iTunes Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway

[J-Squire]

My account has also been disabled. I just hope I can reactivate it when the store comes online.
I have a fear that I am now banend for life. haha.

Massive changes to the store since i left for work this morning. WAAAY more songs available, and there aren't songs without prices. Looks good for a Thursday openning

[OziMac]

I don't think it's a big deal - the absolute worst that could happen is that you can't reopen that particular account and lose the credit on the account (and even that is pretty unlikely). Just create a new one and get on with it :)

Apple runs a business, not an online forum - it is not in their interests to 'ban' people for buying their products.

[pkis]

yeah, I agree - they'll probably unlock everyone again.

Something else: the flags are gone again! don't know what that's supposed to mean. I really hope it's only part of the lock-down.

[pjtro2]

yeah, but the big question will be whether they'll unlock those accounts again once the store is online

My a/c is still working fine (signed up last night with ccard), can still access all areas... would be a bummer to have it suspended. Interesting point raised before regarding the agreement being 'missing'.. would make (legal) sense to have to re-accept terms of use with something actually to agree to.

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

I logged into iTMS yesterday and was still logged in this morning (iTunes and the machine have slept, while I was sleeping...)

I'll try logging out and back in...

Edit: It's signing in and out (not logging in/out)... and NO I didn't get back in... was slapped with an unknown error (5002) when I tried, twice... :(

Edit2: But I still get prices in NOK when I use search to find songs... :confused: :)

[OziMac]

It's not the logging in and viewing (or even previewing) songs that is problematic - it's actually purchasing anything that results in the 'deactivated' dialog box to appear.

April 28 was Russel's blabbed release date, right? So hopefully tomorrow morning we'll have iTunes, new Powermacs (and please, new iMacs and eMacs too). :)

[aswitcher]

It's not the logging in and viewing (or even previewing) songs that is problematic - it's actually purchasing anything that results in the 'deactivated' dialog box to appear.

April 28 was Russel's blabbed release date, right? So hopefully tomorrow morning we'll have iTunes, new Powermacs (and please, new iMacs and eMacs too). :)


Yeah, midnight or soemthing

[abc123]

It's not the logging in and viewing (or even previewing) songs that is problematic - it's actually purchasing anything that results in the 'deactivated' dialog box to appear.

April 28 was Russel's blabbed release date, right? So hopefully tomorrow morning we'll have iTunes, new Powermacs (and please, new iMacs and eMacs too). :)
there seems to be a lot of unfinished stuff on the australian itms, heaps of albums without prices and a few songs without prices too still. actually we probably made life hell for the people working on it all today.
there also are not any terms and conditions online yet. either people will be working into the night or it will be friday or even sometime next week.

[Swissfondue]

I don't think it's a big deal - the absolute worst that could happen is that you can't reopen that particular account and lose the credit on the account (and even that is pretty unlikely). Just create a new one and get on with it :)

Apple runs a business, not an online forum - it is not in their interests to 'ban' people for buying their products.

This morning my account in the Swiss store was still active. I haven't tried purchasing anything yet. I'll wait until the store is officialy open for that. But I did download my free song to my iPod.

song prices CHF 1.50
album prices CHF 15.00
And then there are singles albums at a lower price.
Double albums of course more expensive.

[powerbookg4_15"]

The flags have been taken down from both servers!!!! Have a look!!!

Bad sign....

[mark6051]

Yawwwn !!

[Mac]

Yup, for Norway iTunes have more than 35.000 Norwegian titles according to TONO (music rights org.).

I can get into the store and see Norwegian artists, but I cannot log in as a Norwegian user.

The service for Norway is supposed to be available on the 28 April.

[Nermal]

I wonder how Garry Parker of Wangaratta downloaded a song when there is no icon or selection of Australia as a itunes store..also when an Aussie credit card is put in it rejects as saying not available for that particular country...

Apologies to Mr Garry Parker of Wangaratta - but your claim seems less than truthful.

Garry Barker was just the reporter. ChrisH3677 did the download, and posted some screenshots earlier in the thread.

PS. Ha! Your edit can't save you now! :p

[pjtro2]

I wonder how Garry Parker of Wangaratta downloaded a song when there is no icon or selection of Australia as a itunes store..also when an Aussie credit card is put in it rejects as saying not available for that particular country...

Apologies to Mr Garry Parker of Wangaratta - but your claim seems less than truthful.

Hi Mark, not intending to flame you, but if you look back over the past 11 pages of comments there is numerous references on how to gain access to the Aus ITMS - myself and numerous others have indeed registered with ccard and also received confirmation emails from apple. There were a number of tracks listed - with download icons and australian pricing ($1.69), with more appearing by the hour.

It seems apple has since made numerous measures to lock down any further access until the official launch (whenever that may be).

[Zaty]

nooooooooooooooo :( Well, 15.- is the same as everywhere else, but still, that really sucks now that they had initally had a price tag of 10 per album.
I have the feeling that so far we haven't seen the local stores yet - perhaps they just used the US store in combination with local currencies for testing purposes. I don't want to spoil anything here - but slowly I'm starting to doubt that the store (at least the Swiss store, which looks somewhat empty now) will be ready by tomorrow. It took Apple several weeks to get the stores ready for the last enlargement, it would surprise me if it only took them 3 days to get the new ones up and running. We have absolutely no proof that the stores will actually go online tomorrow. For what I know, it could be another month before everything's ready. We also don't know how much in advance the flags were online last time - maybe they had been there for half a year and nobody noticed.

The statement by Apple Switzerland that the article on music.ch gave them a "belly ache" didn't sound to me like they were planning on launching this week. I had the feeling that they had only just started to prepare for a launch and because of the article they tried to rush things in order to get everything done by tomorrow because they didn't want to disappoint the customers again.
If there's no launch tomorrow, at least I hope they'll issue a statement about the actual launch date.

I agree, however the statement by Apple's spokeswoman can interpreted in two ways:

a) music.ch was wrong and Apple never planned to launch the store on April 28. But of course Apple can't say so.

b) music.ch is right and the store will be launched tomorrow. Until then, Apple Switzerland can't confirm the launch as this would be against the company's policy. But of course, they can't deny the report.

So what is she to say without spilling the beans? Nothing. So I guess her statement doesn't provide a hint for either option. As of 1 PM CEST, my account was probably blocked, too. I'm getting the 5002 error message but the store is there and it seems to me they're still adding songs. As for the flags that are now MIA, since all flags are gone, this probably doesn't mean anything. I would put it past Apple they removed the flags for one reason only: The news is making the rounds and Apple doesn't want everyone to check the claims made here and in other forums. So, I guess there's a 100% chance the store will open within the next few weeks, if the launch happens tomorrow, remains to been seen. I'm still optimistic for tomorrow.

BTW, have you searched for Plüsch? They're most certainly not in the US store. (I haven't checked, tough). So you're probably right, what we saw yesterday was the US store, which they used as template, but today, with regards to contents, it looks much less like the US store.

With regards to the blocking of the accounts: Why should the UK store be responsible for unblocking those accounts? I guess once the stores open, they will either unblock our accounts automatically or will just have to ask the respective stores (not iTMS UK).

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

The service for Norway is supposed to be available on the 28 April.According to a Norwegian newspaper (VG, I think it was) Apple is gonna present Tiger at a press viewing this evening, and they are speculating that iTMS Norway will be announced at that venue...

