iTunes Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

Music.ch claims (http://www.music.ch/LF/news/ID96/) (German) that Apple will be launching the iTunes Music Store for Switzerland as well as Denmark, Sweden and Norway on April 28th (Thursday).

This information is reportedly based on an internal memo.

Unclear is how much pricing per song will be for the individual countries.

[snowdog]

Strange though that http://www.itunes.se/ is redirected to http://www.pamarecords.com/

[bennyek]

Sverige? Verkligen?!!

[Tcnorman]

I am very excited for Switzerland, Denmark, and Norway. Sweden however I do not share the same feelings for.

[liketom]

I am very excited for Switzerland, Denmark, and Norway. Sweden however I do not share the same feelings for.
why not ? i think it is great that more are going to get itunes music store

[Zaty]

This is an old rumour. I only hope Switzerland and our Scandinavian friends finally get an iTMS. Please Apple let it be true. That would be one hell of a week (new hardware on Tuesday, iTMS launch on Thursday and of course Tiger on Friday :) )

[tduality]

That's good news. But I guess the record companies tried to get a premium in Switzerland. CHF 1.55 would be the eqivalent to one Euro according to Calculator.

Let's see.....

tduality

[macbaseball]

Very cool. Doesn't affect me directly, as I live in the U.S., but hopefully the people there enjoy it, and Apple's profits go up.

[iJaz]

I am very excited for Switzerland, Denmark, and Norway. Sweden however I do not share the same feelings for.
Hahaha, that was funny, if it was a joke, else I don't know what to think...

Anyway, two words: At Last!
As a Swede, I'd be deeply grateful!

[~Shard~]

Great to see more countries being added to the iTunes family!

[Freg3000]

Great to see four more European countries get into the mix. As an American, I still feel disproportionally more sorry for our Aussie friends. I don't know why, I just hope Apple gets the Australian iTMS out soon.

In the meantime, congrats to Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway! :)

[pkis]

This is an old rumour. I only hope Switzerland and our Scandinavian friends finally get an iTMS. Please Apple let it be true. That would be one hell of a week (new hardware on Tuesday, iTMS launch on Thursday and of course Tiger on Friday :) )

actually, the rumor's not very old :) There was an article in a Norwegian newspaper about the launch, a spokesman for Apple Europe stated that Switzerland would get its store this year, which was later confirmed by a spokeswoman for Apple Switzerland. Also, I've read (although I'm not certain about that source) that Apple employees started an internal testing process for the Swiss, Danish, Swedish and Norwegian stores last week.

While getting publicity could be the motivation behind publishing a possible launch date, I somewhat doubt that music.ch would knowingly post a fake. They're usually quite reliable and also post lots of insider info on the Swiss music industry, the rights owners association etc. While I'm a skeptic by nature, music.ch would be the one source I'd trust most when it comes to insider info in that field. They are an association consisting of musicians, sound technicians but also of people working for the record industry etc. If this turns out to be a fake, their reputation would suffer considerably - especially since they called that one an "exclusive" etc.

[Cybbe]

This would be great news, if it turns out to be true.

[~Shard~]

Great to see four more European countries get into the mix. As an American, I still feel disproportionally more sorry for our Aussie friends. I don't know why, I just hope Apple gets the Australian iTMS out soon.

In the meantime, congrats to Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway! :)

I second that one - hopefully Oz gets iTMS soon as well, they deserve it!

[Zaty]

actually, the rumor's not very old :)

You're right but it's not breaking news, either :) Also of interest, music.ch did not mention an actual launch date. They just said "next week".

[pkis]

You're right but it's not breaking news, either :) Also of interest, music.ch did not mention an actual launch date. They just said "next week".

on the main page (music.ch) it says "28. April"

[Zaty]

on the main page (music.ch) it says "28. April"

Thanks!

[rockthecasbah]

Yes, it is all coming together...Apple's digital music monopoly is coming closer and closer to being the microsoft of music.....without the evil and crappiness. :D

[jbrjake]

Makes a lot of sense. Isn't Thursday the 2nd birthday of the music store?

Apple sure seems to have a big week coming up.

[pkis]

Makes a lot of sense. Isn't Thursday the 2nd birthday of the music store?

Apple sure seems to have a big week coming up.

Well, the music business is becoming more and more important to Apple (just check out the figures for the last quarter). It would be more than disappointing if Apple didn't have anything big in stock for next week. Whether it's going to be the launch of additional iTMSs I can't say - but I sure hope they'll present SOMETHING :)

[rockthecasbah]

Well, the music business is becoming more and more important to Apple (just check out the figures for the last quarter). It would be more than disappointing if Apple didn't have anything big in stock for next week. Whether it's going to be the launch of additional iTMSs I can't say - but I sure hope they'll present SOMETHING :)
If Apple didn't have all these hardware woes, they wouldn't have to rely on the music biz!!! Get goin' Apple, you are computer business first, music business second :D

[Tcnorman]

Hahaha, that was funny, if it was a joke, else I don't know what to think...

Anyway, two words: At Last!
As a Swede, I'd be deeply grateful!

Yes it was a joke. Of course I would like everyone to enjoy the wonders of iTunes and Apple, even you.

[lmasanti]

... Please Apple let it be true...

The "delays" in bringing iTunes to the whole world (forget me, I'm in Argentina) is "Apple's fault"?

Of course, it has a "strong position", specially in the "one price" issue, but technical issues (servers, translations) are, IMHO, not the problem.

Maybe, the music industry of each country is the "real fact behind the delays". In the UK the delay to include indies is, maybe, a proof of concept.

I'm not telling that Apple is the "good guy", but that they're doing their best effors (if they get more countries, they sell more, and that moves them ahead... simple capitalism)

[macridah]

This is gonna be a great week for apple, and hopefully the stock!

[AppleFoussa]

Sweet... Very sweet... now let's come out with the iTunes phone and get on top of that market.

[Swissboy]

I have seen an internal document for iTunes Switzerland

Price (in CHF)

1.25 CHF per song

This seems like a very good price point (if this price is final for 28th). Please do not forget we are NOT EU members so comparing the difference too the Euro/Pound is of no relevance to us Swiss people.

[Dahl]

Yeah...
Rocking tunes for the Nordic countries!
Get ready for the wonders of the iTunes store.

Det bliver skide godt!

[buseman]

Cool that it's finally here. It'll probably coincide with iTunes 4.8 as well.

[iJaz]

Yes, it is all coming together...Apple's digital music monopoly is coming closer and closer to being the microsoft of music.....without the evil and crappiness. :D
Well, they have DRM'ed the music, haven't they? I think DRM is a kind is evilness. It's not Apple's fault but it's still there.

[iJaz]

Yes it was a joke. Of course I would like everyone to enjoy the wonders of iTunes and Apple, even you.
Thought so, thanks! :)

[FunkSpaceMonkey]

What about Australia???? :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[cazlar]

Well, Oz iTMS is pretty much confirmed on the 28th due to Russell Crowe accidently spilling the beans on a radio station a few days ago (see Appletalk (http://www.appletalk.com.au) for details and even a recording of it).

The only thing I don't like is that he mentioned A$1.80 as a price, but as he also refered to other online stores there is the chance he meant their price rather than iTMS. If it is A$1.80, that means albums will be ~A$18, and as you can get the CD for ~A$20 at many places, I'm not sure that there's much price incentive there...

[jobberwacky]

I am very excited for Switzerland, Denmark, and Norway. Sweden however I do not share the same feelings for.
Did you miss out on Geography 101 or did some Swedish blonde give you the boot?

Andreas (in Switzerland)

[FlyNolJ]

Why doesn't Apple get on the ball with Australia, Japan, and other countries. It just seems like such an easy thing to do with such a high profit return....?? Someone correct me if I'm wrong...??? :confused:

[arn]

Looks like Australia is coming too on April 28th

http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,15071934%255E8362,00.html

[eva01]

I hope if when they do finally get iTMS in Japan that it means jPop will be on the US music store.

would be very nice.

[ifjake]

ha. russell crowe? that's funny to me.

[Steven1621]

I wonder if Apple will sue Crowe for disclosing info ? :)

[PlaceofDis]

great news, keep expanding iTMS!! hopefully the same pricing scheme will be in effect as well

[Josh396]

I would just like to know how Russell Crowe would have any inside information.

[Alasta]

ha. russell crowe? that's funny to me.

The sad thing about this whole affair is that if the rumours turn out to be true, then I might actually find myself liking Russell Crowe. Nooooooo! :D

Assuming, that is, that New Zealand is included in the Australian offering. As yet, there has been no word on this, which leads me to believe that we may be left out in the cold for now.

