iTunes Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway Now Available

[MacRumors]

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

Apple's iTunes Music Store now lists Sweden, Switzerland, Norway and Denmark amongst the countries that offer iTunes Music Sales.

Rumors of the imminent expansion (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2005/04/20050424131720.shtml) came in late April, alongside rumors that iTunes Australia would also be included. Australia's store appears to be delayed (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2005/05/20050505085719.shtml) due to contract disagreements at this time.

Members are encouraged to browse through (http://www.dailytunes.com/) other forum readers song recommendations at DailyTunes (http://www.dailytunes.com). Unfortunately due to regional licensing issues, specific songs may not be available in all countries.

[PlaceofDis]

glad to hear it! now we just need to get the Aussie store up too, hang in there guys!

[killuminati]

Once the aussie store goes up I can't think of people from any other countries whov been waiting for one.

[SAukland]

So much for that press conference. :rolleyes:

[JRM PowerPod]

Man this is becoming a farce, where the foccacia bread is the aussie store

It is now May 10 2005 and where is my store?\

Where?

Back to Limewire, i guess

[Freg3000]

So much for that press conference. :rolleyes:

Yeah, sometimes I wonder what really happened in those 10 days or so between April 28th and today that kept Apple waiting...

It would have been cooler on the anniversary of the iTMS, but it is good that it's here now.

Still holding out for all my Aussie friends....keep the faith!

[conditionals]

The Australian flag is back up at least.

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

[broken_keyboard]

Muhahaha...

The iTMS Juggernaut marches on!

[MyLeftNut]

Remember guys this is probably more to do with the Recording industry here getting in the way. Greedy bastards, if they're anything like the major banks here, were screwed... :(

[Trowaman]

So, next biggest store in Europe looks to me to be Poland.

Any other guesses for Europe?

Looks like other big countries are Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, China, Russia. Any one else that REALLY big?

[barneygumble]

This is becoming very frustrating i have a list of about 150 songs that i want, the record companies wont get any money of me becasue i don't want the full album for the one decent song on it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :confused: :(

[Analog Kid]

Unfortunately due to regional licensing issues, specific songs may not be available in all countries.

Which, I think, is a major drag on the coolness of the music store...

[Macmaniac]

Let the where the heck is ITMS Australia bitch fest begin, I sure hope they get it up soon. Lets hope Apple expands into more Asian markets as well.

[jared_kipe]

I think this "regional licensing" is bull. Why would artists NOT want to sell music in other countries. There is a world wide market now, why not have a world wide audience?

[conditionals]

I think this "regional licensing" is bull. Why would artists NOT want to sell music in other countries. There is a world wide market now, why not have a world wide audience?

Because they got a really bad foot infection from stepping on some poorly made (ie: with nails) carpet last time they were touring there.

No actually it's the label that enforces regional licensing. Of course every artist wants their music to be played to the broadest audience possible (and I don't just mean to a really fat guy). Artists have very little/no control when it comes to stuff like this. This is why record companies are pure evil.

[Stella]

I think this "regional licensing" is bull. Why would artists NOT want to sell music in other countries. There is a world wide market now, why not have a world wide audience?
its not the artists, its the record companies. they charge different prices in each country, plus different release dates etc.

[J-Squire]

I am SOO sarcastically excited for those people who now get to enjoy the benefits of iTMS. Well, I am incredibly jealous.

I was sure Australia would be joining you, but unfortunately, I have to wait thanks to stupid CEOs with stupid agendas.

Oh well, back to work

[zelmo]

Whazzup with that crazy Apple today?
iTunes 4.8 with video "support", Airport Express w/30 free iTMS songs, and new iTunes countries all come out, and nary a peep from the boys in Cupertino....

What will tomorrow bring?

[~Shard~]

Finally some progress! Hopefully Oz won't be too far behind, you guys really deserve it down there, you've been waiting for too long!

[~Shard~]

The Australian flag is back up at least.

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

Yeah, we all know it's coming, it's just a matter of when they can get this contract dispute or whatever it is sorted out....

[Doctor Q]

Congrats to the four new countries.

How many Australians are going to give up waiting and move to another country if Apple adds one more other country to the music store? :eek:

I'm sure Apple wants to get the contracts signed and get more international stores opened. The order in which stores open may be related just as much to contract negotiations as to where Apple sees the biggest markets.

[broken_keyboard]

I think this "regional licensing" is bull. Why would artists NOT want to sell music in other countries. There is a world wide market now, why not have a world wide audience?

