« iPod shuffle Database Builder | Main | Apple London store to feature live music every month »
April 21, 2005
iTunes Mobile and the cell phone dispute
Think Secret reports that the mobile phone version of iTunes, dubbed iTunes Mobile 1.0, is scheduled to be finished by June. It is said that Motorola will be ready to ship the iTunes phone in the second half of the year. That is, if it ever sees the light of day. This whole battle that is brewing over how the cell phone providers want to segragate the business of buying music - have the song files transferred over their networks and charge $2 or more per song - really ticks me off. I think the cell phone companies need to get their act together first by providing better coverage and at least adequate customer service, before they worry about selling music. I feel like chucking my phone at the first wireless executive that I see.
On the other hand (the hand without the poised cell phone), if the cell phone providers got their way, it would assuredly be a losing proposition for them and may be a blessing in disguise for Apple. Nobody is going to pay $2-3 for a song that they've already got at home on their computer, or bought the whole CD of. This would elimate one of the supposed threats to the iPod - that the mobile phone will threaten the iPod.
For more information about the cell phone vs. iTunes Mobile issue see:
- Mobile carriers balking at iTunes phone at Ars Technica
- iPod Killers? at BusinessWeek Online
Update: Motorola claims the phone is still on target for a launch in the "next few months."
Posted on April 21, 2005 09:18 AM | Category: iTunes
