An iTunes subscription model? Yes please!

Ars Technica reports rumours of an iTunes subscription model:

A report by the Financial Times (registration required) cites unnamed executives who say that Apple is in talks with record labels to offer access to the entire iTunes music library for a lump sum price. The fee would be added as a premium option on an iPod or iPhone, or it could come as a monthly charge. It would allow downloading of any song at any time so long as the purchaser still owns the device, and the songs would be yours to keep.

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Since the average iPod owner buys about 20 tracks from the iTunes, Apple wants to make the premium about $20, arguing that it should cover the average consumer’s downloads. Then the owner can make unlimited music downloads from the iTunes Store for the life of the device. Once downloaded, the tracks are yours to keep, even if you get rid of the original iPod or iPhone.

I use iTunes intermittently, but if a subscription model was on offer that allowed you to keep the music instead of just renting it, then this would be an unbelievably good deal. Even if it was about $100, you’d still get your money’s worth from about six or seven albums. Maybe they’re banking on people not taking full advantage of it, but I know that I’d be on there all day filling up an external drive with new music!

Published in Software, Tech, tagged on 19th March 2008. No comments.

iPlayer redesign takes cues from iTunes

The BBC’s fantastic iPlayer website has seen a slight redesign today, adding ‘most recent’, ‘last chance’ and ‘most popular’ sections. Each video also has a ‘more like this’ column down the side of the page. While it detracts slightly from the site’s minimalistic style, it makes finding content a little easier. iPod users might note similarities between it and the iTunes Store, which also has very similar features.

BBC iPlayer

iPlayer A-ZUpon closer inspection, there are a few other new tweaks. The buttons on the left now expand when clicked to reveal options, rather than producing a large menu as before. A couple of new buttons also make browsing channels and finding shows by name easier.

It’s nice to see the iPlayer’s first tune up since launch. I use it almost every day, so it’s a welcome redesign.

Published in Design, Websites, tagged , , on 20th February 2008. No comments.