It's price discrimination. Selling the exact same thing for a different price, depending on who's buying.

They know the U.S. is very competitive, and they have to offer a lower price: $.99. They also know that Europe and Australia are less competitive and they can get away with a higher price.

These people don't want one world market. If you want a cheaper price in your country, you have to have a competitive market there so they have no choice but to make it cheap.

[conditionals]

Yeah, we all know it's coming, it's just a matter of when they can get this contract dispute or whatever it is sorted out....

Ah yes, but the flag wasn't up an hour ago (because, um... I check it every hour). Big developments like this (I remember back in the day when it last happened... 2 weeks ago) should be savoured and rejoiced by people like me with very little social activity.

Also it could mean that it's up and ready to go (ie: all contracts have been signed, EMI has been destroyed by a fleet of evil flying quinces) and they are just waiting for the "right time" to unleash it. Of course, it doesn't mean this at all, but I can hope can't I?

[AppleFoussa]

Awesome! Spread the influence of iTunes to the world. Australia next then let's reach after Asia. Seriously I hope that by 2010 most of the main countries around the world will have the ever so popular iTunes store. Rock on Apple

[x86isslow]

So, next biggest store in Europe looks to me to be Poland.

Any other guesses for Europe?

Looks like other big countries are Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, China, Russia. Any one else that REALLY big?

Brazil and India. Maybe South Africa, and Israel.

[the_mole1314]

Once the aussie store goes up I can't think of people from any other countries whov been waiting for one.

Japan maybe? :cool:

[samh004]

Awesome! Spread the influence of iTunes to the world. Australia next then let's reach after Asia. Seriously I hope that by 2010 most of the main countries around the world will have the ever so popular iTunes store. Rock on Apple

I am sure the rest of Asia will be a very lucrative market, even though macs are too expensive for most of China, they could still all use iTunes on their windows boxes, and with some good ol' chinese pop they could make a fortune...

But all I am waiting for is Australia right now, my sisters birthday was last week and I had hoped to get her some songs for her b'day, I still will... when it's released... :confused:

[~Shard~]

Ah yes, but the flag wasn't up an hour ago (because, um... I check it every hour). Big developments like this (I remember back in the day when it last happened... 2 weeks ago) should be savoured and rejoiced by people like me with very little social activity.

Also it could mean that it's up and ready to go (ie: all contracts have been signed, EMI has been destroyed by a fleet of evil flying quinces) and they are just waiting for the "right time" to unleash it. Of course, it doesn't mean this at all, but I can hope can't I?

Nothing wrong with that! ;) :cool:

[ChrisH3677]

this does not bode well for Aussies. If the Oz store was near opening, they might have waited to do them all together. maybe a few more weeks yet for Oz.

[tizza]

glad to hear it! now we just need to get the Aussie store up too, hang in there guys!
groan ... :(

[~Shard~]

Brazil and India. Maybe South Africa, and Israel.

What about Vatican City? Maybe the new Pope wants to download some hip tunes to get jiggy with....

[bankshot]

These people don't want one world market. If you want a cheaper price in your country, you have to have a competitive market there so they have no choice but to make it cheap.

Yeah, it's frustrating. I was browsing one of the European stores for fun recently and found all sorts of "rare" tracks from my favorite bands that aren't available here in the US. If only I had the proper credentials on my credit card, they would be a mere click away...

I was reading recently that the reason most Japanese releases have an extra bonus track is because CDs are so expensive over there that it's often cheaper to import the US versions. Apparently Japan dictates that the CDs must be produced locally, making it more expensive than imports. So the record companies always leave off a track or two from the US release and make them exclusive to the Japanese (or other) release. Frustrating for those of us who really love a particular artist's work and just want to get as much of it as we can.

It's great to support your local economy (I encourage everyone to do so), but it's also a reality that we're quickly entering an age where the economy truly is global. Artificial restrictions only serve to hold back progress in the long term, in favor of the short term interests of those at the top, who have the most to lose. It will be interesting to watch how the global economy evolves over the next couple of decades - no doubt there will be a lot of growing pains as the relative economic status and prosperity of various groups and even entire countries shift. Hopefully we'll all emerge better off in the end. ;)

[swissmann]

Are any of these countries part of EU yet? Is there a correlation between that and the delay from a lot of other european countries.