[aswitcher]

According to a Norwegian newspaper (VG, I think it was) Apple is gonna present Tiger at a press viewing this evening, and they are speculating that iTMS Norway will be announced at that venue...


A good sign then.

[Zaty]

A good sign then.

A good sign indeed. So the stores were just closed for the final works before they open.

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

A good sign then.As Zaty sad, a good sign indeed... ;)

Combined with the press release from TONO (Norway's Performing Rights Society) saying they're in agreement with Apple Norway after rather short negotiations, along with all those making accounts and some actually purchasing music, makes this rumor dead certain...

[Davito]

BTW, have you searched for Plüsch? They're most certainly not in the US store. (I haven't checked, tough). .

I searched for Züri (West) yesterday, but it didn't find anything. I also think that I was in the US-store with prices in CHF.

[Poff]

Hey, Poff and solaris, have you gotten your "Welcome to the iTMS"-mails, yet...?

BTW: I, too, read the complete Terms and condition, very quickly... :D

I got mine today.

What I really like is the NOK 8.00 price point.
Take away vat and you're down to 8/1,25=6,40

6,4/6,2669186024 = 1,02123554, which is approx. $1. Even if the dollar goes up again, the low price point would have to be retained for a while. Cool stuff.

Edit: my account has been disabled too, bummer.. :(

[unknownfairy]

Sorry to be off topic, but what's this about Gary Parker in Wangaratta??? I am from Wangaratta! (it is a very small and dodgy town) Is it the same wangaratta?

[pkis]

As for the flags that are now MIA, since all flags are gone, this probably doesn't mean anything.

I agree - they were probably removed because of the unwanted attention. Considering the fact that they can be put online again within seconds, that really doesn't have to mean anything.

>claims made here and in other forums. So, I guess there's a 100% chance >the store will open within the next few weeks, if the launch happens >tomorrow, remains to been seen.

I guess "next couple of weeks" makes sense to me. Tomorrow? I don't believe it anymore- considering the state the store is in right now (only few songs, visibly unfinished parts, missing terms etc.). Unless a whole lota people spend the whole night adding content and softening the edges, it's definitely not gonna be ready by tomorrow.

>BTW, have you searched for Plüsch? They're most certainly not in the US >store. (I haven't checked, tough).

I don't know about Plüsch, but Florian Ast, for example, was in the US store before, so was Francine Jordi (spelling?), Gölä (together with DJ Bobo) etc. I haven't found anything so far that wasn't there before.

> With regards to the blocking of the accounts: Why should the UK store be >responsible for unblocking those accounts?.

I have no idea - someone else posted that, though.

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

I got mine today.

What I really like is the NOK 8.00 price point.
Take away vat and you're down to 8/1,25=6,40

6,4/6,2669186024 = 1,02123554, which is approx. $1. Even if the dollar goes up again, the low price point would have to be retained for a while. Cool stuff.

Edit: my account has been disabled too, bummer.. :(I, too like the NOK 8 price, but it seems like some (new) songs might be priced at NOK 12.00, so I guess TONO has been able to force Apple into a price differenciation scheme... not a big problem though...

(As mentioned earlier, my account seems to been disabled, too... probably just Apple plugging holes untill the launch...)

[Zaty]

I agree - they were probably removed because of the unwanted attention. Considering the fact that they can be put online again within seconds, that really doesn't have to mean anything.

>claims made here and in other forums. So, I guess there's a 100% chance >the store will open within the next few weeks, if the launch happens >tomorrow, remains to been seen.

I guess "next couple of weeks" makes sense to me. Tomorrow? I don't believe it anymore- considering the state the store is in right now (only few songs, visibly unfinished parts, missing terms etc.). Unless a whole lota people spend the whole night adding content and softening the edges, it's definitely not gonna be ready by tomorrow.

>BTW, have you searched for Plüsch? They're most certainly not in the US >store. (I haven't checked, tough).

I don't know about Plüsch, but Florian Ast, for example, was in the US store before, so was Francine Jordi (spelling?), Gölä (together with DJ Bobo) etc. I haven't found anything so far that wasn't there before.

> With regards to the blocking of the accounts: Why should the UK store be >responsible for unblocking those accounts?.

I have no idea - someone else posted that, though.

I know, someone else claimed only UK could unblock the accounts. My comment was not directed at you :)

I wouldn't have thought Francine Jordi was in the US store. So I have to agree with you my point is not valid. ONTH, certain contents have been exchanged. E. g. Yesterday a search for Skye Sweetnam returned some singles that were never released here. If you do a search for her now, it only returns the European version of her album that was released last month. I guess we're in agreement iTMS will definitely come to Switzerland (and the other four or five incl. NZ) in the near future, the question is only when. I have to say, last night I would have put money on a launch on Thursday (although I usually don't bet), I wouldn't do that anymore. But I stick to my earlier statement, I haven't given up hope for a launch tomorrow.

Edit: My comment about UK iMTS being responsible was of course not a reply to pkis's post.

[Zaty]

I know why the 28th was rumoured to be the day, but why not use Tiger launch parties for the grand opening of iTMS?

[pkis]

I know, someone else claimed only UK could unblock the accounts. My comment was directed at you :)

I only repeated what that other person said - I haven't seen any of that myself.

>I wouldn't have thought Francine Jordi was in the US store. So I have to >agree with you my point is not valid. ONTH, certain contents have been >exchanged.

I personally don't think that we have to concentrate on the contents too much - it's more than likely that it's going to take months until all the Swiss artists are available. While adding international content is easy (as the songs have already been converted to M4U for the other stores), adding content that previously hasn't existed in other stores is slow.

> I have to say, last night I would have put money on a launch on Thursday >(although I usually don't bet), I wouldn't do that anymore. But I stick to >my earlier statement, I haven't given up hope for a launch tomorrow.

same here - I'd be VERY happy to spend my money on the iTMS this weekend but I personally stopped believing in a launch tomorrow when I switched on my computer this morning and noticed that the store now looks far more like a construction site than a finished product. But I'm sure it will only be a matter of days or weeks rather than months until everything is ready. But I'm still hoping, of course!

[Zaty]

I only repeated what that other person said - I haven't seen any of that myself.



I'm such an idiot, I meant to write: "My comment was not directed at you". Sorry for that.

[Poff]

I guess "next couple of weeks" makes sense to me. Tomorrow? I don't believe it anymore- considering the state the store is in right now

+1

I, too like the NOK 8 price, but it seems like some (new) songs might be priced at NOK 12.00, so I guess TONO has been able to force Apple into a price differenciation scheme... not a big problem though...)

What songs? I didn't see any of that. The only thing I saw priced at 12.00 was full albums yesterday, but they corrected that to 80 today.

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

What songs? I didn't see any of that. The only thing I saw priced at 12.00 was full albums yesterday, but they corrected that to 80 today.As far as I can remember (and bear in mind that memory is highly unreliable ;)) I think I found, at least, some songs on American Idiot priced at 12, but they are all priced at 8, now... so I think you may be right, and that Dagbladet (and I) may be wrong... ;)

[Poff]

As far as I can remember (and bear in mind that memory is highly unreliable ;)) I think I found, at least, some songs on American Idiot priced at 12, but they are all priced at 8, now... so I think you may be right, and that Dagbladet (and I) may be wrong... ;)

Hmm.. who knows. You can still browse the norwegian store, btw. Just not buy. So the prices are still there..

