Sony and Apple collaborating on online store for Japanese iPod users?
posted Sep 5th 2005 3:36PM
Apple very conspicuously launched the iTunes Music Store
in Japan last month without any Sony artists onboard, but the AFP is reporting that the two companies are in
negotiations about launching a new online music download service that would let Japanese iPod users buy tracks from
Sony's Japanese catalog. Sounds like there's something that's either missing from the news report or that got lost in
translation, but you'd think that they'd just figure out a way to add Sony to iTMS, right? Instead it sounds more like
Sony is insisting on a separate service, possibly because they'd like to charge more per download than what iTMS Japan
currently charges for downloads (a single track costs ¥150). Our big questions: Would Sony launch a new online music
store that could be accessed by iPod users but not by
Network Walkman users?
Could Apple handle the compromises inherent in a co-branded download service?
[Thanks, Gary]
UPDATE: Yup, something got lost in translation. Japan Today is reporting that Sony is negotiating with Apple about licensing its catalog to iTunes. Definitely makes more sense, but they way AFP wrote it up it sounded more like they were planning an entirely new service.
how come the store is in a safari window in that pic
I think its a bad idea. Think about it.
There is something lost in the translation. Sony will never build a music store just for iPods. They are probably in negotiations to get Sony labeled tracks on iTMS.
I always thought that Sony should team up with Apple and the iTMS and drop their Connect music service. IMHO if Apple maintains dominance in the portable music player market, they will eventually have to open up the iTMS to non-Apple devices to avoid the appearance of a becoming a monopoly.
Could this be Apple and Sony testing the waters?
I've read the story and I don't read what you're reading at all. They are negotiating adding tracks to the iTMS.
" Our big questions: Would Sony launch a new online music store that could be accessed by iPod users but not by Network Walkman users? Could Apple handle the compromises inherent in a co-branded download service?"
Sony has already allowed their tracks to be included in the iTMS in over 20 countires; those songs can be played on the iPod, not on the Network Walkman.
Apple wouldn't do a co-branded service. Apple also wouldn't use a separate service for 25,000 songs when every other version of the iTMS features one million +. Also, if it was a separate service, would it appear in iTunes (of course it would); if so, how would it be a distinct service? Apple isn't about to release a separate app or to use simply a web site to sell tracks.
Lest we not forget, Steve Jobs offered Sony's Nobuyuki Idei an iTMS deal:
http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,117683,00.asp
I'm still waiting for a report confirming that Idei actually turned down the deal.
For Steve to make that offer to Sony, Apple must have worked out the numbers to ensure that such a deal wouldn't affect their Apple hardware (iPod) sales that is helping to fuel Apple's significant growth and profits. Something much bigger would have to be in the works, and the words "video" and "PS3" immediately would come to mind.
The battle for the living room against Microsoft and the XBox 360 might make for some strange bedfellows.
Brian
#5
you are correct.. i dont rem where/when reading it.. but several months ago... there was speculation the ps3 is gonna have itunes withit...
but, if thats true... and ps3 having linux... that means they are makeing a real linux itunes player? so people with newer ipods can use it with linux...
lets hope so
It's like $1.80 to buy from the japanese store right? I want Jpop :(
I think it would be cool if both companies combined their services, but apparently they won't. Either way, it's good news that they are at least working out the deal with their artists.
Sony thinks so small sometimes. Mind you so does apple.
#8
download it like everyone else
I think, this is not very good idea. Sony willn't participate with Apple in this deal.