France is rotten to the core

[markw]

The Apple core, that is. Actually, I'm glad they initiated this.

http://www.comcast.net/news/index.jsp?cat=GENERAL&fn=/2006/03/17/347884.html&cvqh=itn_ipod

The main reason I went Sandisk for this is because I didn't want to be tied in to any one supplier, which is NOT an option for the Ipod. I hope the rest of the world follows suite.

 

[agarwalro]

I guess no one anticipated that iPod and iTunes would become forces to reckon with in the digital music scene. Today they represent a monopoly that is keeping prices from dropping and quality from improving. Hopefully this developement will precipitate a global split between iPod and iTunes.

 

[Hi Ho]

I too went the non-Apple route with my MP3 player. I have a Creative ZenMicro Photo which will play any format except for Apple's proprietory stuff. Nearly all of the music download services use WMA format which is incompatible with the Ipod.

I don't like proprietory technologies that give consumers only one choice.

 

[t3031999]

The things about the iPod/iTunes monopoly that bother me the most, is when artists release songs exclusively on iTunes. I know other companies have done this, but I have had a grudge against Apple for years.

Also, I hate that you can't download quicktime without iTunes now.

 

[Sheep]

Yes! Its about time Apple gave up an unfair hold on the market. Now everyone will buy Creative Zens! HaZaa!

SheepStar

 

[Hi Ho]

Also, I hate that you can't download quicktime without iTunes now.

You also can't download Itunes without Quicktime. I don't use either. QuickTime Alternative takes care of all QuickTime functions without running unecessary background processes 24/7.

 

[t3031999]

You also can't download Itunes without Quicktime. I don't use either. QuickTime Alternative takes care of all QuickTime functions without running unecessary background processes 24/7.

I just downloaded this and it works amazingly compared to quicktime without any of the annoying "Upgrade to PRO" ads. Thank you!

 

[abboudc]

I guess no one anticipated that iPod and iTunes would become forces to reckon with in the digital music scene. Today they represent a monopoly that is keeping prices from dropping and quality from improving. Hopefully this developement will precipitate a global split between iPod and iTunes.

Actually, it's been quite the opposite so far. Apple has been adamant about keeping songs at $0.99, and the music industry has been pressuring to raise the price to $1.49.

Record companies want to raise iTunes prices

Because iTunes is as popular as it is, the record industry doesn't have as much weight as if it didn't, and can't force a price increase.

You'll find that it's the record companies are a desperate group of greedy individuals trying to cling to a business model that consumers no longer want or need, not Apple.

 

[outsider]

personally, I'd like to see the services offer either a universal format, or a universal and proprietary format.
Selectable bit rates would also be nice.

 

[anamorphic96]

The ironic thing about the artical is it's not accurate. The iPod is compatible with alot of sites out there. If not most. It is also compatible with MP3 which is pretty much the most widely used codec.

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

Another news story at the site says Apple is removing iPods from French stores because they violate a French law that caps personal music devices at 100Db.

"en France la merde roule en descendant pour la Apple, non?"