[x86isslow]

What about Vatican City? Maybe the new Pope wants to download some hip tunes to get jiggy with....

yep. a guy who knows a guy who knows a janitor at apple told me that Vatican City would be added when Apple releases iTunes 20, along with music stores for such notable places as Somalia and Swaziland. :rolleyes: :D

[~Shard~]

yep. a guy who knows a guy who knows a janitor at apple told me that Vatican City would be added when Apple releases iTunes 20, along with music stores for such notable places as Somalia and Swaziland. :rolleyes: :D

What about Antarctica? Penguins need tunes too...

[x86isslow]

Are any of these countries part of EU yet? Is there a correlation between that and the delay from a lot of other european countries.

I'm pretty sure that they are part of the EU, but not part of the Euro currency (like the UK).

[Sayhey]

Umm ... how about Japan and South Korea? China? The rest of the 10 EU nations not now available? All of Latin America? There are still some very large markets that I'm sure Apple is trying to open up the iTMS in.

[fawlty]

What about Antarctica? Penguins need tunes too...

I think most people in Antarctica already have a US billing address :-)

[pkis]

So, next biggest store in Europe looks to me to be Poland.

Any other guesses for Europe?

Looks like other big countries are Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, China, Russia. Any one else that REALLY big?

Well, I don't think they'll be launching in Eastern Europe soon - the economies there are still recovering from communism. The average income in Hungary, for example, is 5 times lower than in Switzerland. I doubt Apple will settle for a price of 1/5th of what they can charge elsewhere.

[pkis]

Brazil and India. Maybe South Africa, and Israel.

Yeah, I guess Isreal would be a highly likely candidate

[~Shard~]

I think most people in Antarctica already have a US billing address :-)

Heh heh - good point.

[Zaty]

What a good Tuesday morning!

[~Shard~]

What a good Tuesday morning!

Still Monday evening here... :) But yes, good for you guys, I'm happy for ya. Now, like I said before, if only we can get Oz sorted out. :(

[ryanw]

The Swedish band "Da Buzz" is in there...

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playlistId=61712245

[jobberwacky]

Just browsed the Swiss store. There are virtually no local artists available. So it's basically ITMS international for people with a Swiss billing address.

Are tehy doing any better yet in the other new stores?

[mcmav37]

Just browsed the Swiss store. There are virtually no local artists available. So it's basically ITMS international for people with a Swiss billing address.

Are tehy doing any better yet in the other new stores?

Looks like the Swiss got a better deal than most... check out the deal with UBS to give every Swiss citizen (over age 13) a free song on iTMS. It is right on the front of the actual store and discussed
here (http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2005/may/10itms.html)

I'd say that is pretty cool!

[erickg]

iTunes Sweden! :D I just took a look at the top 100 and there are only 45 there... :p I guess not that many Swedes are awake enough to make their first iTunes purchases. Great job Apple!! By the way, it's 9 SEK/song and 95 SEK/album (1.26 and 13.30 in USD)... not too shabby for Sweden I guess.

[Poff]

This is great! My Avatar now has found its true meaning in life..

Too bad for New Zealand that it seems they'll have to wait for Australia.. New Zealand was actually totally forgotten on the front page.. :eek:

[aswitcher]

What a good Tuesday morning!


I guess... :(

[Doctor Q]

Update to news story

In a press release (http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2005/may/10itms.html), Apple announced a promotion to give every Swiss resident/citizen age 13 years or older a free song from the iTunes Music Store, in conjunction with Swiss financial firm UBS (http://www.ubs.com/), which is promoting packages to young people for use of "song cards" instead of credit cards.

(Thank you to member mcmav37 for the post about this above.)

[panda]

yesss! itunes denmark!

oops... the PRICES!

8dkr = 1.07 eur

or even worse:

8dkr= 1.38usd !!!

thank you apple. :eek:

[gekko513]

yesss! itunes denmark!

oops... the PRICES!

8dkr = 1.07 eur

or even worse:

8dkr= 1.38usd !!!

thank you apple. :eek:
minus 25% VAT = $1.10

[depill]

Once the aussie store goes up I can't think of people from any other countries whov been waiting for one.

Well we in Iceland have been waiting for sometime. I mean we are connected to EU, just like Norway. I mean Swiss isn't even connected to EU, they denied the aggrement, this sucks big time. We in Iceland have one of the highest percentage of active users and one of the highest percentegest of sold computers ( as for Apple ). But I choose still to believe that Apple will not complete ignore us and give us an Apple store real soon. I mean we really couldn't have a much simpler system for dealing with record company's. You only DEAL with one company here in Iceland, you pay them and you get every song you wan't.

