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Analyst: iTunes to offer wireless downloads ‘within the year’
Pike & Fischer senior analyst Tim Deal is lead author on a new report that claims Apple will be forced to offer iTunes downloads in an over-the-air capacity, within the next year. The report argues that the step will be necessary for the iPhone to remain competitive as consumers “increasingly demand the ability to download music and video over the air.” “Consumer expectations will advance to the point where they will eschew reliance on a PC and cable to get content onto their iPhones and other portable devices,” says Deal. “Apple will therefore be forced to offer over-the-air downloads to remain competitive.” AT&T currently offers a music download service over its wireless network, but the service is currently not available on the iPhone.
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1
how much money does tim deal make every year? i’m pretty sure anyone with an inkling of tech knowledge could have made these statements.
Posted by Dave on August 7, 2007 at 8:20 AM (PDT)
2
I agree that “consumer expectations” will serve to drive the interest in OTA downloading, but I’m not sure anybody’s really in that big of a hurry to have that functionality in the iPhone just yet. Sure, it’d be a nice feature, but if I have to sync with my PC to get my updated contacts and calendar entries from Outlook, it’s no skin off my nose to get music and other media onto my iPhone that way.
If you are constantly on the go—and I realize a lot of folks are—then OTA downloading is surely a boon for you. But so many of us are stationed in front of our laptop or desktop for at least part of the day, and I know I’d rather update my iPhone via USB 2.0 speeds than EDGE or WiFi speeds. For instance, last night I put The Bourne Supremacy and Training Day on my iPhone, along with about 40 new songs. It took but a few minutes. God knows how long a movie download would take via EDGE, and how much battery life it would absorb.
I agree with Deal’s point about consumer expectations becoming more and more demanding, but I think his timetable’s a bit extreme.
Posted by Flippy Hambone on August 7, 2007 at 9:26 AM (PDT)
3
How abou the flying car Tim? You think thats coming out soon?
Posted by unreal on August 7, 2007 at 7:14 PM (PDT)
4
Are customers really clamoring for wireless downloads?
And aren’t their needs already being met by the YouTube integration?
“Must…download…desperate…housewives…can’t wait for fast internet or a big screen…”
Posted by dasmb on August 8, 2007 at 8:54 AM (PDT)