[solaris]

It's been a while since Apple launched iTunes Plus, its version of DRM-free tracks sold through the iTunes Store. Only EMI tracks were sold as 256kbps, DRM-free AAC files through the iTunes Store in May, and in June, EMI reported that the iTunes Plus tracks were selling well. Since then, however, we haven't heard much news about it. But according to people familiar with the matter, we will tomorrow.

Link to full Arstechnica story here: iTunes Plus DRM-free tracks expanding, dropping to 99 cents

[solaris]

Originally Posted by solaris

Link to full Arstechnica story here: iTunes Plus DRM-free tracks expanding, dropping to 99 cents

More on this subject here:

AppleInsider | Apple's iTunes Plus now world's largest DRM-free music catalog

[squash54]

Originally Posted by solaris

More on this subject here:

AppleInsider | Apple's iTunes Plus now world's largest DRM-free music catalog

What I found interesting in this story is the fact Apple have made no comment about the upgrade fee. When the 256kbps tracks were $1.29 you could upgrade from a previously purchased DRM track for $0.30. Now they have dropped the price of 256kbps to $0.99 you would think they would offer the upgrade for free.
Wanna bet?

[solaris]

Originally Posted by squash54

What I found interesting in this story is the fact Apple have made no comment about the upgrade fee. When the 256kbps tracks were $1.29 you could upgrade from a previously purchased DRM track for $0.30. Now they have dropped the price of 256kbps to $0.99 you would think they would offer the upgrade for free.
Wanna bet?

And the lower prices unfortunately seem to be an American thing exclusive

I guess that since AmazonMP3.com (in principle) is "only Americans allowed" too they're in no real hurry to lower their prices in Europe (which by the way are/were far higher than the American prices to begin with)

Now that's discrimination for you

[squash54]

Originally Posted by solaris

And the lower prices unfortunately seem to be an American thing exclusive

I guess that since AmazonMP3.com (in principle) is "only Americans allowed" too they're in no real hurry to lower their prices in Europe (which by the way are/were far higher than the American prices to begin with)

Now that's discrimination for you

I understand that part of the reason for a relative price difference between US and EU prices is that EU stores have to add a VAT of up to 17.5%. Although, if I remember correctly, with Emusic, for example, this only accounts for about 50% of the difference. Relevantly, Emusic's ToS still state US residents only, yet I had no trouble joining with Oz details and CC. I havn't tried AmazonMP3 though.

[Nightfly]

Originally Posted by squash54

What I found interesting in this story is the fact Apple have made no comment about the upgrade fee. When the 256kbps tracks were $1.29 you could upgrade from a previously purchased DRM track for $0.30. Now they have dropped the price of 256kbps to $0.99 you would think they would offer the upgrade for free.
Wanna bet?

Squash,

Here is a very good article that discusses exactly what
you stated in your post...and the answer is No..they make you pay $.30
to upgrade but new users get it for $.99.... nice guys...

Resnikoff's Parting Shot: The Negatives of iTunes Plus — Digital Music News

[Nightfly]

Originally Posted by 320kbps

Squash,

Here is a very good article that discusses exactly what
you stated in your post...and the answer is No..they make you pay $.30
to upgrade but new users get it for $.99.... nice guys...

Resnikoff's Parting Shot: The Negatives of iTunes Plus — Digital Music News


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Hi Nightfly, interesting read, How ever I encountered no problem what so ever.Imho I would think most of the problems mentioned were encountered by people who just are unaware of file size,bit rate or codec. And to this I say RESEARCH FIRST! or trial and error. Ever since Alpine came out with the full speed head unit I'm just a AAC Whoore. see ya
Waiting for the Weekend 3:07 The Vapors Turning Japanese - Best of the Vapors New Wave 6.3 MB 256 kbps

320kps,

Sorry I had to edit my quote I found the Link ..It's not really right to
cut and paste ..whole article...So I made adjustments accordingly..

I am glad that you had no problem...
but what Mr.Resnikoff was saying was
most people are used to the model already and do not feel the need
to "Research First" their old "friend" Apple and are not going to re-read
the FAQs to find out the new information.And of course Apple will
not do anything to educate them.The less the masses know the better
it is for Apple and their like.

That's where aom3.org comes in...
We are here to help and give people the needed facts to make
buying decisions for DRM free quality music.

[Nightfly]

Originally Posted by 320kbps

Well I had never purchased from itunes before, just went to FAQs. and it is great that aom3.org is here to help. the internet is a great tool, I gained my knowledge about music files and bit rates from google. also found Allofmp3 that way.search and read. Ogg Vorbis.

Vorbis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Thats the point...you never used Itunes before and you
were cautious...
The writer and I are talking about existing
customers who have been using Itunes for years ..who
have become complacent. Of course most of us here are savvy
and know how to research and use the internet..But you are taking
for granted that everyone does or cares.That is the user that
Itunes exploits.

Yes 320kps you are talking to people here that are knowledgeable..
There is no reason to condescend.

[Nightfly]

Originally Posted by 320kbps

Nightfly I apologize, It was NOT my intent to be condescending.My assumption is that you are a very competent audiophile.So I read the article again a little slower and now realize if a person was using itunes and clicked on some itunes + tracks when they were $1.29 U.S. they would find they been charged more.But wouldn't the + track state $1.29 next to where you click to add song.I just checked yes it does. on the other hand if a person knowingly purchased $1.29 + tracks and later found them at .99 that would be disappointing.especially if that person bought a lot of them.If a person was willing to purchase them at $1.29 which I would NOT,and now there .99 be happy there less now at a higher quality and no DRM. SUPPLY AND DEMAND. no DRM tracks are becoming more of a commodity, thank God for competition in the marketplace.maybe one day .50

Thank you 320kps !
I was speaking on behalf of our fellow members not myself.

But I am glad you re-read the article because I think initially
you may have missed some of the main points.But after your post
I see, after your own re-read you have gotten the point
of Mr.Resnikoff's fine unbiased article. His site leans toward
the corporate side of music things, but I think he had a fair
analysis of the Itunes situation.
And 50 cents is a fairer price that I might someday even consider
going there..For me it's not about the money but my distrust
of their general business practices.....so far.

Amazon is a Corporate sight that I am possibly interested in going to,
because I have had pleasant business dealings with them in the past and hope they continue to develop and open the doors to our global community here.

Remember there is more that you and I agree upon than
disagree upon.It was great having this open discussion
about a important issue that concerns us all.


Take care and thanks again,