Sony's Blood on Apple iTunes Ping!
If you want on or off the Mac Ping List, Freepmail me.
Posted on 01/28/2015 2:24:06 PM PST by Star Traveler
Sony announced on Wednesday that it will be shutting down its Music Unlimited on-demand streaming music service ahead of launching Spotify on PlayStation Music. Music Unlimited will shut down in all 19 countries it operated on March 29, 2015, with nearly all of the countries among the 41 regions that Spotify for PlayStation Music will be available upon launch, including the United States, Canada, Mexico and Brazil.
Music Unlimited launched in December 2010 on PlayStation Network in several countries worldwide, and the service was later extended to iPhone [Direct Link], Android, PlayStation Vita and other devices and platforms. In February 2011, it was reported that Sony viewed Music Unlimited as a potential iTunes Store alternative and that it was considering pulling music from Apple's platform if its own service became successful. "If we do [get mass take up] then does Sony Music need to provide content to iTunes?" Mr Ephraim asked. "Currently we do. We have to provide it to iTunes as that's the format right now."
"Publishers are being held to ransom by Apple and they are looking for other delivery systems, and we are waiting to see what the next three to five years will hold."
(Excerpt) Read more at macrumors.com ...
Sony gives up ... :-) ...
If you are serious about taking on iTunes, you’ll have to stay at it a lot longer than five years. I was with Sony when we won the Blu-Ray vs. HD war against Toshiba. That took a lot longer than five years, but it was worth it.
I never heard of it, that I recall
I’ve been backing up my SMU library on Betamax tapes. I hope that’s alright.
What is the best way for an indy musician today (an unknown monster talent etc) to sell his or her “product” MP3s? Is it possible to sell them like e-books? What is happening on that front? Any ideas?
I would think the best way to do it would be (if you wanted to do it yourself) would be to sell it right off your own website.
BUT ... if you wanted some wide exposure and access to MILLIONS of potential customers (who have lots of money, too), you might think about selling it from iTunes!
What about youtube as a promotional venue for unsigned indy musical geniuses?
I was just going to suggest youtube. My musician friends have been doing that for awhile. Best free advertising there is.
I think "Smart" TVs are beginning to develop Alzheimers, with all of the apps disappearing from their menus.
Sure, YouTube ... as one way to promote a song or two (or whatever) ... would be a good idea. I would do that in addition to iTunes. You just can’t miss out on the mass audience and the money that is there on iTunes. There’s a whole lot of money in the pockets of iTunes users ... and ... they’re used to PAYING for music, instead of trying to steal it.
I’d see post #7 or contact Amazon. A lot has changed since I left Sony in the Summer of 2008.
If you want on or off the Mac Ping List, Freepmail me.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.