I'm surprised Apple is interested in these unnaturally bass-boosted headphones and speakers. I always liked Apple for producing screens that display natural color, photos that are true-to-life and unequalized sound. Maybe strictly for the streaming service? I'm not familiar with Beats Streaming, is it any different than iTunes Radio or other streaming services?
1) I heard a Nick Cannon interview on Howard 100. He did mention the bass was too much in the original Beats by Dre headphones but that it was corrected. He mentioned this because he, too, has his own headphones which have less bass. I guess a more natural R&B sound.
2) I find this purchase strange, too. So could Beat have some HW talent that Apple can't figure out on their own or do they simply want to attract buyers with the branding?
edit: Nick's headphones are by Monster, which is no longer part of the manufacturing for Beats.
If they used this solely to attack Spotify with Beats Music, I'd be happy. I use Spotify a lot, but their attitude towards their users and some of their software design is appalling.
Their Beats Music music service has been well reviewed. Also, as I suggest in my earlier comment, Apple has been rumored to have trouble acquiring licenses to music catalogs from the record companies in order to create a Spotify competitor. This is an indirect way to do just that.
Edit: Macrumors seems to think its a play for Beats Music also. That would make a lot more sense to me. Instead of fudging around building a new music service, and spending months negotiating with the music industry in talks which could fall apart at the last second, further delaying the launch of a revamped iTunes, Apple figured it would pay a slight premium to acquire Beats Music, and get the new iTunes going as soon as possible.
Ok, so it maybe more about licensing ... interesting. That said would such licenses transfer to Apple?
Didn't Beats recently release a Spotify like service? It has gotten some pretty good reviews.
However, more importantly, from Apple's perspective, it has a license from the record companies to deliver music on demand, unlike iRadio. And there have been rumors that the record companies do not want to give Apple the license to offer a Spotify like service.
Keeping that in mind, this is most likely an acquisition for the licenses to create a Spotify competitor, than anything else.
Also, the CEO seems like a smart dude. Might also be a talent acquisition.
Their Beats Music music service has been well reviewed. Also, as I suggest in my earlier comment, Apple has been rumored to have trouble acquiring licenses to music catalogs from the record companies in order to create a Spotify competitor. This is an indirect way to do just that.
Edit: Macrumors seems to think its a play for Beats Music also. That would make a lot more sense to me. Instead of fudging around building a new music service, and spending months negotiating with the music industry in talks which could fall apart at the last second, further delaying the launch of a revamped iTunes, Apple figured it would pay a slight premium to acquire Beats Music, and get the new iTunes going as soon as possible.
Spotify NEEDS someone with some weight knocking on their door.
Their core streaming service is one of my favorites available. They are simultaneously one of my least favorite companies.
Not of fan of the Beats hardware either and the music service is too new to have made an impact with consumers, especially considering the stiff competition. With that said, you can't put down how well Iovine has marketed the Beats brand which has definitely resulted in in enough sales for Apple to want to buy them. Still, I agree, not the best marriage, Apple and Beats
Not of fan of the Beats hardware either and the music service is too new to have made an impact with consumers, especially considering the stiff competition. With that said, you can't put down how well Iovine has marketed the Beats brand which has definitely resulted in in enough sales for Apple to want to buy them. Still, I agree, not the best marriage, Apple and Beats
I'm at a loss as to why this makes sense, or why it's worth $3B. Senior management is going to report directly to Cook and do what? Or is that just until the subscription service gets moved under Eddy Cue and hardware design under Jony Ive?
Beats are premium priced. $99 - $199 for earbuds, $169 - $379 for headphones in the Apple online store. A good fit with Apple bringing on Angela Ahrendts and entering the fashion accessories business with the coming iWatch. Then again, it could just be a rumor that goes nowhere.
Comments
1) I heard a Nick Cannon interview on Howard 100. He did mention the bass was too much in the original Beats by Dre headphones but that it was corrected. He mentioned this because he, too, has his own headphones which have less bass. I guess a more natural R&B sound.
2) I find this purchase strange, too. So could Beat have some HW talent that Apple can't figure out on their own or do they simply want to attract buyers with the branding?
edit: Nick's headphones are by Monster, which is no longer part of the manufacturing for Beats.
I agree Yahoo would add value to Apple.
Ok, so it maybe more about licensing ... interesting. That said would such licenses transfer to Apple?
Their core streaming service is one of my favorites available. They are simultaneously one of my least favorite companies.
I agree Yahoo would add value to Apple.
I agree too.
I would also love to see them purchase Square...pick them up damn it! Before Google does. Apple could use the Square technology.
Ouch!
This rumor is probably just click bait for all the usual apple rumor mill sites.
Is the FT known to spread false rumors? Just asking ....
Jimmy is a talented guy.
Ok, so it maybe more about licensing ... interesting. That said would such licenses transfer to Apple?
And I don't imagine the current license is forever, so even if they did transfer now, what happens when they expire and need to be renegotiated?
I doubt the FT is immune from the spreading of false rumors by parties which may have an interest in starting a bidding war.
Ironically, if he did, he'd maybe mix the bass down a bit more on that kind of 'music'!
OOOOooooooooo... really? I am shocked!
Brand killing? Or... will be part of iTunes?
Beats are premium priced. $99 - $199 for earbuds, $169 - $379 for headphones in the Apple online store. A good fit with Apple bringing on Angela Ahrendts and entering the fashion accessories business with the coming iWatch. Then again, it could just be a rumor that goes nowhere.