[buseman]

I managed to buy three songs yesterday from the Norwegian store, and has all in all been charged $0.15... I think this is the main reason they had to block the accounts.

Anyways, let's hope they unblock them automatically as soon as it launches tomorrow :)

[pkis]

Darn, I was afraid that was gonna happen. I just found the following in an article in the Sidney Morning Herald:

"However, Triple M said that Apple had postponed their advertising from
Monday until later next month."

Obviously Apple had planned the launch for tomorrow and had already bought advertising slots on local radiostations. They today revoked that order and moved the whole thing into May! So no store tomorrow after all.

[pkis]

I call this the "Canada syndrome", btw :)

Well, there's always Tiger - at least that's gonna give us something to do for the weekend. And iTMS is certainly going to go gold within the next couple of weeks, so we'll have something to look forward to after Tiger, as well!

[J-Squire]

Well, they have added John Farnham to the iTunes collection. About 4 albums available so far. Unfortunately, I logged out of the Australian store and into the US store in order to make sure this was a unique addition to the Oz store (which it was - no Farnham in US store), and now I can't get back into the aussie store. Oh well, i'll hit the sack, and be up bright and early tomorrow to see if we're any closer.

edit: I made it back in. Three farnham albums:
Memories of christmas
Johnny Farnham
The classic gold collection.

oh, and he is listed as Johnny Farnham. very 80s

[Zaty]

I call this the "Canada syndrome", btw :)

Well, there's always Tiger - at least that's gonna give us something to do for the weekend. And iTMS is certainly going to go gold within the next couple of weeks, so we'll have something to look forward to after Tiger, as well!


The question is if Apple would the launch of the European stores if they were ready. The Swiss store still looks a bit like a construction site. If you click on "view album" you got redirected to the US store. However, 24 hours ago it looked much worse. I guess we'll see. A launch tomorrow seems rather unlikely now but I wouldn't completely rule it out as long as we don't reason for the delay down under.

[Zaty]

Well, they have added John Farnham to the iTunes collection. About 4 albums available so far. Unfortunately, I logged out of the Australian store and into the US store in order to make sure this was a unique addition to the Oz store (which it was - no Farnham in US store), and now I can't get back into the aussie store. Oh well, i'll hit the sack, and be up bright and early tomorrow to see if we're any closer

So your account wasn't blocked? I can't sign into the Swiss store anymore.

[J-Squire]

So your account wasn't blocked? I can't sign into the Swiss store anymore.

Yeah, i have been deactivated, so i can't make any purchases, but I am still able to browse.

They will definitely launch today. I read an article that said apple had purchased radio and tv ad time for today (thursday). so i am sure it will launch.

edit: tonnes of kasey chambers now available on the oz store

Edit 2: Ironically, the closest thing iTunes will find to Russell Crowe is "Russell Close". Any chance apple are leaving him off due to his comments? haha. watch out steve, russ has a hell of a left hook

[Zaty]

Yeah, i have been deactivated, so i can't make any purchases, but I am still able to browse.

They will definitely launch today. I read an article that said apple had purchased radio and tv ad time for today (thursday). so i am sure it will launch

You have read pkis's post about the report of the Sydney Morning Herald, right? Because if the paper is right (actually Triple M who is quoted by SMH), the launch of the Australian store has been called off.

EDIT: clarification

[pkis]

They will definitely launch today. I read an article that said apple had purchased radio and tv ad time for today (thursday). so i am sure it will launch.


Hey there - well, I read that, too - however, the Sidney Morning Herald just wrote that some radio station has obviously issued a statement saying that Apple has called the whole thing off for tomorrow and has bought adervertising space for later next month instead (here's the link: http://www.smh.com.au/news/Music/The-notsosecret-iTune-secret/2005/04/27/1114462092704.html )

This looks highly discouraging.

[Freg3000]

I'd be a bit worried, I hope it all goes through tomorrow. Perhaps they will pull what they did last Fall with announcing the pan-Euro store, but only pre-announcing the Canadian store. I can see that happening tomorrow, "The Australian iTMS will be released by the end of May."

And as a side note:

Oh do pay attention 007. In the wrong hands, this Dual 2.7GHz Power Mac G5 could be very dangerous.


Always on top of the ball, Doctor Q. Keep up the good work!

[pkis]

I'd be a bit worried, I hope it all goes through tomorrow. Perhaps they will pull what they did last Fall with announcing the pan-Euro store, but only pre-announcing the Canadian store. I can see that happening tomorrow, "The Australian iTMS will be released by the end of May."


nah, I serious doubt they'll announce anything at all tomorrow. All the stores that were talked about aren't even remotely ready - it's all one big construction site. My guess is, they'll launch all of them somewhere near the end of May.
It's just surprising to what extent people are looking forward to the iTMS - once again proves the music moguls wrong in that people will always prefer illegal downloads to legal online shops.

[Zaty]

Apple has removed everything from the store, no search returns any result.

This only means one thing: more waiting. :(

I tried to reconnect to the store and got the attached message. how long is temporarily?

Edit: I guess the store is not really empty but closed to the public :D

[pkis]

Edit: I guess the store is not really empty but closed to the public :D

sure about that? I have full access to the store (no warning messages) but there's absolutely no content. It's really empty I'm afraid! Looks like they're taking everything down for now. There's no way this thing's going online anytime soon, I'm afraid. I just don't understand what the whole exercise had been about - perhaps it was all in-house testing as someone had suggested.

[gutenberg]

sure about that? I have full access to the store

Me too. I dont think that "all is down" is a sign, that they would not open the swiss store tomorrow. It is easy for a programmer to take away contents of the store or to close it for the public...

[pkis]

Me too. I dont think that "all is down" is a sign, that they would not open the swiss store tomorrow. It is easy for a programmer to take away contents of the store or to close it for the public...

They should have closed it to the public all along. However, adding and removing content to the store seems to be a very hard task - it took apple weeks to fill the stores for the EU/Eurozone enlargement last time. Seeing all the content gone is not a good sign.

[Zaty]

Me too. I dont think that "all is down" is a sign, that they would not open the swiss store tomorrow. It is easy for a programmer to take away contents of the store or to close it for the public...

I wish you were right and they only took the store down for the final preparation of the launch but to be honest, that's just wishful thinking. I guess we'll have to wait a few more weeks.
:(

[Zaty]

Music.ch quote a source that doesn't want to be disclosed: iTMS Switzerland will be announced tomorrow with a press release.

I don't know what to think or believe. We just have to wait and see.

Link:

http://www.music.ch/LF/news/ID100/INFO/Warten+auf+iTunes/

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Hmmm... not quite what I expected...

Arne Odden, head of Apple Norway, refused to comment on direct questions on wether iTMS Norway are to be launched tomorrow (Thursday) on this evenings press conference. The press conference was called to introduce Tiger to the Norwegian press, but during the questions round most questions were about iTunes. But, apart from specifying the difference between iTunes and iTunes Mustc Store, Odden would not say a word. (according to VG, in Norwegian (http://www.vg.no/pub/vgart.hbs?artid=275424))

I still beleive that iTMS Norway (and Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark and Australia/New Zealand) wil be announced tomorrow, but then why not tell the press today and get in tomorrows papers...?

[Zaty]

Hmmm... not quite what I expected...

