Apple exececutive asks PC manufacturers to bundle iTunes

November 4, 2003

Peter Lowe,
marketing guru for Apple applications was interviewd on Inside Digital
Media. Among other things Mr. Lowe feels that if PC makers take a look at
what iTunes has to offer, they might want to bundle it with their off the shelf
PC's. Here's a quote:

We
suggest that manufacturers on any platform looking for a jukebox to carry
with their products should take a look at us. iTunes is the best jukebox
and the best music store as well."

Lowe, director of marketing for
application services, went on to repeat Apple's claim that one million
Windows users downloaded iTunes software within three-and-a-half days of
its release, and that a million song sales also took
place.

Lowe went on to stress that
Apple's solution offers Windows users a complete solution with no hidden
charges, and no need to upgrade to access extra features, such as CD or
DVD burning.

"iTunes for Windows is not just
the store, but also a full-blown jukebox with MP3 and AAC encoding, as
well as CD and DVD burning and cross-platform Rendezvous-based music
sharing over networks.

"As we move into this age of
digital distribution, people only have their tracks on their computers,
and they want to back them up to ensure they are
secure."

The article goes on to say: Lowe confirmed that of the 13 million songs sold
before the launch of the Windows service, 45 per cent of sales had been of
entire albums. "People like buying albums," he said. Many industry observers had
predicted that album sales would suffer if consumers were allowed to buy
individual album tracks.

Well, it shouldn't be long before we see a Microsoft provided music service
offered to OEM vendors as well. Any predictions as to
when?

Source: macworld.co.uk