[J-Squire]

What the hell does Russel Crowe have to do with anything. He would be the least reliable source of anyone I can imagine.
very comical. But i wait in hope

[michaelvjsmyth]

I hope we get the ITMS, I've been waiting for it for years!

Also, I hope their 99 cents

[aussiemac86]

Yeh Russell.............he does have an "exclusive pre-release" track on front page of iTMS so maybe he got told when it would be avail. in Aus. But i do have trouble believing that Rus would know much.

[inkswamp]

I wonder if Apple will sue Crowe for disclosing info ? :)

No, because he would punch them. :eek:

[pknz]

If iTMS does come out in Aussie, will it cover New Zealand aswell?

[csubear]

So where is Itunes japan?

[Nermal]

If iTMS does come out in Aussie, will it cover New Zealand aswell?

I hope so. I don't think that there's any political reason why it can't, most (if not all) of the music licences are granted across both countries. So cross your fingers :)

[abc123]

I would just like to know how Russell Crowe would have any inside information.
apparently no record company would take his solo work seriously so he recorded it himself and it selling it online. that would probably mean that he was involved in the negotiates to some degree.

a couple of other australian artists have been saying lately that their music will be available on the itunes store too.

[aussie_geek]

Well, Oz iTMS is pretty much confirmed on the 28th due to Russell Crowe accidently spilling the beans on a radio station a few days ago (see Appletalk (http://www.appletalk.com.au) for details and even a recording of it).

The only thing I don't like is that he mentioned A$1.80 as a price, but as he also refered to other online stores there is the chance he meant their price rather than iTMS. If it is A$1.80, that means albums will be ~A$18, and as you can get the CD for ~A$20 at many places, I'm not sure that there's much price incentive there...

You mentioned there is a recording of the conversation that Russell Crowe had about the ITMS. Do you have the url for it?

aussie_geek

[abc123]

You mentioned there is a recording of the conversation that Russell Crowe had about the ITMS. Do you have the url for it?

aussie_geek
the clip is hosted on someone's personal webspace, i'm not so sure about posting over here without his permission.
you can download the whole interview from here: http://www.johnlaws.com.au/sound_JL/CROWE.mp3
it is about 25MB i think

[autopilot]

I would just like to know how Russell Crowe would have any inside information.

exactly what i was thinking. wtf??

[silvergunuk]

I think he must have accidently let it slip out of rage during a bust up between him and a group of Apple journalists.

Anyone got his phone number by any chance? we can quiz him on when Apple will release G5 Powerbooks.

[rockthecasbah]

I would just like to know how Russell Crowe would have any inside information.
I've got it all figured out. He came in punchin' Apple execs left and right lookin' for Tugger's medication, not realizing Tugger takes no medicine and he was in Apple headquarters. At this point, Russell notices some pills on desk, which he spills onto this classified documents. After reading the information, he scoops up as many advils as he can and runs to the nearest computer, where he struggles to type in English to Mac Rumors the following email:

"DeEr Misster MaC rumours>
RusseLL CrowE dun FounDed out NeW Itunes storss! THEy R SweedIsH, Gurman, DenmRk, and = Switzzenfligen. IF yoo d0nT lik dis, I wiL FITe Yoo!" [discovered to be Switzerland after a brief look at a globe]

And this is how Russell Crowe discovered the insider information, Josh396.

[ifjake]

I would just like to know how Russell Crowe would have any inside information.

maybe he just asked.

[~Shard~]

maybe he just asked.

If he did, I can't imagine it was nicely... ;)

[doogle]

I am confident in this prediction.
ITMS will not save Russell Crowe's musical career.

[DeSnousa]

I've got it all figured out. He came in punchin' Apple execs left and right lookin' for Tugger's medication, not realizing Tugger takes no medicine and he was in Apple headquarters. At this point, Russell notices some pills on desk, which he spills onto this classified documents. After reading the information, he scoops up as many advils as he can and runs to the nearest computer, where he struggles to type in English to Mac Rumors the following email:

"DeEr Misster MaC rumours>
RusseLL CrowE dun FounDed out NeW Itunes storss! THEy R SweedIsH, Gurman, DenmRk, and = Switzzenfligen. IF yoo d0nT lik dis, I wiL FITe Yoo!" [discovered to be Switzerland after a brief look at a globe]

And this is how Russell Crowe discovered the insider information, Josh396.

Sounds about right. I remember when that aligations where made and then all the skit shows would make fun of it.

Back on topic $1.80 is steep Condiering an album costs $20 buks, $19 for me, with staff discount.

[abc123]

Sounds about right. I remember when that aligations where made and then all the skit shows would make fun of it.

Back on topic $1.80 is steep Condiering an album costs $20 buks, $19 for me, with staff discount.
do artists still release singles on cd and if they do how much do those cost?
i see myself using the itms when i like a song/few songs but not the band. i don't want to spend $20 on the cd but wouldn't mind buying one or two tracks.

[pkis]

Strange though that http://www.itunes.se/ is redirected to http://www.pamarecords.com/

itunes.ch is owned by Apple Computer, Inc., Cupertino, California, US (according to nic.ch). This hasn't always been the case - the domain was transfered to Apple only a couple weeks ago. Which, I guess, is another good sign.

[Dahl]

do artists still release singles on cd and if they do how much do those cost?
i see myself using the itms when i like a song/few songs but not the band. i don't want to spend $20 on the cd but wouldn't mind buying one or two tracks.
There are many singles in the US iTunes store, but they are also easy to have in stock. Many times they can just handpick a track and "make" it a single. But sometimes there are some nice "B sides".

The tracks are 99 cent each in the USA.

[weirdocultguy]

Last month I got a bottle of Solo that has a sms competition to win an ipod mini. They are giving away 1 every half hour. The competition started today - 25/04/05 (strange considering it's Anzac day...). I'm guessing it could be a good indicator of the iTunes store considering the timing!

I have not seen any other labels around for it and I'm not sure why i got it so long before the competition started. What I find really strange is that it's a cabury-shweppes bottle but it directs you to www.pepsi.com.au for the full conditions. Do shweppes make pepsi in Australia?

[dornoforpyros]

Yes what does Russell Crowe have to do with iTMS?? I mean I know he's australian but that's like saying "According to Don Cherry the new Apple store in Toronto will open tommorow"

[abc123]

Yes what does Russell Crowe have to do with iTMS?? I mean I know he's australian but that's like saying "According to Don Cherry the new Apple store in Toronto will open tommorow"
he is releasing his solo "musical" work on itms in australia from what i can gather.

[DeSnousa]

do artists still release singles on cd and if they do how much do those cost?
i see myself using the itms when i like a song/few songs but not the band. i don't want to spend $20 on the cd but wouldn't mind buying one or two tracks.

Thats a good point it ranges from $3-4 a single. Im just the type of person who perfers albums.

[cb911]

well Australian iTMS would be cool.... :D

but at $1.80? i guess that's alright... well we'll see if it even gets here.

[topicolo]

Well, if Russell Crowe says so, Apple HAS to do it!

[Davito]

Finally! So I don't have to buy songs with my parents (Austrian) credit card!

[aussiemac86]

Yes what does Russell Crowe have to do with iTMS?? I mean I know he's australian but that's like saying "According to Don Cherry the new Apple store in Toronto will open tommorow"


....hes a kiwi, he lives in Aus now, but he's a kiwi.

[ZLurker]

This is the kind of news I needed to crawl out of my cave.
I have been watching this forum for two years, bought my first mac a year ago.
Hope its true though, i havn't bought a new album since i bought my first mac almost a year ago.

/ZLurker

[mad jew]

....hes a kiwi, he lives in Aus now, but he's a kiwi.


Yeah, don't blame us! ;)

[Telomar]

If iTMS does come out in Aussie, will it cover New Zealand aswell?
Should do. The same group (APRA) does licensing for both Australia and NZ.

[Alasta]

Yeah, don't blame us! ;)

Shhhh...we don't want him either! :p

I loved it when our beloved Mr Crowe made a special appearance on South Park!

[Nermal]

Yeah, don't blame us! ;)

Don't make me unleash Mod Power™ on you! :eek:

[Alasta]

It's interesting that itunes.co.nz is still registered to a private individual in Dunedin, but I guess this needn't necessarily affect the launch of the service in New Zealand, given that it's accessed through iTunes anyway.