Arne Odden, head of Apple Norway, refused to comment on direct questions on wether iTMS Norway are to be launched tomorrow (Thursday) on this evenings press conference. The press conference was called to introduce Tiger to the Norwegian press, but during the questions round most questions were about iTunes. But, apart from specifying the difference between iTunes and iTunes Mustc Store, Odden would not say a word. (according to VG, in Norwegian (http://www.vg.no/pub/vgart.hbs?artid=275424))

I still beleive that iTMS Norway (and Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark and Australia/New Zealand) wil be announced tomorrow, but then why not tell the press today and get in tomorrows papers...?

Does the Norwegian store also appear to be empty?

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Does the Norwegian store also appear to be empty?Yes, in a way... when I search I get an error or no hits... but I can still browse (the US store)...

Apple's been busy plugging holes... ;)

[ITpro.no]

Well, they might just be preparing the store for release tomorrow. I certainly hope that everything goes as planned. The Norwegian Music Rights organization (TONO) has issued a press release saying that their negiotiations with Apple Norway is ended, so lets just cross our fingers and hope that the release will happen tomorrow.

[mark6051]

Garry Barker was just the reporter. ChrisH3677 did the download, and posted some screenshots earlier in the thread.

PS. Ha! Your edit can't save you now! :p

Apologies to all...I noted those AFTER I wrote

Seems I apologised too early....Still no itunes on the 30th and now they are saying next month...I suppose rumormongers have run out of dates in April so they need to start on a new month..

[Poff]

Negotiations here in Norway are done, the store is working, it should be possible for them to release it tomorrow, but who knows? we'll just have to wait and see.

One interesting thing is that in TONOs press release, they denied the accusations/speculations that negotiations had been going on for a long time. Apparently they got an agreement quickly. If this is true it throws a punch at those speculations for other countries aswell. (We've had these at least with Canada and Australia.) Maybe it is Apple who are waiting after all..? :cool:

[J-Squire]

OK, so there is definitely no more accessing the store. However, i actually think this is a good sign, as it shows they are on top of things at the backend and are blocking up the holes. The fact that we could get into the store and sign up for an account obviously meant the store was in early maintenance, and had not been secured yet.

I HIGHLY doubt a late may release, given the amount of content already available on the Oz store. Do people not remember what the reaction was of both europeans and canada when their respective stores opened? both groups said "there is hardly any music available". So obviously apple opens stores and then continues to upload music to the store that day and the following days until complete. But at the moment, the aussie store seems pretty solid with its offerings, and I would think that by sometime today or tomorrow they will be ready to launch.

Screw MMM.

[celebi23]

All the new stores are now open!!!

http://img182.echo.cx/img182/9580/itmscountries3og.png

[ITpro.no]

One interesting thing is that in TONOs press release, they denied the accusations/speculations that negotiations had been going on for a long time. Apparently they got an agreement quickly. If this is true it throws a punch at those speculations for other countries aswell. (We've had these at least with Canada and Australia.) Maybe it is Apple who are waiting after all..? :cool:

Well, as I have understood it, it's not only TONO who delivers tunes to the store, but some of the labels has to sign on to release their tunes. TONO has previously denied that they were the one causing trouble, and it might be Apple, as you say. Norway in perticular is not the largest part of the market, and in addition to this, due to our very open copyright laws, downloading music from P2P networks for private use is not yet illegal (though a new law as of 2006 may be the stop to this)

[Poff]

All the new stores are now open!!!

http://img224.echo.cx/img224/3042/itmscountries4fo.png

grrr.. liar. You actually made me check! :D

ITpro - I'm not totally sure how it all works. Tono is the musical artist rights organization, when you play a song on the radio, play a coversong in a concert etc. you pay money to Tono, and Tono will pay the artists. Artists, or record companies, will normally let Tono manage their rights, so it might be Tono who has the big say on this. On the other hand, this has nothing to do with broadcasting or concerts. But obviesly, Tono has negotiated with iTMS. I'm not very educated in this field, however.

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Sidenote: Nice new 'tar, Poff... in celebration of the forthcoming iTMS Norway...? ;)

[magnulie]

All the new stores are now open!!!

http://img182.echo.cx/img182/9580/itmscountries3og.png

You know, Austrailia comes before Austria alphabeticly!!

----------------------------------------
PowerBook 12', 1.5 GHz, Superdrive, 512 Ram
40 Gb iPod

[Sayhey]

You know, Austrailia comes before Austria alphabeticly!!

----------------------------------------
PowerBook 12', 1.5 GHz, Superdrive, 512 Ram
40 Gb iPod

It's still a very nice looking forgery.
:D It made me check the music store to see that it's not real.

[J-Squire]

Well, it's 9:10am in Melbourne, Australia on Thursday the 28th. This is hopefully going to be a great day. Even if it is a total dissapointment, the bright side will still be that Tiger will arrive tomorrow.

I just hope i can have both.

[Nermal]

You know, Austrailia comes before Austria alphabeticly!!

And is spelt differently :rolleyes:

[Freg3000]

They'll probably still maintain 3 columns, as 4 seems a little to unwieldy.

I did check however. :)

[celebi23]

Damn, I should've checked it more closely. Thanks for the suggestions.

[Nermal]

They'll probably still maintain 3 columns, as 4 seems a little to unwieldy.

I did check however. :)

4 columns lets them include 20 countries without it going out of balance. 3 columns brings that up to 21 countries. NZ is the 21st country (we have the highest StoreFront number), so hopefully if they keep 3 columns they'll also include NZ :)

[AppleinJapan]

Just checked now at 10:12 japan time or 11:12 OZ time and there's no itunes OZ store !!! Isn't it supposed to be up on the 28th ??? Ive never liked Russell Crowe anyway (he lives about 15 minutes from my hometown)....

[AppleinJapan]

4 columns lets them include 20 countries without it going out of balance. 3 columns brings that up to 21 countries. NZ is the 21st country (we have the highest StoreFront number), so hopefully if they keep 3 columns they'll also include NZ :)

They should just call the store Australia and NZ (like Yahoo) - and have one price for NZ residents and one for OZ residents !!! Both countries are like already tied at the hip

[sjl]

They should just call the store Australia and NZ (like Yahoo) - and have one price for NZ residents and one for OZ residents !!! Both countries are like already tied at the hip
Next you'll be suggesting that NZ join the Australian Commonwealth. :D

[Nermal]

*glares at sjl*

[markh]

Next you'll be suggesting that NZ join the Australian Commonwealth. :D

In the Australian consitution, NZ is defined as Australias 7th state ;-)

[AppleinJapan]

In the Australian consitution, NZ is defined as Australias 7th state ;-)

I do know that NZ was asked to Join the Commonwealth of Australia - but they came to late or as my grandfather says "missed the boat"....Remember the states of OZ started off as separate countries (I don't know if technically they still are)..........We should be kind of like the EU (you could call it - ANZ??) but back to the itunes music store....

Sorry

[Talez]

It's kinda funny. If Australia became a republic, there would be a constitutional crisis in Western Australia because in our constitution the Queen would still be the head of state for us. :D

[pkis]

Well, it's morning in Switzerland, too - and there's nothing. Not even the terms and services have been put online.

[Sayhey]

Not to worry, Apple works on Jobs' Standard Time. If something is going to happen it will be by the Cupertino clock.

