iTunes, an Apple Computer development, is a digital media program which gives an internet user access to digital music, video files and podcasts. It is an interface that has features for organising and playing music, which is compatible for both Mac and Windows servers.
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iTunes also contains the iTunes Music Store which is a legal digital music and video download site. The latest version, iTunes 6, released on October 20, 2005, offers it’s users the complete new media package. he American version offers 2 million songs (a million added in one year), 20, 000 pod-casts, 11, 000 audio-books, it also contains 2000 music videos and TV shows. It’s ease of operation and it’s connection with the iPod player, iPod nano and the iPod Shuffle makes it the most popular program for digital content on the internet. It’s connectivity also spreads into Mac programs, such as iGarage, and the iPods can now be specially fitted into various automobiles. Steven Milunovich (2004) believes that, “Apple is beginning to establish itself as the de facto standard in digital music.�? It is creating its own revolution, which needs no help from other carriers or sites.
On the 25th of October, 2005, Australia became the 21st country in the world to introduce the iTunes Music Store. It currently has 1 million songs from both independent and major labels (excluding Sony BMG), and also 1000 music videos. It features 25 000 podcast’s, including those from ABC, Triple J, Triple M and SBS Radio. Prices for are A$1.69 per song, A$3.39 per video and albums starting at A$16.99. Tripp (2005), founder of The Music believes that it is the, “beginning of the revolution in Australian music,�? and Barker (2005, 1) that the potential for Tunes in Australia is huge. The iPod device has already sold more than 1 million which is 68% of the total local market for digital players, even without the Music Store.
iTunes has become a successful global system, through clever product distribution of the iPod. The music store is now operating in 21 countries, cementing it has a distribution device which is legal and accepted through-out the music community. Those artists apposed to this technology have missed an opportunity for their music to potentially be listened to millions.
Milunovich, S (2004) A big week for Apple. The Economist, July 2004.
Barker, G. (2005) “On a merry dance with iTunes,�? The Age, 27 October 2005, p.1
Tripp, P. (2005) ‘Why retailers, BigPond, Destra nad NineMSN are not happy about the new apple pie launched today.’ The Music, accessed 26 Oct 2005 at http://www.themusic.com.au/im_m/tripp.php
Bronwyn Hooton 00:01, 28 Oct 2005 (EST)
previous author Chris Paine 11:08, 10 Sep 2004 (EST)
