News
iTunes makes changes
Ever since its creation in 2001, iTunes has been a powerful and popular source for downloading music and videos.
However, in recent years, some of Apple’s anti-copying rules have caused other websites to take its place of power. Apple announced in January that they plan to lift these rules beginning in April.
Music and videos will be able to be copied directly from a PC to an iPod or any other device and vice versa. The prices of songs will also change, to 69 cents for most songs, 99 cents for more popular tracks, and $1.29 for the most popular new songs. Apple hopes that these changes will get their customers back and allow them to regain their dominance in the music world.
Math teacher Nick Jordan is interested in what new direction Apple will head in now that their new rules will hopefully be bringing customers back.
“They haven’t tried anything new in a while, and I think some interesting changes may be ahead,” Jordan said.
Jordan believes Apple could regain its place of dominance in the music business if it can eliminate its competition, which they intend to do as another part of their new plans.
According to the New York Times website, the four major music labels, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group and EMI are now all selling their music through iTunes without digital rights management software.
Apple has tried to eliminate other companies’ lack of using digital rights management software, but ultimately found not using it themselves would help get their old customers back. This has, however, caused some controversy between Apple and their record signers, as they feel less prepared to join with a company who won’t be making as much money.
Sophomore Alan Vazquez thinks Apple came to their new decisions with too little, too late, as he finds iTunes itself to be outdated
“It’s not like anyone really even uses stuff like iTunes anymore,” Vazquez said.
Vazquez has been hacking and reprogramming his iPod for years, importing songs and games onto it his own way. While other fans might not do it the same way, other downloading sites such as limewire.com have taken the public’s interest, with free downloads and seemingly no strings attached.
“Apple is too late; a few years ago they could have gotten their people back, but now? No, it’s just over,” Vazquez said.
Junior Nick Bleimehl has a different opinion. He believes that while Apple took their time making this change, this is their opportunity to bounce back.
“I think they’re going to start getting customers back,” Bleimehl said.
Bleimehl is also happy about the price changes among songs, and now plans to fill his iPod more full than ever.
The face and idea of Apple is changing as it tries to regain its great position of power. Should iTunes return to its great strength, many other new changes are possible. As Apple tries to pull itself back up to the top, Bleimehl is confident things will only be getting better from here.
“They’re making a comeback,” Bleimehl said.