[sjl]

*glares at sjl*
Relax, Nermal. I'm not pushing you. I know you guys will come around once you've had a chance to get over the hangover and realise what a terrific idea it is. :D

</troll>

[Zaty]

I now get message saying the item I requested was not available in the US store.

So, they're completely offline as of now. Tension rises...

[Poff]

Sidenote: Nice new 'tar, Poff... in celebration of the forthcoming iTMS Norway...? ;)

Yay! It will come today, I am sure. And that, my friend, is worthy of an avatar. Still trying to get the colour right.. :D

[pkis]

I now get message saying the item I requested was not available in the US store.

So, they're completely offline as of now. Tension rises...

The Swiss store is now completely gone. The trick with the modified link doesn't work anymore either - they have removed all traces. I'm now directly moved into the American store when I click on the link that previously took me to what we thought was the Swiss store. The Swiss sign-up form was also removed.

I would say that's it for now folks!

[Zaty]

I would say that's it for now folks!

Probably. ONTH, we never saw the frontpage of the Swiss Store. Once they open the store, they have to redesign all the links. When you clicked on "view album" you got redirected to the US store. So how long does it take to that?

[pkis]

Probably. ONTH, we never saw the frontpage of the Swiss Store. Once they open the store, they have to redesign all the links. When you clicked on "view album" you got redirected to the US store. So how long does it take to that?

There was a statement by Apple New Zealand, btw (can be found on macnews.de) - they openly admitted that there's ABSOLUTELY NOTHING going on in terms of a NZ store. They also said that they wouldn't know what's going on in Australia and that NZ would (if at all) get its own store, rather than being able to buy in the AU store.

Considering the fact that the NZ store was also "accessible" during the last couple of days, it becomes more clear now that what we saw was the last phase of internal testing for stores that Apple is obviously planning to open within the next couple of months - but there were never any launch plans for today. We also can't be sure that those stores will open at all or whether Apple has even been able to secure all the necessary contracts.

[Zaty]

Considering the fact that the NZ store was also "accessible" during the last couple of days, it becomes more clear now that what we saw was the last phase of internal testing for stores that Apple is obviously planning to open within the next couple of months - but there were never any launch plans for today. We also can't be sure that those stores will open at all or whether Apple has even been able to secure all the necessary contracts.

Was the NZ store accessible in the same way the other five store were accessible? AFAIK, no one could get into the NZ store let alone buy something. So yes, the NZ store probably won't open anytime soon. Still, the four European stores as well the Australian branch will open in the coming weeks. So don't be so pessimistic. As far the Swiss store is concerned, I'm sure it was more than just a preliminary technical test.

[J-Squire]

Considering the fact that the NZ store was also "accessible" during the last couple of days, it becomes more clear now that what we saw was the last phase of internal testing for stores that Apple is obviously planning to open within the next couple of months - but there were never any launch plans for today. We also can't be sure that those stores will open at all or whether Apple has even been able to secure all the necessary contracts.

I still can't imagine that all these connections just happen to be "coincedences". First russel crowe comes out and says that the store will open this week. Then we actually FIND the stores and are able to purchase from them, and then radio and TV networks say that apple has purchased advertising time over the next couple days. I saw the apple australian store from very early on, and checked it regularly over the 24 hour period that it was available, and saw HUGE changes to it. A massive amount of work was going into preparing the store. The fact that we were able to purchase songs is a clear sign that this thing is ready to go. That is one seriously botched internal test if the store is just being "tested". There is no WAY they would set up a fully functional credit payment system and not put in procedures to prevent people using it.

No chance this is all coincidence. iTunes australia will be here within a week. Tomorrow is my bet

[Zaty]

I still can't imagine that all these connections just happen to be "coincedences". First russel crowe comes out and says that the store will open this week. Then we actually FIND the stores and are able to purchase from them, and then radio and TV networks say that apple has purchased advertising time over the next couple days. I saw the apple australian store from very early on, and checked it regularly over the 24 hour period that it was available, and saw HUGE changes to it. A massive amount of work was going into preparing the store. The fact that we were able to purchase songs is a clear sign that this thing is ready to go. That is one seriously botched internal test if the store is just being "tested". There is no WAY they would set up a fully functional credit payment system and not put in procedures to prevent people using it.

No chance this is all coincidence. iTunes australia will be here within a week. Tomorrow is my bet

I couldn't agree more.

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Yay! It will come today, I am sure. And that, my friend, is worthy of an avatar. Still trying to get the colour right.. :DIf you make the gray "frame" which now nearly matches the background transprent, only the shadow will remain and it will look great...

[broken_keyboard]

No chance this is all coincidence. iTunes australia will be here within a week. Tomorrow is my bet

Thursday is the iTunes anniversary. I am betting on all the new stores opening + a new version of iTunes. That would be Friday Australia time.

[luminola]

so i too thought it would launch today in australia. had a meeting this afternoon with the head of one of the australian major record companies. they, and he thought at least one other major have yet to come to an agreement on pricing with apple. there is an argument over who should pay the music publishers. i know that EMI have signed and agreement, but not sure who else they're waiting for. i figure they at least need the 5 majors on board before they launch. the label i was with today thought it would take at least another month before they came on board.

[aswitcher]

Thursday is the iTunes anniversary. I am betting on all the new stores opening + a new version of iTunes. That would be Friday Australia time.


Wow really. That makes perfect sense. Why did this not come up before? :p

[Zaty]

so i too thought it would launch today in australia. had a meeting this afternoon with the head of one of the australian major record companies. they, and he thought at least one other major have yet to come to an agreement on pricing with apple. there is an argument over who should pay the music publishers. i know that EMI have signed and agreement, but not sure who else they're waiting for. i figure they at least need the 5 majors on board before they launch. the label i was with today thought it would take at least another month before they came on board.

What was Apple thinking when they openend the Australian store? Were they hoping they could reach an agreement in the last minute? Was it even a trick to put pressure on that/those particular label(s)? Now that we know iTMS Australia won't be launched in the coming hours, what does that mean for the Scandinavian and the Swiss stores. I certainly can't believe Apple would call off the launch of those stores just because Australia is not ready but who knows.

[Alasta]

There was a statement by Apple New Zealand, btw (can be found on macnews.de) - they openly admitted that there's ABSOLUTELY NOTHING going on in terms of a NZ store.

There is no such thing as Apple New Zealand. Apple products here are distributed by an independant company called Renaisance who, to the best of my knowledge, have no interest whatsoever in getting involved in the iTunes Music Store.

If and when New Zealand gets access to the service, it will be administered by Apple Australia.

[broken_keyboard]

Wow really. That makes perfect sense. Why did this not come up before? :p

Yes, it opened in the US Monday April 28, 2003.

I think they are going for a triple whammy:
Wednesday: Power Macs
Thursday: iTunes
Friday: Tiger + .Mac

[pkis]

There is no such thing as Apple New Zealand.


Well, Computerworld NZ seems to be claiming the contrary: http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/0/87B340391A3DAFC9CC256FF00034D9FF?OpenDocument&pub=Computerworld

[powerbookg4_15"]

I just wonder how long it takes to post the content to the store. I mean, is it just a matter of pressing a button to open the store to the public? I am sure that we don't know exactly how the store works. It is unlikely that we will be able to access the store before it opens knowing Apple's secrecy, and so the only reason we were able to get on to it before was probably an error. There will be no more hints when it is about to be launched. It will just happen i think.

