Why Did Apple Approve Spotify?
from the not-that-tough-to-figure-out dept
AdAge has a long article trying to puzzle out why Apple potentially "sacrificed iTunes" in approving Spotify's streaming music app. Oddly, while the article touches on a few of the reasons, I don't think it clearly highlights what seems like the most obvious reasons:- As we noted when the app was approved, Apple appears to be somewhat gunshy, following the FCC inquiry into why it "blocked" Google Voice on the iPhone (and, yes, Apple still insists it didn't actually block the app, but Google says otherwise). Given the scrutiny, Apple probably realized that it was in for some serious political trouble if it blocked an app like Spotify, which would have received a lot of press attention. Oddly, the AdAge article doesn't mention this at all.
- Apple has always viewed iTunes as something of a loss leader to help it sell more iPods and iPhones. If someone else can help sell more of the devices, then more power to them. Though, the fear, of course, is that something like Spotify works on other devices too.
- But this brings up the final reason: I would bet that the folks at Apple are pretty damn sure that they can outlast and out-innovate Spotify. Spotify hasn't shown much ability to make money, and while it has become a press darling as a music app, I wouldn't be surprised to find out that Apple's quietly been working on its own version of a Spotify-like offering built directly into iTunes. And, given Apple's standard operating procedure, if that's the case, there's a good chance that the Spotify-like iTunes will be even better than Spotify itself.
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Re:
That's because some of these people, including myself, knows that iTunes isn't a loss-leader.
Especially when Apple makes over $0.50 per transaction of every song purchased. Where's the "loss" in this?
The only "loss" Apple suffered with iTunes is when RIAA demanded $0.30 more per song, driving consumers away to those sites still offering the same for $1.
I see nothing as a loss-leader when the product is stamped with the Apple logo, whether it be software or hardware.
So, on topic, the *ONLY* reason Apple is allowing Spotify is due to the FCC of late and Apple simply wants to look good on paper.
But you can bet those in charge are fuming at having to do so.
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@Spotify
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no background running
But their own music playing functionality DOES run in the background - which will be a killer advantage when they implement "Spotify style" iTunes functionality: As having your music play while you do something else is a big bonus....
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iPhone music player UI is horrible
It's just better than the other options that are out there and means I have music with me to play in the car without having to carry any electronic gadget other than my phone.
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speculation much
* don't seek for comment any of the parties you're talking about
* crosslink at least 3 times for every outlink
* use lists at every chance you get
* use wishy-washy indefinite language like "appears" and "probably" and "i would bet" and "i would be surprised"
* use a cookie cutter title ("x reasons why ...", "why ... ?" or "top x best ...")
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Re: speculation much
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Re: speculation much
It's not. We're not trying to replace newspapers. We don't do reporting, we do commentary. And have for over a decade. We are who we are, not who you expect us to be.
* don't seek for comment any of the parties you're talking about
Do you seek comment from the parties you're talking about before every conversation you hold? Obviously not. You did not seek comment from us before posting your misinformed comment about what you think we are.
crosslink at least 3 times for every outlink
Again, we've been at this for over a decade. One thing we do, in order to keep blog posts short is to back link to earlier stories for context. Why is this a problem?
use lists at every chance you get
We almost never use lists. Every once in a while they make sense. In this case, they made sense.
use wishy-washy indefinite language like "appears" and "probably" and "i would bet" and "i would be surprised"
This is an opinion site, where I am presenting my opinion.
use a cookie cutter title ("x reasons why ...", "why ... ?" or "top x best ...")
Uh, we never do that. But thanks for playing.
Thanks for visiting. Next time, perhaps, ask for comment before you spout off nonsense.
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Or...
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Or...
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Or maybe they just aren't at all afraid of Spotify
Granted, his/Apple's position could have changed on that but maybe they just don't see any threat from these streaming apps, are not working on a competitor to it, and didn't block is because they aren't afraid of it.
All speculation of course...
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Itunes VS Spotify
That is why everybody is happy with Spotify. Record industry and the artist earn far more from Spotify, than from itunes.
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Re: Itunes VS Spotify
That the way it is
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