Apple brings back complimentary iTunes content with new 'Free on iTunes' section
Consumers who lamented the cancellation of Apple's long-running "Single of the Week" program can once again fill their digital entertainment centers at Apple's expense, as the company has added a new "Free on iTunes" section with musical tracks and television episodes.
At launch, the "Free on iTunes" section in the U.S. store sports 16 songs from artists including The Bright Light Social Hour, Hiss Golden Messenger, and Machine Head. The eclectic selection meshes with Apple's previous practice of highlighting unknown or up-and-coming artists.
Television episodes -- which come as full-length affairs --?are sourced from such critical hits as Ace of Cakes, Rev Run's Renovation, and My Big Fat Fabulous Life. They are available in both high- and standard-definition.
The cancellation of the iTunes "Single of the Week" was a source of consternation for many iTunes fans, who watched the store every Sunday for updated selections. The promotion ran for more than a decade in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Brazil, Canada, and Germany.
It remains to be seen whether Apple will retain its former schedule for the new section, or if the iPhone maker will choose to add additional content, such as movies or books. Apple already runs a special $0.99 movie-of-the-week promotion, while the iBookstore features a sparingly-updated list of free books.
At launch, the "Free on iTunes" section in the U.S. store sports 16 songs from artists including The Bright Light Social Hour, Hiss Golden Messenger, and Machine Head. The eclectic selection meshes with Apple's previous practice of highlighting unknown or up-and-coming artists.
Television episodes -- which come as full-length affairs --?are sourced from such critical hits as Ace of Cakes, Rev Run's Renovation, and My Big Fat Fabulous Life. They are available in both high- and standard-definition.
The cancellation of the iTunes "Single of the Week" was a source of consternation for many iTunes fans, who watched the store every Sunday for updated selections. The promotion ran for more than a decade in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Brazil, Canada, and Germany.
It remains to be seen whether Apple will retain its former schedule for the new section, or if the iPhone maker will choose to add additional content, such as movies or books. Apple already runs a special $0.99 movie-of-the-week promotion, while the iBookstore features a sparingly-updated list of free books.
Comments
I'm sure someone here has already listened to the new free offerings and determined they were created by talentless hacks who can't hold a candle to the legends of yesteryear.
Not yet in the Canadian store.
There's this amazing music video with cartoon animations and quirky music that was free a few years ago.
I forgot to download it
So I have no idea who it was.
"The item you've requested is not currently available in the U.S. store."
How dare they give us music for free!
Pretty funny. I guess .99 cents qualifies as free!!
it should be available on Tuesday. That is usually when most new releases and promotions for free songs begin.
"Customers...can once again fill their digital entertainment centers at Apple's expense..."
You mean return to complaining about how these free items suck if not outright ignoring them.
Too true.