In what may become the first legitimate contender to Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iTunes, Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) is reportedly internally testing its Google Music service in anticipation of a soon launch.
Cnet said, "Technologically speaking, then, Google Music - a streaming service users would access from Web-connected devices -appears close to being ready. However, the sources said the actual launch is being held up by the lack of one vital component. Music."
Google managers told counterparts at the top four record companies last year that they hoped everything would be in place for a launch by late 2010, sources said. More recently, Google tentatively planned to demonstrate the service earlier this month at the South by Southwest conference.
Negotiations with at least some of the top publishers and with the four largest record labels are ongoing, according to sources. The delays are largely due to the complexity of the subject matter. Google is after cloud music rights and not just for songs acquired from Google Music.
What's certain is the labels want Google to join the digital-music fray. The possibility that an iTunes competitor of Google's caliber will soon hit the scene has music industry executives giddy.
Google was trading at $582.48, down $4.41, or 0.75 percent, as of 1:01 PM EDT.
Source
Showing posts with label Apple iTunes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Apple iTunes. Show all posts
Friday, March 25, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Time Warner Cable (TWC) Launches iPad (AAPL) App
Time Warner Cable (NYSE:TWC) announced it has launched an app for Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad called TWCable TV, which allows users to view live streaming television on their tablets.
Rob Marcus, president and chief operating officer for Time Warner Cable said, “We are tremendously excited about this app, which is the first of many that will allow our customers to harness the power of their tablet-type devices. No other cable company has done this, and we are thrilled to be the first.”
The TWCable TV app is offered for free at the iTunes app store. It can be used on a wireless home network to watch TV. Other features like DVR programming and video on demand will be offered in the future.
Time Warner Cable closed Thursday at $67.47, down $0.22, or 0.33 percent.
Rob Marcus, president and chief operating officer for Time Warner Cable said, “We are tremendously excited about this app, which is the first of many that will allow our customers to harness the power of their tablet-type devices. No other cable company has done this, and we are thrilled to be the first.”
The TWCable TV app is offered for free at the iTunes app store. It can be used on a wireless home network to watch TV. Other features like DVR programming and video on demand will be offered in the future.
Time Warner Cable closed Thursday at $67.47, down $0.22, or 0.33 percent.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
AT&T (T), Verizon (VZ) Offer Text Donations for Japan Crisis
Users of AT&T (NYSE:T) or Verizon (NYSE:VZ) can now sent donations via texting for the purpose of helping Japan after the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami which devastated the country.
In the case of Verizon, users can choose to donate to any of the below organizations helping:
ADRA Relief: text SUPPORT to 85944
American Red Cross Relief: text REDCROSS to 90999
Convoy of Hope: text TSUNAMI or SUNAMI to 50555
GlobalGiving: text JAPAN to 50555
International Medical Corps: text MED to 80888
Mercy Corps: text MERCY to 25383
Salvation Army: text JAPAN to 80888
Save the Children Federation Inc.: text JAPAN or TSUNAMI to 20222
World Relief Corp. of National Association of Evangelicals: text WAVE to 50555
World Vision Inc.: text 4JAPAN or 4TSUNAMI to 20222
Text messages are free for customers donating to any of these organizations.
Users of AT&T will will be able to donate via the Red Cross by texting "redcross" to 90999 to give a $10 donation. For activity from March 11 through March 31, a full credit will be applied or there will be no charges on the statement.
Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) has set up an iTunes page whereby users can donate from $5 to $200 on the page without a percentage take by the company.
In the case of Verizon, users can choose to donate to any of the below organizations helping:
ADRA Relief: text SUPPORT to 85944
American Red Cross Relief: text REDCROSS to 90999
Convoy of Hope: text TSUNAMI or SUNAMI to 50555
GlobalGiving: text JAPAN to 50555
International Medical Corps: text MED to 80888
Mercy Corps: text MERCY to 25383
Salvation Army: text JAPAN to 80888
Save the Children Federation Inc.: text JAPAN or TSUNAMI to 20222
World Relief Corp. of National Association of Evangelicals: text WAVE to 50555
World Vision Inc.: text 4JAPAN or 4TSUNAMI to 20222
Text messages are free for customers donating to any of these organizations.
Users of AT&T will will be able to donate via the Red Cross by texting "redcross" to 90999 to give a $10 donation. For activity from March 11 through March 31, a full credit will be applied or there will be no charges on the statement.
Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) has set up an iTunes page whereby users can donate from $5 to $200 on the page without a percentage take by the company.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) Gets 30 Percent Cut of iTune Content Sales
Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) introduced their new content subscription service for their iTunes store, and anyone wanting to sell content via the service will pay Apple a nifty 30 percent for the privilege.
