I'm not convinced that it will be really revolutionary, Apple and Jobs like to overuse that term, but it's the best darn stab at it so far, and, if the contracts with the labels have any kind of bite, it should keep other players (M$) from muscling in on Apple's territory.
Alternate revenue streams are desperately needed at Apple. This could be a good one.
Then, as mentioned above, they can afford to lower margins on machines, and get more macs out there. Moreover, get those macs into an audience to which "the mac" registers as more than a machine for artsies and elitist snobs.
Apple has over the past 5 years, actually managed to lose the yuppie poser market, and they need to win it back. Apple as affordable, but also as "must have" brand, like Tommy jeans and Range Rover. Lotsa money to be had in marketing "cool"
Apple lost a lot of that, not to us, but to the general market, kids and their 'rents, this is a very interesting way to win that back.
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Alternate revenue streams are desperately needed at Apple. This could be a good one.
Then, as mentioned above, they can afford to lower margins on machines, and get more macs out there. Moreover, get those macs into an audience to which "the mac" registers as more than a machine for artsies and elitist snobs.
Apple has over the past 5 years, actually managed to lose the yuppie poser market, and they need to win it back. Apple as affordable, but also as "must have" brand, like Tommy jeans and Range Rover. Lotsa money to be had in marketing "cool"
Apple lost a lot of that, not to us, but to the general market, kids and their 'rents, this is a very interesting way to win that back.