iTunes under siege overseas
Apple's tight links between the iPod and its iTunes Music Store have helped it keep a lock on both the music-player and the digital-download markets here in the States. But abroad, the iPod-iTunes link is under fire. France recently passed into law a controversial bill that could unlock iTunes for other music players. The bill was watered down from an original version that would have required Apple to open up; now it just sets a commission to look into the issue.
Meanwhile, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden are continuing to challenge Apple's digital-rights-management software. A consumer-protection agency in Norway -- which coordinates actions with its counterparts in the other Scandinavian countries -- questioned Apple in June, and didn't think much of the 50-page response Apple sent back, which disputed the agency's authority over matters involving copyrights. One thing's clear: Apple's trust-us-we-know-best attitude isn't playing well to foreign ears. Personally, I am sick of Europe and their anti-American attitudes. Apple developed the software and in good faith negotiated deals with the record labels to make it easier to buy LEGAL songs. Now certain countries want Apple to literally give away the farm to competitors. I think NOT! If I were Apple and I am a shareholder and long time user, I would pull my products and support out of every country involved in this theft (no other word for it). Stealing is stealing, no matter if it is a government or individual! In my opinion, the countries trying to force Apple to open their software are MORALLY BANKRUPT!
I'm so glad they are challenging Apple. I don't have an iPod, and I honestly don't want one, but I want portable music. I bought my girlfriend a SanDisk, and she loves it. It's so easy to just put mp3s from my computer or hers onto her player, and just go. No need for iTunes. While I think iTunes, and purchasing is great, the fact that I would need an iPod is ridiculous, and we shouldn't be forced to buy one. People can say go use another service, but it's not that simple. The music industry has most of their artists on iTunes, and therefore, draws us to it. If other services were just as good, of course I'd go for it. One of the few moments I'm cheering for France!
How would you appreciate buying an IPOD and expecting to be able to use ITunes but find out that you cannot strictly because you are in the military and stationed overseas? Even though I have internet access and pay my bills I can't access ITunes.
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