It isn't a closed service, as customers can use the website of businesses to order content, or order through an Apple app. For one they get the full fee, and from Apple they get 70 percent.
Where this will leave companies like Hulu and Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) remains to be seen, but it's sure to put a lot of pressure on them over time, especially the publicly-traded Netflix, which is migrating to a digital content delivery business model.
In the past, Apple has allowed companies to build applications for devices where they didn't take a cut of the revenue; those days are evidently now over.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs said, "When Apple brings a new subscriber to the app, Apple earns a 30 percent share; when the publisher brings an existing or new subscriber to the app, the publisher keeps 100 percent and Apple earns nothing."
Even so, Apple says those wanting to sell subscriptions through Apple must offer terms that are at least equal with what is offered via subscriptions offered via iTunes. Apple also insists the option to buy subscriptions within iTunes must also be offered.
"We believe that this innovative subscription service will provide publishers with a brand new opportunity to expand digital access to their content onto the iPad, iPod touch and iPhone, delighting both new and existing subscribers," added Jobs.
In order to protect the privacy of individuals, subscribers are offered the option of whether or not to share information with companies they subscribe with. Apple says they won't pass that on to third parties, although Apple will retain their hold on it.
Apple closed Tuesday at $359.90, gaining $0.72, or 0.20 percent. Netflix closed at $240.79, losing $6.76, or 2.73 percent.
It isn't a closed service, as customers can use the website of businesses to order content, or order through an Apple app. For one they get the full fee, and from Apple they get 70 percent.
Where this will leave companies like Hulu and Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) remains to be seen, but it's sure to put a lot of pressure on them over time, especially the publicly-traded Netflix, which is migrating to a digital content delivery business model.
In the past, Apple has allowed companies to build applications for devices where they didn't take a cut of the revenue; those days are evidently now over.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs said, "When Apple brings a new subscriber to the app, Apple earns a 30 percent share; when the publisher brings an existing or new subscriber to the app, the publisher keeps 100 percent and Apple earns nothing."
Even so, Apple says those wanting to sell subscriptions through Apple must offer terms that are at least equal with what is offered via subscriptions offered via iTunes. Apple also insists the option to buy subscriptions within iTunes must also be offered.
"We believe that this innovative subscription service will provide publishers with a brand new opportunity to expand digital access to their content onto the iPad, iPod touch and iPhone, delighting both new and existing subscribers," added Jobs.
In order to protect the privacy of individuals, subscribers are offered the option of whether or not to share information with companies they subscribe with. Apple says they won't pass that on to third parties, although Apple will retain their hold on it.
Apple closed Tuesday at $359.90, gaining $0.72, or 0.20 percent. Netflix closed at $240.79, losing $6.76, or 2.73 percent.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Sony (NYSE:SNE) Says May Leave Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iTunes
In a spat with Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) over its iTunes Music Store, Sony (NYSE:SNE) says they're looking at pulling out of the service.
This started when Sony was infuriated when their e-reader app for the iPad was rejected by Apple.
Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Michal Ephraim said concerning leaving iTunes, "If we do, then does Sony Music need to provide content to iTunes? Currently we do. We have to provide it to iTunes as that's the format right now. Publishers are being held 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."
Sony recently launched its own 'Music Unlimited' store for the purpose of battling Apple for digital music sales.
They are also probably going to withhold some of its popular games from Apple's iPhone and iPad. Sony has also made an agreement with Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) to offer content via Android.
Apple was trading at $356.50, up $1.96, or 0.55 percent, as of 12:04 PM EST. Sony was at $34.86, up $0.03, or 0.09 percent. Google was trading at $619.18, gaining $2.74, or 0.44 percent.
This started when Sony was infuriated when their e-reader app for the iPad was rejected by Apple.
Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Michal Ephraim said concerning leaving iTunes, "If we do, then does Sony Music need to provide content to iTunes? Currently we do. We have to provide it to iTunes as that's the format right now. Publishers are being held 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."
Sony recently launched its own 'Music Unlimited' store for the purpose of battling Apple for digital music sales.
They are also probably going to withhold some of its popular games from Apple's iPhone and iPad. Sony has also made an agreement with Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) to offer content via Android.
Apple was trading at $356.50, up $1.96, or 0.55 percent, as of 12:04 PM EST. Sony was at $34.86, up $0.03, or 0.09 percent. Google was trading at $619.18, gaining $2.74, or 0.44 percent.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Sirius XM (NASDAQ:SIRI) Partners with Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), Amazon (NASDA:AMZN)
Contrary to the sexed up hype surrounding Sirius XM (NASDAQ:SIRI), they're a tremendously vulnerable company, even though they will benefit in the short term from increased auto sales, as long at that lasts.
