iTunes Windows Sells 1 Million Songs in 3.5 days [Archive]

MacRumors

Oct 20, 2003, 10:08 AM

Apple announced today (http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2003/oct/20itunes.html) that Windows users have downloaded more than 1 million copies of iTunes Windows in the first three and a half days since its launch.

Furthermore, over one million songs have been purchased at the iTunes Music store over the same time. In comparison, the iTunes Music Store sold one million songs over 7 days during its initial launch on the Mac in April.

iJed

Oct 20, 2003, 10:10 AM

Looks like WMA is not going to do quite as well as Micro$oft hoped!

sososowhat

Oct 20, 2003, 10:13 AM

Wow! This is way better than I'd expected. So much for "Windows people are so used to stealing that they'll never pony up"!

jrober

Oct 20, 2003, 10:14 AM

This is great news.

Being new to the windows world :-) is 1M downloads a good rate?

Now Steve just get the European store running and I can contribute to the purchased figures.

Steamboatwillie

Oct 20, 2003, 10:15 AM

That can't be right. I have been reading everywhere that iTunes for Windows sucks, is slow, doesn't do this and that...
:D

Digipimp

Oct 20, 2003, 10:15 AM

I think a more interesting point is that many of those downloads where by mac users because I don't feel like most Windows users have any idea that iTunes is available for them yet, so this is just scratching the surface really and those downloads are mainly mac owners that own pc's as well.

RHutch

Oct 20, 2003, 10:16 AM

Does anyone know if any of the other pay sites has sold a million songs total--not in 3. 5 days or 7, but from opening until now?

Is anyone else putting out their stats?

Steamboatwillie

Oct 20, 2003, 10:17 AM

Originally posted by Digipimp
I think a more interesting point is that many of those downloads where by mac users because I don't feel like most Windows users have any idea that iTunes is available for them yet, so this is just scratching the surface really and those downloads are mainly mac owners that own pc's as well.

No...

Quote:
CUPERTINO, California—October 20, 2003—Apple® today announced that Windows users have downloaded more than one million copies of its new iTunes™ for Windows digital jukebox software in just three and a half days since its launch last Thursday, and over one million songs have been purchased and downloaded by iTunes users in the same period.

The press release specifies Windows users.

1 million *software* downloads for Windows, 1 million *unspecified* song downloads

iJed

Oct 20, 2003, 10:18 AM

jrober

Oct 20, 2003, 10:18 AM

gotohamish

Oct 20, 2003, 10:20 AM

Originally posted by Steamboatwillie
No...

Quote:
CUPERTINO, California—October 20, 2003—Apple® today announced that Windows users have downloaded more than one million copies of its new iTunes™ for Windows digital jukebox software in just three and a half days since its launch last Thursday, and over one million songs have been purchased and downloaded by iTunes users in the same period.

The press release specifies Windows users.

No...

the press release specifies Windows iTunes software downloads, and then generic store downloads (thus Mac/PC).

DeusOmnis

Oct 20, 2003, 10:21 AM

They said 1 million iTunes songs, I wonder how many of those were by Windows users. They specified copies of iTunes for Windows, but they didnt specify the platform for the songs.

I'm sure by putting the two statistics together they were trying to mislead people into thinking that the songs were downloaded by windows users too.

nycmacartist

Oct 20, 2003, 10:22 AM

I think the 1 million SONGS in 3.5 days is Mac and PC together.

Steamboatwillie

Oct 20, 2003, 10:23 AM

Originally posted by gotohamish
No...

the press release specifies Windows iTunes software downloads, and then generic store downloads (thus Mac/PC).

Your right, my bad. Here is how it reads to me:

Windows iTunes software = 1 million D/L's

Songs = 1 million D/L's but does not specify platform.

Steamboatwillie

Oct 20, 2003, 10:24 AM

Originally posted by DeusOmnis
I'm sure by putting the two statistics together they were trying to mislead people into thinking that the songs were downloaded by windows users too. [/B]

Indeed, confused me at first! :(

billyboy

Oct 20, 2003, 10:24 AM

That sounds good.

Just being devils advocate Do you think the people who downloaded the software were mainly Mac owners with PCs who also bought music to show willing support of Apple? ie its mainly a mac phenomenon still

Also, I wonder how many win2k were among the million, and how many of them saw their system freeze and put iTunes in the bin.

Just wondering because after reading the pages on apple forum support, it was not a great time for all. There was some very robust mac v pc debate which i´ve hardly ever seen there. I dont think some of the PC power users could follow install instructions and did not like how iTunes rearranged their files!

csimmons

Oct 20, 2003, 10:26 AM

Originally posted by gotohamish
No...

the press release specifies Windows iTunes software downloads, and then generic store downloads (thus Mac/PC).

Since iTunes Mac users account for 600,000 d/l's a week average, I think it's safe to assume that the majority of the "1,000,000 in 3.5 days" were from iTunes Windows users. I personally know a guy who bought roughly $100.00 worth of d/l's through iTMS for Windows.

alia

Oct 20, 2003, 10:27 AM

I guess you could call me a Windows user, since I don't own a Mac yet and won't for a couple of weeks.

That said, I downloaded it and have since purchased about 50 songs at the music store - 3 albums + single downloads. As someone who has used Kazaa in the past, I find this WAY preferable. I'd rather pay money for a full album at once with good files and a speedy experience. That said, would I still purchase an album at half.com for $1.50 instead of using the music store? Hell yeah, if I didn't need it immediately.