I wan't iTMS to Iceland

[Peterkro]

I think most people in Antarctica already have a US billing address :-)

Whilst there are a lot of Useans in Antartica there are also lots of Kiwis,Aussies,Argentinians,Chilieans,Russians and Brits.
PS I just did a quick Google and it appears there are nationals from about 30 countries down there in summer.Poor penguins.

[imz]

Man this is becoming a farce, where the foccacia bread is the aussie store

It is now May 10 2005 and where is my store?\

Where?

Back to Limewire, i guess

Same! Store shmore...meh

[msandersen]

I think most people in Antarctica already have a US billing address :-)
Penguins have US billing addresses?? Do they know that? I realise the US is all into invading countries these days, but that's ridiculous... Terrorist penguins attacking their bases maybe? Osama Bin Penguin at it again setting up training camps?
Considering more than 65% is under Australian jurisdiction, including the bits the US bases sit on, I suppose we should take offense somehow, but then our PM is all for sucking up to Georgie boy.
I'm backing the penguins... :)

[imz]

I think most people in Antarctica already have a US billing address :-)

U.S. nationals make up approx 1/3 of Antarctica's population in the summer (January). Sorry off topic...

Do any of the research labs down there use Macs? I wonder if Macs would function in the South Pole during the winter seasons, when it goes down to -60C...(without any heating)

[iJaz]

Hm, iTMS Sweden still doesn't accept my credit card. Choose store still shows all new countries but the drop menu when you want to change your country does not show them. However, a swedish newspaper says Apple will hold a press conference at 12 o'clock, guess I'll have to wait until after that. :)

[aswitcher]

U.S. nationals make up approx 1/3 of Antarctica's population in the summer (January). Sorry off topic...

Do any of the research labs down there use Macs? I wonder if Macs would function in the South Pole during the winter seasons, when it goes down to -60C...(without any heating)

Well thats one place the "mother of all thermal challenges" G5 PowerBook should be ok ;)

[amanset]

Hm, iTMS Sweden still doesn't accept my credit card.

*phew* Glad it's not just me. I was beginning to think there was something wrong with my card, even though it was valid enough to purchase Tiger from Apple.

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

This is truly a day to celebrate. My grandmother is 90 (!) years old today, and iTMS Norway opened... :D

I got myself 3 songs (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=1445551#post1445551) last night... :cool: ...then had to stop before the addiction kicked seriously in... ;)

[Sayhey]

If you haven't seen it, Apple has put out its official press release (http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2005/may/10itms.html) confirming the opening of the four new stores.

[BRLawyer]

Swiss iTMS!! Wunderbar!! :)

I am gonna check it out now..!

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

If you haven't seen it, Apple has put out its official press release (http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2005/may/10itms.html) confirming the opening of the four new stores.Well, there's NOTHING on the frontpage of Apple Norway (http://www.apple.com/no/)... only an ordinary page buried under the iPod+iTunes tab (http://www.apple.com/no/itunes/store/)... haw about some sort of announcement, Apple Norway...?

[gekko513]

I just bought my first three songs from iTunes Music Store:

Bertine Zetlitz
"Rollerskating", "Fake Your Beauty" and "Apples and Diamonds"

I want to buy "Schnappi das kleine Krokodill", but it isn't available in the norwegian store. Is there any way to submit song requests to the stores?

[gekko513]

Well, there's NOTHING on the frontpage of Apple Norway (http://www.apple.com/no/)... only an ordinary page buried under the iPod+iTunes tab (http://www.apple.com/no/itunes/store/)... haw about some sort of announcement, Apple Norway...?
Yeah, they should really do some advertising now, but they haven't even had the press conference,yet, have they?

Edit: vg.no says they received an official press release at 08:50 this morning.

[dejo]

Is there any way to submit song requests to the stores?

Yup, visit the iTunes & Music Store Feedback (http://www.apple.com/feedback/itunes.html) page.

[iJaz]

My credit card still doesn't work, but it was fine when I used same .mac acount to buy a 20" iMac last week...
Many more Swedes have the same credit card problem :mad:

[kjwebb]

Doing a search on iTMS Australia (I still have access from when the song link hack worked) now brings songs up again (still AU$1.69). It previously did not have songs appearing on a search for a few weeks.

