Apple to sell music videos via iTMS, and video iPod by September?

Word on the street (Wall Street, that is) has it that Apple has approached Warner, EMI, Universal and Sony BMG to license music videos to sell via the iTunes Music Store for $1.99 each by as early as September. They're also apparently in talks with media companies about licensing TV shows to offer via the iTMS, though the complexity of securing rights there may take longer than for music videos or even feature films. The WSJ article also indicates that Apple has told some music industry execs that it has plans to announce a video iPod by September, as well. Keep in mind that this all seems a bit fishy given Apple's customary tight lippedness on product announcements, but we're sure there's a blogger they can crack down on somewhere.

[Hassan @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

WEll I expected some of this. Apple has allready conqured the music service and the world of portable music players and video is next. It is also about time they release a video player since Creative has recently announced their ipod, excuse me I mean white video player with apple interface.
I just hope that my ipod photo will get video playback by firmware upgrade.

[nolan @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

So Steve Job's "its all about the music, video doesn't matter" mantra is wrong?

[Giuliano Riosa @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

Sweet, $2 (or �2) would be a good price for a music video. But I hope its good enough quality for my psp. :D

[nolan @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

Only if your psp can play DRMED file made by apple..... I think You'll be watching a lot of black trying to run these files on a psp

[Lajocaab @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

The technology is available to provide consumers with a product like "iSlate". Of course only Apple could really do it right, although several other companies are attempting to create some variation of this device. Unfortunately many are too focused on video playback only, & not creating a true multi-function device that could be used at home, at the office, or on the road. This product would integrate well into the "Digital Lifestyle" philosophy & compliment existing Apple products.

It would provide a screen large enough to actually watch video & view photos, while still being small enough to be portable. It needs to be smaller than a notebook computer, but larger than a PDA. Granted, you can not put a device the size of a DVD case in your pocket, but something doesn't have to fit in a pocket to be portable. This device could be used in so many different situations that it would have broad appeal in the market. I only pray that Apple is working on such a device & will release it in 2004. They have an opportunity to impact the industry with the iSlate & iVideo media Store as much as the iPod & iTMS will.

iSlate

New Apple mini-tablet �> PMA (portable media appliance)

Designed not to be a creative device like a desktop or laptop, but rather a sophisticated display device that communicates seamlessly with other devices via Rendezvous & 802.11, BT, GPRS, FireWire, etc.


Device Size:
8� x 5.0� x .65� (�15oz)
� 1/2 size of a 17� PowerBook
� 2x size of a Palm T5 or an iPod
� size of a DVD movie case
small enough to hold with one hand by the bezel (.5� bezel on the sides)

Screen:
�8� LCD (16:9 ratio) -> 800 x 480 pixels minimum (1024 x 600 ideally)
� 1/2 size of 17� PowerBook screen
� 2x size of a Palm T5 screen
able to display �640 x 480 material� & DVD (720x480) quality video natively

Battery:
6-9 hour Li-Ion battery (or some new battery technology)

Storage:
1.8� 40GB or 60GB hard drive (additional capacity can come from external devices)
256MB or 512MB RAM - fixed
SD slot (w/ adapter for xD & Smart Media)

Processor & OS ?:
Motorola 800 MHz G4 mobile w/ Mac OS X lite or
Intel 500 MHz XScale PXA27x w/ Mac OS Mobile?

Connectivity:
802.11 �> Desktop or Laptop, Stereo, Internet via Wi-Fi hotspots
Bluetooth �> Keyboard, Mouse, PDA, Wireless Headphones, Internet via GSM Phone
FireWire �> iPod, Computer, Hard Drive, DVD/CD writer, Video Camera, iSight
USB 2.0 �> Printer, PDA, Digital Still Camera
mini-DVI w/adapter for:
-> ADC & VGA for larger monitor
-> DVI for video projector or HDTV
-> S-Video for video projector or TV
-> Composite for video projector or TV
Stereo mini out
Stereo mini in
Rendezvous for seamless connectivity to other devices

Input:
Inkwell via touch screen &/or stylus
Keyboard & mouse via Bluetooth or USB
Microphone
Remote control via Bluetooth

Applications:
inkwell, iPhoto, iTunes, iMovie, Safari, QuickTime, iSync, Rendezvous
Preview, Mail, iCal, Address Book, Sherlock, iChat AV
Keynote, FileMaker, Quicken, etc.