[mcadam]

Wohooo... could be nice if it was true. It also makes sense that they relate it to the tiger release - give people an apple chock-treatment :D

A

[Nermal]

"DeEr Misster MaC rumours>
RusseLL CrowE dun FounDed out NeW Itunes storss! THEy R SweedIsH, Gurman, DenmRk, and = Switzzenfligen. IF yoo d0nT lik dis, I wiL FITe Yoo!"

I think they did quite well to get Norway out of 'Gurman' :rolleyes:

[pkis]

It's interesting that itunes.co.nz is still registered to a private individual in Dunedin, but I guess this needn't necessarily affect the launch of the service in New Zealand, given that it's accessed through iTunes anyway.

Nope, that's not going to affect anything. itunes.co.uk wasn't owned by Apple either when the UK store went online (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/12/06/apple_itunescouk_domain_dispute/)

[rrad]

cool!! i hope many local artist sign up in itunes sweden.

[sebisworld]

Now, there is Sweden, Denmark, and Norway.

Isn't there like two countries missing? :-)

[I know that officially only those three are part of Scandinavia]

[aswitcher]

Don't make me unleash Mod Power™ on you! :eek:


Nermal is the GLADIATOR! or Romper Stomper ;)

[mbamac]

for some time Apple is adding music from Poland and Hungary.

Any ideas?

[Porchland]

You know your company has made it when Russell Crowe starts showing up in spoilers.

Next thing you know the president of the United States will-- what? He's already got an iPod?

[Mac]

Scandinavia has a lot of domestic music - appr. 40%. It will be interesting to see if iTMS will carry some of the local artists.

[abc123]

i just did a search on the us itunes store and you can buy the russell crowe track that started his talking about the au release.
just don't make the mistake that i did and listen to the preview :eek:

[aswitcher]

i just did a search on the us itunes store and you can buy the russell crowe track that started his talking about the au release.
just don't make the mistake that i did and listen to the preview :eek:


Well spotted. :p

[Poff]

Scandinavia has a lot of domestic music - appr. 40%. It will be interesting to see if iTMS will carry some of the local artists.

They allready have some of it (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=1750098&selectedItemId=1750094). More of this kind of Norwegian music would be great, tho. Like Antestor and such.

[broken_keyboard]

Now Apple can sue Russell Crowe. I'm sure he must have signed some sort of NDA, and they have a tape recording of him blabbing.

Red handed...

http://www.johnlaws.com.au/sound_JL/CROWE.mp3 (as posted by abc123)

[swissmann]

I wonder if Liechtenstein will have access to the swiss iTunes? I THINK they use the Swiss Franc although they are printed with Liechtenstein information on them. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[d.perel]

What about Australia???? :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:
ask russ

[Swissfondue]

I have seen an internal document for iTunes Switzerland

Price (in CHF)

1.25 CHF per song

This seems like a very good price point (if this price is final for 28th). Please do not forget we are NOT EU members so comparing the difference too the Euro/Pound is of no relevance to us Swiss people.

Yes I agree. mycokemusic.ch only gives you CHF 1.25 per song, if you cough up CHF 100.00 in advance.

[DPazdanISU]

i hope the stocks go back up after the release of tiger, possible computer updates, and itunes autralia, etc! :D

[pkis]

I wonder if Liechtenstein will have access to the swiss iTunes? I THINK they use the Swiss Franc although they are printed with Liechtenstein information on them. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

There's no "liechtenstein information" on the currency - they simply use the Swiss Franc and there's a customs union between the two countries. It would be very likely that people from Liechtenstein can buy in the Swiss store.

[Zaty]

I wonder if Liechtenstein will have access to the swiss iTunes? I THINK they use the Swiss Franc although they are printed with Liechtenstein information on them. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

I don't know if Liechtenstein will have access to the Swiss iTMS. They're an independent country. But economically, Liechtenstein is part of Switzerland as the two countries have a customs union meaning that Swiss Customs Services and Swiss Border Patrol guard the border between Liechtenstein and Austria. You're right they use the Swiss Franc but don't have separate banknotes or coins. They do have their own stamps and telephone network, though.

Edit: pkis beat me to it :) And he's probably right, there's no reason why people in Liechtenstein shouldn't be able to buy from the Swiss iTMS as the Swiss labels probably own the rights for the territory of Liechtenstein, too.

[pkis]

Yes I agree. mycokemusic.ch only gives you CHF 1.25 per song, if you cough up CHF 100.00 in advance.

if it ever works - they've been having technical difficulties ever since the store was launched. Plus the DRM used there is ridiculous (you can copy songs purchased from there only 5 times to your external player before the song deactivates itself). I wouldn't even mind paying 1.50 per song as long as we get the same DRM as in every other iTMS. My guess is that a song costs 1.50 Fr. - which is the same as the 99 Euro cents they cost everywhere else in Europe.
But one also has to consider that music has traditionally been cheaper in Switzerland than in other parts of Europe. While an average CD in a larger store costs about 15 Euros in Germany, it only costs about 12 in Switzerland.

[Zaty]

if it ever works - they've been having technical difficulties ever since the store was launched. Plus the DRM used there is ridiculous (you can copy songs purchased from there only 5 times to your external player before the song deactivates itself). I wouldn't even mind paying 1.50 per song as long as we get the same DRM as in every other iTMS. My guess is that a song costs 1.50 Fr. - which is the same as the 99 Euro cents they cost everywhere else in Europe.
But one also has to consider that music has traditionally been cheaper in Switzerland than in other parts of Europe. While an average CD in a larger store costs about 15 Euros in Germany, it only costs about 12 in Switzerland.

I still hope a song will cost something around CHF 1.25 otherwise a complete album of more 12 or more tracks would be more expensive than the CD when bought from one of the nationwide chain stores.

[swissmann]

I don't know if Liechtenstein will have access to the Swiss iTMS. They're an independent country. But economically, Liechtenstein is part of Switzerland as the two countries have a customs union meaning that Swiss Customs Services and Swiss Border Patrol guard the border between Liechtenstein and Austria. You're right they use the Swiss Franc but don't have separate banknotes or coins. They do have their own stamps and telephone network, though.

Edit: pkis beat me to it :) And he's probably right, there's no reason why people in Liechtenstein shouldn't be able to buy from the Swiss iTMS as the Swiss labels probably own the rights for the territory of Liechtenstein, too.

It was the stamps that I remember. I knew there was something like that. Thanks to you and to pkis.

[jobberwacky]

Now, there is Sweden, Denmark, and Norway.

Isn't there like two countries missing? :-)

[I know that officially only those three are part of Scandinavia]
Did you check which EU countries (apart from the UK) already have the ITMS?

Righteo, the Eurozone ones. And that includes, yes?, exactly, Finland.

ITMS goes more by currencies than by countries (which is also why Liechtensteinians will for sure be able to buy songs in the Swiss ITMS).

Now, talking of Scandinavia, there's still two countries missing. Iceland and Russia. Yes, Russian Karelia (I say, Whatson, doesn't that ring a bell?) is part of Scandinavia too. Will they get the ITMS? Hm, One should be able to buy Björk in her own place of origin, but my wild guess is that Icelanders will have to stick to buying local reels on CD for the time to come. As much as ITMS won't compete against mp3 in their own back yard any time soon.


Andreas

BTW, is the macrumors server running on a pc or what? It's always busy these days.

[pkis]

It was the stamps that I remember. I knew there was something like that. Thanks to you and to pkis.

Swissman: were are you originally from?

[cello]

I just did a bit of hacking, and indeed there are already the country flags online:
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_switzerland.jpg
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_denmark.jpg
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_sweden.jpg
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_australia.jpg

wohoo, iTMS on thursday, Tiger onFriday, what a weekend is coming to me... :D

[pkis]

I just did a bit of hacking, and indeed there are already the country flags online:
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_switzerland.jpg
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_denmark.jpg
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_sweden.jpg
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_australia.jpg

wohoo, iTMS on thursday, Tiger onFriday, what a weekend is coming to me... :D

ok, please tell me: was there really a Swiss flag there before? Cause now there isn't :(

[cello]

ok, please tell me: was there really a Swiss flag there before? Cause now there isn't :(
hmm, yeah, there were all four of them, see attachments

[pkis]

hmm, yeah, there were all four of them, see attachments

ok, thanks - it's online now! Man, I really can't believe this is finally happening! I've waited for this for more than a year - ever since my CD player stopped playing those darned DRMed CDs I was looking forward to this.

And what's the best thing: it's going to be Australia as well! The only one missing now is Japan but that's gonna come as well.

[Zaty]

The flag proves the launch of the five new stores (norway also but not japan).