Also, I'm an ipod owner, and I can guarantee you that other Windows ipod owners will flock to this software. Musicmatch is an unmitigated nightmare! I gave up using it the first day and swithed to ephpod. It's encoding was crap too. I think Windows ipod users are going to love this software and I think it will definitely get some of those people who have been holding out on ipod purchases because of Musicmatch to make the leap.

Just my two cents!

Alia

Stella

Oct 20, 2003, 10:28 AM

Good start, but I want to see sales figures in a weeks time.

The important thing is, are Windows users still using it after the initial review and curiousity?

MattG

Oct 20, 2003, 10:29 AM

This is great!!

Go Apple!

AmigoMac

Oct 20, 2003, 10:31 AM

I got a copy for my PC at work, and installed in my friend's PC as well, I'm pretty sure they can't know if was a windowz or mac user who bought that copy of Hey mama friday at night... :cool:

They are talking in general terms and that could face maybe no more than 500K purchased from windowzers ...

but 1M downloads ... nice to read

Steamboatwillie

Oct 20, 2003, 10:32 AM

Originally posted by billyboy
That sounds good.

Just being devils advocate Do you think the people who downloaded the software were mainly Mac owners with PCs who also bought music to show willing support of Apple? ie its mainly a mac phenomenon still

I have iTunes on 2 macs, 2 pc's and for kicks installed it on Win2k running in VPC on one of the macs! A total of 3 Windows iTunes D/L's for me. I bought a few tracks from the Windows version just to show my support. I was going to buy them anyways and thought, what the hell.

scottwat

Oct 20, 2003, 10:36 AM

It really doesnt matter who is downloading, the fact is we have a paradigm shift in our mix. And who better to do that the company that makes a premium system. And I'm sure the 1 million songs include both windows and macs. But thats still a large number. And I would say alot of those are the new windows users. I for one don't mine paying for music as long as I get a good preview, and it doesnt cost much. And apple does that.

Edot

Oct 20, 2003, 10:39 AM

Using Apple's numbers of around 300,00 mac downloads in 3.5 days, that would put windows downloads at 700,00. That is more than 2/3 of sales to windows users. I can only see this going up as the media hasn't showcased this release like it did the original iTunes Music store.

mathematician

Oct 20, 2003, 10:40 AM

I think we have to wait.

I have no PC (!) but I downloaded iTunes for Windows just to see how it looks (in Virtual PC on a Mac).

However, I know a PC guy who tried iTunes and loves it (he would have bought Music, if he had an US Billing Adr.

Just spread the word...

C.

P Rush

Oct 20, 2003, 10:40 AM

I am canadian, and I know a lot of people who are just itching to buy online music from apple (not just mac users). I am just one person that knows a few people but I am not alone. I believe there is a market for ITMS in Canada...but we are only 35 Million. It seems to me there is a large market in Europe as well so I hope very soon this goes international. I believe this number could have been at least 50% higher. Don't get me wrong, I am very impressed by this number, and I am very excited to see the stats for the next month or so...But it could have been higher :)

I am tough to please I suppose.

P Rush

cgmpowers

Oct 20, 2003, 10:43 AM

I buy a boatload of music from all the sources, the online iTunes Music Store, Amazon.Com, Half.Com, & TimeLife.Com...

I also buy used at local record stores and sometimes full price at places like Sam Goody..

I'd much rather use iTunes Music Store. The albums seem to be cheaper than new (not always cheaper than used) and I don't get stuck paying for shipping as I do with Amazon/Half.

The only downside is sometimes partial albums or albums not yet available.

I just bought the single CD "One of Us" by some lady singer (cant recall her name) but she sings the theme song for "Joan of Arcadia" on CBS. The used CD Single cost me $1.. Shipping on Amazon was $2...its costing me $3 for ONE song. It wasn't available on iTunes Music Store..

Originally posted by alia
I guess you could call me a Windows user, since I don't own a Mac yet and won't for a couple of weeks.

That said, I downloaded it and have since purchased about 50 songs at the music store - 3 albums + single downloads. As someone who has used Kazaa in the past, I find this WAY preferable. I'd rather pay money for a full album at once with good files and a speedy experience. That said, would I still purchase an album at half.com for $1.50 instead of using the music store? Hell yeah, if I didn't need it immediately.

Also, I'm an ipod owner, and I can guarantee you that other Windows ipod owners will flock to this software. Musicmatch is an unmitigated nightmare! I gave up using it the first day and swithed to ephpod. It's encoding was crap too. I think Windows ipod users are going to love this software and I think it will definitely get some of those people who have been holding out on ipod purchases because of Musicmatch to make the leap.

Just my two cents!

Alia

mathematician

Oct 20, 2003, 10:43 AM

...and because of the time difference, Apple make iTMS international without scaling up the power of the servers....

deepkid

Oct 20, 2003, 10:43 AM

Congrats to Apple!

Also meant to say that it does not matter if the person owns both a mac and pc, if you really think about it. A wintel pc owned by a mac user is still legitimately a wintel pc.

More importantly, mac or wintel pc, a purchase is a purchase.

The big picture: Apple is showing the music industry that people are willing to pay for and download songs legally. That's a huge accomplishment in a relatively short amount of time.

