iTunes WiFi Store?

[monkeysrock0622]

Anybody else wondering why Apple are keeping it the WiFi store and not just the iTunes Mobile store on the 3G? If you can download apps on the 3G network (and even on the 2G network right?) that only have a limit of 10MB, then why can't we download a single song when most songs are around 3-5MB? Yah it might be a little slower on the 2G network, but on the 3G it would be fine and if you are willing to wait a little bit to download an app that size, why wouldn't you be willing to download a song? (especially if you want it so bad that you have to download on-the-go and not at home on your computer) I just watched the guided tour on the new features of the iPhone 3G and the software 2.0 update, and when they mentioned the iTunes WiFi Store, they called it just that, the iTunes WIFI Store.

[macgirl]

because the record companies want revenue for songs downloaded over 3G. wifi is already covered (at home on your computer or on your iphone), but they would need to negotiate again for downloads via 3G. i believe that the record companies get a higher cut of musics sales downloaded over cell networks with verizon and other cell providers already. plus, at&t would probably want a cut as well since this would be using bandwidth on their network...

[psylichon]

I disagree. I don't think the record companies have any concern over what medium a tune goes through to get to the customer, just as long as Apple is handling and controlling it.

My guess is that there is the potential for much more traffic from iTunes purchases compared to Appstore purchases. Most apps will be pretty small. Perhaps the iTunes Store will go 3G once the network is able to support all that burden.

[macgirl]

Originally Posted by psylichon

I disagree. I don't think the record companies have any concern over what medium a tune goes through to get to the customer...

i agree in principle, but the record companies do care because they see it as a way to wring more money out of people. there's an article in the new york times here where they talk about this...

the record companies do really seem to be pretty greedy - i'm so glad that i can pick and choose the songs i want off of albums via itunes instead of being forced to buy an entire CD, as some of them would prefer...

[Griffinaz]

Originally Posted by psylichon

I disagree. I don't think the record companies have any concern over what medium a tune goes through to get to the customer, just as long as Apple is handling and controlling it.

My guess is that there is the potential for much more traffic from iTunes purchases compared to Appstore purchases. Most apps will be pretty small. Perhaps the iTunes Store will go 3G once the network is able to support all that burden.

I think you hit it with the traffic being the major factor here. I see the appstore being a pretty high bandwidth user initially but then it will die down as people get the main programs they want and then only download new programs either as they are released or better ones come out. If you take in account the sheer number of songs downloaded on a daily, hourly, even minute basis I bet the bandwidth needed would be many many times over what the appstore at full use will use. Limiting music downloads to wifi is probably a very good idea to ensure that the network is not bogged down constantly.

[monkeysrock0622]

Thanks macgirl, that makes a lot of sense.