iTMS: Thursday cometh


Previously, IGM has noted rumors indicating Apple plans to open localized versions of the iTunes Music Store in Norway and Australia. Today, a report on Music.ch (German) claims that the mothership may be planning a more extensive rollout timed for the service's second anniversary on Thursday, April 28.

According to the write up, iTMS will open in Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway on Thursday. If Apple delivers on previous rumors, the company's industry-beating digital-download music store will be available in 21 countries.

Additional details on the iTMS Australia rollout, from the mouth of Russell Crowe, no less, can be found here.

Editor's note: And, the competition continues to fade. Sooner or later anti-trust authorities are going to have something to say about this. In fact, music-industry lapdogs in Congress have already raised the alarm.

Aside from giving away their DRM franchise, what can Apple do to at least give the appearance of competition?