About Gift Certificates:

I was sitting in the Michigan Avenue Apple Store in Chicago, thinking "big woop de doo about gift certificates" when Steve announced them. But after shaking off the RDF a bit, I'd bought two close friends certificates before the night was over.

Talk about a hassle-free and convenient way to share music with friends who are connected, mac or pc.

Captain Canuck

Oct 20, 2003, 10:47 AM

Hi Craig _
You bastard you! _
I got it ! And installed it ! _And personally I thank you! But that is it! But now what the hell do I do???????? It's so MAC-ish!!!!! I mean clean, and simple and refined and all the things my F***IN PC is not !!!!!_ OH ya did I say STABLE!?!?!?! _ But yes it is a nice interface and yes it organizes nicely… _ I like the iTunes Music Store too! I was trying out a few Tracks. Its great for this alone. _But of course there is no CANADIAN Store yet unless I got an AMERICAN ADDRESS… PLEASE NOTE I may not own a BLOODY iPod but I do own a NET MD MP3 Sony Player….. SO I AM Not A complete fool…. _ _ Ha.ha.ha…. _ Yes I wish I had a MAC… _I said it… _ Enough said… _ And good-bye…..

Gary

Need we say more.

cc

godrifle

Oct 20, 2003, 10:48 AM

All hail Apple. I am a Windows XP user who downloaded iTunes, installed it, loved it, and purchased Sting's new album (which, by the way, is great).

I'm a former Mac user without any Macintosh currently. I've been following OSX from afar, and having always been impressed with Apple technology, jumped at the chance to run iTunes (Windows Media Player is god-awful).

So there you have it. Here's one Windows-only user who downloaded the software and made a purchase.

I can report that iTunes 4.1 on my Windows XP 3.08 GHz PC (1 GB RAM, 180 GB HD) performs great. Love it.

Only complaint: I anticipated using the shopping cart as a way to add songs from artists that I want to check out further, in addition to songs I want to purchase immediately. But when I went to purchase SOME of the songs in my shopping cart, I found I could only purchase ALL of the songs. I emailed Apple and made suggestions.

All in all, A+ for Apple!

Edot

Oct 20, 2003, 10:48 AM

I hope they advertise the Gift Certificates for the holiday season. I can see them being popular gifts. However, people need to know about them! I think they could improve their download numbers significantly if they would advertise the new store for windows and especially the gift certificates. Here's hoping.

xtekdiver

Oct 20, 2003, 10:49 AM

Originally posted by Digipimp
I think a more interesting point is that many of those downloads where by mac users because I don't feel like most Windows users have any idea that iTunes is available for them yet, so this is just scratching the surface really and those downloads are mainly mac owners that own pc's as well.

That really doesn't make much sense. I downloaded iTunes for my PC laptop, but I won't be using it to purchase music; I have my Mac for that. Nor did the release of iTunes for PC make me go out and download more music. No, I think these numbers are just the tip of the iceberg; they obviously represent a large number of new users to the platform. I think we are all going to be stunned at the numbers. 100 million is only going to be a drop in the bucket. I predict it will be 2 or 3 times that number at the year mark.

AndrewMT

Oct 20, 2003, 10:49 AM

These one million songs purchased are simply mac users or windows users (who have been following iTunes dev. for a while) who are simply seeing if buying music on a peecee is just as easy as Steve says it is. When are we going to see iTunes commercials? There better be some before the Pepsi campaign or Napster 2.0 is going to take over.

Vector

Oct 20, 2003, 10:51 AM

Originally posted by DeusOmnis
They said 1 million iTunes songs, I wonder how many of those were by Windows users. They specified copies of iTunes for Windows, but they didnt specify the platform for the songs.

I'm sure by putting the two statistics together they were trying to mislead people into thinking that the songs were downloaded by windows users too.

Or maybe they were trying to counter the inevitable argument that the 1 mil downloads were mostly from mac users by saying that 1mil copies of the windows version has been downloaded.

arn

Oct 20, 2003, 10:52 AM

Originally posted by godrifle
Only complaint: I anticipated using the shopping cart as a way to add songs from artists that I want to check out further, in addition to songs I want to purchase immediately.

Alternatively, to keep a list of songs you like and want to come back to but not buy... you can:

1) Make a folder for those songs, and drag the song name into the folder. It will create an alias/link that you can click on in Windows that will open the music store to the proper location.

2) or you can Right-click and copy the URL in the itunes music store and save it somewhere.

arn

xtekdiver

Oct 20, 2003, 10:54 AM

Originally posted by godrifle
All hail Apple. I am a Windows XP user who downloaded iTunes, installed it, loved it, and purchased Sting's new album (which, by the way, is great).

I'm a former Mac user without any Macintosh currently. I've been following OSX from afar, and having always been impressed with Apple technology, jumped at the chance to run iTunes (Windows Media Player is god-awful).

So there you have it. Here's one Windows-only user who downloaded the software and made a purchase.

I can report that iTunes 4.1 on my Windows XP 3.08 GHz PC (1 GB RAM, 180 GB HD) performs great. Love it.

G
Only complaint: I anticipated using the shopping cart as a way to add songs from artists that I want to check out further, in addition to songs I want to purchase immediately. But when I went to purchase SOME of the songs in my shopping cart, I found I could only purchase ALL of the songs. I emailed Apple and made suggestions.

