The Street.com is reporting that Apple may be preparing to announce a deal with Google that would make the iTunes Music Store available through the Google website. Information on when this might happen, as well as just how it would be implemented, are not available. I have to say this really surprises me, though I guess it shouldn't. I've always thought of Google as being firecely independent, just like Apple. A pairing of the nation's top online music store with the number one search engine would certainly be noteworthy to say the least, but what would be the advantage? The iTunes Music Store works just fine for me as it exists today, and is largely cross platform. Perhaps I'm missing something...?
[Via The Digital Music Weblog]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-15-2005 @ 9:58AM
Alex said...
This would be pretty cool, and I think it will really boost the iTMS sales...
Reply
8-15-2005 @ 10:24AM
Tom Edwards said...
Many people search for artists; for information and for tracks. Type in the name of an artist or a song and up comes Download Now from iTunes. Couple of clicks and you're done.
I think it'll work.
Reply
8-15-2005 @ 10:25AM
Justin said...
I think the real reason behind this is that Apple is struggling with the users who don't understand that the iTMS is INSIDE the iTunes program. People just think they can go to a URL and download the songs they wants (like PureTracks, Yahoo etc.). If Apple/Google pull this off, it will open the iTMS to a whole new audience.
Reply
8-15-2005 @ 10:31AM
steve said...
I'm gessing if you searched for an artist google you give you a link to the itunes music store. I think it's a very cool idea!
Reply
8-15-2005 @ 11:03AM
Dan said...
What Justin said, but it's also a good move for Google too. Google seems to be trying to get people to do anything and everything on the internet from their one search box. You can look up directions, look up local businesses, find news, get definitions, find pictures and videos, even do calculations and conversions. It would make sense for them to add a music search that looked straight into the iTMS. Just another step so you never have to leave their home page again...
Reply
8-15-2005 @ 11:46AM
joe said...
It could be the Microsoft wants in both the search engine game as will as selling music online. If this offering was leveraged together, Google would need to think about a competing offer. I could be that they feel the music download business is not a good market for them to expand into. By teaming up with Apple on this, they both come out ahead, without trying to jump start a new line of business.
Reply
8-15-2005 @ 12:26PM
Robert said...
Makes ya' think about integration with the Google Wallet they're working on...
Reply
8-15-2005 @ 1:42PM
Brian said...
I imagine Google would do this to counter Yahoo and MSN's music offerings; and really what better way than to piggyback on Apple's success. They probably stand to make considerably more money than either Yahoo or MSN from the music sales alone; nevermind the fact that it simply means more advertising revenue for them.
Reply
8-15-2005 @ 2:33PM
wolf ledermann said...
Read the Engadget article about Google buying up bandwidth and the speculation that this is for video downloads.
iTunes MEDIA store anyone?
Reply
8-15-2005 @ 3:00PM
drchucks said...
This could be a good way for the linux heads of the world to get a chance at using iTunes.
Reply
8-15-2005 @ 4:07PM
Bill said...
Another reaason why I am excited about this is because my IT guy at work wont let me install iTunes on the companies machines.
Reply
8-15-2005 @ 5:47PM
norebonomis said...
hey number 11, tell your it tech guy that i said to suck my dick
haha, bitch ass IT guys trying to RUN SHIT,
mofo
Reply
8-15-2005 @ 6:06PM
Alex K said...
This might also help those confused about how the iPod and/or iTunes works in general.
Seems like many think the iPod uses some proprietary Apple file format for the music, and you must purchase all this music from iTMS.
Hopefully people will understand the IPod is a portable player like any other, and plays mp3's like other players on the markte. It just so happens the style and functionality appeals to most users, including myself, and a loyal following has formed.
Reply
8-15-2005 @ 10:04PM
GWM said...
Fan The Flames dept: Dave Winer had this to say in Scripting News way back on June 15 of this year:
http://archive.scripting.com/2005/06/15#When:6:18:31PM
"I've been hearing rumors that Google is readying an iTunes-clone, based on RSS 2.0, and fully podcast-capable. Multiple sources on this one."
Reply