A/V Formats:
Pixlet, MPEG-4, MPEG-2, MPEG-1, AAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF, Audible, JPEG, TIFF, GIF

Accessories:
Charger, External Battery, Stand, clip for iSight, Portable folding BT keyboard, BT mouse
Headphone w/Microphone boom, quality stereo headphones

Price ??:
$699 to $999


Create a device that is bigger that the largest PDA or Archos type device, yet smaller than the average notebook or tablet computer. Imagine if you will, holding a device (about the size of a DVD case) away from you anywhere from 12" to 18". Obviously a 4" screen would be inadequate, but a 7" to 9" diagonal widescreen would be more than acceptable. It could still be small enough to fit in a stack of books, a briefcase, a large purse, of any number of other carrying cases. It would be something that could be viewed in an office, at home, in a coffee shop, on an airplane or train, or even in the backseat of a car.

The idea is not to see how much visual information one can cram into a small space (3" to 4" screens) or replace existing devices like the TV or Video Projector. The idea is to create a device that is a reasonable compromise between portability & "acceptable or pleasurable" viewing for multiple applications & that also complements existing devices.

Although a 4 lb, 12" notebook computer displays video beautifully (I use one everyday), it is too big for the situations I have described. Beyond the innumerable business applications it could fulfill, it could display video & photos on a screen that is much bigger than an Archos type device or PDA, & yet smaller than a notebook computer. It doesn�t need to carry everything all the time, so it doesn�t require a massive hard drive. The internal HD needs only to be large enough for the OS, applications & enough storage to carry material while you away from any connectivity to other devices or the internet.

From a strictly �video perspective�, a large part of its success would hinge upon Apple's ability to distribute video clips through an online store much like iTMS. This store could provide educational content, business content, news content, & entertainment content beyond just movies. To be truly successful, it must integrate into Apple's "Digital Lifestyle" strategy, & be truly portable (ubiquitous wireless connectivity & good battery life).

Originally Posted by: lajocaab on Feb 11, 04 | 11:05 pm

[Conrad Quilty-Harper @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

Actually nolan, the videos currently bundled with some albums on the iTMS don't include any DRM. They're regular mpeg videos with nothing added. Hopefully if they start selling them they'll keep the videos without DRMs.

[jayarr_superstar @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

we all know that the video ipod is coming, i wish apple would just say when and how much :/

[jayarr_superstar @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

we all know that the video ipod is coming, i wish apple would just say when and how much :/

[Michael Virgilio @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

Anyone think the name change from iPod Photo to iPod Color might mean there's going to be a firmware update for those models to allow them to play video?

[jake @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

$2 for a video? Unless apple plans on releasing a video iPod (iWatch? iPay? iGetScrewed?), this new iTMS thing doesn't make sense..

[narco @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

Steve Jobs said he can't see people wanting to watch a video on a little screen, but if that's what people want then he'll eventually offer it.

Also, there has been no reason for Apple to come out with an iPod video because the current iPod is still selling well. When it starts to lag just a tad, they'll release the next one.

Fishes,
narco.

[Permanent4 @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

If Apple does a video iPod, watching video on the small built-in screen will be a secondary feature. The *real* feature will be the ability to plug your iPod into any TV and watch DVD-resolution MPEG-4 video on bigger screens. It will probably be S-Video at the most and locked down in such a way that DVD recorders won't be able to catch the signal, but it will be there.

And I won't care, because Apple hurt my feelings by not letting my show into their podcast directory and by rejecting my application to the iTunes Affiliate Program. Bastards...