I can't wait to buy the first song from iTMS!

[pkis]

The flag proves the launch of the five new stores (norway also but not japan).

I can't wait to buy the first song from iTMS!

they are already transforming the store - I started getting an error message when I click on "buy song" a couple of hours ago.

[Zaty]

they are already transforming the store - I started getting an error message when I click on "buy song" a couple of hours ago.

Perhaps the stores will go online as early as tomorrow? It's Tuesday after all...

[aswitcher]

hmm, yeah, there were all four of them, see attachments


Is this a newbie joke?

[Poff]

This looks promising! :D

http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_norway.jpg

I vote for tomorrow! :D

[pkis]

Perhaps the stores will go online as early as tomorrow? It's Tuesday after all...

yeah, who knows - the big European enlargement happened a bit earlier than was expected, too. Everybody was waiting for the keynote when the stores had already been turned on ;)

What's really really strange about the whole thing is, however: why on Earth should it be Crowe who'd announce the store for Australia??? This is almost surreal ;)

[Zaty]

Is this a newbie joke?

Good morning aswitcher :)

No, it's not and you're not dreaming, either! It's real!

[Zaty]

yeah, who knows - the big European enlargement happened a bit earlier than was expected, too. Everybody was waiting for the keynote when the stores had already been turned on ;)

What's really really strange about the whole thing is, however: why on Earth should it be Crowe who'd announce the store for Australia??? This is almost surreal ;)

Have you already decided what will be the first song you're going to buy from our Swiss iTMS?

[pkis]

Have you already decided what will be the first song you're going to buy from our Swiss iTMS?

it's funny - I was just thinking about that :) but I haven't decided yet. I'll probably be buying a lot more than just one song over the next couple of days

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

This looks promising! :D

http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_norway.jpg

I vote for tomorrow! :DHow did you find it... was it in use or did you just test different countries...?

Edit, again: Like the people over I found Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden and Austraila, i addition to Norway, here's the images direct from Apple:

http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_denmark.jpghttp://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_switzerland.jpghttp://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_sweden.jpghttp://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_australia.jpg

But no New Zealand or Iceland...

The servers are REALLY struggeling... double-posts are flourishing... and the "The server is too busy at the moment. Please try again later."-messages are not far apart... :(

[Zaty]

it's funny - I was just thinking about that :) but I haven't decided yet. I'll probably be buying a lot more than just one song over the next couple of days

Me too :D

[pkis]

How did you find it... was it in use or did you just test different countries...?

Well, I don't know how he found it - but I have been testing different countries from time to time on there (ever since the flags showed up on that location a day before the last enlargement round)

[Zaty]

But no New Zealand or Iceland...

Nor Japan! It's not surprising NZ and Iceland won't get an iTMS yet but what happened to Japan? It's an important market so what's going on there?

[pkis]

Nor Japan! It's not surprising NZ and Iceland won't get an iTMS yet but what happened to Japan? It's an important market so what's going on there?

yeah, that's kind of odd - didn't someone announce the Japanese store for March? They were saying something about a "light" version of the store, only containing Japanese artists because of the special market situation.

[Nermal]

But no New Zealand or Iceland...

:(

Hopefully we'll be able to buy from the Australian store. We can buy digital purchases (eg. QuickTime Pro) from the Aussie online Apple Store, so hopefully digital songs will work the same way.

[bidge]

and a New Zealand one

[fawlty]

:(

Hopefully we'll be able to buy from the Australian store. We can buy digital purchases (eg. QuickTime Pro) from the Aussie online Apple Store, so hopefully digital songs will work the same way.

I'd feel more comfortable if that big star under the union jack was in brackets...

[Nermal]

and a New Zealand one

Did you make that, or did it come from the server? Link please!

Edit: Yours is gif whereas the Apple ones are jpeg, so I'm going to assume that it's fake. :(

[bidge]

Yep, fake sorry.

[Dahl]

I just did a bit of hacking, and indeed there are already the country flags online:
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_switzerland.jpg
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_denmark.jpg
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_sweden.jpg
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_australia.jpg

wohoo, iTMS on thursday, Tiger onFriday, what a weekend is coming to me... :D
I like those buttons!

:)

[strolch]

i think there will be a new zealand shop too...

see this link:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZSearch.woa/wa/com.apple.jingle.search.DirectAction/pickITMSLink?id=878137&searchType=3&storeFrontId=143459&artistName=Wheatus (Store Front: Switzerland)

and compare with this link:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZSearch.woa/wa/com.apple.jingle.search.DirectAction/pickITMSLink?id=878137&searchType=3&storeFrontId=143461&artistName=Wheatus (Store Front: New Zealand)

[Nermal]

Ooh :D

[fawlty]

i think there will be a new zealand shop too...

see this link:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZSearch.woa/wa/com.apple.jingle.search.DirectAction/pickITMSLink?id=878137&searchType=3&storeFrontId=143459&artistName=Wheatus (Store Front: Switzerland)

and compare with this link:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZSearch.woa/wa/com.apple.jingle.search.DirectAction/pickITMSLink?id=878137&searchType=3&storeFrontId=143461&artistName=Wheatus (Store Front: New Zealand)

You, sir, are a steely-eyed missile man.

[jobberwacky]

i think there will be a new zealand shop too...

see this link:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZSearch.woa/wa/com.apple.jingle.search.DirectAction/pickITMSLink?id=878137&searchType=3&storeFrontId=143459&artistName=Wheatus (Store Front: Switzerland)

and compare with this link:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZSearch.woa/wa/com.apple.jingle.search.DirectAction/pickITMSLink?id=878137&searchType=3&storeFrontId=143461&artistName=Wheatus (Store Front: New Zealand)
Excellent detective work. And it looks as if there's no store above no 143461.
So NZ presumably completes the list for the moment. Now why doesn't that flag come up?

[fatbarstard]

Can see Russell Crowe now.....

So Russell, what is this about iTunes store for Austrlaia and New Zealand?

Maaaaate! Let me tell you maaaate! This is going to be big, and maaaaate, its will blow your socks off maaaaaate.

And when will it launch?

Maaaaaaate, let me tell you maaaaaate, April 31 maaaaate.

But Russell there are only 30 days in April...

What?! Want a punch in the head maaaaate?

Er, Russell, put down that flagon? There's a good Aussie bloke.

Maaaaate, don't call me a **********g Aussie maaaaaate. I'm a Kiwi maaaaaate. You know maaaaate, your a poofter maaaaate.....


And so on and so forth....


Maaaaaaate





:D

[J-Squire]

It looks like Apple have achieved their goal. By holding out on Australia for so long, it looks like people are going to be so glad to finally have access to the store that they are not even going to complain about the $1.80/track price tag!

I am extremelly pumped for Thursday (which seems so much closer due to the puclic holiday yesterday) and will definitely be purchasing from the store, but $1.80 is bloody steep for a single track.

Canada (the store with by far the best per track price) is currently 99c per track. At today's exchange rate, this translates to $1.03 Australian dollars. Why then should we pay $1.80 per track!? That seems crazy.

Other figures:
.99Euro = A$1.65
.99US = A$1.27

I will conveniently leave out the conversion from pound to Australian dollar, because it does not support my argument. I think the Brits are being "pounded" by the exchange rate, and my sympathy goes out to them. But I still think $1.80 is too much per track.

[Nermal]

I don't know what album prices are like in Australia, but I would happily pay $17.99 for an album (I'm guessing that's what they'll go for on iTunes). Most albums are $26.95 (AU$25.20) here.

Remember, AU$17.99 is still cheaper than physically importing a CD from the USA.

Do the USA prices include tax? US$0.99 = NZ$1.53 after tax, assuming that the US price doesn't include tax.

[AppleinJapan]

I agree ! Im an Australian who lives in Japan so I may wait until the store opens up here. $1.80 is way too much to pay for a single song (compared with other itunes)...But I knew it would happen - Australians always get the short end of the stick. Higher prices and less choice eg: region 4 movies....

Take a look at this

http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,15071934%255E8362,00.html

"The launch of an Australian iTunes Music Store has been greatly anticipated by users of the company's popular iPod MP3 players, who have been forced to break copyright laws to use their players."

I just can't believe this !! Sensational and unsupported facts

[Nermal]

"The launch of an Australian iTunes Music Store has been greatly anticipated by users of the company's popular iPod MP3 players, who have been forced to break copyright laws to use their players."

