iTMS: One very busy day


Apple has been busy, very busy. Yesterday saw the release of iTunes 4.1 (for the rest of us), as well as the announcement of the iTMS for Windows, an alliance with AOL, a big Apple-Pepsi marketing splash and (lastly and largely least) an exclusive Apple-Audible exclusive content deal. Oh, and lest I forget, an iPod software update.

Forward

To be sure, iTMS for Windows is a positive thing and can only help Apple sell more iPods, guaranty a future for iTMS itself and, perhaps, sell a few more Macs. This is a fine example of where "more" is indeed a good thing.

"iTunes for Windows includes all the same great features that made it the best digital jukebox software for the Mac -- a free download with no hidden charges for extra features, MP3 and pristine quality AAC encoding..."

Indeed these are very "un-Windows-like" features -- openness, reason and most of all no borg-like attempt to assimilate. This is an example of where less is decidedly much, much more. And, at the very least, exposes those less fortunate to a better way.

Sideways

"Apple and AOL are making it easy for AOL's 25 million US members to legally buy music online," said his Steveness. "With just one click, AOL members will be able to legally preview, purchase and download music from the iTunes Music Store's catalog of more than 400,000 songs."

"Apple and Pepsi-Cola North America today announced a historic promotion to legally give away 100 million free songs to Mac and Windows PC users from Apple's iTunes Music Store."

In and of themselves these moves are neither good nor bad, but the intent is clear. Both of these are examples of going broad -- exposure for its own sake.

I think they're good, but ultimate good or bad will take time to uncover.

Backwards?

Well, this involves staying true to one's self and the fillip to Windows users gracing Apple's homepage. Incongruous isn't adequate to describe it. Wrong is more like it.

More than likely, this welcome is temporary; just a fillip.

However, once the boys at Apple get a taste of those Windows millions (hundreds of millions), will they be able to resist and stay true? Will the fillip become a drug? There are so many of them...

What's your take?