SubscriptionModel
Latest
Time Inc. relents, moves iOS magazines to Newsstand
Time Inc. appears to have relented in its refusal to sell subscriptions via its iOS apps, from which Apple takes a 30 percent commission. The Sports Illustrated publisher had resisted the move, forcing people to subscribe to the print edition in order to receive it digitally, but an update has moved the apps into Newsstand and now offers digital-only signups. It's not clear what sparked the change, but we're just glad to see everyone thinking about the trees and getting along.
Editorial: Google clarifies Chromebook subscriptions, might have just changed the industry
Following Google's second I/O keynote, we were ushered into a room where a number of the company's executives were on hand to field questions from the press. Or in other terms, dodge bullets and tell us what we're probably not looking to hear. All jesting aside, the Chrome team was rather forthright during the session, and a number of details surrounding the outfit's (potentially game changing) subscription model were unearthed. Details on contract terms, what's included / not included and where the line is drawn between enterprise and consumer lie just after the break, along with our take on how this monumental announcement may or may not change the way we buy computers.
Jobs: iPod users don't want to rent music
Reuters reports that Steve isn't looking to create a subscription-based iTunes model. "Never say never, but customers don't seem to be interested in it," Jobs told Reuters. "The subscription model has failed so far." Jobs said that iTunes customers want to own their music, not rent it. I think that's a pity because I've tasted a subscription model and actually enjoyed using it. Given Apple's move away from DRM, a necessary component of music subscription, Jobs stance is not a surprise. TUAW readers weighed in on subscriptions in this recent post.