Still hasn't got a proper front page (ie. still using the US store frontpage).

[aswitcher]

Doing a search on iTMS Australia (I still have access from when the song link hack worked) now brings songs up again (still AU$1.69). It previously did not have songs appearing on a search for a few weeks.

Still hasn't got a proper front page (ie. still using the US store frontpage).


More weirdness....$1.69 really does bite...

[Lightivity]

The Swedish store is working! I just bought my first song.

[kjwebb]

More weirdness....$1.69 really does bite...

And even more prices listed after searching:
Jars of Clay albums are $16.99 each. Missy Higgins EP is $2.99. John Michael Talbot is $11.49.

[aswitcher]

And even more prices listed after searching:
Jars of Clay albums are $16.99 each. Missy Higgins EP is $2.99. John Michael Talbot is $11.49.

It feels a bit rich to me...Maybe if it was at least 192Kbps, but for $5 to $10 you get the whole album, cover art, lyrics and all in many cases. And unlimited use...

[iJaz]

Now it works! :D

[immaculate]

The Swiss store charges 1.50 Swiss francs for a song, which is equivalent to $1.25 at today's exchange rate. An album is 15 francs, which translates into $12.50.

Songs are 99c at the US store, so that's a 25% mark-up for us in Switzerland.
How much are albums at the US store?

[osx_nop]

Considering that CDs usually cost 27-32 Swiss Francs, I really don't mind the 15 CHF price tag.
But the collection is still lacking most artists on my wishlist. :(

That's going to be one hell of a wishlist for Apple to add to their store ;)

[Dr.Gargoyle]

I really don't understand why I can't buy from another store, e.g. the US store, now when Sweden has joined the iTMS club. :confused:
I wouldn't mind the swedish preminum (hmm, well.....), but I sure would like to be able to download music from all around the world.
Are there any legal obstacles, that I dont know about?

[cube]

Considering that CDs usually cost 27-32 Swiss Francs, I really don't mind the 15 CHF price tag.


I buy my CDs for amazon.de when they hit the 6.66/6.99 EUR mark, which translates in an effective price of about 5.74 EUR once they remove the EU VAT which does not apply.
Buy more than 20 EUR for free shipping but less than 65 CHF for tax-free import.

[ender78]

I really don't understand why I can't buy from another store, e.g. the US store, now when Sweden has joined the iTMS club. :confused:
I wouldn't mind the swedish preminum (hmm, well.....), but I sure would like to be able to download music from all around the world.
Are there any legal obstacles, that I dont know about?

Licensing is negotiated country by country. Label X negotiates to have its music distributed in each country it does business.

[kjottbein]

It still doesn't accept my Norwegian card.:(

EDIT: Could it be because I still use 4.7.1?

[Dr.Gargoyle]

Licensing is negotiated country by country. Label X negotiates to have its music distributed in each country it does business.
It still sounds a bit strange to me. If I want to buy a song provided at the US store and I am willing to pay the swedish price for it, what would be the rationale to prevent me from doing so?
It is just a matter of expanding your feasible customers. Especially since iTMS (finally) has opened in Sweden.
But again, considering Australia, I shouldnt be surprised...

[x86isslow]

U.S. nationals make up approx 1/3 of Antarctica's population in the summer (January). Sorry off topic...

Do any of the research labs down there use Macs? I wonder if Macs would function in the South Pole during the winter seasons, when it goes down to -60C...(without any heating)


they use prototype G5 powerbooks to keep themselves warm ;)

[narco]

Since the average kangaroo's pouch can hold a considerable amount, there is no need for portability. The iPod is just too damn convenient, so if there is no need for one then there is no need for an iTunes music store.

Steve Irwin and Crocodile Dundee are both against the iTMS because it brings havoc amongst the animal kingdom.

Steve Irwin himself went on the record to state that Echo & the Bunnymen's "Crocodiles" LP was a disgrace to crocodiles everywhere. Crocodile Dundee couldn't contain his anger as he discussed Gorillaz -- stating that the misspelling of this fine species goes to show how Americans and their stupid technology is ruining this fine land in the middle of nowhere.

That, my friends, is why you Australians don't have a music store yet. Us Americans see "Austria" on the list, that's close enough.

Fishes,
narco.

