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iTunes Subscription on the Way?

by Terrence O'Brien on April 13, 2007 at 09:55 AM


Apple is mulling over the idea of a subscription-based pay-to-play model for the iTunes store. Or, at least that's the case according to Les Ottolenghi, CEO of INTENT MediaWorks, a company that works on peer-to-peer distribution networks. In an interview with CNNMoney, Ottolenghi claims to have met with Apple on more than one occasion to discuss the prospect.

Rumors of an iTunes subscription service have circulated before, but Ottolenghi seems confident in his prediction. Other digital music outlets have offered subscription services for some time but have failed to put a dent in Apple's death grip on the market. Of course, it's likely this is less to do with a lack of interest in the model and more to do with the popularity of the iPod.

For those who constantly switch up what they're listening to and don't feel it necessary to keep gigs of music on their PC at all times, a monthly fee for an all-you-can-download buffet is attractive. The subscription model also flies with record companies since it keeps the royalties pouring in.

Not surprisingly, Apple hasn't commented on the rumor.

From CNN Money

UPDATE:
4 of the major labels (Universal, Sony-BMG, Warner Music, & EMI) have already begun or are about to begin talks with Apple to renew their licensing contracts. The labels are said to be actively pushing for a subscription model which lends a little more weight to the claim that such a system is imminent.

From AppleInsider

Tags: Apple, breaking+news, iPod, iTunes, MP3, music, subscription, top

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