[thegreyfox @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

#5. u mean something like this?

http://www.oqo.com/

[Michael Virgilio @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

MPEG4? Or H.264? Apple seems to be all about H.264 lately, especially with its HD capabilities at high bitrates. I'd bet they'll be more likely to go with H.264 than MPEG4, which is another guarantee that you won't be able to watch the videos on any other device as well, since just about every other PMP out there supports MPEG4 but not H.264. I would imagine that it will also play MPEG4, just for those of us that like to make our own videos and whatnot, but stuff bought/downloaded from Apple will likely be H.264.

[Zeek @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

13. Posted Jul 18, 2005, 10:28 AM ET by thegreyfox

#5. u mean something like this?

http://www.oqo.com/

Totally. Apple will buy them Q4. The product is solid, the marketing sucks. Add Apple's 'cool quotient' to the mix, rebrand [hey-we're intel too] and Apples creates it's own iPod killer.

[Timerider @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

I want them to release a video iPod soon. I remember some jerks that were saying "who would want to watch a movie on a tiny screen?" Who said anything about watching movies on an iPod? I just want to watch video clips like the 1984 apple commercial. They don't need to make the screen bigger anyway. They could leave it at the same size or only a half inch bigger, but it would still look like a normal iPod.

[Dylan @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

Ummm H.264 IS MPEG4. There is MPEG4 with H.264 and MPEG4 with H.263. The higher number is better. H.264 just refers to a more efficient encoding standard developed by Apple, that has now been adopted by the people who control the MPEG standard. MPEG4 with H.264 technology is being used by Blueray. That's because MPEG4 with H.264 unlike H.263 or MPEG 2 (used on current DVDS) is extremely scaleable. But enough from me, read about on Apple's website if you want.

[Vidar @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

According to this newly posted interview, Jobs still on the "no video for iPod": http://www.alwayson-network.com/comments.php?id=11002_0_3_1_C

[lajocaab @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

Posted Jul 18, 2005, 10:28 AM ET by thegreyfox

#5. u mean something like this?

http://www.oqo.com/



The OQO is a nice product, but the screen is just a little too small. From a practical video perspective, you need a 7" screen. The OQO is very well equipped, but it doesn't have to fit in you pockect to be portable. A device the size of a DVD case is very easy to handle & would provide a nicer viewing experience. You could also connect it to a TV or video projector for an even better viewing experience. Also the major shortfall for the OQO is the OS; XP stinks. If it ran a version of OS X, it would be four times the product. Finally, it will have to stay at or below $1000 to grab significant market share.

[what? @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

"So Steve Job's "its all about the music, video doesn't matter" mantra is wrong?"

Not wrong. Time has changed.

Steve did say that a video iPod was not a good idea, especially when there are no movie download service, at least legally.

As of now, there are still no movie download service (Netflix is planning, but still nothing). So Apple takes the upper hand by providing movie service using the same form as their music service.

With iTunes 4.9 allowing movie to be played inside the application, I think this is a rumor to be heard. I don't think there's an "iTunes" 5.0, because movies isn't just "Tunes"

[MrFloppy @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

Pay for music videos, that SHOULD be free (it�s marketing for the artis, etc...)?
No thanks.
I�d pay for TV Series, but 2$ is very expensive (and that�s only for a music video :s)

[mike @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

So Steve Job's "its all about the music, video doesn't matter" mantra is wrong?

--

the thing is, what hasn't changed.. is you STILL don't want to watch movies on a 3 inch screen... I think it would be cool to.. go to your friends house, plug your ipod into his TV and watch a movie ... on the tv. So the storage of the iPod would be used, just to hold movies. ANd of course there are controls on teh ipod to fast forward, click to the next chapter, change the volume, etc..