All in all, A+ for Apple!

He makes a good suggestion. I too would like a way to save music I am interested in but don't want to purchase right away. The store needs a save for later option like Amazon.

jettredmont

Oct 20, 2003, 10:57 AM

Originally posted by RHutch
Does anyone know if any of the other pay sites has sold a million songs total--not in 3. 5 days or 7, but from opening until now?

Is anyone else putting out their stats?

Apple has published stats saying that in one particular week (the last for which stats were available) they had sold ~600k songs in that week and they had 70% market share. This puts the other services at (whips out handy claculator...) about 257k altogether, in one week. I would suspsect that they are then running at about 1MM units per month.

Speaking of published stats, though, if the Windows store continues to be 2x the sales of the Mac store, that means we'll be selling around 1.8MM songs per week, which puts us pretty darned close to 100MM songs per year (1.92MM songs per week), but won't get us to 100MM songs by April of 2004. It's going to have to kick up a notch to get to the goal Steve established.

On the other hand, looks like we've gone from 70% market share to around 88% market share, while significantly growing the market overall.

I don't expect 2MM songs per week from Windows to be sustained, but the ratio of 2:1 Win:Mac might be sustainable.

xtekdiver

Oct 20, 2003, 10:59 AM

DGFan

Oct 20, 2003, 11:05 AM

Since Mac iTMS users were downloading 600,000 a week it stands to reason that they probably downloaded approximately 300.000 during the timeframe mentioned. That would mean that 700,000 d/l came from Windows iTMS users which would be a 1.4 million / week rate (for a total of 2 million between Mac and PC).

punter

Oct 20, 2003, 11:09 AM

as a poster said above, this is just the tip of the iceberg!

I think many windows users don't know about itunes for pc yet. Just wait till the pepsi promotion, or the more subtle aol promotion kicks off.

I hope they're not making a loss per song, because they're going to start selling a lot more songs!!!

edit: how many did you think they'd make in the first week? (http://www.macpolls.com/?poll_id=293) I think I said 4 million, but we have a long 3.5 days to go yet!!

Flowbee

Oct 20, 2003, 11:15 AM

Originally posted by AndrewMT
These one million songs purchased are simply mac users or windows users (who have been following iTunes dev. for a while) who are simply seeing if buying music on a peecee is just as easy as Steve says it is.

And they're finding out it *is* that easy!

BTW - That's what people were saying when iTMS for Mac first launched. "Sure, they sold a lot of songs the first week, but that's just people curious about how the music store works. Sales will take a nosedive after the novelty wears off." :confused:

SiliconAddict

Oct 20, 2003, 11:18 AM

I really don't want to be the "glass is half empty" person on this thread but initial sales are all well and fine. Its how well Apple does in the months to come that is key.
Any new product that has as much buzz and hype as iTunes can sell like hotcakes. Its after that buzz cools is when we find out if iTunes for Windows has staying power. With that being said I can say that at least $60 a month is probably going to go to itunes. ($30 per paychek.) I like iTunes and browsing its store is fun :)

PS- Has anyone heard what rights napster has planned for their music store? I'm going to be interested in see if its as board as Apple's. WMA's DRM are only as restrictive as you set them up to be.

Lancetx

Oct 20, 2003, 11:22 AM

SiliconAddict

Oct 20, 2003, 11:33 AM

Originally posted by arn
Alternatively, to keep a list of songs you like and want to come back to but not buy... you can:

1) Make a folder for those songs, and drag the song name into the folder. It will create an alias/link that you can click on in Windows that will open the music store to the proper location.

2) or you can Right-click and copy the URL in the itunes music store and save it somewhere.

arn

That's a good workaround but imagine....

Right click on a song select Wishlist -> with a star rating on interest. 1(red)-2(orange) 3(yellow)-4(green)-5(Blue) stars. When you click on the iTunes store you have a new button apear next to the search field called Wishlist with a little wand next to it. When you click on it the iTMS browser takes you to your list which has all the same info you would see in an iTMS listing as well as a new column called interest and the colored star ratings there. At the top of the list you have a share button. When clicked it has an e-mail address form with an open slot, a hard encoded @ symbol and another open slot. Below that is an add button when clicked adds the e-mail address to the list of users below. What this will do is send these people a link to your wishlist and next to the name you have a dropdown box that says. Send: once, monthly, quarterly, when updated.

arn

Oct 20, 2003, 11:40 AM

Originally posted by SiliconAddict
[B
PS- Has anyone heard what rights napster has planned for their music store? I'm going to be interested in see if its as board as Apple's. WMA's DRM are only as restrictive as you set them up to be. [/B]

Napster has a hybrid model:

99 cents a song, $9.95 per album - like iTunes. (no subscription)

Also: unlimited-listening subscription, $9.95 a month. But you have to buy songs ($1) to move it outside your computer (burn it, portable player)

network23

Oct 20, 2003, 11:42 AM

I went lurking on a couple PC forums this morning to see what the real impression of iTunes for Windows is, rather then relying on some Win-centric writer.

Overall, over 15 screens of posts, I got the impression that 95% of the posters really loved iT4W, 40% were trashing WinAmp and WMP in favor of iT4W, 50% were keeping both and using whichever one was stronger in what they wanted to do, 10% preferred and were keeping WMP.