[J-Squire]

Well, Computerworld NZ seems to be claiming the contrary: http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/0/87B340391A3DAFC9CC256FF00034D9FF?OpenDocument&pub=Computerworld

I can back up the claim that there is no Apple New Zealand - at least not in the same sense as there is an Apple Australia, Apple UK, etc. I used to work at an Apple reseller here in Australia and my boss (the store owner) once tried to explain the relationship between Apple Australia and Apple US - coz it is more complicated than it seems. But Apple New Zealand is almost just one big "reseller" of Apple Australia, like any apple reseller here.

[J-Squire]

I just wonder how long it takes to post the content to the store. I mean, is it just a matter of pressing a button to open the store to the public? I am sure that we don't know exactly how the store works. It is unlikely that we will be able to access the store before it opens knowing Apple's secrecy, and so the only reason we were able to get on to it before was probably an error. There will be no more hints when it is about to be launched. It will just happen i think.

I do not see the fact that we have lost access to the store to be a sign that we are further from having our own iTunes store. I think it shows that they are now on top of the system, and it is closer to launch. If you can find a back door into a protected site, it obviously hasn't been worked on too well. Losing access to that backdoor is not a sign that the site no longer exists, but that it is closer to the finished product

[JRM PowerPod]

I can back up the claim that there is no Apple New Zealand - at least not in the same sense as there is an Apple Australia, Apple UK, etc. I used to work at an Apple reseller here in Australia and my boss (the store owner) once tried to explain the relationship between Apple Australia and Apple US - coz it is more complicated than it seems. But Apple New Zealand is almost just one big "reseller" of Apple Australia, like any apple reseller here.

That's why NZ ended up with Tiger a week early

[macsteve]

I have still entrance to the iTMS Switzerland, and it is completely empty! more details: macprime.ch (http://www.macprime.ch)

[strolch]

i think the (working) UBS-free-song-thing is a strong sign that iTMS switzerland will be launched very soon.

[pmoeser]

No sign of the store.
I even waited until 12am Cupertino time.
It's way too close to Tiger for a release now.
Any thoughts on the possibility of needing iTunes 4.8 to access the new stores and that it might be released after the Tiger launch?

[kjwebb]

I have got access back to the iTMS Australia. Songs are non-existant and if any working iTMS store songs (US store shows up) are working, then the disabled account message appears (for iTMS UK).

Maybe they are getting closer to turning it on? Maybe they are still testing?

[macsteve]

i think the (working) UBS-free-song-thing is a strong sign that iTMS switzerland will be launched very soon.


yes, that's true, why should this promo work when the store won't be launched very soon? ;)

[Swissfondue]

yes, that's true, why should this promo work when the store won't be launched very soon? ;)

From a marketing perspective, Apple would get trashed by the press and websites if they launched a "beta" store which was not fully in working condition or only had a very limited selection.

It doesn't cost them much to wait a few more days to get it right.

I wonder if I'll get another free song from UBS when the store opens for business ;)

[aussiemac86]

I have got access back to the iTMS Australia. Songs are non-existant and if any working iTMS store songs (US store shows up) are working, then the disabled account message appears (for iTMS UK).

Maybe they are getting closer to turning it on? Maybe they are still testing?

Are you accessing it through itunes as normal or through a website? Because ive yet to see an Aussie flag on the choose your store page in itunes

Cheers

[kjwebb]

Are you accessing it through itunes as normal or through a website? Because ive yet to see an Aussie flag on the choose your store page in itunes

Cheers

I have done the web link thing the other day. It only is logged in on my iBook.

[macsteve]

I wonder if I'll get another free song from UBS when the store opens for business ;)

hehe! let's hope! ;)

[pkis]

From a marketing perspective, Apple would get trashed by the press and websites if they launched a "beta" store which was not fully in working condition or only had a very limited selection.


the same thing could happen now that they haven't launched it once again (*) - although many exponents of the press reported a launch for today (including Swiss national radio who's usually rather conservative and careful when it comes to such announcements). That's definitely gonna cause repercussions in the media. One really has to start asking oneself what the heck ever happened to the store? I'm simply not buying that it's so darn difficult to launch that thing. I'm suspecting that something went wrong with the contracts in one of the countries that were supposed to get a store today and now everyone has to wait - because a new verison of iTunes is needed for each new enlargement and they don't want to release 2 or 3 new versions within a short period of time.

But: if even Migros could do it (Migros is a grocery store chain), why can't Apple with all their tech-savvy employees get it right?

I'm sorry, but I'm really slowly losing patience.


(*) I suppose we all agree that if this doesn't happen until say 8 p.m. CET tonight, it's not gonna happen for another while.

[Swissfondue]

.... because a new verison of iTunes is needed for each new enlargement and they don't want to release 2 or 3 new versions within a short period of time...

I don't think the url of the swiss iTMS will be programmed into iTunes software. A new version of iTunes would only be necessary if at the same time, they're changing the drm rules of usage (in order to get everyone to agree to the new rules) or adding new functionality to the software.

3 hours to go :)

[Zaty]

I don't think the url of the swiss iTMS will be programmed into iTunes software. A new version of iTunes would only be necessary if at the same time, they're changing the drm rules of usage (in order to get everyone to agree to the new rules) or adding new functionality to the software.

3 hours to go :)

Yes, adding more stores doesn't necessarily require a new iTunes software version. Although, there are rumours saying that iTunes v. 4.8 will be released tonight. Now since Apple usually releases software updates late at night here in Europe, it wouldn't make sense to wait for that. I guess launching the new stores late at night our time doesn't really make sense. I also agree if the stores aren't online by 8 PM CEST, they won't be launched today.

[pkis]

Although, there are rumours saying that iTunes v. 4.8 will be released tonight. Now since Apple usually releases software updates late at night here in Europe, it wouldn't make sense to wait for that. I guess launching the new stores late at night our time doesn't really make sense. I also agree if the stores aren't online by 8 PM CEST, they won't be launched today.

Well, I really hope they deliver this time. This time the media coverage really has reached new records - everyone (even some of my not-so-tech-savvy co-workers) expected a launch for today. Of course, Apple may use this a pretext for not launching today (after all, the Apple spokeswoman said that "nobody announces Apple products except for Apple" to music.ch), but I do think this time they're going to make lots of people really disappointed and/or angry, myself included. I've really been looking forward to this and now, for some reason, it seems to have been called off once again.

[pkis]

the most probable launch time (namely 7 p.m. CET) is quickly drawing closer. Apple mostly launches new products at 7 CET (or 10 a.m. PST)

[Zaty]

the most probable launch time (namely 7 p.m. CET) is quickly drawing closer. Apple mostly launches new products at 7 CET (or 10 a.m. PST)

Usually new products are launched between 2 and 3 PM CET. You're correct if products are launched during a keynote or any other event. To be honest, I believe we can forget about it. Why should they wait until 7 PM. It's now 9.23 AM in Cupertino, so Apple are up and running.

[pkis]

Usually new products are launched between 2 and 3 PM CET. You're correct if products are launched during a keynote or any other event. To be honest, I believe we can forget about it. Why should they wait until 7 PM. It's now 9.23 AM in Cupertino, so Apple are up and running.

yeah, I guess you're right, darn it :(

[Zaty]

What went wrong? There are reports form Australia saying Apple couldn't reach all necessary agreements in time for today's launch. But why delay the launch of the other stores? Come on, Apple get this thing together soon.

