Briefly: Preloaded iPods, Wal-Mart movies, Apple stores
Katie MarsalA truce struck between the two most famous Apple companies has cleared a path to iPods pre-stuffed with content, just as Wal-Mart takes its latest potshot at iTunes' throne with its own web store. Meanwhile, two decidedly more physical Apple stores are on their way.
The end of the seemingly epic feud between Apple Corps and Apple, Inc. has done more than just ease the latter's legal conscience, Wired's Leander Kahney wrote on Tuesday.
As the iPod maker no longer has to fret about a barrage of lawsuits every time it toys with the idea of shipping music on discs — such as the hard drives on its iPods — the company could now ship jukeboxes preloaded with music instead of simply offering coupons or gift cards as it does with the U2 Special Edition iPod. The new option would let Apple, Inc. score deals with music labels keen to get the latest single to the ears of hip young buyers. According to Kahney, iPods could even be turned into their own distribution medium.
"The iPod could become the new CD," he said. "Flash-memory drives are now so cheap, software companies are starting to use them to ship software. H&R Block, for example, is selling the latest version of its tax-preparation software on a flash drive for $40 — the same price as the CD version. How much would it cost Apple to add a few music chips and some cheap earbuds?"
Wal-Mart eyes Apple's video download share
America's retail monolith Wal-Mart today fired its latest salvo against Apple's reign over music, adding a new option to download movies and TV shows.
More than a few were startled by the terms of the opening. While Apple has been struggling to grab even one additional Hollywood studio, snagging Paramount in January, Wal-Mart opened its video portal after having scored deals with each of the six heavy-hitting domestic studios. The introduction completely dwarfed Apple's past efforts, posting 3,000 flicks and TV episodes versus Cupertino's paltry 600.
However, the Windows Media-only shop may have already run into its own self-made roadblocks. Many pointed out Wal-Mart's attempt to preserve its bread-and-butter DVD sales: most every movie on the store is priced nearly identically to its cousin at retail outlets, giving little incentive to wait for a download instead of driving to the store. Wal-Mart video downloads are lower-resolution (320 x 240, 30 fps, 500-810 kbps) and can't be burned to CDs or DVDs.
Visitors who tried to browse the site on its opening day using Firefox were also faced with a completely broken page despite supposed compatibility with browsers beyond Internet Explorer. Ironically, Mac owners shut out from buying the videos themselves could still visit using Safari.
Two Apple store openings enroute
On a more positive note, Apple has also confirmed two upcoming store openings in its continuing retail expansion drive.
The Apple Store WestQuay has had its official opening set for this Saturday, February 10th, at 9 AM local time. The event signals Apple's first real presence in the British city of Southampton. As always, Apple is holding its customary drawing for a free Digital Lifestyle Collection, with a 2GHz MacBook and 4GB iPod nano as part of the prize.
Fresno, California-based iPod and Mac fans were eagerly anticipating an all but confirmed store opening at the Fashion Fair mall. Separate job postings were made at CareerBuilder and Craigslist by Apple, indicating definite plans by the company to set up shop at the largely upscale retail outlet within the next several months.
William Gallagher
Malcolm Owen
Mike Wuerthele