[gekko513]

It still sounds a bit strange to me. If I want to buy a song provided at the US store and I am willing to pay the swedish price for it, what would be the rationale to prevent me from doing so?
It is just a matter of expanding your feasible customers. Especially since iTMS (finally) has opened in Sweden.
But again, considering Australia, I shouldnt be surprised...
Since the music is the property of the labels they are allowed to sell it as they see fit. The labels certainly have all kinds of written and non-written agreements between themselves on how, where and for how much.

One quite understandable reason, at least from the labels' perspective, why they choose to not allow anyone buying from anywhere is that for example the Swedish music industry don't want all the money to go to their U.S. partners.

The trend will probably be a more international market in the long run, but the music industry needs to renew itself quite a lot before that is possible, I think.

[Sunrunner]

Man this is becoming a farce, where the foccacia bread is the aussie store

It is now May 10 2005 and where is my store?\

Where?

Back to Limewire, i guess


Blame the dang AU record labels... I gusss they havent figured out that online music legally is a GOOD thing.... greedy bastards

PS - Check out my new sig.... muahahahahaha

[Dr.Gargoyle]

Since the music is the property of the labels they are allowed to sell it as they see fit. The labels certainly have all kinds of written and non-written agreements between themselves on how, where and for how much.

One quite understandable reason, at least from the labels' perspective, why they choose to not allow anyone buying from anywhere is that for example the Swedish music industry don't want all the money to go to their U.S. partners.

The trend will probably be a more international market in the long run, but the music industry needs to renew itself quite a lot before that is possible, I think.
Isn't the redistribution of sales within one label just a matter of accounting? From the labels point of view, the rule more sales is better should apply. What you are suggesting would be the equivalent to just being able to go to one MacDonalds, since MacDonalds doesnt want one restaurant benefit over another.
I wouldn't be surprised if you are correct, but I fail to see the economical reason why.
I won't keep on ranting about this. Just that it strikes me as a bit peculiar.
Finally, I do agree that the music industry needs to reinvent itself. IMHO, they will loose this "war" if they dont change strategy. The same goes for the movie industry.

[gekko513]

Isn't the redistribution of sales within one label just a matter of accounting? From the labels point of view, the rule more sales is better should apply. What you are suggesting would be the equivalent to just being able to go to one MacDonalds, since MacDonalds doesnt want one restaurant benefit over another.
I wouldn't be surprised if you are correct, but I fail to see the economical reason why.
I won't keep on ranting about this. Just that it strikes me as a bit peculiar.
Well, yes it is only a matter of accounting, but the details of how it should be done must be agreed upon and there must be a technical solution implemented to do the accounting. That whole process will probably take years.

[Dr.Gargoyle]

Well, yes it is only a matter of accounting, but the details of how it should be done must be agreed upon and there must be a technical solution implemented to do the accounting. That whole process will probably take years.
Again, I think you are correct. But it still makes no sense to lose sales (and money) just because some redistribution of the sales within one company.
But then again, that might give you a hint just how much the make when they can neglect customers like that.

[conditionals]

Since the average kangaroo's pouch can hold a considerable amount, there is no need for portability. The iPod is just too damn convenient, so if there is no need for one then there is no need for an iTunes music store.

Steve Irwin and Crocodile Dundee are both against the iTMS because it brings havoc amongst the animal kingdom.

Steve Irwin himself went on the record to state that Echo & the Bunnymen's "Crocodiles" LP was a disgrace to crocodiles everywhere. Crocodile Dundee couldn't contain his anger as he discussed Gorillaz -- stating that the misspelling of this fine species goes to show how Americans and their stupid technology is ruining this fine land in the middle of nowhere.

That, my friends, is why you Australians don't have a music store yet. Us Americans see "Austria" on the list, that's close enough.

Fishes,
narco.

I kill you!

No seriously though the guy makes a good point.

A point for which I shall kill you!

No the kid is alright. He's going places, I'll say.

Um yeah, another night, another lack of itms australia blady bla bla etc. I'm bored of this game.

[conditionals]

The Australian flag is back up at least.

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

Yeah dude but I mean seriously, the ireland flag was up for donkey's years (a substantial amount of years) before the store was actually launced. Sigh.

[jobberwacky]

The Swiss store charges 1.50 Swiss francs for a song, which is equivalent to $1.25 at today's exchange rate.

Songs are 99c at the US store, so that's a 25% mark-up for us in Switzerland.


Today's interbank rate is at CHF 1.20 for 1US$.

