News
Apple, record labels in talks over unlimited downloads
By Charles Starrett
Contributing Editor
Published: Friday, March 4, 2011
News Categories: Apple, iTunes
Apple is negotiating with record labels over a new arrangement that would allow iTunes users easier access to purchased music across multiple devices, according to Bloomberg. Calling the move “a step closer to universal access to content centrally stored on the Internet” and citing three people with knowledge of the plans, the report states that under the new agreement, iTunes customers would have a permanent backup of their purchased music should the originals become damaged or lost, and would be able to download multiple times across every device that was linked to their iTunes accounts. Involved in the talks are all of the “big four” labels—Universal, Sony, Warner Bros., and EMI—and the report notes that an agreement could be announced by midyear. [via Engadget]
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1
Basically the speculation is that you’ll be able to do the same thing with your iTunes-purchased music that you can already do with iTunes-purchased apps? Fine if you’re on wi-fi, but look out if you’re using the iPad’s or iPhone’s capped data plan.
If Apple really wants to do something for loyal customers, how about full song previews for MobileMe subscribers!
Posted by Paul on March 4, 2011 at 8:48 AM (PST)
2
Way to catch up with 1997
Seriously, the music labels are unbelievably backward in their approach to digital sales.
We’ve had multiple or even unlimited downloads of MOST digitally distributed commerce going back well over a decade. Music has been the major exception, which is amazing considering how little storage and bandwidth it represents next to things like 16 hour audiobooks and multiple GB games.
Posted by Code Monkey in Midstate New York on March 4, 2011 at 9:47 AM (PST)
3
It’s quite exciting news and wonder it will launch or not because it’s been in news for four years now. I think Apple finaly has to offer this service.
Posted by ipod fan on March 7, 2011 at 1:44 PM (PST)