Apple looks to OTA downloads for 3G iPhone, record labels look for cash

According to a churning rumor-mill, Apple desperately wants to make over-the-air downloads of iTunes content a reality on the 3G iPhone. Apparently, a record label executive "familiar with the discussions" states that the Cupertino gang is hoping for a "big launch in June" which includes OTA music downloads, ringtone sales, and ringback tones (the substitute music you hear instead of a ring when calling someone). There's only one problem: the labels want a higher premium for those services than a typical MP3 download. Of course, Apple's iTunes pricing has been a point of contention for some time, though its recent rule-bending for HBO could lead to upped charges for the new services. Something tells us Apple has the tenacity and bullheadedness to make this work -- let's just hope they can temper the labels' greed with the end user's economic realities.

[Via AppleInsider]

[(Unverified) Posted May 19th 2008 3:18PM]

Greedy labels. Who do they think they are, the oil companies?
Nothing like killing a good thing and driving it in to the dirty by over pricing for the music. Keep the darn prices low, way low, and we'll all happily buy a log.
Charge too much and we won't use it.
OTA downloads. Sounds cool. Maybe for the occasional song I just have to have now, but I won't be buying a majority of them this way.

[(Unverified) Posted May 19th 2008 5:09PM]

I thought this has been available on the iPhone and iTouch ever since firmware 1.1?

[(Unverified) Posted May 19th 2008 6:38PM]

No that was wifi store downloads. I really dont understand the difference, you are still going out over the internet in one form or another to connect, whether it be wifi or cell network.

[(Unverified) Posted May 19th 2008 8:12PM]

anywhere you have signal you theoretically have internet. that is a HUGE difference than having to be logged into a small hot spot somewhere and staying stationary while you search, pay, and download. there will be many more users.

as far as pricing... if that is what you meant then i agree there should be no difference in that. that is BS. but i guess that wifi is just accessing over the internet, while mobile is using a carrier which apparently has different contracts.

[(Unverified) Posted May 19th 2008 8:24PM]

The point is before hand you had to be tethered to a wireless network, therefore, near a router, in order to download music from the iTunes Store.

This is to compete with phones like the Samsung Instinct, which is able to download music over-the-air through Sprint's 3G network.

[(Unverified) Posted May 19th 2008 11:54PM]

If this is to compete with the Instinct why would apple increase the fee from 99 cents? Currently Sprint customers can download OTA on 3G for.... 99 cents!

[(Unverified) Posted May 19th 2008 8:12PM]

PS: Since we're talking about Apple and Apple = at&t, they're actually called "Answer Tones"

[(Unverified) Posted May 19th 2008 11:45PM]

Dear Apple and Google:
Please hurry up and complete your takeover of the mobile and music industries so we never have to deal with this crap from the record labels and cell carriers again.
Love and Kisses,
Consumers

[(Unverified) Posted May 20th 2008 4:15AM]

Music should be free......
musicians should be vegetarians...........

[wako Posted May 20th 2008 4:15AM]

Maybe Apple should begin investing in becoming its own record label...


then they dont have to deal with these assholes...