune. According to Businessweek sources, Morris is joining forces with other record companies to launch an "industry-owned" subscription service.
Representing 75% of music sold in the U.S., they would ask hardware makers or cell carriers to pay them a $5/month subscription fee. In exchange, consumers of their products would get unlimited music at no additional cost to them ("free"). Music companies would get the $5/month and hardware companies would theoretically sell more units.
Of interest, Businessweek notes that despite these efforts to undermine iTunes, Universal can't afford to simply pull their music from iTunes, which holds a 70% marketshare in music downloads.
Top Rated Comments
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57 months ago
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/music/universal-plans-total-music-anti+itunes-initiative-with-free-all+you+can+eat-music-310214.php
I don't like
1. subscription
2. DRM
but it IS Cheap, $5/month, all music you want, pay through phone bill or something else..
anyway, I will just goto amazon mp3 download, 89c, and DRM-free.
I don't like
1. subscription
2. DRM
but it IS Cheap, $5/month, all music you want, pay through phone bill or something else..
anyway, I will just goto amazon mp3 download, 89c, and DRM-free.
57 months ago
Just read this on engadget and iLounge too. Subscription models just aren't for me, I like to own my music so I can move it to whatever player I choose.
Amazon MP3 has got it right IMHO, but any competition is good. But why are they choosing to go down a well trodden path that only have ever led to the sheer drop of doom? Have any subscription based models worked?? :confused:
Amazon MP3 has got it right IMHO, but any competition is good. But why are they choosing to go down a well trodden path that only have ever led to the sheer drop of doom? Have any subscription based models worked?? :confused:
57 months ago
Amazon MP3 has got it right IMHO, but any competition is good. But why are they choosing to go down a well trodden path that only have ever led to the sheer drop of doom? Have any subscription based models worked?? :confused:
only cable tv/cellphone/car/electricity/water subscription works.
they are probably thinking that adding $5 to the cellphone bill is less noticeable vs. blatantly asking for $5 on website. Which might be true. but again, DRM is a line I can never cross.
57 months ago
Man, these companies just don't get it. If it doesn't work on the iPod then a large majority of mp3-player owners just won't use it.
57 months ago
How would Universal get hardware makers to defray their $5/month cost as proposed? I could see cell companies bundling it into their service fees, but if you buy a Zune for $200, how can Microsoft pay Universal $5/month indefinitely for you to have access to their music on it?
57 months ago
Man, these companies just don't get it. If it doesn't work on the iPod then a large majority of mp3-player owners just won't use it.
I wouldn't be so sure.If most of the music content leaves iTunes for other pastures people will start buying a product that can use the other service.That's what this conspiracy hopes.
Makes me wonder if the FCC or some other Fed watch-group will start looking into this could-be-illegal practice.
57 months ago
Great idea as far as I'm concerned
And the more competition the better everyone's products get!
And the more competition the better everyone's products get!
57 months ago
When are these 'tards going to realise: Consumers don't want subscription music services.
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