Tag: Subscription
UPDATED: RUMOUR: Apple music subcription service – iTunes Unlimited
This is interesting – Apple have never operated a subscription service before, and Steve Jobs has gone on record saying that he didn’t like the idea of “renting” music. However, three prominent Apple blogs are all reporting that they’ve had an email from a tipster suggesting that an iTunes subscription service might be announced in late September…
Sky and Universal Music partner to launch subscription music streaming and download service
Sky has partnered with Universal Music to launch a subscription-based music service offering both streaming music and “keep forever” download tracks.
The venture has just been announced, and the service doesn’t appear to have a name yet — at least, not a public one. Claiming the model is a world first (a claim I’m sceptical about), Universal Music will give it a flying start by making its entire catalogue of music (including U2, Kanye West, Amy Winehouse, Mika, the Killers, Snow Patrol, Luciano Pavarotti, ABBA, Rihanna, Eminem, Andrea Bocelli, Elton John, and Duffy) available, while Sky continues to negotiate with both major and independent music companies…
Microsoft Equipt: subscription-based Office and OneCare software
Microsoft has announced that it will sell a subscription-based bundled version of its Office and OneCare software in the States later this month.
The $70 per year offering will enable users to gain access to the latest versions of the software without having to buy them outright. Whenever Microsoft updates the software (say, from Office 2007 to “Office 14” expected in 2009) users will automatically get the upgrade…
Apple could use iPhone 3G to intro new mobile music services
Apple may use the highly anticipated launch of a iPhone 3G to expand its mobile music offerings, in a bid to hold on to its lucrative lead in online digital music.
At present, iPhone users can either use a Wi-Fi hotspot to purchase and download music from iTunes, or simply “side-load” it from iTunes running on their PC whenever they synchronise their iPhone.
A iPhone 3G’s faster cellular connection could allow users to purchase music over the air.
JOY Internet stands up for rights of British Internet users
Following yesterday’s news that Virgin Media is planning to crack down on illegal downloaders, new UK startup JOY Internet has vowed to stand up for the rights of UK Internet users.
“We’re totally against this collusion between the British Phonographic Industry [BPI] and Virgin Media,” said JOY’s Managing Director, Ken Jowes. “We don’t advocate the mass illegal downloading of music and film, but we believe that innocent people will have their Internet connections terminated, without recourse. Those downloading small amounts of content for personal use will also be criminalised, when the real problem of organised gangs working from outside the UK is totally ignored. That’s why we’ve set up JOY Internet.”…
NOT CES 2008: Mobile music revenues to hit a staggering $18 billion by 2012
And it’s all to the hottest and coolest new “thing” in the music world – paid for subscriptions, says telecoms analysts Juniper Research.
Mobile-friendly services like Universal’s Total Music, where you pay a set fee every month and get to listen to EVERY record it’s produced/churned out, will fuel this cash-mad boom, with iTunes obviously mopping up the rest of everyone’s money…
*Yawn* The Who launches paid-for subscription site with access to whole back catalogue
There’s certainly something in the Hollywood drinking water of late, with musical acts from Nine Inch Nails to Kylie Minogue taking their assaults on our eardrums online. The most recent band to get in on the act is The Who, who have announced they’re launching a new subscription site, aptly TheWho.com. How novel!
It’s been in beta for a few months now, but on the 5th of November, it’ll officially launch, with baby-boomers asked to cough up $50 a year to become a ‘Wholigan’ to get their mitts on lots of exclusive goodies. It’s a huge ask of dedicated fans, as they’ll be receiving…
Universal Music Group takes on iTunes with Total Music subscription service
The Universal Music Group has been making it known for some time that they’re deeply unhappy with Apple’s iTunes service, with UMG’s Doug Morris and Apple’s Steve Jobs fighting with handbags more often than not.
Morris recently refused to sign up for another contract with Apple allowing their record label’s music on iTunes, due to their strict contract terms which apparently limit the company’s marketing and the fact that Apple takes 29 cents of every 99 cents paid per song owned by UMG. Instead of pulling out of Apple…
Virgin Digital music subscription/download site closing down
Virgin has announced that its Virgin Digital music service is to close down on 19th October. From this Friday, no more music tracks will be sold, with site access limited to Club members only — who get streaming and "rental"…
iPod obsolete, Walkman device will rule, says boss of Sony-owned record label
Rick Rubin, co-chairman of Columbia Records, has publicly stated that the iPod and iTunes models are doomed, with the way to go being subscription-based, music-anywhere, services.
In fact, he thinks the whole music business will only be saved by going to a subscription model, but he’s quick to pick on the iPod. “The iPod will be obsolete, but there would be a Walkman-like device you could plug into speakers at home,” he said.
Rubin’s motivation is that adopting cheap music subscription services will curb illegal downloads, believing that “If music is easily available at a price of five or six dollars a month, then nobody will steal it.”
I’m not convinced.
