ipodnn: itunes
06/07/2006, 12:25pm, EDT
Wednesday, June 7th
Columnist expects iTunes subscriptions
One columnist believes Apple will soon debut an iTunes subscription service that would allow customers to download unlimited amounts of music for a flat monthly fee. James Kim of CNET's MP3 Insider points to competition as the driving factor that will push Apple to offer music, and possibly video subscription services, as a medium for consumers to get the content they want. "Imagine a subscription-enabled iTunes 7 with all-you-can-stream access to more than 3 million tracks for $10 month," Kim suggests. "You'd also be able to compile playlists manually or automatically using a mix of your own songs and the entire iTunes catalog. You could actually fill up a 60GB iPod with the click of a button."
The columnist surmises that Apple will still allow customers to purchase tracks for 99 cents or less, but notes that customers would likely have to purchase the newest iPod which would contain an internal subscription clock.
"I can't believe that in five years, Apple won't have a subscription service," Kim adds. "The company has taken note of the problems on the WMA side, plus it has the advantage of controlling both the hardware and software sides of the subscription equation. The time is now for an easy-to-use, utterly convenient, and cheap subscription service from Apple."
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Also, I can't see that this model is attractive for record labels OR the Bands. I average $25-30 / month. $10 won't make them richer?!?
I can see building a music collection, but also buying for access to other music, but I don't like the term "subscription." I think Apple can devise something better. I like the idea of smart radio stations that stream music to my computer while on the internet and leave my own collection of the iPod. When/if Apple starts to go into the home entertainment realm, it will not be bound to the iPod as iTunes presently is....so think of music beyond the iPod. What would it look like?
PS Since when do subscription services allow you to BURN a CD?
But, what if youre above the average for spending? Think of the data Apple has on all of it's customers. They could figure out what the average is and make the price around the same. And maybe the record companies are looking to be a part of the next Cable company. The more subscriptions they get, more money they get! And they like money.. :P
Also Apple could give up any profits for subscriptions, if a 'Subscription' iPod is released. HUGE bost in iPod sales which equates to much more profit than the subscriptions. Greggor is right though... This is leading to more of a domination of the living room. The thought of having millions of songs connected to my home theater (another huge growing market) and that would be kickin!!
and HD movies... forget about it!!
Wow, that is something better! Its called "Internet Radio" (or even XM radio). Its been around for ages, give it a try.
And where's all the vitrol about how NO ONE wants to rent music! And how bad an idea this is. Anytime Napster is mentioned, that's all anyone says...
Easy, the people who like subscriptions have responded so far, the people who don't aren't losing anything, so they have nothing to say. Personally, I would like both. I'll buy the music that is good (which includes virtually nothing released today), and "rent" the song of the day that has wormed itself into my head that I am unlikely to want to hear again after next week.