Here are a couple fun quotes...

timeripper: Is it possible that a single piece of software can actually motivate a whole life change? In the space of a day I've cleaned my desk, rearranged my furniture (Feng Shui THIS), completely refiled all of my paperwork at work, picked my courses for next term, took my DVD burner in for an exchange (yeah, that's been four months in the making) and ate some lemon merangue pie.

I've never been this motivated in my life. I somehow feel it has something to do with iTunes.

Apparently, the rhythm is going to get you.

timeripper: I've been rifling through drawers all over the house to make sure no CD has been missing.

*******, I just ripped my mom's "Diana Ross 20th Century Masters"

SOMEBAAAADY STOP ME!

tiberian: Yes, it is of cource my computer. Not the software, which should be designed to run on my very common hardawe. iTunes really is the best software ever for windows, even though it's only the initial release. ******* Steve Jobs for making iTunes and showing me what a **** computer I really have.

Patient Fury

Oct 20, 2003, 11:43 AM

I can't help but think that if Apple allowed Mac/iTunes users to send out $1 gift certificates on Apple to their Windows friends that the numbers might be better. Seems like a more targeted promotion than the Pepsi deal and it would have an effect before the holiday shopping season. The free song would be the perfect way to get Windows users to check out iTunes and the store.

woodsey

Oct 20, 2003, 11:53 AM

Looking at the comments on CNet downloads, it appears that the majority of PC users love iTunes for Windows.

check it out if you have time. its quite a satisfying read

http://download.com.com/3302-2167_4-10235269.html

here are the first twenty post subjects:
"Apple has done it again!"
"Limited format support, CD burning didn't work"
"Exe"
"The only app that can beat Winamp"
"Fantastic Program and Easy to Use"
"great programme"
"I'm Converted"
"Beats any other player out there hands down"
"Like it...."
"iTunes OWNZ windows crappy player."
"Best music player on Windows."
"Windows Media Player is far Superior"
"Best App for Windows"
"What Software Should Be"
"Great Program--very nicely done!"
"Great Apple product!"
"Great! made me dump Winamp"
"Great Program!"
"Sweet Program"

jettredmont

Oct 20, 2003, 11:55 AM

Originally posted by Flowbee
And they're finding out it *is* that easy!

BTW - That's what people were saying when iTMS for Mac first launched. "Sure, they sold a lot of songs the first week, but that's just people curious about how the music store works. Sales will take a nosedive after the novelty wears off." :confused:

And, well, technically, they did drop off, although nosedive is a bit of an overstatement, by 40%. 1MM the first week, levelling out to 600,000 per week after six months (and, actually, now growing somewhat week over week).

You are correct, though, that many analysts were expecting more like a 90% nosedive after the first couple of weeks.

reyesmac

Oct 20, 2003, 12:03 PM

Apple better start buying new and faster servers before February. If they are to download around 100 million songs in a two month period they better have the hardware to do it without much slowdown on the network. I notice that after the Windows launch of the iTMS that my connection to it has slowed down noticeably. There is a wait for almost everything where as before it connected very fast.
Not complaining, just something I noticed. They will be downloading songs in the millions per week once Pepsi actually starts advertising the iTMS. Something Apple should have been doing from the beginning.

j33pd0g

Oct 20, 2003, 12:04 PM

Great news for Apple. Now what's going on with the stuff about iTunes for windows not working for everybody? Is that because sub-standard pc parts are to blame? I work at a newspaper and am trying to get them to run a positve article about Apples ITMS... but instead they'll run some article doubting Apple and the ITMS... I'll have to switch articles on them at the last minute. :)

kainjow

Oct 20, 2003, 12:05 PM

This whole iTunes for Windows thing has got me pumped up to the extreme. Last night (Sunday), I went on to the store and bought about 4-5 albums. I couldn't stop! It was amazing. yea I've used iTMS before, but somehow I just got extra excited, especially with the new iPod accessories - Apple's going to make it HUGE with the iTunes AND the iPod. Hopefully more PC users will see the light of day and recognize the Mac and it's far superiority.

mathematician

Oct 20, 2003, 12:06 PM

If Apple wants to have sold 100 M songs til end of April, they have to continue at a constant rate of 3,3 M songs per week (from now on).

Sould be possible, but it is still not clear if it will increase to 3,3 M.

Math:

100 M til April
-
14 M aleady sold
-----
86 M to go
/
26 weeks til April
------
3.3 M

jettredmont

Oct 20, 2003, 12:07 PM

Originally posted by Lancetx
You're not including the 100 Million songs that will be given out starting in February thru the Pepsi promo.

In my view, Steve wasn't really clear in saying those "counted" towards the 100MM sold goal. My interpretation (which may be wrong) was that those giveaways didn't count directly towards the goal (it is not likely at all that Apple will make a profit off those; Apple only gets $.30/song revenue as it is (and Steve specifically said that the labels like this promotion because they're getting paid; I doubt this is a Record Label Charity Event), and I don't think Pepsi's footing the full bill there). However, it is expected that most users will get one free song and purchase one or two more once they try it out.

Also, remember that the majority of users who get the winning caps won't redeem them, for various reasons. Those include:

1) They didn't look at their cap to begin with (throw-aways).

2) They don't understand what to do with it.

