Apple to Offer Unlimited Music Plan?
Financial Times reports that Apple is currently in discussions with music companies to allow customers to have unlimited access to the entire iTunes music library in exchange for paying a premium for its iPod and iPhone devices (presumably for the life of the device).
The plan sounds similar to Universal's Total Music plan in which the cost of music is embedded into the music player itself. Based on the wording of this article, it seems Apple's version of the plan adds the cost on top of the iPod or iPhone.
The negotiations are currently being held up due to disagreements in pricing. Apple is reportedly only offering $20 per device, while Nokia is playing almost $80/handset for a similar plan. Other possibilities appear to include a subscription based service for iPhone users ($7-8/month, for example) with the capability to keep up to 40-50 tracks/year even after the subscription lapses.
Historically, the Financial Times has been a reliable source of information with early details of Apple's plans to introduce iTunes Movie rentals well ahead of its release,
The plan sounds similar to Universal's Total Music plan in which the cost of music is embedded into the music player itself. Based on the wording of this article, it seems Apple's version of the plan adds the cost on top of the iPod or iPhone.
The negotiations are currently being held up due to disagreements in pricing. Apple is reportedly only offering $20 per device, while Nokia is playing almost $80/handset for a similar plan. Other possibilities appear to include a subscription based service for iPhone users ($7-8/month, for example) with the capability to keep up to 40-50 tracks/year even after the subscription lapses.
Historically, the Financial Times has been a reliable source of information with early details of Apple's plans to introduce iTunes Movie rentals well ahead of its release,
Top Rated Comments
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51 months ago
In other words, a unlimited subscription based music service for a one time fee?
I don't see that working out.
I don't see that working out.
51 months ago
In other words, a unlimited subscription based music service for a one time fee?
I don't see that working out.
I think access to the entire iTunes Store library of music is in exchange for the premium that Apple charges on the iPod and iPhone devices. Not a subscription based plan.
I for one welcome this idea.
51 months ago
I love the option to be able to keep some of the music after the subscription ends. Count me in for this!
51 months ago
well. that should shut up some who always keep asking for music rentals -all you can eat plans - as well.
would blanket cover the whole consumer base, perhaps.
would blanket cover the whole consumer base, perhaps.
51 months ago
When would it be considered too soon to get in line to purchase a new ipod with the unlimited music plan? Tonight? This weekend?
51 months ago
I really don't get this?
If I'm reading right, you pay a monthly/yearly/onetime fee, and you have unlimited music downloads?
Can someone explain, Please?
If I'm reading right, you pay a monthly/yearly/onetime fee, and you have unlimited music downloads?
Can someone explain, Please?
51 months ago
I really only see this working as a subscription - a normal subscription $9.99/mo for all the songs you can fill your iPod with.
The hardest part would be splitting the revenue with the labels - you'd have to apportion the $10/mo based on what exactly?
The hardest part would be splitting the revenue with the labels - you'd have to apportion the $10/mo based on what exactly?
51 months ago
I really don't get this?
If I'm reading right, you pay a monthly/yearly/onetime fee, and you have unlimited music downloads?
Can someone explain, Please?
When you purchase an iPod, you are paying a premium to Apple. From the article, I believe that the idea is when you buy an iPod, you have access to the entire iTunes Store library.
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