And, there's 7.6% VAT included in the CH price, so it's not really a total rip-off*:
1.50 / 1.076 / 1.2 = US$1.16 (I just love CalcService)

Andreas

* except when you compare with the Canadian prices :-)

[~Shard~]

* except when you compare with the Canadian prices :-)

No complaints here. ;)

[Maxiseller]

I'm thinking we should praise Apple here!

They've negotiated with possibly the most overwhelming business in the world, and for the most part made it a sucess. I take my hat off to them.
Incidentally, does anyone know if the other music "Stores" (internet based downloading) actually sell to many other countries?

I just think Apple is doing a great job. I mean, they're taking the time to do things properly. The whole environment of the store within itunes, the speed and the quality of the interface just cannot be beaten. Three cheers people.

[pkis]

Since about 8.45 p.m. CET the store's been offline (I can browse, but signing in produces error 502). Is that the case for the Swiss store only or are others affected as well?

BTW: To the other Swiss participants in this forum: there's going to be a report on the iTMS on Swiss national TV tonight (on "10 vor 10")

[manu chao]

I am both a Swiss and German resident and also have credit cards in both countries. Does anybody have an idea whether I can create a second Apple ID to shop in the Swiss shop? I already have a 'German' Apple ID, which allowed me to shop in the German iTMS and also order prints from iPhoto, a service which does not exist in Switzerland.

I guess it should be possible as long as I supply a different e-mail address, although it might not be legal. I assume one can authorize a computer for two accounts.

I already had similar issues with Amazon, Ebay and PayPal. PayPal support told me it would not be legal to open a second account in a different country, but again I do not know how they could prove/prevent this.

[jobberwacky]

I am both a Swiss and German resident and also have credit cards in both countries. Does anybody have an idea whether I can create a second Apple ID to shop in the Swiss shop?

Yes works without a problem. I've bought stuff in the Spanish and the Swiss Store and can play both without any hiccups. The DRM is linked to the computer, not your account.


PayPal support told me it would not be legal to open a second account in a different country

That sounds like bollocks.

but again I do not know how they could prove/prevent this.
So why worry then? I've got a German and a Swiss Paypal acct running in parallel. (I no longer have a valid credit card for my German account, so I'm just using up the small remaining credit for donationware payments.)

Paypal even forces you to open up a second account as you can't change the country of your primary address. So, if you move from one country to another, you lose, or you have to beat the system. They don't seem to understand that people in Europe tend to be mobile.

[fraggle]

I guess it should be possible as long as I supply a different e-mail address, although it might not be legal. I assume one can authorize a computer for two accounts.

I currently have three account (US, DE, CH) without any problems... My US account was created with a gift certificate, the others with credit cards. No problem so far! (219 songs and counting.)

[Poff]

One sad thing is that we don't get a free weekly song like they do in the US.. :(

[Dr.Gargoyle]

One sad thing is that we don't get a free weekly song like they do in the US.. :(
Yeah, I have noticed that... and no UBS handing out free tunes either.

[manu chao]

Yes works without a problem. I've bought stuff in the Spanish and the Swiss Store and can play both without any hiccups. The DRM is linked to the computer, not your account.


That sounds like bollocks.

So why worry then? I've got a German and a Swiss Paypal acct running in parallel. (I no longer have a valid credit card for my German account, so I'm just using up the small remaining credit for donationware payments.)

Paypal even forces you to open up a second account as you can't change the country of your primary address. So, if you move from one country to another, you lose, or you have to beat the system. They don't seem to understand that people in Europe tend to be mobile.

Just checked my e-mails again and it seems the PayPal rules are not perfectly clear:


In response to your email, you are allowed to have two accounts opened, one
Regular and one Business. Keep in mind, you have to access these accounts,
from the country they are registered to.

The country listed with your home mailing address must coincide with the
bank account you attempt to add.

It is not possible to have more than one Personal Account or more than one
Business/Premier Account per member. However, members are permitted to
have both a Personal Account and a Business/Premier Account. In order to
reserve Personal Accounts for individual use, we require all businesses to
have Business or Premier Accounts. Each account must have a different
email address, bank account and credit card.


Later they said however:


I apologize for any confusion. You will be allowed to access your swiss
account only from Switzerland and your German account only from Germany.


From their following e-mails I understood that accessing means adding credit cards, i.e., transfering money to and from your PayPal account.

[Doctor Q]

One sad thing is that we don't get a free weekly song like they do in the US.. :(You may eventually. They didn't add free tunes in the U.K. until a while after the store opened there, but they did eventually. The same in Canada.