OKay.. well.. all this stuff is, maybe a little counterintuitive... music videos are kinda neat.. you can watch britney shake it, when you're on the bus, but.. movies have STORY LINES.. the reason they work is that you're supposed to get engrossed in it.. that can't be done with portable video..

a 3 minute and a 3 hour movie offer very different experiences.

the question: will I buy a music video from apple..

you know.. some of my favorite bands, maybe QOTSA, Radiohead, or COldplay, put out cool videos.. I just might!

Having said that, I don't have a color ipod

[Shacklegrind @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

Long live QuickTime!!!

http://www.shacklegrind.com/sg/video/

xo Shacklegrind

(Shacklegrind I is available on iTunes now)

[Brad Johnson @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

I like the idea of a video iPod but it better have a killer battery that lasts all day long. This is the kind of device that you want to take with you on a trip/flight and if you've got any kind of connecting flight you want to use it during preboarding, flight, layover and flight and it's not realistic to try to recharge by finding an electrical outlet by sitting on the floor in an airport. Been there, done that, not ideal. The Archos 700 has I believe a 2.5 hour playback battery which is ridiculous. 4 hours wouldn't be enough, 6 hours would be a minimum but is that realistic or will they just sell you extra batteries for $129 a pop? I have my fingers crossed and am optimistic but I'd just like to find out how Apple can pull this off. Great battery life would be a great accomplishment.

[Rob @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

While the Wall Street piece is technically "speculation" on the sale of videos, the July 12 "New Music Tuesday's" podcasts mentions that if you buy the latest single from Rob Thomas, "This is How a Heart Breaks," you get the associated video for free. Seems like Apple is introducing video today. Check it out here http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=74215818&originStoreFront=143441

[Dito @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

"Pay for music videos, that SHOULD be free (it�s marketing for the artis, etc...)?
No thanks."

this is not incredibly different than paying for MP3s that "should be free" on the radio. the difference in both cases is that you're choosing what to watch, when to watch it, and how often. $2 does seem a bit steep for most videos though, i will agree with you there, but it has to be more than $1 and people like round numbers :)

[Jarra @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

I see a lot of potential in music videos on ipod- even at the $2 price point. I, for one, would purchase them. I would also anticipate a great deal of success with video podcasts. Though, like many on this board, I'm not very excited about watching a 2 hour film on a small screen. On the other hand, I'll take whatever entertainment I can get my hands on while on a long flight.

[aj @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

yo dummy #9 and #14 , michael virgilio, the psp supports aac and h.264, obviously something is going on between sony and apple, maybe sony will partner with apple. then they will drop their gay propatery music codecs (openmg, ac3, ac3plus, ext.)

[Mr. Snitch! @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

a video ipod is inevitable. what most commentators misunderstand is (1) what it will look like and (2) why people will want one. most people will not be buying one for the music videos or to watch feature-length films (although they may wind up doing so anyway.) this is a different animal with a different reason for being. we cover the particulars in this post on our site: http://mistersnitch.blogspot.com/2005/07/podcasts-small-videos-big-profits.html

[Frankenstein Black @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

Its all about the next PSP release folks. Add a hard drive to that bad boy and come in under $299 (existing PsP is $249) and you will have a winner! A video iPod will be more expensive and wont even come close, PERIOD!!!

[Wraeththu @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

I was speaking with an engineer at Apple this week. He was discussing OS X 10.4 Tiger. Anyways I asked him if he had heard anything about apple brining out an iPod for video. His responce was that the current line of color iPod's were capable of displaying video. I asked him if it would require a firmware upgrade and he said yes. He said he expected them to come out with something within the next few months. Unfortunately with no other information being "leaked" about this, I am not certain it's true. Just thought I would post it to see if anyone else has heard anything about it.

[kassie @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

hey whats a firmware upgrade? so if i buy an ipod photo what kind of upgrades can i get?

[Salty Dog @ Dec 19th 2005 1:24AM]

Looks like the folks at http://www.Cinematology.com are gearing up for a video iPod compatible movie download service, including DRM-Free H.264 video downloads. Sounds interesting!