Knowing that, they've partnered with tech giants Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Amazon.com (NASDA:AMZN) sell songs to customers, as evidenced on its new website which includes Amazon MP3 and iTunes purchase buttons.
With the majority of music listening being in a vehicle, this could eventually become a nice revenue stream for Sirius outside their usage fee.
Sirius has needed to find ways to tap into its existing customer base while they attempt to enlarge it. Including a service for existing customers to download music to their vehicle is a good way to generate new revenue.
Sirius was trading at $1.795, up $0.045, or 2.57 percent, as of 12:37 PM EST.
Knowing that, they've partnered with tech giants Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Amazon.com (NASDA:AMZN) sell songs to customers, as evidenced on its new website which includes Amazon MP3 and iTunes purchase buttons.
With the majority of music listening being in a vehicle, this could eventually become a nice revenue stream for Sirius outside their usage fee.
Sirius has needed to find ways to tap into its existing customer base while they attempt to enlarge it. Including a service for existing customers to download music to their vehicle is a good way to generate new revenue.
Sirius was trading at $1.795, up $0.045, or 2.57 percent, as of 12:37 PM EST.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
No New Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) Product Categories in 2011 Says Piper Jaffray (NYSE:PJC)
Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster said he believes there will be no new Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) product categories in 2011, but the company will instead focus on improving their growing line of products.
Also noted by Munster was the probability that Apple would launch an iPhone compatible with Verizon (NYSE:VZ), saying it's almost a certainty in the March quarter. A fifth-generation iPhone should also be released sometime in the summer, Munster added.
A new iPad is also expected to be released sometime in the spring, as well as an cloud-based iTunes service in 2011.
As far as Apple TV, Munster said, "While Apple's commitment to the living room remains a 'hobby,' we continue to believe the company will enter the TV market with a full focus, as an all-in-one Apple television could move the needle when connected TVs proliferate. Moreover, in terms of markets that would be entirely new categories for Apple and could move the needle, we believe the television market makes the most sense."
An Internet, connected TV will probably be released in the next 2 to 4 years, according to Munster.
Piper maintains an "Overweight" rating on Apple, which closed Monday at $329.57, up $7.01, or 2.17 percent. They have a price target on Apple of $438.
Also noted by Munster was the probability that Apple would launch an iPhone compatible with Verizon (NYSE:VZ), saying it's almost a certainty in the March quarter. A fifth-generation iPhone should also be released sometime in the summer, Munster added.
A new iPad is also expected to be released sometime in the spring, as well as an cloud-based iTunes service in 2011.
As far as Apple TV, Munster said, "While Apple's commitment to the living room remains a 'hobby,' we continue to believe the company will enter the TV market with a full focus, as an all-in-one Apple television could move the needle when connected TVs proliferate. Moreover, in terms of markets that would be entirely new categories for Apple and could move the needle, we believe the television market makes the most sense."
An Internet, connected TV will probably be released in the next 2 to 4 years, according to Munster.
Piper maintains an "Overweight" rating on Apple, which closed Monday at $329.57, up $7.01, or 2.17 percent. They have a price target on Apple of $438.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) Crushing Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iTunes Rental Service
According to Gleacher & Co. analyst Brian Marshall, Netflix Inc.'s (NASDAQ:NFLX) service is about 10 times larger than Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iTunes rental service at this time.
Apple reportedly sells about 475,000 rentals a day while Netflix sells over 5 million rentals daily.
As far as what Apple is renting, about 150,000 a day are movies, and 400,000 are TV episodes. Close to 90 percent sell for 99 cents each, says Marshall.
If Apple is able to grow their rental service close to the pace Netflix has, they would surpass $1 billion over a five-year period, bringing an additional $300,000 to the bottom line of the company.
Apple was trading at $325.60, up $0.13, or 0.04 percent, as of 12:20 PM EST. Netflix was trading at $181.87, down $1.80, or 0.98 percent.
Apple reportedly sells about 475,000 rentals a day while Netflix sells over 5 million rentals daily.
As far as what Apple is renting, about 150,000 a day are movies, and 400,000 are TV episodes. Close to 90 percent sell for 99 cents each, says Marshall.
If Apple is able to grow their rental service close to the pace Netflix has, they would surpass $1 billion over a five-year period, bringing an additional $300,000 to the bottom line of the company.
Apple was trading at $325.60, up $0.13, or 0.04 percent, as of 12:20 PM EST. Netflix was trading at $181.87, down $1.80, or 0.98 percent.
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