[d.perel]

I got all excited about a free song for every swiss citizen, but the fine print says that the free songs only are for those actually residing in Swtizerland! haha....i'm soooo greedy :p

[msandersen]

I wonder if Macs would function in the South Pole during the winter seasons, when it goes down to -60C...(without any heating)
Guess they don't need Liquid Cooling for a Big Mac supercluster, just keep one wall open to the Antarctic wind, and keep a snow shovel handy...

[conditionals]

Guess they don't need Liquid Cooling for a Big Mac supercluster, just keep one wall open to the Antarctic wind, and keep a snow shovel handy...

Mmmm Big Mac supercluster and fries.

[Swissfondue]

...I want to buy "Schnappi das kleine Krokodill", but it isn't available in the norwegian store. Is there any way to submit song requests to the stores?
I read somewhere that Schnappi's success was due to its initial proliferation on p2p networks ;)

[Zaty]

I already have a 'German' Apple ID, which allowed me to shop in the German iTMS and also order prints from iPhoto, a service which does not exist in Switzerland.



I know it's OT, but iPhoto photo printing has been available in Switzerland since the very same as in Germany!

[cube]

And, there's 7.6% VAT included in the CH price, so it's not really a total rip-off*:


Given that 1.5 CHF is about 0.97 EUR, it's a good deal only for Apple and the music labels, as they are making an additional income of about 7% over the European base price.

[manu chao]

Given that 1.5 CHF is about 0.97 EUR, it's a good deal only for Apple and the music labels, as they are making an additional income of about 7% over the European base price.

Apple is making 6% more money in Luxembourg than in Finland, 11% more money in Switzerland than in Luxembourg but only 5% more than in Finland.

The consumer, however, is paying 2% less in Switzerland than in the Euro countries.

I'd say, get over it, these are fairly small differences.

Swiss price: CHF 1.50 = EUR 0.97
Swiss VAT (7.6%): CHF 0.11 = EUR 0.07
Apple's revenue in Switzerland: CHF 1.39 = EUR 0.90

Luxembourgish (?) price: EUR 0.99
Luxembourg's VAT (15%): EUR 0.13
Apple's revenue in Luxembourg: EUR 0.86

German price: EUR 0.99
German VAT (16%): EUR 0.14
Apple's revenue in Germany: EUR 0.85

French price: EUR 0.99
French VAT (19.6%): EUR 0.16
Apple's revenue in France: EUR 0.83

Finnish price: EUR 0.99
Finnisch VAT (22%): EUR 0.18
Apple's revenue in Finland: EUR 0.81

[cube]

Microsoft sells songs from 1.20 to 1.50 CHF each. Not that that is anything near a good price.

[pkis]

Microsoft sells songs from 1.20 to 1.50 CHF each. Not that that is anything near a good price.

yeah, which you can download to a player 3 times, burn 3 times and only play on a single computer...

[mcadam]

I bought my first songs (and a whole album) yesterday.... but I must say - I'm wuite a bit dissapointed with the variety. Yeah I know, Denmark might be the smallest place of all, but hell... the main reason I was looking forward to this was the possibilty to get music that's hard to come by here, but basically they just have the same stuff as in any regular music store :(

A

[ijimk]

welcome to itunes enjoy it mates!!! :cool:

be sure to check out the gorillaz free album sampler this week ! :D

[cube]

yeah, which you can download to a player 3 times, burn 3 times and only play on a single computer...

According to the BBC, this is not the case.

[manu chao]

I bought my first songs (and a whole album) yesterday.... but I must say - I'm wuite a bit dissapointed with the variety. Yeah I know, Denmark might be the smallest place of all, but hell... the main reason I was looking forward to this was the possibilty to get music that's hard to come by here, but basically they just have the same stuff as in any regular music store :(

A

I can feel with you, but one would be hard pressed to find store that has 100 000 CDs...

[Lara F]

I currently have three account (US, DE, CH) without any problems... My US account was created with a gift certificate, the others with credit cards. No problem so far! (219 songs and counting.)

Wait...does that mean if someone from say the UK sent me a gift certificate, I'd be able to access UK songs (at least for the amount of the certificate)? I'm sure this has been asked before, but somehow I've never come across a definitive answer. If so, that'd be excellent. :)

Lara, who's happy to have both a US and Canadian account but would like to access Europe too...