Katie MarsalAds now appearing on Canadian television networks are advertising a localized version of Apple's iTunes Music Store, although the service has yet to open for business.
"They look, sound, and feel exactly like current US ads," said one viewer. But instead of ending with an the iTunes.com web address, the spots direct viewers to apple.ca. Â
The ads began to appear during the third week of November, around the same time Apple was expected to officially extend the service into Canada.
According to unpublished reports, the company began prepping Canadian music labels for the launch of iTunes Canada in early November. The service was reportedly targeted to kick-off mid-month, but appears to have been delayed, slightly.
Earlier this week, Apple reiterated its statement that the Canadian service would launch before the end of the month. Tipsters also claim that this week's launch of iTunes Canada could yeild an announcement of iTunes in additional countries, such as Ireland and Australia. However, AppleInsider was unable to confirm these reports with any degree of certainty.
Apple originally planned to open for business in Ireland in October, when it extended its service across Europe. However, plans were stymied at the last minute by a disagreement with the Irish Music Rights Organization.
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9 Comments
Ads have been running on Canadian networks for a lot longer, but they may have recently increased the frequency. I've seen ads on the Space network and CNN for well over a month.
Hmm. I'll have to admit to watching a lot of TV. In all of those hours watching various channels in the past two weeks I haven't seen any commercials for a Canadian iTMS.
I have seen the U2 'Vertigo' ad that I'm fairly sure is an iPod vehicle. It did end with the 'apple.ca' tagline, though.
(edit)
Well, after googling for 'u2 vertigo apple ad' ... it seems that it is in fact an iTunes ad.
Now, if I were a smart Apple marketing guy sitting on a TV commercial featuring U2, I don't really care if I have an iTMS in Canada to advertise. I just want to get that ad on TV to get people to think about my iPods.
I haven't seen any ads either, but I don't watch a lot of TV.
And when I do, I'm fast forwarding past commecials.
Anyway, if it's going to happen this month in Canada, it's obviously tomorrow.
For my own impulse music buying needs, and for the sake of Apple's rep in Canada, I hope that this comes through tomorrow.
Starting countdown...
Don't know about those ads since I only watch TV (for longer than 10 minutes) once or twice a month <---- I am not joking.
Ads now appearing on Canadian television networks are advertising a localized version of Apple's iTunes Music Store, although the service has yet to open for business.
Hate to split hairs, but technically the ads are 'localised'. I think it's ironic that there is no 'safe' way to spell 'localise' -- but then Americans don't 'get' irony, and I'm American.