And it continues on with "To store MP3 music on their iPods, users must illegally download music from the Internet" :eek:

[timster]

The only thing I don't like is that he mentioned A$1.80 as a price, but as he also refered to other online stores there is the chance he meant their price rather than iTMS.

"About a dollar eighty" was what he said. He was actually understating the real price of $1.89.

At the time, he was specifically talking about Sanity.com.au (which is Destra Music). Most singles on Sanity are $1.89, including Russell's track:

http://sanity.destramusic.com/artist.asp?artistid=36911

The big question is: will Apple's Australian iTunes Music Store follow Destra's lead and charge $1.89 per track, or do they have enough bargaining power with the ARIA to undercut this existing price...?

[Nermal]

The big question is: will Apple's Australian iTunes Music Store follow Destra's lead and charge $1.89 per track, or do they have enough bargaining power with the ARIA to undercut this existing price...?

I hope they undercut existing prices, because individual tracks currently go for $1.99 here :eek:

[sjl]

"The launch of an Australian iTunes Music Store has been greatly anticipated by users of the company's popular iPod MP3 players, who have been forced to break copyright laws to use their players."

I just can't believe this !! Sensational and unsupported facts
Eh? Apple's iPod supports MP3 and AAC only. No WMA. In Australia, you can only obtain music electronically from stores that use the WMA format.

Australia's laws do not allow you to copy music from one format to another. That means that ripping CDs to MP3 format is, in Australia, a violation of copyright law. Fact. Granted, it's a violation that's generally ignored, but that doesn't alter the legal situation: that you are legally barred from ripping CDs to MP3 or AAC format, and hence, the only way to be completely legal when using an iPod is to put your own music (as in music you, yourself, have written and performed) on it, or other music where you have explicit permission from the artist to do this.

[sjl]

Do shweppes make pepsi in Australia?
They are the exclusive bottlers in Australia for Pepsi products, yes.

[Nermal]

Australia's laws do not allow you to copy music from one format to another.

So you could technically keep it in uncompressed PCM (AIFF) then?

[mad jew]

So you could technically keep it in uncompressed PCM (AIFF) then?


I think what he means is that you can't rip CDs. ;)

Of course, in the words of the captain from Pirates of The Carribean:

They're more like guidelines.

Arrr.

[Nermal]

What's legal and what isn't would depend on the wording of the law. For example, if the law says that it's illegal to copy music from a CD, then that would instantly make 'anti shock' CD players illegal because they copy the music into their RAM. So who knows what you guys are allowed to do.

[Poff]

How did you find it... was it in use or did you just test different countries...?

Well.. I've known about Norway for some time since the date was in our newspapers. And it is on the front page. So I just switched the country name with Norway. :D

My first track will be from O.C. Supertones - Revenge of the Supertones if I don't re-decide. :)

[Poff]

i think there will be a new zealand shop too...

see this link:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZSearch.woa/wa/com.apple.jingle.search.DirectAction/pickITMSLink?id=878137&searchType=3&storeFrontId=143459&artistName=Wheatus (Store Front: Switzerland)

and compare with this link:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZSearch.woa/wa/com.apple.jingle.search.DirectAction/pickITMSLink?id=878137&searchType=3&storeFrontId=143461&artistName=Wheatus (Store Front: New Zealand)

Great! You're a genious! The link maker works. Click! :D http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/badgeitunes61x15dark.gif (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?selectedItemId=15070070&playListId=15070125&originStoreFront=143457)

mmm.. feels great to actually browse the Norwegian music store! :D

[Nermal]

Does it show you the prices in €/NKR/whatever it is in Norway, or in USD?

[Poff]

Does it show you the prices in €/NKR/whatever it is in Norway, or in USD?

I think it will always show prices in $ as long as you're not signed in.. :(

[Drawinz]

I think this is a good indication that NZ will get a store. I got right through but it rejected my credit cards so that part is obviously not ready yet.

[Poff]

I think this is a good indication that NZ will get a store. I got right through but it rejected my credit cards so that part is obviously not ready yet.

How did you do that? That is über cool! I didn't find a way to change it to Norway yet. I was thinking about using the store-codes to try and sign up on a non-itunes machine. We now have all the new store-codes, so I thought it was worth a try. And I've heard Apple employees here in Norway are testing the services, so there's got to be some way to make this work..

https://phobos.apple.com/secureBag.xml
http://phobos.apple.com/storeBag.xml

two adresses of interest, that I found on the internet. If this works using basic html-knowledge, then Apple should really be ashamed of themselves.. :eek:

[Drawinz]

Go to http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?artistId=878136&originStoreFront=143457 and follow the prompts to the norwegian site. Do a search and then click on browse. From here you find songs with the buy link. You will then get the opportunity to get an apple ID.

[HexMonkey]

As further evidence for a New Zealand store, I got the following error message when I went to http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?artistId=878136&originStoreFront=143461:

[Nermal]

Yep, I got that one too, while fiddling around :)

So, I don't think we need to gather 'evidence' anymore, this pretty much confirms that an NZ store is coming :)

[curmi]

Norway is also there:

http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_norway.jpg

That makes Australia, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland and Denmark.

The total number of stores is 20. Which fits a 5x4 grid for the "select country" page on iTunes.

[sjl]

So you could technically keep it in uncompressed PCM (AIFF) then?
No. "Format", in this context, means media type (CD, LP, cassette, etc.), and I suspect that the law is worded in a way that makes copying from tape to tape or similar illegal too. It does not have any bearing on how it is stored on digital media; the law dates back to the days when analog media (LPs, cassettes, that sort of thing) were the norm.

I remember my father recording LPs onto cassettes for travel in the car; even back then, at the tender age of five or six, I understood that this was considered "wrong" by the law. (I'm nearing my thirtieth birthday now, just as a reference point. Gad, I'm getting old... :))

[fenderbender]

Was just looking around on the up & coming Oz iTMS store. Most songs are without prices but I found a few with a $1.69 price tag (see David Bowie, Reality)

[Nermal]

Yep, you're quite right. Now I need to find a priced album in the NZ store :)

[mad jew]

Anyone else getting really weird icons for the different stores on ITMS? I went in to select a different country and found that apart from Germany, UK, USA and French stores, all the icons are squished.

Sorry if this has already been posted. I can't find it.

[Nermal]

Yes, I just saw that too!

[J-Squire]

I just created my Australian iTunes music store account. My credit card was accepted and everything.

Upon pressing "Done" in the registration section, I was taken to the US store, but have not been able to find any songs I can purchase. I am getting different errors each time:

"The Item you tried to buy is no longer available" - russel crowe single

"Purchase of this item is not currently available" - new coldplay single

"This product is not available on the Australian Store" - Black Eyed Peas single

[abc123]

I just created my Australian iTunes music store account. My credit card was accepted and everything
you'd you get in?
link please :)

[J-Squire]

you'd you get in?
link please :)
I think I went via this link:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?artistId=878136&originStoreFront=143461

It didnt work, but it asked me to change stores, and then I signed out of my existing .Mac itunes account, and created a new account, and it took me to the Australian signup page

If anyone can tell me how to easily post pictures on this forum, I can show you the screenshots

[abc123]

hmm, i can only get to the NZ sign up page :(

[Nermal]

Change the last 2 digits of the store ID to 60 (instead of 61).

[Swissfondue]

I can't get to my Mac until this evening. Could anyone findout what the price of the iTMS Switzerland might be?

[abc123]

Change the last 2 digits of the store ID to 60 (instead of 61).
yep i made it in, thanks J-Squire and Nermal :)

[Poff]

I just created my Australian iTunes music store account. My credit card was accepted and everything.

Upon pressing "Done" in the registration section, I was taken to the US store, but have not been able to find any songs I can purchase. I am getting different errors each time:

"The Item you tried to buy is no longer available" - russel crowe single

"Purchase of this item is not currently available" - new coldplay single

"This product is not available on the Australian Store" - Black Eyed Peas single


hmm.. too bad you cannot buy anything. Sort of takes away the joy of signing up.. :(

[aswitcher]

hmm.. too bad you cannot buy anything. Sort of takes away the joy of signing up.. :(


:p

Well it doesn;t look like it will be long now...

[36inarow]

Just managed to download a song from the aussie itms

going searching for Charlotte Church $1.69 worked sweet...

wish i could have found something i actually liked to download

[aswitcher]

Change the last 2 digits of the store ID to 60 (instead of 61).


Interesting error message :)

[fenderbender]

I just bought a song! Oz iTMS is really here! :eek:

[Sky Blue]

Is it just me or have the US/UK stores not been updated today?

[ChrisH3677]

woohoo! I just bought a John Mayer song!

