Apple in Mobile Music Negotiations... for WWDC?
NYTimes' Technology blog reports that Apple is currently in active negotiations with music labels about providing more mobile music content on their iTunes store.
One executive quoted specifically states that "[Apple wants] a big launch in June", presumably referring to the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) scheduled to start on June 9th 2008. However, since negotiations only started a few weeks ago, the deals may not be in place in time for a WWDC announcement.
Apple reportedly wants to expand its Ringtone library and introduce the sale of "Answer Tones". Answer Tones are customized sounds played to callers instead of the traditional ringing sound.
Another area of negotiation is the distribution of iTunes songs over the cellular network. For now, the iPhone allows you to purchase iTunes music only over Wi-fi networks. This had been thought to be a limitation of the slower EDGE data network, but it appears this mobile music distribution must be specifically negotiated with the record labels. Traditionally, these over-the-air cellular music sales have carried a premium over the traditional internet distribution, and the music labels are requesting a higher price for these sales. The expected addition of faster 3G data service on the upcoming iPhone will certainly increase consumer demand for over-the-air iTunes downloads.
One executive quoted specifically states that "[Apple wants] a big launch in June", presumably referring to the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) scheduled to start on June 9th 2008. However, since negotiations only started a few weeks ago, the deals may not be in place in time for a WWDC announcement.
Apple reportedly wants to expand its Ringtone library and introduce the sale of "Answer Tones". Answer Tones are customized sounds played to callers instead of the traditional ringing sound.
Another area of negotiation is the distribution of iTunes songs over the cellular network. For now, the iPhone allows you to purchase iTunes music only over Wi-fi networks. This had been thought to be a limitation of the slower EDGE data network, but it appears this mobile music distribution must be specifically negotiated with the record labels. Traditionally, these over-the-air cellular music sales have carried a premium over the traditional internet distribution, and the music labels are requesting a higher price for these sales. The expected addition of faster 3G data service on the upcoming iPhone will certainly increase consumer demand for over-the-air iTunes downloads.
Top Rated Comments
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49 months ago
instead of more songs to choose as my ringtones, i'd really appreciate it if apple were to come out with more traditional ringtones. you know, like the one they use in the ads.
49 months ago
may happen, but i doubt it will happen before WWDC, although they may be looking for more little announcements related to the iPhone so they may pull through
49 months ago
Sounds like Apple have a Consumer Event planned for either just before or
just after WWDC. I'd pick just before as the best bet...
then again get everyone to WWDC and the end of the Keynote is Steve dropping hints of another event "real soon"
To much non-developer stuff here for it to be at WWDC.
I guess it depends on the best way to play the hype
just after WWDC. I'd pick just before as the best bet...
then again get everyone to WWDC and the end of the Keynote is Steve dropping hints of another event "real soon"
To much non-developer stuff here for it to be at WWDC.
I guess it depends on the best way to play the hype
49 months ago
I am sure most countries in the EU with iphones would be just happy to have any ringtones. I love my phones but I just wish apple would work on getting more services to those who dont yet even have some of the basics....
And what happend to apple redcing the cost of itunes in the UK
And what happend to apple redcing the cost of itunes in the UK
49 months ago
Sometimes it's amazing how people are willing to pay for crap like answer tones... :confused:
49 months ago
Ugh, answer tones suck. There is nothing worse than hearing ****** loud music over a crappy cell phone connection when a standard ringing tone would be far more effective.
49 months ago
I hate ringtones*. I hate hearing them. I hate the idea of paying for one. I hate them hate them hate them.
What is the point? Is anyone not annoyed when hearing a squawky compressed version of a song bleat out in the middle of a crowded room? I mean, if you like the song, you're annoyed it is so crappy sounding and played s short. If you hate the song, you're annoyed you have to listen to it. If you haven't heard it before, you aren't able to give it a good listen.
The only thing more annoying is the "let me sit here and jam to my ringtone" dork.
Did I mention I hate ringtones? You know what happens if I call you and instead of just subjecting everyone in your room to your ring tone, you also subject me to a static-laden clip of "Baby Got Back"? Yeah, that's right: I don't call you any more.
* "Ringtones" are here defined as any of the following:
[list]
[*] A snippet of a larger work, typically a popular song that I never liked
[*] Some ethnic or tribal jam, which qualifies under the terms of this rant after the second listen, because, honestly, I've heard a few good ones, the first time. You better change it before it rings again though.
[*] Inhuman synthesized voice announcing the name of the caller as entered into your address book. Not so innately annoying, but I shudder to think of what a poorly-thought-out address book entry for a significant other might announce.
[/list]
Specifically not included are "ringtones" which actually sound like a traditional or modern phone ringing.
What is the point? Is anyone not annoyed when hearing a squawky compressed version of a song bleat out in the middle of a crowded room? I mean, if you like the song, you're annoyed it is so crappy sounding and played s short. If you hate the song, you're annoyed you have to listen to it. If you haven't heard it before, you aren't able to give it a good listen.
The only thing more annoying is the "let me sit here and jam to my ringtone" dork.
Did I mention I hate ringtones? You know what happens if I call you and instead of just subjecting everyone in your room to your ring tone, you also subject me to a static-laden clip of "Baby Got Back"? Yeah, that's right: I don't call you any more.
* "Ringtones" are here defined as any of the following:
[list]
[*] A snippet of a larger work, typically a popular song that I never liked
[*] Some ethnic or tribal jam, which qualifies under the terms of this rant after the second listen, because, honestly, I've heard a few good ones, the first time. You better change it before it rings again though.
[*] Inhuman synthesized voice announcing the name of the caller as entered into your address book. Not so innately annoying, but I shudder to think of what a poorly-thought-out address book entry for a significant other might announce.
[/list]
Specifically not included are "ringtones" which actually sound like a traditional or modern phone ringing.
49 months ago
I have never bought music over the air yet -- but the more extensive the possibilities the better. Do you guys buy over the air???
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