The State of Downloadable Music & Storage

[Audioholics]

According to a recent report there are more than 75 different MP3 players available… and more on the way. It simply proves how well Steve Jobs has built the image for iPod and iTunes. While Apple still has the biggest chunk of sales, everyone is bent on becoming their replacement in a rapidly growing market. But buying downloadable music shouldn't be any more difficult than going to the grocery store. The problem is that the iTunes music Store, MSN Music, Napster, Real's Music Store, Rhapsody, Sony Connect, Yahoo Music, Amazon and the rest have different protocols and don't sell the same bundle of bits. They have to deal with the licensing organizations to have the right inventory and after all of that your store(s) may not have the artist, album or song you want.

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[philh]

To me, the whole state of DL music is really messed up.

As a consumer, I would love to be able to selectively purchase my fav songs and play them in any format output device I own. The whole state of the industry of not being customer friendly or promoting anything other then the music executive picked artists is rediculous. We have a very good local artist, who said she loves peoples ability to DL music, because it has increased her CD sales as people outside the area learn about her.

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

While Apple still has the biggest chunk of sales, everyone is bent on becoming their replacement in a rapidly growing market.

As long as the iPod remains the only personal portable music device seen in magazines, TV, movies, and carried by celebrities it will remain the marekt leader. People like whats trendy and popular, not what may be better for their money.

And yes, I own an iPod. Just call me one of the herd.....