[aswitcher]

woohoo! I just bought a John Mayer song!


Congrats. Wonder if it will be a few more days until its workign fully.

Any further proof its from Aus - I see the $1.69 ...

[cazlar]

Cool, I managed to log in to the Oz iTMS and have the coldplay single in my cart. It seems $1.69 is the price - not the best but better than $1.89 I guess.

[superduperjacob]

woohoo! I just bought a John Mayer song!
Now there is an oxymoron.
;)

[ChrisH3677]

Congrats. Wonder if it will be a few more days until its workign fully.

Any further proof its from Aus - I see the $1.69 ...

Nah, sorry. Interesting, I just tried clicked on a Coldplay album and it said it wasn't available in the US store! Didn't give me the option of geting it from Oz store tho

[cazlar]

I've tried adding a few albums to my cart - so far they all seem to say "not available in Australian store" except the Green Day one which is US$11.99 (instead of the normal US$9.99), which went in for A$16.99.

[J-Squire]

I am having trouble actually making any purchases. I signed up for an Australian account earlier, but it takes me to the US store. How have u guys gotten into the australian store and made purchases?

[yinyang]

i've manage to add "in between dreams" by jack johnson for $11.35 and "diorama" by silverchair, though when i tried an album by faithless it was listed as $9.99 but magically became $16.99 when it hit my shopping cart...!?

btw i'm not actually buying anything, just playing..!? :)

j-squire, not all artists are availabe for purchase, but you should see them appear in the top part of the screen if you can buy it!

have fun!!

[pkis]

I am having trouble actually making any purchases. I signed up for an Australian account earlier, but it takes me to the US store. How have u guys gotten into the australian store and made purchases?

well, maybe we should just all wait until the stores are actually available before we start opening trouble tickets :) But what the heck - I just gave it a try myself - right now I'm not able to log in anymore at all - keep on getting error 502.

[buseman]

Just bought White Stripes - Blue Orchid from the Norwegian store, but was only charged 1.98kr (0.15$) while the price is listed as 8kr (1.3$)..

[Zaty]

well, maybe we should just all wait until the stores are actually available before we start opening trouble tickets :) But what the heck - I just gave it a try myself - right now I'm not able to log in anymore at all - keep on getting error 502.

iTMS doesn't accept neither of my CCs. Were you're able to actually create an account?

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

iTMS doesn't accept neither of my CCs. Were you're able to actually create an account?Yes, I apparently managed to make an account (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=1410922#post1410922)... :)

But are, still, unable to access the Norwegian store... :(

Edit: I apparently get prices in NOK whenever I use the built-in Search Music Store, but when I browse using links all prices are in USD, and if I go HOME I'm send to the US store...

[Zaty]

Yes, I apparently managed to make an account (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=1410922#post1410922)... :)

But are, still, unable to access the Norwegian store... :(

I only hope they didn't call off the launch of the Swiss store in the last second like they did with Ireland.
:confused:

Edit: I got through! It seems we Swiss even get a free song! Swiss bank UBS gives away a free song!

[strolch]

i just created my swiss-account and got a free track! :D
the store looks like the us-store, but prices are in swiss francs. btw, one track costs 1.50 SFR.

[Zaty]

i just created my swiss-account and got a free track! :D
the store looks like the us-store, but prices are in swiss francs. btw, one track costs 1.50 SFR.

Really, I didn't make into the store, or at least I believed I was sent to the US Store. So 1.25 was just speculation, it would have been too good to be true. But 1.50 is fair IMO.

[strolch]

try a search and then you will see the swiss prices.
1.50 is ok, but 1.25 would be better...

[Zaty]

try a search and then you will see the swiss prices.
1.50 is ok, but 1.25 would be better...

Thanks, apparently albums are CHF 10 or less!

[gutenberg]

Thanks, apparently albums are CHF 10 or less!

How can I enter the swiss store??? Do you have a direct link?

Thanks for help!

[pkis]

Thanks, apparently albums are CHF 10 or less!

yeah, that's extremely cool! 10 Frs. is about 30% less than what is charged in the EU stores. I really can't believe that I'll be able to buy whole albums for 10 Fr. This whole thing is getting better and better!

Obviously the Swiss rights owners association wants to push albums sales and wants to prevent buyers from "canibalizing" (buying only the best songs from albums and leave the rest untouched). I'm really glad they're doing it this way, although I would have prefered a 1.25 price-tag for single songs, of course.

[Zaty]

How can I enter the swiss store??? Do you have a direct link?

Thanks for help!

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?artistId=878136&originStoreFront=143459

click okay twice then click on "sign on" and create an account.

[strolch]

How can I enter the swiss store??? Do you have a direct link?

Thanks for help!
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?artistId=878136&originStoreFront=143459
there are some error messages, don't care. just create a new account (on the upper right).

the swiss store is not yet ready, you will see the us-store, but you can buy tracks and the prices are in swiss francs.

[pkis]

How can I enter the swiss store??? Do you have a direct link?

Thanks for help!

there's no direct link (yet). You have to use this one:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?artistId=878137&originStoreFront=143459

and then click on "log in" - that's gonna take you through the sign-up process.

but be careful: the terms and conditions aren't online yet - I could imagine they could get pretty angry at those who got into the store without accepting the terms. That could even have legal implications.

regards,

pkis

[Zaty]

yeah, that's extremely cool! 10 Frs. is about 30% less than what is charged in the EU stores. I really can't believe that I'll be able to buy whole albums for 10 Fr. This whole thing is getting better and better!

Obviously the Swiss rights owners association wants to push albums sales and wants to prevent buyers from "canibalizing" (buying only the best songs from albums and leave the rest untouched). I'm really glad they're doing it this way, although I would have prefered a 1.25 price-tag for single songs, of course.

Seems some artists are not worth CHF 1.50 :D

[faintedlife]

Anyone else realize that iTunes Music Store hasn't been updated for today? Normally it should've been already updated, yet historically the only reasons why they don't have it already updated is for an announcement, a major announcement. Last year led to the free songs, Foo Fighters catalog, and iMix. Nevertheless the year anniversary is coming up, but that's on Thursday and I doubt they'd leave it un-updated until then.

[bcsmith]

I just did a bit of hacking, and indeed there are already the country flags online:
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_switzerland.jpg
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_denmark.jpg
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_sweden.jpg
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_australia.jpg

wohoo, iTMS on thursday, Tiger onFriday, what a weekend is coming to me... :D


Not to rain on anyone's parade, but these URL's look fishy to me. Why would Apple host them images at edgesuit.net? Everything else that they host, flows through apple.com - mass downloads excluded. This doesn't mean that the appropriate countries won't get their own store, I just think that the pics are not proof positive.

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Not to rain on anyone's parade, but these URL's look fishy to me. Why would Apple host them images at edgesuit.net? Everything else that they host, flows through apple.com - mass downloads excluded. This doesn't mean that the appropriate countries won't get their own store, I just think that the pics are not proof positive.
Well, there's a US flag there, too: http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_usa.jpg
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_usa.jpg

[pkis]

Not to rain on anyone's parade, but these URL's look fishy to me. Why would Apple host them images at edgesuit.net? Everything else that they host, flows through apple.com - mass downloads excluded. This doesn't mean that the appropriate countries won't get their own store, I just think that the pics are not proof positive.

Edgesuite belongs to AKAMAI - and AKAMAI does the caching for Apple. Plus the images for the iTMS have been hosted there ever since the first European store went online.

Apart from that: the new stores are already there if accessed through the links shown earlier on.

[strolch]

I just think that the pics are not proof positive.
i got a official welcome-email to the swiss-store, and i bought some tracks with my swiss cc in swiss francs. proof enough for me. ;)

[jobberwacky]

i got a official welcome-email to the swiss-store, and i bought some tracks with my swiss cc in swiss francs. proof enough for me. ;)
Yep, me too. Cashed my free song. Didn't manage to buy any albums though. Also, there's hardly any Swiss stuff online yet (or German songs for that matter).

[Swissfondue]

i got a official welcome-email to the swiss-store, and i bought some tracks with my swiss cc in swiss francs. proof enough for me. ;)

Same here. I think I'm going to buy "Clocks" from Coldplay to cash in my fee song sponsored by UBS.

All songs are CHF 1.50. Albums are CHF 10.00

yoohoo!!!!!

[Poff]

The funniest thing about registering now was the nice image I've attached, where I didn't agree to anything.. :D

[Zaty]

By now it's crystal clear the Australian, Norwegian and Swiss stores are operational (accessible through a back door, though) and will be officially launched sometime on Thursday. But we haven't heard form our friends in Sweden and Denmark, what's the situation with their stores?