3) They don't have a broadband connection to get iTMS with (and, really, if this is their first encounter with iTMS, a dialup user is not likely to take the 20MB download AND suffer through iTMS navigation over dialup).

4) They just plain don't want the music, or they think there is some catch somewhere, like Apple taking all their personal information and selling it to the highest bidder (especially since it is a Well Known Fact that Apple is perpetually no more than six months of going bankrupt and selling all its assets anyways!)

5) They don't have a computer.

6) They have a computer but are afraid of it, especially afraid of installing new software.

7) They are already avid users of the iTMS, in which case they'll use their one free song, but it might be countered by a loss of a paid sale.

arn

Oct 20, 2003, 12:10 PM

Originally posted by jettredmont
In my view, Steve wasn't really clear in saying those "counted" towards the 100MM sold goal. My interpretation (which may be wrong)

I thought it was clear that the giveaway counted. He said something to the effect of ... "What if we still can't reach our goal of 100 mill... well, we are also going to be giving away 100 million songs with pepsi etc..."

arn

NatronB

Oct 20, 2003, 12:11 PM

This is great news, and it speaks volumes as to how Apple has gotten into the mainstream. When my friends refer to "Hey Mama" as the iPod song, Apple's doin a good job. When I walk to work and see a dozen pairs of white earbuds, Apple's doin a good job. How many different types of MP3 players can the average person name? None, except the iPod. I understand that I'm preaching to the converted, but using music as the trojan horse to get Apple hardware (and now, software) into the hands of the masses is genius.

-N

Edot

Oct 20, 2003, 12:15 PM

Originally posted by jettredmont

Also, remember that the majority of users who get the winning caps won't redeem them, for various reasons. Those include:

1) They didn't look at their cap to begin with (throw-aways).

Send your throwaways to me!:D

coolfactor

Oct 20, 2003, 12:21 PM

I'm not sure how many of you thought of this, but each reporter at the announcement was given $20 to "try out" the iTMS. There were alot of reporters there. That would be a big chunk of this 1,000,000.

LimeLite

Oct 20, 2003, 12:23 PM

I wonder if we're going to see a larger number of people digging through trash cans, trying to find unclaimed caps!

Actually, just gave myself an idea....:p

LimeLite

Oct 20, 2003, 12:27 PM

Ok...here's a question that maybe people didn't think of...

With the gift certificates, you buy them in increments of $10. So what happens to the pennies? You're pretty much always going to have pennies in your account if you get gift certificates. Even getting $100 worth is going to leave you with 1 penny. (I'm going by individual songs here, not albums.)

Just a weird sort of observation.

marcsiry

Oct 20, 2003, 12:32 PM

Originally posted by LimeLite

With the gift certificates, you buy them in increments of $10. So what happens to the pennies?

They will be diverted into Richard Pryor's iTMS account, and he'll have millions of dollars worth of music overnight.

(That was essentially the plot of Superman 3 (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086393/) )

tmornini

Oct 20, 2003, 12:36 PM

Originally posted by jettredmont
1) They didn't look at their cap to begin with (throw-aways).

2) They don't understand what to do with it.

3) They don't have a broadband connection to get iTMS with (and, really, if this is their first encounter with iTMS, a dialup user is not likely to take the 20MB download AND suffer through iTMS navigation over dialup).

4) They just plain don't want the music, or they think there is some catch somewhere, like Apple taking all their personal information and selling it to the highest bidder (especially since it is a Well Known Fact that Apple is perpetually no more than six months of going bankrupt and selling all its assets anyways!)

5) They don't have a computer.

6) They have a computer but are afraid of it, especially afraid of installing new software.

7) They are already avid users of the iTMS, in which case they'll use their one free song, but it might be countered by a loss of a paid sale.

Mostly exactly correct. :-)

But let's not forget millions of AOL members getting CDs with iTunes that work with the AOL(iTunes) Music Store!

greenstork

Oct 20, 2003, 12:39 PM

Originally posted by Flowbee
And they're finding out it *is* that easy!

BTW - That's what people were saying when iTMS for Mac first launched. "Sure, they sold a lot of songs the first week, but that's just people curious about how the music store works. Sales will take a nosedive after the novelty wears off." :confused:

I don't consider dropping from 1 million songs the first week of iTMS on a Mac to 600,000 songs a nosedive. I would say it's more like leveling out.

However, I'd venture to guess that the less rumor savvy Windows users (in general) still don't even know about iTunes. As more folks here about it word of mouth, I would expect downloads to increase from current levels. Although, in the interim, I would expect sales to decline slightly from these levels.

LimeLite

Oct 20, 2003, 12:51 PM

sethypoo

Oct 20, 2003, 01:01 PM

Flowbee

Oct 20, 2003, 01:17 PM

Originally posted by greenstork
I don't consider dropping from 1 million songs the first week of iTMS on a Mac to 600,000 songs a nosedive. I would say it's more like leveling out.

I was suggesting that the people who originally predicted iTMS would nosedive after the first week were wrong. Too subtle, perhaps.

jvaska

Oct 20, 2003, 01:20 PM

****ing right on! go apple!! i hate m$!!!!

Jerry Spoon

Oct 20, 2003, 01:23 PM

I think this is great given that in my opinion, the windows ITMS has gotten limited press compared to what it will get over the next few weeks/months with magazine articles etc. coming out on it. With what looks like approx. 2/3 of these million songs sold going out to Windows users, I think the % will only increase from now through the end of the year with the # of songs increasing as well.