[macsteve]

oh man! there must be an giant chaos in Cupertino, first the chaotic release of the new Power Macs, now the stores... what is the problem?

:)

[pkis]

What went wrong? There are reports form Australia saying Apple couldn't reach all necessary agreements in time for today's launch. But why delay the launch of the other stores? Come on, Apple get this thing together soon.

It's probably just too much of a hassle to launch individual stores.

[pkis]

Well guys, it was nice to follow your posts through the last couple of days! I guess it's once again: see you next time around.

[strolch]

Well guys, it was nice to follow your posts through the last couple of days! I guess it's once again: see you next time around.
to say it in german: "die hoffnung stirbt zuletzt"...

[pkis]

oh man! there must be an giant chaos in Cupertino, first the chaotic release of the new Power Macs, now the stores... what is the problem?

:)

I guess by now it's clear that Apple's not the most efficient company around - their media communication simply sucks, the whole company is subject to the moods of its CEO who way too often lets his decisions be influenced by personal sentiment, the constant delivery problems, the more than doubtful way they treat their resellers etc. etc.

[macsteve]

to say it in german: "die hoffnung stirbt zuletzt"...


«genau»! ;)

[Sayhey]

What went wrong? There are reports form Australia saying Apple couldn't reach all necessary agreements in time for today's launch. But why delay the launch of the other stores? Come on, Apple get this thing together soon.

If that were the problem, Apple would open with just the European stores. They have already shown they will do this when they had problems last October with the Irish launch of the music store. Ireland got left out and the rest of the Euro stores where announced. My bet is this is all running on Steve's timetable and we don't have a clue what that is.

edit: anyone else notice that on the country menu in the iTMS that Germany is finally listed as "Germany" instead of "Deutschland"? Always thought it was peculiar that Germany was listed in its native language while none of the other nations were.

[Zaty]

edit: anyone else notice that on the country menu in the iTMS that Germany is finally listed as "Germany" instead of "Deutschland"? Always thought it was peculiar that Germany was listed in its native language while none of the other nations were.

I've noticed that, too. ONTH, "France" is "France" (in French) so, originally the idea could have been to label all stores in their native language. Anyway, that made this change only yesterday (I believe) probably is a hint they were preparing for the launch of additional stores.

[macsteve]

edit: anyone else notice that on the country menu in the iTMS that Germany is finally listed as "Germany" instead of "Deutschland"? Always thought it was peculiar that Germany was listed in its native language while none of the other nations were.

yes, this is now store-bundled, if you come from the US-Store, there are all english words, if you come from the German-Store, there are all german words -> the change was on tuesday (http://www.macprime.ch/article.php?story=20050426114714808)! :)

[Poff]

What was Apple thinking when they openend the Australian store? Were they hoping they could reach an agreement in the last minute? Was it even a trick to put pressure on that/those particular label(s)? Now that we know iTMS Australia won't be launched in the coming hours, what does that mean for the Scandinavian and the Swiss stores. I certainly can't believe Apple would call off the launch of those stores just because Australia is not ready but who knows.

You never know. Maybe steve wants a big announcement?

..or maybe he's just punishing everybody because of those of us who accessed the store too early.. :o

[pkis]

You never know. Maybe steve wants a big announcement?

..or maybe he's just punishing everybody because of those of us who accessed the store too early.. :o

Seriously: that could very well be the case - it wouldn't be the first time something like this happened. He recently had all Wiley books removed from the Apple store because someone in that publishing house wrote a Jobs biography that he didn't like. Or remember his personal little vendetta against thinksecret etc.?

[Poff]

If you make the gray "frame" which now nearly matches the background transprent, only the shadow will remain and it will look great...

Well the problem is.. jpg's can't be transparent afaik. If I'm wrong by saying that, then I guess I the forum background behind the picture is white.. :/ I guess I'll go hunting through the site-code later, and then find a program that can convert web-colour-codes to rgb.

Seems to me there is some grey and blue in the colour. well..

[macsteve]

19:30 CET ... nothing ... :(

click (http://www.petitiononline.com/pi4gh5h9/petition.html) .lol. :rolleyes:

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Well the problem is.. jpg's can't be transparent afaik. If I'm wrong by saying that, then I guess I the forum background behind the picture is white.. :/ I guess I'll go hunting through the site-code later, and then find a program that can convert web-colour-codes to rgb.

Seems to me there is some grey and blue in the colour. well..Try one of these (see if the shadow's ok...):

[Poff]

Try this (see if the shadow's ok...):

Hmm.. but then you have the problem w/256 colours. Yeah, I know, I'm picky. But hold those two pictures next to each other and you'll see a difference in image quality. :o

Edit: thanks for trying, btw. :D

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Hmm.. but then you have the problem w/256 colours. Yeah, I know, I'm picky. But hold those two pictures next to each other and you'll see a difference in image quality. :oI know, that's why I added a png which looks a bit better... ;)

[celebi23]

http://img179.echo.cx/img179/2772/itmscountries8wc.png

[gutenberg]

http://img179.echo.cx/img179/2772/itmscountries8wc.png


It isnt funny celebi23...

[macsteve]

http://img179.echo.cx/img179/2772/itmscountries8wc.png


*aaaaaaaaaah* you ... !

[celebi23]

Yeah, you're right. I'm pretty impressed on how good it came out though :cool:

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

...Again...? :rolleyes:

Well, at least Australia was spelled right this time... :D

[Poff]

I know, that's why I added a png which looks a bit better... ;)

Thanks a lot! This one looks lovely. I can finally go back to my prøveeksamen in finansregnskap. :D

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Thanks a lot! This one looks lovely. I can finally go back to my prøveeksamen in finansregnskap. :DYou're welcome... and tvi-tvi på eksamen, etterhvert... :)

[Zaty]

Dear iTMS

It's now 2120 CET and I guess it's now safe to say your birthday party has been called off. I would have thought your father, Mr. Jobs, would at least remind the world of the day two years ago when history of music distribution was dramatically altered.

Happy birthday iTMS! May you always bring joy to your faithful customers and please don't let those poor people in Australia, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, New Zealand and Switzerland stay out in the rain too long, they do deserve gaining access to your exclusive club.

Sincerely yours,

Zaty, a big fan of yours

[Poff]

You're welcome... and tvi-tvi på eksamen, etterhvert... :)

Takk.

Australia, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, New Zealand and Switzerland

hey, you're polite! :) http://forums.macrumors.com/images/icons/icon14.gif

[le_coc]

still no stores he?? ? Apple is busy doing strange things lately! but ok patience is an important thing........

[gutenberg]

still no stores he?? ? Apple is busy doing strange things lately! but ok patience is an important thing........

what kind of strange things is apple doing now?

[J-Squire]

Any australians received their access web address and password for the quicktime tiger seminar today? I am starting to wonder when they are planning on sending those details out

[broken_keyboard]

Well they didn't even mention the iTunes anniversary... sorry to the people who didn't get their music store. I was hoping for at least a new version of iTunes...

[macpete]

Well they didn't even mention the iTunes anniversary... sorry to the people who didn't get their music store. I was hoping for at least a new version of iTunes...

