Apple rocks (more than before)
04.28.2003I'm pretty excited. A new version of iTunes and a new iPod.
The new version of iTunes comes w/ a new buy-as-you-download "Music Store." Of course, it probably won't replace Acquisition or any other gnutella clients — but Apple's a corporation and can't readily endorse free music downloads, now can it?
Downloading a song for 99¢ seems a bit pricey, however. Especially since it makes downloading a whole album just as expensive as buying a whole CD (if not more!) — worse when you consider that you're paying the same price but don't have access to the album jacket/liner or a physical CD. The advantages Apple's "Music Store" has are that it might be more comprehensive, reliable, and provide higher quality mp3 files. I understand making clients pay for each download, but 25¢ might be more appropriate — and it'd encourage more downloading, which would pay for itself in higher volume.
So why am I excited about the new Apple developments? After all, iTunes and Acquisition are already integrated — downloads automatically show up in the music library.
The reason I'm excited is because Apple's doing something that any good company must do to stay viable into the future: redefine itself. Apple is not a computer company; Apple is a digital lifestyle company. There's a huge difference. Companies that only put out desktop boxes or laptops won't make it. Microsoft's XBox is the future; Gateway (w/ it's focus on simply making hardware) is the past.
I remember an old story about trains and cars. Part of the reason why the traditional train companies didn't survive the automobile was a failure to redesign themselves. If they had defined themselves not as train companies, but rather as transportation companies, they could've invested in the car and integrated it into their transportation network. Instead, they went into direct competition w/ a system that was more flexible and responsive to market (and personal) needs. Now all we have left is Amtrak.
So. I'm excited because Apple — w/ it's "digital hub" strategy — has moved into this new reality quite rapidly. I'm glad that my favorite computer company (and, in my humble opinion, the best computer company at that) won't disappear any time soon.
Posted by Miguel at 03:43 PM
Comments
I'm annoyed that their going to be selling 128Kps files (sure, they're ACC and not MP3, but still). I don't have very sensitive ears and I can audibly hear the difference between 128 and 192. If I'm going to be paying for it I want a quality 192Kps file.
The other thing that sucks is it since they are ACC files it locks you into Apple technology, and the latest at that.
I agree with what you're saying about Apple's strategy though. Without repositioning themselves they wouldn't be where they are today.
Posted by: Simon King at April 28, 2003 05:00 PM
that new iPod is pretty hot.
Posted by: mark at April 28, 2003 11:11 PM
Well, I hate Apples. I hate that they don't right click, I hate that the close window button is on the wrong side, I hate that they are inclusive. As for media share systems, I recently downloaded WinMx. I love it. It doesn't take forever to start up and doesn't clog my machine (I have an old crappy com, so this prolly doesn't effect anyone else. Gnutella, I'm sure, works fine on anything more powerful than a Pentium II). I recommend it.
Love,
Micah
Posted by: Micah at April 29, 2003 12:34 PM