I'm excited for Apple!

jer2665

Oct 20, 2003, 01:35 PM

Originally posted by marcsiry
They will be diverted into Richard Pryor's iTMS account, and he'll have millions of dollars worth of music overnight.

(That was essentially the plot of Superman 3 (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086393/) )

I'd guess they're going into michael boltons and samir's bank account (a la Office Space (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0151804/)) A much better movie :D

orb

Oct 20, 2003, 01:42 PM

I wonder what the terms of the pepsi promotion. Some people seem to be assuming pepsi is footing the bill for the music. I would have assumed that Apple will be footing the bill for the music and that Pepsi is responsible for all the promotion and other expenses.

That would seem the most natural way to structure it, but knowing how Steve Jobs negotiates, I'm sure he got a much better deal than that. It will be interesting to see...

ryanmil1

Oct 20, 2003, 01:53 PM

One thing I think people are failing to think about is the momentum the store should pick up amongst windows users. I'm a long time mac user who bought a PC for college because I need to run engineering analysis but needless to say, I follow mac rumors closely. In my hall of 800 people (most of whom have PC's) there is hardly anyone that even knows what the hell ITunes is. Once promotions start and more people start downloading Itunes it will really take off. Just wait until the pepsi promotion and the integration with AOL start and you will see downloads to pick up quickly. Most PC users don't regularly check apple.com to see if there are new downloads so this really is a matter of knowledge rather than want. The itunes music store has the potential to be huge and I think that apple is doing a lot of the right things to make it big. (although I still think they need to license fair play to anyone who wants it...they seriously could be come THE way many people get their music)

LimeLite

Oct 20, 2003, 01:54 PM

Originally posted by orb
I wonder what the terms of the pepsi promotion. Some people seem to be assuming pepsi is footing the bill for the music. I would have assumed that Apple will be footing the bill for the music and that Pepsi is responsible for all the promotion and other expenses.

That would seem the most natural way to structure it, but knowing how Steve Jobs negotiates, I'm sure he got a much better deal than that. It will be interesting to see...
My guess was that Pepsi would pay the portion of the .99 that doesn't go to Apple, and Apple just doesn't get paid for it. That way, while Apple won't be *making* any money, they won't have to pay out of pocket either, other than the operational costs. Plus, free publicity from Pepsi's ads.

AndrewMT

Oct 20, 2003, 02:11 PM

Originally posted by reyesmac
Apple better start buying new and faster servers before February. If they are to download around 100 million songs in a two month period they better have the hardware to do it without much slowdown on the network. I notice that after the Windows launch of the iTMS that my connection to it has slowed down noticeably. There is a wait for almost everything where as before it connected very fast.
Not complaining, just something I noticed. They will be downloading songs in the millions per week once Pepsi actually starts advertising the iTMS. Something Apple should have been doing from the beginning.

I've never had to wait for anything myself. So far the iTunes for Windows has provided nothing but robust performance and speed (espcecially speed!!!) for me.

ant_s

Oct 20, 2003, 02:16 PM

Unfortunately for Microsoft, there IS a market for iTunes for Windows. It is the first decent-sounding MP3 player available, and once the iTMS is activated world-wide, there will be no stopping Apple lead this market.

Edit: May I also add it's the only one that doesn't totally take over your PC, again, just like all Apple stuff - it lets you get on with your work: no adverts, no pop-up windows, just one solid, fantastic integrated system. And don't we all think that's how it should be these days? Of course.

Good one, Apple!

AndrewMT

Oct 20, 2003, 02:20 PM

Originally posted by ryanmil1
One thing I think people are failing to think about is the momentum the store should pick up amongst windows users. I'm a long time mac user who bought a PC for college because I need to run engineering analysis but needless to say, I follow mac rumors closely. In my hall of 800 people (most of whom have PC's) there is hardly anyone that even knows what the hell ITunes is. Once promotions start and more people start downloading Itunes it will really take off. Just wait until the pepsi promotion and the integration with AOL start and you will see downloads to pick up quickly. Most PC users don't regularly check apple.com to see if there are new downloads so this really is a matter of knowledge rather than want. The itunes music store has the potential to be huge and I think that apple is doing a lot of the right things to make it big. (although I still think they need to license fair play to anyone who wants it...they seriously could be come THE way many people get their music)

Absolutely right!!!! People in my hall and classes that I know have gigs of mp3s have never heard of iTunes for mac and are less likely even to know about the Windows version. Great iPod commercials - now lets see the iTunes versions of those. Napster comes out at the end of October and we know that they will be advertising. Besides, everyone will already be familiar with the Napster name. Apple cannot afford to wait until the superbowl. I could see a lot ot Apple gift certificates as presents this holiday season if old mom and pop know they are available and how easy they work.

