I gotta say, I don't think we're getting the full story here. I'm not sure if David Richards is supposed to be a professional reporter, but that article is irresponsibly researched and amateurly written. How did he confirm this "massive 10%" fee? How long did he wait for the Apple marketing exec to get back to him (it sounds like no time at all, but he should state it in the story)? Will this be true beyond Australia? Where are the real numbers (i.e. dollar signs, not percentage signs) to provide real-world impact? Did the manufacturers offer any proof?
And let's not even get into the blatant editorializing through sensational adjectives. However, if this is true, Apple has some 'splaining to do. But among reasoning I would accept is an attempt to ensure quality accessories.
Honestly, until I see some other confirmation, this sounds like Bose and Altec trying to curry some PR favor at Apple's expense. And it sounds like a writer with a chip on his shoulder, especially with this far-fetched hypothesis about the Microsoft OS mp3 makers getting together.
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I gotta say, I don't think we're getting the full story here. I'm not sure if David Richards is supposed to be a professional reporter, but that article is irresponsibly researched and amateurly written. How did he confirm this "massive 10%" fee? How long did he wait for the Apple marketing exec to get back to him (it sounds like no time at all, but he should state it in the story)? Will this be true beyond Australia? Where are the real numbers (i.e. dollar signs, not percentage signs) to provide real-world impact? Did the manufacturers offer any proof?
And let's not even get into the blatant editorializing through sensational adjectives. However, if this is true, Apple has some 'splaining to do. But among reasoning I would accept is an attempt to ensure quality accessories.
Honestly, until I see some other confirmation, this sounds like Bose and Altec trying to curry some PR favor at Apple's expense. And it sounds like a writer with a chip on his shoulder, especially with this far-fetched hypothesis about the Microsoft OS mp3 makers getting together.