[solaris]

The funniest thing about registering now was the nice image I've attached, where I didn't agree to anything.. :D
I agreed to the simular "iTMS Terms and Conditions" earlier today.
I even read through the who line before I clicked "Agree"! Nice... :D

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

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

[Nermal]

The funniest thing about registering now was the nice image I've attached, where I didn't agree to anything.. :D

The NZ store has the UK text there.

[Zaty]

Although I wanted to wait for the official launch, I couldn't resist and cashed in my free song :)

To my fellow Swiss MR members: Don't you think it must be a tragic day for mycokemusic.ch, directmedia.ch and the like as the Swiss iTMS probably had more visitors today :D

[Zaty]

The NZ store has the UK text there.

So the NZ store is operational, too?

[adamsen87]

The Swedish Store is also acceble through a backdoor.

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?artistId=878136&originStoreFront=143456

But VISA doesn't work yet but one guy has bought songs and has posted screenshots :D

Ps I'm from Sweden :cool:

[Nermal]

So the NZ store is operational, too?

I can get to the sign up page, but I don't have a credit card so I can't get much further. I need a prepay card :)

[Zaty]

I can get to the sign up page, but I don't have a credit card so I can't get much further. I need a prepay card :)

But at least that's a good sign. So perhaps iTMS NZ will be launched on Thursday as well.

[strolch]

Although I wanted to wait for the official launch, I couldn't resist and cashed in my free song :)

To my fellow Swiss MR members: Don't you think it must be a tragic day for mycokemusic.ch, directmedia.ch and the like as the Swiss iTMS probably had more visitors today :D
LOL

what i asked myself:
i'm using a UBS-CC. are all the other swiss users here UBS-clients too, or are ALL swiss users getting their free song aswell?

[zen]

Hmm, have Apple blocked that backdoor access? If I click on those links for the Swedish and Swiss iTMS, iTunes opens and says "The item selected is not available in the US store, but is available at the Swedish/Swiss store. Click continue to redirect to the Swedish/Swiss store." or words to that affect. I click continue, then I get an error.

What's the backdoor for the NZ store?

[HexMonkey]

Hmm, have Apple blocked that backdoor access? If I click on those links for the Swedish and Swiss iTMS, iTunes opens and says "The item selected is not available in the US store, but is available at the Swedish/Swiss store. Click continue to redirect to the Swedish/Swiss store." or words to that affect. I click continue, then I get an error.

What's the backdoor for the NZ store?

Go to http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?artistId=878136&originStoreFront=143461, which is the same as the links for the other stores except the last two digits are changed to "61". When you get the error, click the "Change Store" button, and ignore the next error. From here you can create a new account by clicking "Sign In" on the top right, and you can search the store using the built in search feature (although I don't think it has any content at the moment).

[zen]

Ah, gotcha.

Well, if there isn't an NZ iTMS, the question is - what the hell is all that doing there? The NZ store must be released this week, right?

Except there is still no NZ flag...

[sjl]

Not to rain on anyone's parade, but these URL's look fishy to me. Why would Apple host them images at edgesuit.net? Everything else that they host, flows through apple.com - mass downloads excluded. This doesn't mean that the appropriate countries won't get their own store, I just think that the pics are not proof positive.
Fine. Try this one:
http://phobos.apple.com/images/flag_switzerland.jpg
instead of this one:
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_switzerland.jpg

ie: drop the "ax." at the start, and the ".edgesuite.net" at the end. I leave it as an exercise for the reader to look at the others in a similar fashion.

You were saying? :D

[tizza]

I just created my Australian iTunes music store account. My credit card was accepted and everything.

Upon pressing "Done" in the registration section, I was taken to the US store, but have not been able to find any songs I can purchase. I am getting different errors each time:

"The Item you tried to buy is no longer available" - russel crowe single

"Purchase of this item is not currently available" - new coldplay single

"This product is not available on the Australian Store" - Black Eyed Peas single
wow this sounds like this is really actually about to happen - I have been waiting for this for SOOOOOOOO long!!!!! Bring on the 28th!! (Mind you $1.80 / track does sound a bit rich - lets hope Russell is wrong :) )

[Nermal]

People have found songs on there for $1.69.

[zen]

Still no NZ flag. Oh dear.

[Nermal]

It might be named something strange (unlikely though). I've tried newzealand, nz, nzl, new_zealand, aotearoa, nzealand and newz and haven't found it :(

[zen]

Is there any way of grabbing all the images out of that directory?

[PeterD42]

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 have mine to the Australian store

Welcome to The iTunes Music Store, the best place to preview, buy, and download music, ever. You're about to experience downloading done right! Keep this e-mail in a safe place for future reference. It includes important information about your account.

Here's all you need to get started:


If you have forgotten your password or need additional customer service, please visit http://www.apple.com/au/support/itunes/

Thanks for setting up your account!


Sincerely,


The iTunes Music Store Team
Apple Computer Australia Pty Ltd.


But the link brings up the US store!

[sjl]

It might be named something strange (unlikely though). I've tried newzealand, nz, nzl, new_zealand, aotearoa, nzealand and newz and haven't found it :(
Relax. Either NZ is there, or it isn't. If it is, you'll find out in good time. If it isn't, there's no point stressing about it; there's nothing you can do about it in any case.

I would humbly suggest, however, that if Australia is going to have access in the next week, the odds are extremely good that New Zealand will too. It's entirely possible that New Zealanders will be told to access the Australian store, and that the Australian store will accept credit cards with billing addresses in either .NZ or .AU. If that's the case, having an NZ flag would only be a nod towards NZ nationalism rather than a reflection of differing content.

Having said all of that, though, I'd be surprised if they didn't have a NZ link in the store that pointed you at the Australian store if that were the case.

We'll find out Real Soon Now, I guess.

[Nermal]

There are welcome messages for an independent NZ store, so I'm confident that it's coming. Of course, it hasn't been released yet, so we shouldn't all be stressing about having no NZ flag yet. It might turn up this week, or maybe Apple's just laying down foundations for a store which isn't going to open for another couple of months.

[barneygumble]

People have found songs on there for $1.69.

is this oz or nu zuland i hope they are this price

[J-Squire]

Songs are $1.69. I have looked through the Australian store (just using the search box). There are not many songs there, and even less actually have a price, but all songs that do are $1.69. That is not as cheap as I hoped for, but still reasonable enough to have me buying songs once it fully opens

[OziMac]

Songs are $1.69. I have looked through the Australian store (just using the search box). There are not many songs there, and even less actually have a price, but all songs that do are $1.69. That is not as cheap as I hoped for, but still reasonable enough to have me buying songs once it fully opens

Yep - just bought my first song on it for $1.69, and a gift certificate.

Not an ideal price (especially with gift certificates for multiples of $10!) or that reasonable compared to the US price (which translates to about $1.29), but not totally unreasonable.

At this price, I might occasionally buy single songs that catch my fancy, but it is not an incentive at all not to buy real hardcopy albums of my favourite artists. Great to have the option at last though...

[adam1185]

Ouch, that price is steep especially when you compare it to Canada's .99. The canadian dollar and australian dollar are almost even too!

[J-Squire]

Yep - just bought my first song on it for $1.69, and a gift certificate.

Not an ideal price (especially with gift certificates for multiples of $10!) or that reasonable compared to the US price (which translates to about $1.29), but not totally unreasonable.

At this price, I might occasionally buy single songs that catch my fancy, but it is not an incentive at all not to buy real hardcopy albums of my favourite artists. Great to have the option at last though...

I can't imagine using iTunes for single song purchases. I will probably just get the odd single song here and there from LimeWire or something. But album purchases will go through iTunes. $16 for an album is still $10 less than you would pay in a retail store (generally. yes I know some albums are $20, but still....it's cheaper), and all i do with my albums is rip them and put them on my iPod, so I have no need for the CD.

[OziMac]

Yeah - but the Australian music industry is pretty lame.

Interesting though that Apple has chosen this price point as its flat price - given that similar services (eg Bigpond Music) sell songs for between 99c to $1.89...

[OziMac]

I can't imagine using iTunes for single song purchases. I will probably just get the odd single song here and there from LimeWire or something. But album purchases will go through iTunes. $16 for an album is still $10 less than you would pay in a retail store (generally. yes I know some albums are $20, but still....it's cheaper), and all i do with my albums is rip them and put them on my iPod, so I have no need for the CD.

Yeah, that's fine and good for you - but personally, I'd much rather have the physical item with the case, cover, artwork and booklet too.

An album (well, ones made by artists that care) is still a work of art - downloading DRM'd tracks will never replace that.

And for the record, it's closer to $17, assuming 10 tracks per album. More realistically, you're looking at between $20-25 - which is okay compared to new releases that sell for between $25-30 (and even then, you don't get the physical item and its corresponding artwork), but not so good for older stuff that would seel for between $10-$20 from a record store. :)

[zen]

There are welcome messages for an independent NZ store, so I'm confident that it's coming. Of course, it hasn't been released yet, so we shouldn't all be stressing about having no NZ flag yet. It might turn up this week, or maybe Apple's just laying down foundations for a store which isn't going to open for another couple of months.
I too thought that the Australian/NZ iTMS might be combined into one, but to put them under one flag is too ridiculous. Imagine if the US and Canada had one store called United States and Canada (for example), and they just had the US flag as the icon? That seems pretty insulting - nothing to do with nationalism, it's just plain wrong.

[OziMac]

I too thought that the Australian/NZ iTMS might be combined into one, but to put them under one flag is too ridiculous. Imagine if the US and Canada had one store called United States and Canada (for example), and they just had the US flag as the icon? That seems pretty insulting - nothing to do with nationalism, it's just plain wrong.

And exchange rates - though I'd much rather pay NZD$1.69 than AUD$1.69.

Our prices are about the same as the European stores - slightly more than continental Europe and about the same as the UK. And a total joke when compared to the Canadian price, which is about AUD$1.02! :(

[J-Squire]

Yeah, that's fine and good for you - but personally, I'd much rather have the physical item with the case, cover, artwork and booklet too.

An album (well, ones made by artists that care) is still a work of art - downloading DRM'd tracks will never replace that.

And for the record, it's closer to $17, assuming 10 tracks per album. More realistically, you're looking at between $20-25 - which is okay compared to new releases that sell for between $25-30 (and even then, you don't get the physical item and its corresponding artwork), but not so good for older stuff that would seel for between $10-$20 from a record store. :)

Full albums are not priced by the number of songs on the album. You can get a 16 track album on the US store for 9.99. Albums are typically the per track rate times 10, but are not based on number of tracks, unless that number is less than 10, or greater than 16. Most albums have 10-15 tracks. So $16.99 is what we will be paying for MOST albums.

edit: I just read my post. It sounds bloody confusing.
On the US store (and european, and canadian):
1 Song: 99c
4 song EP: 3.96
10 song album: 9.99
12 song album: 9.99
14 song album: 9.99
18 song album: >9.99

[J-Squire]

woohoo! I just bought a John Mayer song!

And you have been credited by the Age as possibly the first purchaser from iTunes Australia:

http://blogs.theage.com.au/barkersbyte/archives/2005/04/itunes_is_here.html

Well done chris.
I will take solice in the knowledge that I was "one of the first" account holders.

[OziMac]

Full albums are not priced by the number of songs on the album. You can get a 16 track album on the US store for 9.99. Albums are typically the per track rate times 10, but are not based on number of tracks, unless that number is less than 10, or greater than 16. Most albums have 10-15 tracks. So $16.99 is what we will be paying for MOST albums.

edit: I just read my post. It sounds bloody confusing.
On the US store (and european, and canadian):
1 Song: 99c
4 song EP: 3.96
10 song album: 9.99
12 song album: 9.99
14 song album: 9.99
18 song album: >9.99

Cool, if that's the way it is for the Australian store then I get your point about price - but my point about value still stands :)

Also - heaps of songs / artists can now be downloaded from the 'Australian store' for $1.69, and yes, albums are indeed $16.99... looks like the back end is starting to ramp up big, awaiting the unveiling of the front end very soon... :D

[pkis]

Seems some artists are not worth CHF 1.50 :D

well, in this particular case I clearly have to agree with Apple :)

[pkis]

I agreed to the simular "iTMS Terms and Conditions" earlier today.
I even read through the who line before I clicked "Agree"! Nice... :D

That's what I'm worrying about right now (and which keeps me from already buying stuff in the store) - it's technically illegal (at least in Switzerland) to use the store without having agreed to the terms and conditions. I really don't want to be kicked by Apple because of that.

[OziMac]

That's what I'm worrying about right now (and which keeps me from already buying stuff in the store) - it's technically illegal (at least in Switzerland) to use the store without having agreed to the terms and conditions. I really don't want to be kicked by Apple because of that.

Didn't you agree to those terms by clicking 'Agree' when you signed up? :)

[pkis]

Although I wanted to wait for the official launch, I couldn't resist and cashed in my free song :)

To my fellow Swiss MR members: Don't you think it must be a tragic day for mycokemusic.ch, directmedia.ch and the like as the Swiss iTMS probably had more visitors today :D

Well, it's going to be even more tragic to see that the iTMS will be selling more songs in a week than they have sold in a year...
If they don't QUICKLY match their prices and (above all) losen their DRM restrictions, I'm predicting that most (if not all) of the existing Windows-only Swiss music stores will go belly up within the next couple of years.

[pkis]

Ouch, that price is steep especially when you compare it to Canada's .99. The canadian dollar and australian dollar are almost even too!

yeah - the prices in the Swiss store are a lot lower as well (99 Rappen for songs by unpopular artists, 1.50 for popular songs and 10 Francs for whole albums). The Swiss Franc's worth almost the same as the Candian $

[pkis]

Didn't you agree to those terms by clicking 'Agree' when you signed up? :)

I only agreed to the word "missing" :)

[Zaty]

LOL

what i asked myself:
i'm using a UBS-CC. are all the other swiss users here UBS-clients too, or are ALL swiss users getting their free song aswell?

I'm not a UBS client and got the free song, too. I'm sure it's for everyone.

[Zaty]

yeah - the prices in the Swiss store are a lot lower as well (99 Rappen for songs by unpopular artists, 1.50 for popular songs and 10 Francs for whole albums). The Swiss Franc's worth almost the same as the Candian $

It would have been too good to be true, an entire album now cots CHF 15, they must have changed prices overnight. :(

Edit:

Interestingly, most albums that were available yesterday, are not available anymore. At this time, you can only buy a few complete albums. I only hope it's not going to stay that way. But then, they're still in the process of adding songs to the store.

[pkis]

It would have been too good to be true, an entire album now cots CHF 15, they must have changed prices overnight. :(

Edit:

Interestingly, must albums, that were available yesterday, are not available anymore. At this time, you can only buy a few complete albums. I only hope it's not going to stay that way. They're still in the process of adding songs to the store.

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.

[Oddie]

Who really bloody cares what Russell Crowe says, he disbanded his band cos he wanted the work done for before he released his "solo" *cough* album.

[OziMac]

It seems they've shut down the gateway we had to purchase songs on the Australian store - now when you try to purchase a song, you get 'error 5002'. Oh well, not long to go at least :)

[Doctor Q]

Update to news story:Blogger Garry Barker reports (http://blogs.theage.com.au/barkersbyte/archives/2005/04/itunes_is_here.html) that the first track has been purchased from the Australian iTunes Music Store.
See post by ChrisH3677 and post above by J-Squire.

[aswitcher]

It seems they've shut down the gateway we had to purchase songs on the Australian store - now when you try to purchase a song, you get 'error 5002'. Oh well, not long to go at least :)


I am suprised it took this long

[OziMac]

Well, now I can't purchase any songs because 'your account has been disabled'.

Apparently, only iTMS UK Customer Service can re-enable it... interesting.

[pkis]

Well, now I can't purchase any songs because 'your account has been disabled'.

Apparently, only iTMS UK Customer Service can re-enable it... interesting.

I saw that coming - I guess they started blocking the "early adopters"

[OziMac]

I saw that coming - I guess they started blocking the "early adopters"

Yeah, fair enough, they need to lock it down for now (should have been locked down to begin with!). Here's hoping that the remaining credit on my account survives :)

[pkis]

Yeah, fair enough, they need to lock it down for now (should have been locked down to begin with!). Here's hoping that the remaining credit on my account survives :)

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

[Davito]

Not to rain on anyone's parade, but these URL's look fishy to me. Why would Apple host them images at edgesuit.net? Everything else that they host, flows through apple.com - mass downloads excluded. This doesn't mean that the appropriate countries won't get their own store, I just think that the pics are not proof positive.

Also the swiss flag looks a bit strange. Usually the bars of the cross are wider. The cross in this flag looks more like in the symbol of the 'swiss' airline.