Well, the stores are offline right now (all of them - at least I can't connect) - and phobos.apple.com is also not reachable. While I most certainly don't expect a launch now, I guess they are still working on this. Maybe we do get our stores sooner than we might be thinking right now.

Apple seems to be doing their maintenance work on the stores between 6:00 and 7:00 CET - can someone confirm that?

[Poff]

Grrrr. 0800CET, no new stores yet.. grrt...

[aswitcher]

Nothing downunder but we are 50mins from East Coast release of Tiger - so maybe then...

[macsteve]

who knows: maybe the iTunes 4.8 Update will release today because it would need QT 7? ... maybe? :)

[buseman]

who knows: maybe the iTunes 4.8 Update will release today because it would need QT 7? ... maybe? :)

Too bad there's no Windows QT 7 yet...

[macsteve]

Too bad there's no Windows QT 7 yet...

too bad there are windows-users in the 21th centaury! ;)

but: yeah, you'r right ... hmm ..

[Zaty]

According to rumours, Apple will drop support for 10.1.5 with iTunes v. 4.8. This means the new version of iTunes will still run on Jaguar. But Jaguar users won't get QT 7, so unless Apple has decided to drop support for Jaguar as well (which wouldn't surprise me), iTunes 4.8 doesn't need QT 7.

[buseman]

According to rumours, Apple will drop support for 10.1.5 with iTunes v. 4.8. This means the new version of iTunes will still on Jaguar. But Jaguar users won't get QT 7, so unless Apple has decided to drop support for Jaguar as well (which wouldn't surprise me), iTunes 4.8 doesn't need QT 7.

I guess it wont require QT 7, but rather that you need it for AAC VBR encoding for example.

That they drop 10.1.5 support means that they can clean up a lot of the code, which is something that is long overdue..

[Poff]

I guess it is too early to drop Jaguar, since there is money to be made on people buying songs. Even though most people on these forums have upgraded since Jaguar, there are a lot of people in "the real world" who have not.

And that is why I hate the fact that I cannot get QT7, but Windows-users using an older OS than Jaguar (XP) can actually use QT7. Soon.

[sportmonster]

According to a new story on music.ch (http://www.music.ch/LF/news/ID100/INFO/Updated%3A+Warten+auf+iTunes/) Swiss Magazine 20 Minuten Week contains Advertisings from Swiss Bank UBS which is announcing iTunes Switzerland with exclusive Addons for their clients.

[Zaty]

According to a new story on music.ch (http://www.music.ch/LF/news/ID100/INFO/Updated%3A+Warten+auf+iTunes/) Swiss Magazine 20 Minuten Week contains Advertisings from Swiss Bank UBS which is announcing iTunes Switzerland with exclusive Addons for their clients.

This is another proof that the launch was planned for the 28th. Let's hope we don't have to wait too long.

[pmoeser]

Foiled again!
Small minded record company executives must have spoiled the party.
For their information, I don't download illegally, I also don't spend money on their over priced packaging and discs.
Currently, they get nothing from me.
I would think that whatever amount they get from me (through Apple) is somewhat of a bonus.
Make it happen people!

[Poff]

Here's to iTMS [insert country here] by next thursday! YAY! :D

[buseman]

Foiled again!
Small minded record company executives must have spoiled the party.

I think Apple is to blame here. My guess is that it was planned for the 28th but that they ran into last minute technical difficulties. Now they probably decided to hold off until QT7 for Windows is ready and iTunes 4.8 is released.

[Zaty]

I think Apple is to blame here. My guess is that it was planned for the 28th but that they ran into last minute technical difficulties. Now they probably decided to hold off until QT7 for Windows is ready and iTunes 4.8 is released.

I agree. In Switzerland, e.g. Apple signed all necessary treaties a few days before April 28. So from a legal point of view, iTMS Switzerland could have openend on April 28. If there's a connection between iTunes 4.8 and QT7, I don't know. However, I'm sure Apple won't open new stores before v. 4.8 is out. The new iTunes software version should fix DRM-related problems.

[PeterD42]

On Google news this morning

"Australian iTMS hits the pause button"

http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,15177683%255E953,00.html

[PeterD42]

http://www.xyzdirect.com.au/content/ninemsn/inetmail/Win_a_device_050505.asp

[gibbonman]

Apple didnt manage to remove all traces of the new stores (google is a powerful tool)

Google for "storeFrontId=143456" or whatever store you are interested in.

[Porcelina]

According to the newspaper "Dagens industri" (that´s "Today´s industry" in english") the Swedish iTMS will go online at night 00.00 between this tuesday and wednesday, all according to "several sources".

Link: Dagens Industri (http://di.se/Index/Nyheter/2005/05/09/143184.htm)

[sosumi]

Woo-hoo! I think "Dagens Industri" must be pretty certain to make a statement like that...

[mcadam]

Yay, Danish paper politiken (http://politiken.dk/VisArtikel.iasp?PageID=377333) is repoting that too now... :)

A

[morgkris]

... two albums from iTMS from Norway :D

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Well...

I got into the Norwegian store before they pulled the new flags from "Choose Store" and having signed in are now surfing the Norwegian store...

What to buy...? :D

[ClarkeB]

Now all we have to wait for is them to allow us to buy from any store (esp. US...cos we have the cheapest music on there...it only makes sense that they'd allow us to buy the overpriced stuff from UK, France, etc.)

[ClarkeB]

Sometimes Norway, Sweden, Switz, and Denmark are available in Choose Store... and other times they aren't. Why??

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Just bought my first song ever from iTMS Norway... :D

It was this: Reasons to Be Miserable (His Name Is Marvin) [Rock Mix] by Stephen Fry from The Marvin Mixes (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=57205805&selectedItemId=57205475) costing NOK 8 (€ 0.985, as I calculated for the iTunes 4.8-thread).

(Now if only that f...riggin' movie would premiere in Norway I would be quite satisfied... ;))

Bought two more: I touch myself - The Divinyls (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=14556270&selectedItemId=14556246) and Well Did You Evah? - Debbie Harry and Iggy Pop (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=14695242&selectedItemId=14695109), the second one I've been hunting for years, as it was on an album I gave my mother years ago that she actually managed to loose... :D

Gotta stop buying now... I'm actually broke enough as it is... :o

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Well, there are glitches... just look what happened when I clicked the "Foo Fighters Exclusive pre-release":

[Doctor Q]

Sometimes Norway, Sweden, Switz, and Denmark are available in Choose Store... and other times they aren't. Why??Because things are in flux.

[sylko]

No store for Australia and New Zealand. :rolleyes:

[Dahl]

Yay, Danish paper politiken (http://politiken.dk/VisArtikel.iasp?PageID=377333) is repoting that too now... :)

A

Ja sgu...
I hope the scaninavian stores will be as great as the US store, I know Denmark only has lame alternatives right now, especially if you are using a Mac.

Update: I guess the scaninavian stores are active now, you can buy from the Danish iTunes store.

[Olf]

Update: I guess the scaninavian stores are active now, you can buy from the Danish iTunes store.

...the Swedish store does not seem to work. I can't register with the store. I've tried several different swedish visa-cards, but the store does not accept them, so I guess it's not up and running yet. Too bad.

[aswitcher]

On Google news this morning

"Australian iTMS hits the pause button"

http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,15177683%255E953,00.html


Feels more like th delete button... :mad: