iTMS Australia In January?

[MacRumors]

Apple Australia are holding a press conference (http://support.apple.com.au/seminars/mwsf2005/) to coincide with MWSF on January 12. Historically, Apple Australia do not hold events like these to coincide with the US Macworld conferences, the appearance of which leads to suspicions of a release of the iTunes Music Store.

[woodsey]

This is just what us Aussies have been waiting for...

Fingers crossed!

[TheMasin9]

Apple Australia are holding a press conference (http://support.apple.com.au/seminars/mwsf2005/) to coincide with MWSF on January 12. Historically, Apple Australia do not hold events like these to coincide with the US Macworld conferences, the appearance of which leads to suspicions of a release of the iTunes Music Store.

this seems logical, i would see australia and then japan soon following. yay i made top ten postings

[wwooden]

I forgot what life is like without the iTMS store...:)

and I forget there are people who don't have it.

[ojames]

This story was reported here and i read it HOURS ago, but I had to double check.

http://appleinsider.com/article.php?id=799

This posting even plagiarized a quote from the article at apple insider.

Please note your sources, Macrumors.

[weev]

That's merry news for us down under, a few other sites have already started, but this will certainly kick them for ease of use.

And the price?

99c or $1.49 is my guess

Hopefully it will carry and feature LOTS of great aussie artists, and maybe even TISM!

[trump]

as a Canadian, I feel your pain Australia...but there is a light at the end of the tunnel :D

Now I wonder if these iTMS Australia threads will be as hectic as the Canadian ones

[Sharewaredemon]

as a Canadian, I feel your pain Australia...but there is a light at the end of the tunnel :D

Now I wonder if these iTMS Australia threads will be as hectic as the Canadian ones

I was thinking the same thing myself, at least the 12th isn't during exams, so I can enjoy sitting in front of my computer refreshing the page every minute for 2 days this time.

:)

[BornAgainMac]

I am surprised Japan doesn't have one. When I think of Japan, I think of gadgets and high-tech. Australia is a surprise, I thought they had laws that made having a online music store impossible.

Slightly off topic, I wonder when it will reach 300 million downloads now that more countries are online and after a huge iPod sales quarter?

[puckhead193]

I hope u aussies get an ITMS, I love australia, one of the best places i've been to

[Mudbug]

This story was reported here and i read it HOURS ago, but I had to double check.

http://appleinsider.com/article.php?id=799

This posting even plagiarized a quote from the article at apple insider.

Please note your sources, Macrumors.

we recieved the same tip - word for word. And sometimes life stands in the way of posting things instantaneously.

[Rian]

I'm in Tucson, AZ now, but will be moving to Wollongong, Australia in February... I've been waiting for this announcement! Hopefully this way I won't have to go without my iTunes at all!! :)

[sjpetry]

I am glad to see that iTMS finally going to Australia! :D

[macridah]

I am surprised Japan doesn't have one. When I think of Japan, I think of gadgets and high-tech. Australia is a surprise, I thought they had laws that made having a online music store impossible.

Slightly off topic, I wonder when it will reach 300 million downloads now that more countries are online and after a huge iPod sales quarter?

I heard japan also has laws that are making it hard for apple. There are some quotes from apple execs that say they are trying very very very hard to work with japan. My collegues in Japan can't wait for a local version ofiTuneMusic Store--they need to put stuff in their iPod mini, which everyone has. I bet the price per song and album will be really expensive, like everything else there.

[kenaustus]

I wouldn't be surprised if there was an announcement of iTunes for the Aussies, but also an announcement of an Apple Store. Australia can initially be well covered with 7 stores in each capital city - or 5 without the NT or Hobart. Australia would also be a very good test bed for Apple in a lot of areas so it's worth the effort. Might irritate the Kiwis though . . .

[Sharewaredemon]

I am surprised Japan doesn't have one. When I think of Japan, I think of gadgets and high-tech. Australia is a surprise, I thought they had laws that made having a online music store impossible.

Not sure which iTMS canada thread it was in, but this was discussed before, and one of the main problems is the record labels, right now cds are increadibly expensive in Japan, so much so, that there is a black market for bringing them in from Korea (I think from there). Also, people rent cd's in Japan, and can legally (again not sure on this one) copy them onto minidisk, this is "encouraged" as the blank media is sold at the rental stores.

I'm sorry if anything is wrong here, I'm just posting from what I think I remembered reading in the iTMS threads.

[sunilraman]

I forgot what life is like without the iTMS store...:)
and I forget there are people who don't have it.

:rolleyes: yeah mate out here in the outback there's no bloody iTMS store :p


I'm in Tucson, AZ now, but will be moving to Wollongong, Australia in February... I've been waiting for this announcement! Hopefully this way I won't have to go without my iTunes at all!!

yeah sweet... you can still use iTMS USA if you still have your credit card but 1. now you can use your oz credit card and 2. yeah!!!! awesome finally Australia has iTunes music store !!!!!!!!!

hmm now if i didn't have so much debt on my credit card :mad: :(

[sunilraman]

I wouldn't be surprised if there was an announcement of iTunes for the Aussies, but also an announcement of an Apple Store. Australia can initially be well covered with 7 stores in each capital city - or 5 without the NT or Hobart. Australia would also be a very good test bed for Apple in a lot of areas so it's worth the effort. Might irritate the Kiwis though . . .

yeah that might be possible but i don't know how apple would swing that to integrate with the AppleCentres in Australian cities already present. Would it kinda convert those to AppleStores then open new ones?

it looks like 2005 is gonna be a big year for Apple aiming for market share growth to capitalise on PC slowdown? It has to have grand plans for australia if it is going to open apple stores.... :confused:

[sjpetry]

I hope that the iTMS Austraila is not going to be delayed like iTMS Canada.

[Daveway]

I Have A Hunch!

I think Apple, just like within the company, is trying to separate the ipod and mac. What i'm saying here is that Apple is holding "special events" like in October to release ipod and itms items. And use WWDC and MW for mac stuff. I think these "special events" may become annual like WWDC and MW. So it could be that new ipods are launched at this Australia event just as ipods were released at the U2 event. What ya think?

BTW, do you think Steve will host?

[sunilraman]

I Have A Hunch!

I think Apple, just like within the company, is trying to separate the ipod and mac. What i'm saying here is that Apple is holding "special events" like in October to release ipod and itms items. And use WWDC and MW for mac stuff. I think these "special events" may become annual like WWDC and MW. So it could be that new ipods are launched at this Australia event just as ipods were released at the U2 event. What ya think?

BTW, do you think Steve will host?

This is an interesting proposition.

By my calculations, 12 Jan Sydney 3.30pm is 8.30PM in San Francisco on the 2nd day of Macworld SF 2005.

That is, probably a videoconference hookup if they're gonna set something up at the Sydney Westin. So some Apple dudes/dudettes in San Francisco,in the evening after their 2nd day at the conference, will probably announce that Sanity and HMV will be going out of business in Oz :eek:

I guess that Steve will make a video appearance if its a major kinda Asia-Pacific-related announcement.



____________________________
Oh, by the way, email me for the
Secret Of Existence :cool:

[sunilraman]

Apple Australia are holding a press conference (http://support.apple.com.au/seminars/mwsf2005/) to coincide with MWSF on January 12. Historically, Apple Australia do not hold events like these to coincide with the US Macworld conferences, the appearance of which leads to suspicions of a release of the iTunes Music Store.

Okay, unless i am WAY off, AppleInsider's post is somewhat incorrect because 3.30PM sydney time is 8.30PM on the 2ND day of Macworld SF. That is, it will be almost 12 hours after steve gives his keynote that the Sydney Westin event will be on, not "just hours after".... ;)

[mac15]

I can't wait for it, there has been speculation for months. I'd got my hopes up when Unwired CEO said something was 'coming' soon. But that seems to have fallen through (merely pushed back?)

I've registered for the event, I've never been to an Apple related event like it so it should be awesome.

[devman]

This story was reported here and i read it HOURS ago, but I had to double check.

http://appleinsider.com/article.php?id=799

This posting even plagiarized a quote from the article at apple insider.

Please note your sources, Macrumors.

Tell appleinsider the same thing then...

Original speculation here (http://homepage.mac.com/lesposen/blogwavestudio/LH20040820224513/LHA20041226154637/index.html#)

[sunilraman]

I can't wait for it, there has been speculation for months. I'd got my hopes up when Unwired CEO said something was 'coming' soon. But that seems to have fallen through (merely pushed back?)

I've registered for the event, I've never been to an Apple related event like it so it should be awesome.

Wish I could be there... I bailed Sydney and am living with my parents in KL at the moment.. long story :(

(No, I am not wanted by the cops) ;)

What did the Unwired CEO say exactly? What does Unwired have to do with this? :confused:
(PS. i tried it and somehow the signal in Boyce street just off glebe point road in glebe does not quite work... :( )

I am absolutely bloody loving it that Oz rumor kids are starting to Represent! on these forums.... yeahhhhh our 15mins of fame (well, 15 days or so....)

[mj_1903]

Whenever it arrives, it will be warmly received. I have promised my employees 100 free songs of their choice a month once it comes out so Apple have a guaranteed $1k a year there.

[lduncan]

Hopefully they do New Zealand at the same time.

Layton

[Nermal]

Yeah, I hope so too. Most of the record companies over here seem to have the rights for both AU and NZ, so hopefully Apple will be able to release iTMS in both countries simultaneously.

[acceber]

I hope u aussies get an ITMS, I love australia, one of the best places i've been to

Wow, that's really nice. :)

An iTMS store here in Australia would be nice, there had better not be any laws prohibiting downloading music off it. It's "legal" downloading since we pay for it, isn't it?

[neilrobinson]

Whenever it arrives, it will be warmly received. I have promised my employees 100 free songs of their choice a month once it comes out so Apple have a guaranteed $1k a year there.

hmmm, i like that idea! :cool: would be good for in incentive thingy, overtime ect. might have to convince my boss now.

[swissmann]

I hope that the iTMS Austraila is not going to be delayed like iTMS Canada.

I second that. I got sick of all the update rumors about it.

[Abstract]

I'm in Tucson, AZ now, but will be moving to Wollongong, Australia in February... I've been waiting for this announcement! Hopefully this way I won't have to go without my iTunes at all!! :)

So will I.....for the 2nd time!! Going in February. Just back for the holidays right now. The 'Gong, baby!

And there's no way Oz will get lucky like Canada and get songs at $0.99 AUD per song. No way. Even though the currency conversion is the same, CDs simply cost much more in Australia. The price will reflect their economy, and since most things are more expensive there than in Canada, I think each song will cost $1.50.

[broken_keyboard]

They are saving the announcement of new iTMS for MWSF?
I wonder if it is a sign that Steve doesn't have much new stuff to show?

[J-Squire]

I can't wait. Been looking forward to this for ages. I have been surviving on gift vouchers from family and friends in the U.S until now. I think I will probably have a bit of money by then to let loose on iTunes

Please be true. I couldnt imagine what else it could be. Apple australia never does anything like this. at all

[fatbarstard]

Well this sort of news will ceratinly eclispe anything to do with Tiger in Aust and NZ for the next two weeks... :D

Of course this could be just an announcement with the go live date later....

[mr Flibble]

I forgot what life is like without the iTMS store...:)

and I forget there are people who don't have it.

Ooops, you have to be american, right? Not only more than 90% of this planet doesn't have iTMS, even a lot of European countries can't access iTMS (and there are countries with more citizens than Australia, Poland for example). Anyway, the truth is that in Europe Apple is not too much popular anyway because their products are way too overpriced there (in some countries it is about 120-130% of US prices). It seems like Apple use some strange rate of exchange when 1$ = 1.3EUR. Unfortunately Apple doesn't care about their current and potential european customers and their feelings. Unfortunatelly in Europe price matters..

[JFreak]

It seems like Apple use some strange rate of exchange when 1$ = 1.3EUR.

actually, it's the other way around. you get 1.35 dollars for one euro, currently.

[oingoboingo]

Australia is a surprise, I thought they had laws that made having a online music store impossible.


There are already a number of completely legal online music stores in Australia. A company called Destra (www.destra.com.au) is often the back-end music provider, with other sites like Telstra and ninemsn rebranding the service as their own. iTunes Music Store .au is late to the party...by a long shot.

[sunilraman]

There are already a number of completely legal online music stores in Australia. A company called Destra (www.destra.com.au) is often the back-end music provider, with other sites like Telstra and ninemsn rebranding the service as their own. iTunes Music Store .au is late to the party...by a long shot.

yeah but i've never liked Telstra or ninemsn websites or services... too much rubbish swimming around :)

even Hoyts /ninemsn cinema website is a little not so hotly coded at some parts :p
...but i am biased because i freelanced at greaterUnion website for a month and a half :cool:

you could almost say that the iPod was way late in the game but somehow they are owning the market....

[sunilraman]

Whenever it arrives, it will be warmly received. I have promised my employees 100 free songs of their choice a month once it comes out so Apple have a guaranteed $1k a year there.

dude, that is way cool :)

nice website, ipodRip is awesome... i just found out y'all are mostly in sydney

do you all go to MacWorld or WWDC normally :)

[Jaz]

about bloody time is all i can say!

:)

[Botox]

[QUOTE=BornAgainMac]I am surprised Japan doesn't have one. When I think of Japan, I think of gadgets and high-tech. Australia is a surprise, I thought they had laws that made having a online music store impossible.

Wrong! In fact we do have a number of dreadful on-line music stores here. None even come close to iTunes though. We do, however, have fairly draconian copyrite laws that prohibit the copying of music in any way. Technically, it is not legal in this country to even copy one of your own CDs into iTunes. Obviously, laws such as this are virtually impossible to enforce and need to be changed in order to become more realistic. These laws simply haven't kept up with technology.

Anyway, here's hoping that iTunes Australia is on the way, and that we can start buying tunes from our own store istead of just enviously browsing the US store!

[aswitcher]

The only thing that sux about this is that I am in the UK on holiday and wont be back for that date! Damn. Apple Aus finally do a Sydney event and I am on the other side of the world.

[the dairy giant]

I'm another one hoping it makes it to New Zealand at the same time.

If it doesn't, I expect we'll get it a bit later, about the same time as Outer Mongolia.

Actually there are official trade agreements between our 2 countries (the CER agreement), I wonder if that would make it more likely... every bit of wishful thinking helps :)

[ChrisH3677]

Tell appleinsider the same thing then...

Original speculation here (http://homepage.mac.com/lesposen/blogwavestudio/LH20040820224513/LHA20041226154637/index.html#)

Actually, MacRumors had this story before almost everyone - on 24 December. They just didn't run with it then.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=102161

I picked it up from AppleTalk Australia (www.appletalk.com.au) who had a direct link to the Apple signup.

I didn't submit it as news because I thought it was too speculative - so I was just garnering opinions. And I figured if MacRumors thought it newsworthy, they would have run with it. So maybe initially they didn't - altho Xmas did get in the road a bit!

Next time I'll know better!

:)

[ChrisH3677]

Now, sadly I'll have to put on my cynical mask. Despite the conversion rate being only 1.31, I fear Apple Australia will find a "justification" for making it at least 1.5

$1.29 per song would be a miracle. Anything less than $1.49 will be a amazing. But I expect more like $1.79, even $1.99

.Mac is $158 so maybe it'll be "only" $1.59 per song.

I hope they surprise me though.

[Diatribe]

actually, it's the other way around. you get 1.35 dollars for one euro, currently.

That's why he said strange exchange rate... ;)

[Sabenth]

So let me get this right aus gets iTunes and a specil anoncment ie jobs waving up an oz flag and going yep those ausies get a music store that puts bigpond to shame HAHAHAHA ...

finaly so ill have to stores to choose from when iam on either side of the world yaya

[wrldwzrd89]

Now, sadly I'll have to put on my cynical mask. Despite the conversion rate being only 1.31, I fear Apple Australia will find a "justification" for making it at least 1.5

$1.29 per song would be a miracle. Anything less than $1.49 will be a amazing. But I expect more like $1.79, even $1.99

.Mac is $158 so maybe it'll be "only" $1.59 per song.

I hope they surprise me though.
My guess would be AUD $1.49 per song on the pricing. I think Australia and New Zealand both need the iTMS to be available there, and it's about time Apple worked something out with the local music authorities.

[mj_1903]

An iTMS store here in Australia would be nice, there had better not be any laws prohibiting downloading music off it. It's "legal" downloading since we pay for it, isn't it?

It's legal if the song stays in its original purchased format. CD to AAC is a no no, AAC to AAC on iPod is fine. Silly laws.

do you all go to MacWorld or WWDC normally :)

Not this coming year. We are looking forward to providing the Mac community with some great apps and once we have earned our keep, we will definitely join in the parties and hopefully become a regular like Panic.

[mj_1903]

Now, sadly I'll have to put on my cynical mask. Despite the conversion rate being only 1.31, I fear Apple Australia will find a "justification" for making it at least 1.5

$1.29 per song would be a miracle. Anything less than $1.49 will be a amazing. But I expect more like $1.79, even $1.99

.Mac is $158 so maybe it'll be "only" $1.59 per song.

I hope they surprise me though.

I am sure Apple will go for a nice round figure that is cheap enough to pull users. Apple Australia will have no part in that, only Apple US as that is where all the iTMS strings are pulled. My bet is $0.99 much as it is with the US and Europe.

[ryanw]

I'm in Tucson, AZ now, but will be moving to Wollongong, Australia in February... I've been waiting for this announcement! Hopefully this way I won't have to go without my iTunes at all!! :)

From what i understand, you can buy from any store you have a credit card for. So if you have a US VISA card, you can buy from the US store no matter what country you're in. And that goes the same for any of the stores available.

Am I right here??

[~Shard~]

From what i understand, you can buy from any store you have a credit card for. So if you have a US VISA card, you can buy from the US store no matter what country you're in. And that goes the same for any of the stores available.

Am I right here??

That's my understanding as well. On the flip side of this, I tried ordering my brother (who lives in NY) an iTMS GC for Christmas, however since I am in Canada, and only have access to the Canadian iTMS, I couldn't do it!

[~Shard~]

This is great news for all of our friends in Oz! You guys deserve it, so let's hope this rumor is true! I find is suspicious that Apple Oz would coincide an announcement with MWSF, so I'm thinking there's a pretty good chance of this coming to be. And, if Jobs is going to make a point during his keynote to introduce iTMS Oz, then why not announce a few more as it is, like a couple in Asia or something?

Definitely looking forward to MWSF... :cool:

[msilsby]

I am surprised Japan doesn't have one. When I think of Japan, I think of gadgets and high-tech. Australia is a surprise, I thought they had laws that made having a online music store impossible.

It isn't illegal to have a digital copy, however it is illegal to change to format, i.e. from cd to digital/casette. Bastards. So you can buy a cd, but according to the law, all you actually own is the plastic, and the right to listen to the music on that said plastic. (but not in a public place, on oil rigs, etc.).

As for iTunes AU, BRING IT ON!!!

[Abstract]

That's my understanding as well. On the flip side of this, I tried ordering my brother (who lives in NY) an iTMS GC for Christmas, however since I am in Canada, and only have access to the Canadian iTMS, I couldn't do it!

No, you can access the US iTMS from Canada. I've entered the UK iTMS before as well.

[JoePike]

Queue up 100,000 songs featuring a didgeridoo!

-Piker

[rog]

No offense to Aussies, but why would Apple even bother? It's an incredibly small market. The population of the entire country is only that of a good size US state, and it's something like half the population of California. I just can't imagine that Apple will ever recoup the investment to set up specific stores, license agreements, etc. for such small countries.

[~Shard~]

No offense to Aussies, but why would Apple even bother? It's an incredibly small market. The population of the entire country is only that of a good size US state, and it's something like half the population of California. I just can't imagine that Apple will ever recoup the investment to set up specific stores, license agreements, etc. for such small countries.

The population of Australia is roughly 20 million people, I think (I could be horribly wrong), so a launch of iTMS by Apple there wouldn't be unheard of - look at some of the European countires it launched in - or Canada too - our population is not much over 30 million, which is still smaller than California... ;)

Regardless, I definitely wouldn't say that it's an "incredibly small market".

[~Shard~]

No, you can access the US iTMS from Canada. I've entered the UK iTMS before as well.

You can enter, but you cannot order from it. I cannot order a US iTMS GC witha non-US credit card - I even phoned Apple directly and they informed me there was no way to do what I was wanting to do. No worries though, I just sent him a money order... ;)

[trailblazer]

itunes music store!
wonderful.
Rian: i live in wollongong, beautiful place to live ;)

[deejemon]

*

[appleguy]

Yeah, I hope so too. Most of the record companies over here seem to have the rights for both AU and NZ, so hopefully Apple will be able to release iTMS in both countries simultaneously.

In Apple's eyes NZ is an State of Australia.. sad but true
Will speak to my contacts and see

[appleguy]

iTunes now greets Australian users who attempt to access the iTunes Music Store with the "yet" version of the "not available" message ("The iTunes Music Store is not available in your country yet."). With previous localisations, the message has changed prior to the roll-out. eg:

http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/10/20041025123347.shtml

I have been getting that from Day 1 of iTMS

[feeze]

In Apple's eyes NZ is an State of Australia.. sad but true
Will speak to my contacts and see

That's rather funny as according to the Australian Constitution (http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/general/constitution/preamble.htm)

6. "The Commonwealth" shall mean the Commonwealth of Australia as established under this Act.


"The States" shall mean such of the colonies of New South Wales, New Zealand, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia, and South Australia, including the northern territory of South Australia, as for the time being are parts of the Commonwealth, and such colonies or territories as may be admitted into or established by the Commonwealth as States; and each of such parts of the Commonwealth shall be called "a State".

Strange I have no idea what that's all about. :confused:


edit: oh yeah I really hope we get an iTMS here, also I hope it will be $0.99, though I highly doubt it.

[MyLeftNut]

You little beauty!!

I thought we would never get it....I really hope they can include the Kiwis as well, that'll help out the market numbers a bit...

I have to say though, it would be great to have at least one Apple store, although it'll have to be in Sydney. I could see Steve doing an opening on the harbour under the bridge or whatever...*sniff*.

One day, Melbourne, one day...

[appleguy]

That's rather funny as according to the Australian Constitution (http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/general/constitution/preamble.htm)



Strange I have no idea what that's all about. :confused:


edit: oh yeah I really hope we get an iTMS here, also I hope it will be $0.99, though I highly doubt it.
Its funny as it does talk about that Australia may create a new state, that resides the the state of NSW but may not me more than 100 miles of Sydney.. hmmmm could that be ACT?? this was written in 1900.
and I rest my case. Aussies are trying to claim everything from NZ.. Parts of the South Island :p and even Russell Crowe (although you can have Rus)

[mac15]

I am absolutely bloody loving it that Oz rumor kids are starting to Represent! on these forums.... yeahhhhh our 15mins of fame (well, 15 days or so....)

I'm old skool on these boards dude, been here since 01 :)

[appleguy]

You little beauty!!

I thought we would never get it....I really hope they can include the Kiwis as well, that'll help out the market numbers a bit...

I have to say though, it would be great to have at least one Apple store, although it'll have to be in Sydney. I could see Steve doing an opening on the harbour under the bridge or whatever...*sniff*.

One day, Melbourne, one day...
The day Melbourne gets an Apple Store I will apply for a job there. Melbourne is the only city I like of Australia.... Wait a minute isnt NZ part of Aust now?? lol

[mac15]

No offense to Aussies, but why would Apple even bother? It's an incredibly small market. The population of the entire country is only that of a good size US state, and it's something like half the population of California. I just can't imagine that Apple will ever recoup the investment to set up specific stores, license agreements, etc. for such small countries.

In a way I totally agree with you, Apple Australia sells about the same amount of Macs that the San Fransisco Bay area sells a year. But there is still a need for a good Music store here and we'll we are iPod crazy down here. So with the growing number of itunes users it's only logical to open up the store.

In Australia ripping your music off a CD and placing it onto an digital music player like the iPod is illegal. So technically down here nobody should be able to use the iPod legally.

I'm all for it, I plan to use the store all the time. :)

[ChrisH3677]

No offense to Aussies, but why would Apple even bother? It's an incredibly small market. The population of the entire country is only that of a good size US state, and it's something like half the population of California. I just can't imagine that Apple will ever recoup the investment to set up specific stores, license agreements, etc. for such small countries.

But you could apply that logic to anything. Why bother selling anything in a small market? 20 million is 20 million. But the point you make is one reason Apple could charge more for songs.

[ChrisH3677]

You little beauty!!

I thought we would never get it....I really hope they can include the Kiwis as well, that'll help out the market numbers a bit...

I have to say though, it would be great to have at least one Apple store, although it'll have to be in Sydney. I could see Steve doing an opening on the harbour under the bridge or whatever...*sniff*.

One day, Melbourne, one day...

Oh geez! Maybe you're onto something. Maybe they're just going to announce an Apple Store in Oz.

edit: And maybe this supports it: Apple retail initiative just getting started (http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=800)

[timster]

The day Melbourne gets an Apple Store I will apply for a job there. Melbourne is the only city I like of Australia....

Why's that? Isn't Sydney okay too?

[appleguy]

Why's that? Isn't Sydney okay too?
Lets see Sydney is big everyhting is spread out, Plus when I was in Sydney for 3 weeks it done nothing but rain entire time I was there.And temps of about 30 so I was sweeting like a pig. (do pigs sweet :confused:)
Any lets see it (itms) come to us down here

[ekullhu]

That's rather funny as according to the Australian Constitution (http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/general/constitution/preamble.htm)

6. "The Commonwealth" shall mean the Commonwealth of Australia as established under this Act.


"The States" shall mean such of the colonies of New South Wales, New Zealand, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia, and South Australia, including the northern territory of South Australia, as for the time being are parts of the Commonwealth, and such colonies or territories as may be admitted into or established by the Commonwealth as States; and each of such parts of the Commonwealth shall be called "a State".

Strange I have no idea what that's all about. :confused:


also note

"3. It shall be lawful for the Queen, with the advice of the Privy Council, to declare by proclamation that, on and after a day therein appointed, not being later that one year after the passing of this Act, the people of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and Tasmania, and also, if Her Majesty is satisfied that the people of Western Australia have agreed thereto, of Western Australia, shall be united in a Federal Commonwealth under the name of the Commonwealth of Australia."


The original set of states were NSW, VIC, SA, QLD and TAS with WA pending at the time of the writing of this constitution. Point 6 that you quoted mentions all commonwealth colonies that can join the commonwealth of Australia as states, "such colonies or territories as may be admitted into or established by the Commonwealth as States". Note that the Northern Terriroy is also named along with New Zealand, though to this day it is still not a state. I believe they had a vote (possibly a few elections ago) on the question of whether or not they wanted to become a state and they voted to remain a terriroty.

Also, New Zealand it self was initially part of New South Wales at one point, though well before federation of Aus

oh yeah, go iTMS for Aus and hopefully NZ.

[748s]

No offense to Aussies, but why would Apple even bother? It's an incredibly small market. The population of the entire country is only that of a good size US state, and it's something like half the population of California. I just can't imagine that Apple will ever recoup the investment to set up specific stores, license agreements, etc. for such small countries.

why ignore a market that is in the top ten music buying countries? ahead of other markets with 3, 4, 5 times the population. the only question to ask is "why did it take so long?"

[Nermal]

NZ currently has an online music store, Digirama. Apparently Apple refused to licence Fairplay to them. To me, that looks like a good sign that Apple intends to release iTunes here (why else wouldn't they want people buying from a competitor?)

[feeze]

also note

"3. It shall be lawful for the Queen, with the advice of the Privy Council, to declare by proclamation that, on and after a day therein appointed, not being later that one year after the passing of this Act, the people of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and Tasmania, and also, if Her Majesty is satisfied that the people of Western Australia have agreed thereto, of Western Australia, shall be united in a Federal Commonwealth under the name of the Commonwealth of Australia."


The original set of states were NSW, VIC, SA, QLD and TAS with WA pending at the time of the writing of this constitution. Point 6 that you quoted mentions all commonwealth colonies that can join the commonwealth of Australia as states, "such colonies or territories as may be admitted into or established by the Commonwealth as States". Note that the Northern Terriroy is also named along with New Zealand, though to this day it is still not a state. I believe they had a vote (possibly a few elections ago) on the question of whether or not they wanted to become a state and they voted to remain a terriroty.

Also, New Zealand it self was initially part of New South Wales at one point, though well before federation of Aus

oh yeah, go iTMS for Aus and hopefully NZ.

cool thanks for clearing that up, obviously I am not a law student. :p

[Wardofsky]

Man I hope this happens, I'm tired of using Acquisition :p

[sluthy]

Finally, I've been aching to buy the Finn Brothers album, but the retail version has EMI's CopyControl on it (no thanks) and the only other online shop I can find that has it is AllOfMP3.com (which has had it's fair share of discussion already on these boards).

So do you guys think I should:

a. Download CD off AllOfMP3.com now (non-DRM CD quality for dirt cheap, but legality iffy, apparently it's okay in Australia :confused: )

or

b. Wait for iTMS (legal, but not too certain about quality and/or price, plus DRM)

PS. The law regarding music right now in Australia sucks, using iPods for music whatsoever is technically illegal (buy music for one media only - sorry Mr. Speck, don't buy that :mad: )

[shabbasuraj]

I bet it will actually be released the day it is supposed to be released.

' ... a la.. the CDN experience....'

[deejemon]

*

[WebHead]

Hate to be a wet blanket, but this is more likely to be simply a briefing for local journalists on new product announcements from Macworld. There's been at least one similar media event held by Apple Australia in the past, and it was at the same hotel.

Apple Australia isn't taking its usual contingent of journalists to Macworld this time, so this is probably its way of making up for it.

Also, aren't iTMS announcements normally made at a dedicated media event, not clashing with Macworld?

I spoke to Apple Australia's software manager just before Christmas and he left me with the impression we wouldn't be hearing about the iTMS anytime soon.

That said, I hope I'm wrong!

[cb911]

well, i'll just keep hoping i guess...

would be nice to live in Sydney i guess, i'd be going to that event for sure... :D

[748s]

Hate to be a wet blanket, but this is more likely to be simply a briefing for local journalists on new product announcements from Macworld. There's been at least one similar media event held by Apple Australia in the past, and it was at the same hotel.

they usually like to keep these things for journalists only.
this one appears to be open to anyone.
an apple employee would tell you black is white if his/her job depended on it.
probably will be a replay of the keynote and the new stuff there to use.
iPods have reached critical mass here so iTMS is due.
we will only know for sure on the 12th.

[Lz0]

I'm in Tucson, AZ now, but will be moving to Wollongong, Australia in February... I've been waiting for this announcement! Hopefully this way I won't have to go without my iTunes at all!! :)

I don't know what Tucson is like but try not to shoot yourself in the head when you get to Wollongong.

[autopilot]

has anyone checked the back doors of itunes to see if there's a little australian flag icon? that's what got all the canadians wound up about the imminent opening of the canada itms.

also, i bet they will try hard to have songs for $0.99 australian. why not? they did it in canada. the way they have billing set up is that you must have a credit card (and billing address) in the country of the itms from which you want to purchase. so, it's nearly impossible to cross-border shop. it's not like other countries can take advantage of canada's (and likely australia's, imho) lower song prices, so it would only help apple by encouraging more sales in that country.

weren't some people predicting $1.29-$1.49 for the canada itms? :rolleyes:

good luck, aussies. i'm part kiwi myself, so i hope nz gets included too :)

[trailblazer]

LZO: what's wrong with wollongong?
missing the shooting yourself in the head joke /me thinks.

[broken_keyboard]

has anyone checked the back doors of itunes to see if there's a little australian flag icon? that's what got all the canadians wound up about the imminent opening of the canada itms.

This is the link you are talking about:
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_canada.jpg

If you change the country name to australia there is a 404 error, so I guess maybe there is no iTMS coming. The press conference must be to introduce the headless Mac.

[lukeyd]

This is the link you are talking about:
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_canada.jpg

If you change the country name to australia there is a 404 error, so I guess maybe there is no iTMS coming. The press conference must be to introduce the headless Mac.

Case in point:
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_ireland.jpg and
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_italy.jpg

*hopes they are just keeping a tight lid on things*

- LukeyD

[Yvan256]

My collegues in Japan can't wait for a local version ofiTuneMusic Store--they need to put stuff in their iPod mini, which everyone has.

They can't rip CDs in Japan?

[aswitcher]

So who is going to the Sydney Apple meeting - and reporting back here right away?

[~Shard~]

So who is going to the Sydney Apple meeting - and reporting back here right away?

Hmm, it would make sense for it to be someone currently in Sydney... hmm... oh, how about you! ;)

[aussie_geek]

I can't wait for it, there has been speculation for months. I'd got my hopes up when Unwired CEO said something was 'coming' soon. But that seems to have fallen through (merely pushed back?)

I've registered for the event, I've never been to an Apple related event like it so it should be awesome.

Here is an article on the Unwired / Apple (http://australianit.news.com.au/articles/0,7204,10594488%5E15382%5E%5Enbv%5E,00.html) thingy that is going on...

aussie_geek

[OziMac]

So who is going to the Sydney Apple meeting - and reporting back here right away?

Well, given that it's summer and consequently very holidayish and not-so-busy, I might be considering heading over to Avalon to grab a cheap flight to Sydney for the day... maybe... :)

[t-man]

Call me a cynic, but I'd be very cautious about getting too excited over Oz iTMS rumours.

It's perfectly feasible that the "Macworld Event" at the Sydney Westin is just a local rehash of the MWSF keynote, with an Apple Australia rep in place of Steve. This wouldn't be unprecedented, and might just be Apple increasing its PR efforts here. If rumours of a headless iMac and new iWork suite are true, these would be sufficient reason to hold an event.

I don't have any specific inside info one way or another, but I'm afraid my level of faith in Apple Australia, along with my perception of Apple US interest in markets outside of North America, lead me to be pessimistic about an iTMS here any time soon. I can foresee Telstra, Virgin, HMV, Microsoft and any other number of competitors getting their act together long before Apple Oz does.

In a couple of weeks we'll know whether I'm the doomsayer or the voice of reason :)

BTW, I am planning to go to the Westin on the 12th, and am happy to report back here afterwards.

[JRM]

Now all Apple have to do is realise that the Aussie dollar has risen to 78c and subsequently for a US$2999 Dual 2.5 we should only be paying AU$3900 not $5299 like we are!

It's the same with everything.

You guys in America think that Apple is expensive, you should come out here we we have to pay a 35% premium on the stuff.

Jobbs it's time to drop the prices buddy, especially as I need a new Powerbook soon.

[GregA]

The original set of states were NSW, VIC, SA, QLD and TAS with WA pending at the time of the writing of this constitution. Point 6 that you quoted mentions all commonwealth colonies that can join the commonwealth of Australia as states, "such colonies or territories as may be admitted into or established by the Commonwealth as States".When Australia was formed in 1901, NZ was not part of it. When it was attempted 20 years earlier, NZ was a part, but Victoria didn't sign on, and the whole thing fell through.Hate to be a wet blanket, but this is more likely to be simply a briefing for local journalists on new product announcements from Macworld. There's been at least one similar media event held by Apple Australia in the past, and it was at the same hotel.Triple M (the Sydney radio station) is doing a '2005 best songs ever' countdown, At the rate they're going they'll finish a week into January.

They are also offering prizes of an iPod with all 2005 songs preloaded. To do that, they must have a legal way of putting the songs on... So I'm leaning towards this rumour being real :)

[doogle]

Well, given that it's summer and consequently very holidayish and not-so-busy, I might be considering heading over to Avalon to grab a cheap flight to Sydney for the day... maybe... :)

Save your money or give it to the Tsunami victims.
<cynicism>Apple Australia will be the last to know about the launch of iTMS - they will be as much surprised by it as you and I..</cynicism>

[sunilraman]

Now all Apple have to do is realise that the Aussie dollar has risen to 78c and subsequently for a US$2999 Dual 2.5 we should only be paying AU$3900 not $5299 like we are!

It's the same with everything.

You guys in America think that Apple is expensive, you should come out here we we have to pay a 35% premium on the stuff.

Jobbs it's time to drop the prices buddy, especially as I need a new Powerbook soon.

:eek:
i will attempt a thread crossover. at this event in sydney steve will come on the videolink and announce that the new headless Mac ($599 us) will be available in australia 3 weeks before anyone else at aud$699

...must...stop...reading....macrumors...appleinsider....

[sunilraman]

Here is an article on the Unwired / Apple (http://australianit.news.com.au/articles/0,7204,10594488%5E15382%5E%5Enbv%5E,00.html) thingy that is going on...

aussie_geek

hmmm... bundling iTunes music with UnWired service packages ?? to face off iBurst competition... or something else? ..my lateral thinking has just jammed.. :confused:

[Doctor Q]

They are also offering prizes of an iPod with all 2005 songs preloaded. To do that, they must have a legal way of putting the songs on... So I'm leaning towards this rumour being real :)They might just pay the royalties on each song, buy the CDs to supply with the iPod, or buy the CDs and throw them out. I doubt Apple would let the radio station know about a not-yet-announced service and let them use that knowledge for a publicized giveaway.

GregA: Why don't you call them and ask?

[GregA]

Why don't you call them and ask?I have learned a little more, I just signed up with them and put in a few entries for the iPod.
TripleM Freq website.

ESSENTIAL 2005 IPOD
the countdown is on...
One lucky Freq will be walking away with the Essential 2005 iPod Pack! The Essential 2005 Countdown iPod includes a 40GB iPod and $350 to spend on music downloads... you can walk away with your very own countdown on you iPod.And in the fine print:
TripleM Freq website fineprint.
Prize includes;
- 1 x 40GB Apple Ipod M9268X/A valued at RRP $649
- $350 cash to be used for music downloads awarded in the form of a chequeSo the prize is a $350 cheque plus an iPod. Hopefully there will be a music service at that time to download to the iPod from.

Ah well we will see.

[OziMac]

Save your money or give it to the Tsunami victims.
<cynicism>Apple Australia will be the last to know about the launch of iTMS - they will be as much surprised by it as you and I..</cynicism>

Think I'll be donating more than $70 to the Tsunami relief funds. But I couldn't agree more with your cynicism :)

[winmacguy]

I wouldn't be surprised if there was an announcement of iTunes for the Aussies, but also an announcement of an Apple Store. Australia can initially be well covered with 7 stores in each capital city - or 5 without the NT or Hobart. Australia would also be a very good test bed for Apple in a lot of areas so it's worth the effort. Might irritate the Kiwis though . . .

We are actually very close to the Aussies with regards to our music licencing arrangements so i would imagine that if iTMS took off in OZ that it would be over here shortly afterwards. NZ actually has its first legal download site curently operating but it is not iPod compatible.
http://www.digirama.co.nz/

[aswitcher]

Hmm, it would make sense for it to be someone currently in Sydney... hmm... oh, how about you! ;)

I'll be in "merry old England" until the 15th...

[tizza]

Queue up 100,000 songs featuring a didgeridoo!

-Piker
Crickey, even as an Aussie I'd be hard pressed listening to more then a few didgeridoo songs! Believe it or not we even got electricity installed down here in Australia last year, so now we get the full music range! :)

[oingoboingo]

Lets see Sydney is big everyhting is spread out, Plus when I was in Sydney for 3 weeks it done nothing but rain entire time I was there.And temps of about 30 so I was sweeting like a pig. (do pigs sweet :confused:)
Any lets see it (itms) come to us down here

Well you'll like Sydney now. We're in the middle of a huge drought with no end in sight, broad water usage restrictions in force, and record low dam levels. Not a whole lot of trouble with excess rain :)

[DJY]

mmm could it actually be possible???

Fingers crossed!!!
And can't wait for the announcement!

[aussie_geek]

Now, sadly I'll have to put on my cynical mask. Despite the conversion rate being only 1.31, I fear Apple Australia will find a "justification" for making it at least 1.5

$1.29 per song would be a miracle. Anything less than $1.49 will be a amazing. But I expect more like $1.79, even $1.99

.Mac is $158 so maybe it'll be "only" $1.59 per song.

I hope they surprise me though.

After looking at Telstra's music download prices - -$1.89 per song, Apple will be definately under that - -I am thinking $1.49 each or maybe less. For Apple to have an impact they have to beat the providors here in Australia and make the buyer here feell like they are getting a bargain.

Even if they lose a little money here in Australia I am sure that the otherseas stores will pick it up...

aussie_geek

[aussie_geek]

hmmm... bundling iTunes music with UnWired service packages ?? to face off iBurst competition... or something else? ..my lateral thinking has just jammed.. :confused:

Maybe they are thinking of an 'Apple ISP'. Just plug a PC card in your PowerBook slot (finally a good thing to shove in there :D), and off you go - surf the net wherever you want and download songs at a reduced rate or something.

On the other hand it could be something to do with an Apple Phone....

"Mobile penetration rate is the number of mobile phone services per 100 people. Australia’s mobile penetration rate grew from 64 per cent in 2001-02 to be 72 per cent in 2002-03 and is forecast to be around 80 per cent in 2004. Currently, Australia is ranked equal 20th in terms of per capita mobiles." - From this article (http://www.amta.org.au/amta/site/amta/downloads/pdfs_2004/AMTA%20Final%20Exec%20Sum.pdf) (page 3)

aussie_geek

[~Shard~]

Well you'll like Sydney now. We're in the middle of a huge drought with no end in sight, broad water usage restrictions in force, and record low dam levels. Not a whole lot of trouble with excess rain :)

Sounds like when I was there 2 years ago and Sydney has those terrible brush fires. There was smoke everywhere, like a low-lying fog, and flying from Sydney to Darwin I could see huge pillars of smoke off in the distance. It was dry, hot, and there wans't enough water around. I hope it doesn't get too bad for ya!

[Xenex]

From: webmaster@apple.com.au
Subject: [APPLE] - Macworld Briefing
Date: 5 January 2005 4:13:25 PM
To: xenex@[snip]
Reply-To: webmaster@apple.com.au

Thank you for your interest in this event.


Please note that the Macworld 2005 local Sydney event is for our
business partners only. Please accept our apologies for any confusion.
Following this event our business partners will be able to answer all
of your questions in relation to the Macworld conference. If you are
interested in finding out more information about Apple products then
please visit an Apple Authorised Reseller, call 133 622 or visit
www.apple.com.au The Macworld keynote presentation will be available
on the Apple web site shortly after the opening of the Macworld
conference in San Francisco.

[cazlar]

Thank you for your interest in this event.


I got one too. Oh well...

[DJY]

Mmm thought it might be too good to be true!

So I gather from the reading of that Apple response... it isn't likely to be Oz iTMS?

[aswitcher]

After looking at Telstra's music download prices - -$1.89 per song, Apple will be definately under that - -I am thinking $1.49 each or maybe less. For Apple to have an impact they have to beat the providors here in Australia and make the buyer here feell like they are getting a bargain.

Even if they lose a little money here in Australia I am sure that the otherseas stores will pick it up...

aussie_geek

I agree with your reasoning. $1.50 or less is my view looking at the exchange rate. I am hoping for $1.25 AUD to bring it into line with the US and Canada.

[sunilraman]

Maybe they are thinking of an 'Apple ISP'. Just plug a PC card in your PowerBook slot (finally a good thing to shove in there :D), and off you go - surf the net wherever you want and download songs at a reduced rate or something.

On the other hand it could be something to do with an Apple Phone....

"Mobile penetration rate is the number of mobile phone services per 100 people. Australia’s mobile penetration rate grew from 64 per cent in 2001-02 to be 72 per cent in 2002-03 and is forecast to be around 80 per cent in 2004. Currently, Australia is ranked equal 20th in terms of per capita mobiles." - From this article (http://www.amta.org.au/amta/site/amta/downloads/pdfs_2004/AMTA%20Final%20Exec%20Sum.pdf) (page 3)

aussie_geek

Ausse_geek what is your occupation? are you a researcher/analyst... after doing web design for several years i'd like to explore multimedia research... i enjoy the concept and overview part of it, not so much the gritty hands on rubbish working for dumbass managers :mad:
(i actually got a Science(honours) degree from melbourne uni... so i used to have a brain which i'd like to revive someday:: warning:: hedonistic sydney is bad for your normal brain functioning lol :rolleyes: )
lemme know mate, thanks...

ah... okay... probably more to do with the iPhone because unWired has that 3G spectrum they got at a bargain price... :D iTunes on mobile, purchase and download off iTunes_Store_For_Mobile... makes a hell of a lot more sense to push 3G because like you said mobile penetration *giggle...that sounds naughty* is 70-80%... whereas broadband in Australia is like pushing 30% max...

It is UNlikely that UNwired will make a PCcard version of their wireless modem thingy... not yet i think, just a few months ago their 1st gen wireless broadband modem was fairly chunky :p

[devman]

From: webmaster@apple.com.au
Subject: [APPLE] - Macworld Briefing
Date: 5 January 2005 4:13:25 PM
To: xenex@[snip]
Reply-To: webmaster@apple.com.au

Thank you for your interest in this event.


Please note that the Macworld 2005 local Sydney event is for our
business partners only. Please accept our apologies for any confusion.
Following this event our business partners will be able to answer all
of your questions in relation to the Macworld conference. If you are
interested in finding out more information about Apple products then
please visit an Apple Authorised Reseller, call 133 622 or visit
www.apple.com.au The Macworld keynote presentation will be available
on the Apple web site shortly after the opening of the Macworld
conference in San Francisco.

Well it certainly does seem that this is not ITMS for Australia (but how I would love to be wrong).

This also seems to confirm the macintouch rumor that Job's MWSF keynote will not be streamed live. Bummer.

[gastroboy]

I can not see, in the age of internet delivery of software and services, why Music from an Australian iTunes should cost any more than the straight exchange rate.

In fact all we have ever wanted was for Apple to take the block off any purchases in the USA iTunes store.

Seems all the talk of "Free Trade" went straight in the trash under the desk of Apple and most US monopolist companies, who are out to screw us as they have done for the last 25 years.

Just remember they love it when we sing "God Bless America" as we bend over to pick up the soap. Makes them feel kind of humble to be giving such excellent service.

[yinyang]

From: webmaster@apple.com.au
Subject: [APPLE] - Macworld Briefing
Date: 5 January 2005 4:13:25 PM
To: xenex@[snip]
Reply-To: webmaster@apple.com.au

Thank you for your interest in this event.


Please note that the Macworld 2005 local Sydney event is for our
business partners only. Please accept our apologies for any confusion.
Following this event our business partners will be able to answer all
of your questions in relation to the Macworld conference. If you are
interested in finding out more information about Apple products then
please visit an Apple Authorised Reseller, call 133 622 or visit
www.apple.com.au The Macworld keynote presentation will be available
on the Apple web site shortly after the opening of the Macworld
conference in San Francisco.

this is either going to be very good news for the resellers or very BAD news for them ie apple store!! looking at the way they currently get treated i think they're in for a rough time again!!

[SeanMcg]

I can not see, in the age of internet delivery of software and services, why Music from an Australian iTunes should cost any more than the straight exchange rate.

In fact all we have ever wanted was for Apple to take the block off any purchases in the USA iTunes store.

Seems all the talk of "Free Trade" went straight in the trash under the desk of Apple and most US monopolist companies, who are out to screw us as they have done for the last 25 years.

Just remember they love it when we sing "God Bless America" as we bend over to pick up the soap. Makes them feel kind of humble to be giving such excellent service.

Each country has its own version of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) which sets royalties and lobbies their respective governments for tariffs, taxes, and restrictions in areas that might affect (in their opinion) the music business. For example, IIRC, a portion of the proceeds on every blank CD-R sold here in the US goes to RIAA.

Just remember, TRADE is, at minimum, a two-party endeavor. Apple wants to sell to as many people as possible, but it still has to operate within the legal frameworks of each country they do business in, and those are sometimes wildly different. I have my own issues with some of Apple's legal practices, but in this case they have done yeoman's work. They have provided the legal precedents/constructs to ENABLE trade for others in this arena.

Don't blame Apple, or the US for that matter, for other countries having their own laws. I agree, in this day and age, why the difference? Ask your government, and your version of RIAA for that matter, that question.

[wdlove]

Well it certainly does seem that this is not ITMS for Australia (but how I would love to be wrong).

This also seems to confirm the macintouch rumor that Job's MWSF keynote will not be streamed live. Bummer.

I'm still going to try and be positive. Still possible that the stores will be notified on Monday to expect satellite transmission of the Keynote.

[gastroboy]

Each country has its own version of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) which sets royalties and lobbies their respective governments for tariffs, taxes, and restrictions in areas that might affect (in their opinion) the music business. For example, IIRC, a portion of the proceeds on every blank CD-R sold here in the US goes to RIAA.

Without being totally privy to all the details, under the "Free (snicker) Trade Agreement" with the USA (The one where Australia gets to implement it immediately and the USA takes 20 years to get around to it) we knuckled under to the US IPR requirements.

The truth is local industry is nearly 100% owned by the US industry who are very happy to have a regime whereby they can escape the competitive and legislative pressures they experience in the USA. They scammed it so their local offices, which are largely distributors, get to slap a whole 27% or more on the US costs.

Quark for example charges the local distributor more than the USA retail cost. How does it get away with this? because the very same US companies have lobbied and succeeded in forcing our Government to ban grey marketing where these rorts are bypassed.

[funkyguy]

Even if we don't get the iTunes Music Store Australia soon, all of the speculation and anticipation expressed here shows Apple that we really do want the iTMS here in Australia. If it turns out that there is no iTMS Aust announcement, I hope that all this discussion encourages Apple Aust to work on it even harder.

It would be appreciated if Apple could announce that: 1. they ARE currently working to bring it here to Australia or 2. we ARE going to get it sooner or later - just a matter of time. Yet no official comment is what we get and until then nothing is certain. All we have so far is guessing and a whole lot of optimism.

[digcat]

also note

"3. It shall be lawful for the Queen, with the advice of the Privy Council, to declare by proclamation that, on and after a day therein appointed, not being later that one year after the passing of this Act, the people of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and Tasmania, and also, if Her Majesty is satisfied that the people of Western Australia have agreed thereto, of Western Australia, shall be united in a Federal Commonwealth under the name of the Commonwealth of Australia."


The original set of states were NSW, VIC, SA, QLD and TAS with WA pending at the time of the writing of this constitution. Point 6 that you quoted mentions all commonwealth colonies that can join the commonwealth of Australia as states, "such colonies or territories as may be admitted into or established by the Commonwealth as States". Note that the Northern Terriroy is also named along with New Zealand, though to this day it is still not a state. I believe they had a vote (possibly a few elections ago) on the question of whether or not they wanted to become a state and they voted to remain a terriroty.

Also, New Zealand it self was initially part of New South Wales at one point, though well before federation of Aus

oh yeah, go iTMS for Aus and hopefully NZ.


Ekhullu, its just the vibe of it really! No specific part...just the vibe of it.

ITMS will be the death of me if it hits oz...there goes the credit limit!

[Doctor Q]

There is another theory: Apple Retail Stores in Australia (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2005/01/20050110211833.shtml)

[DJY]

There is another theory: Apple Retail Stores in Australia (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2005/01/20050110211833.shtml)

Bugger!
Whilst this is probably much more likely (or even one store) than iTMS for Oz...
I prefer the original rumour / hope / idea!

[uncyherb]

Looks like the iTMS WILL happen down under...

http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=/language_tools&u=http://www.apple.com/jp/ipodshuffle/shuffle.html

Is a google translation of the Apple Japan web site page for the new iPod Shuffle which lists iTMS as available in Australia as well as the 'usual' (already known) countries!!

Wooo Hoo !!!

[funkyguy]

Looks like the iTMS WILL happen down under...

http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=/language_tools&u=http://www.apple.com/jp/ipodshuffle/shuffle.html

Is a google translation of the Apple Japan web site page for the new iPod Shuffle which lists iTMS as available in Australia as well as the 'usual' (already known) countries!!

Wooo Hoo !!!

Probably just a mistake although I hope not.

[aswitcher]

Probably just a mistake although I hope not.

Looks like more delays...

[Sir_Giggles]

Ya I saw it too. Looks like an quiet announcement for next Tuesday.