MasterMac

Oct 20, 2003, 02:36 PM

Originally posted by ryanmil1
One thing I think people are failing to think about is the momentum the store should pick up amongst windows users. I'm a long time mac user who bought a PC for college because I need to run engineering analysis but needless to say, I follow mac rumors closely. In my hall of 800 people (most of whom have PC's) there is hardly anyone that even knows what the hell ITunes is. Once promotions start and more people start downloading Itunes it will really take off. Just wait until the pepsi promotion and the integration with AOL start and you will see downloads to pick up quickly. Most PC users don't regularly check apple.com to see if there are new downloads so this really is a matter of knowledge rather than want. The itunes music store has the potential to be huge and I think that apple is doing a lot of the right things to make it big. (although I still think they need to license fair play to anyone who wants it...they seriously could be come THE way many people get their music)

Indeed. Before iTfW came out, I didn't see any shared music collections while I was in my dorm, but shortly after it came out I saw 5+ usually at any given moment. A good thing™ :)

deepkid

Oct 20, 2003, 02:53 PM

Originally posted by Patient Fury
I can't help but think that if Apple allowed Mac/iTunes users to send out $1 gift certificates on Apple to their Windows friends that the numbers might be better. Seems like a more targeted promotion than the Pepsi deal and it would have an effect before the holiday shopping season. The free song would be the perfect way to get Windows users to check out iTunes and the store.

From the accounting perspective, this wouldn't make sense because there would be little or no profit margin in selling a $1 gift certificate. Credit card transaction costs for selling the certificate would dissuade Apple from doing it.

You might say that they already allow you purchase a single .99 song, but it would be smart of them to move away from incurring transaction expenses on such a small amount ... hence the $10 minimum needed to buy a ceritificate.

Vector

Oct 20, 2003, 02:53 PM

Originally posted by coolfactor
I'm not sure how many of you thought of this, but each reporter at the announcement was given $20 to "try out" the iTMS. There were alot of reporters there. That would be a big chunk of this 1,000,000.

I do not think that the "chunk" would be that substantial. I would guesstimate that there where 1,000 people there ((2*25)/5 * (100-90)ˆ2). Assuming that they all spent the entire $20, that is only 20,000 songs (given that they are all individual songs). DIviding by the total (1mil) this gives us 2% of the total sales.

Ok so my first calculation is complete bs, but the rest is logical.

Vector

Oct 20, 2003, 03:01 PM

Originally posted by LimeLite
Ok...here's a question that maybe people didn't think of...

With the gift certificates, you buy them in increments of $10. So what happens to the pennies? You're pretty much always going to have pennies in your account if you get gift certificates. Even getting $100 worth is going to leave you with 1 penny. (I'm going by individual songs here, not albums.)

Just a weird sort of observation.

I assumed that it would deduct the .01 from your account and then charge .98 to your cc (assuming you had one). I wondered the same thing when steve was talking about the gift certificates, but just decided that the above made the most sense unless apple jsut wants to cheat people out of a couple of cents.

pkradd

Oct 20, 2003, 03:06 PM

Almost lost in all of this is the fact that by month's end there will be 400,000 songs available. A massive ad campaign won't begin until the Superbowl. Hopefully, the iPod ads will soon end with "iTunes Music Store for Mac and PC now available" or something like that.

QuiteSure

Oct 20, 2003, 03:25 PM

this is my favorite quote from the CNET forum:

from Louis:

"one of the BEST apps for the PC"
Unbelievable. Would sum it up in one word, this app is amazing, from the ease of use to organize my 70+ gigs of mp3s, to sharing with ALL iTunes users on my college network, it is just sick… searching through over a month of playtime takes seconds, and the ability to make “smart” playlists containing only songs that fit a certain criteria, is just amazing.. DOWNLOAD this program if you have more than 30 mp3s on your computer.. if all Apple products are like this one, my next computer may just be an Apple

reedm007

Oct 20, 2003, 03:33 PM

Originally posted by arn
I thought it was clear that the giveaway counted. He said something to the effect of ... "What if we still can't reach our goal of 100 mill... well, we are also going to be giving away 100 million songs with pepsi etc..."

Well, the giveaway doesn't count in the sense that Apple specifically called for "100 Million purchases", which a giveaway isn't. So Apple is expecting to have 100 Million songs purchased, NOT including the 100 million they're giving away.

As, Steve said in his Keynote, "this doesn't count toward our 100 Million goal."

QuiteSure

Oct 20, 2003, 03:36 PM

I can't help it, this is so great ... this is from Tony:

"What Software Should Be"
iTunes 4 for Windows is a superb product and a great addition to the numerous other media player jukeboxes available on the PC. It is well designed, elegant, and intuitive to use. Unlike WMP, which seems at times convoluted to access its features, iTunes remains focussed on what it was designed to do. I've browsed through the Music Store and think its great. They have a considerable collection with good info on the artists as well as decent previewing and one-click purchasing. What really impresses me, technically at least, is how rapidly the pages on the iTMS render. I hear Apple is using its own browser technology. I would love to see Internet Explorer render pages that quick. Also, I was blown away by the networking feature. All you have to do to set it up is, well, NOTHING! That's a first. Zero configuration networking. When I installed iTunes on my laptop I was shocked that the playlist on my desktop automatically appeared over my Wi-Fi network without having to do anything. I understand that the iPod is supposed to appear the same way, without any driver installs or anything, automatically on the playlist. I may have to get one in order to test it out. I've heard a lot about Apple's iApps but was dubious about how much better they could actually be then Microsoft's offerings. A media player is a media player I thought. How wrong I was until I tried iTunes. I wonder what the other iApps are like and if Apple will port them to Windows. I would happily pay to see some of Apple's other apps on Windows. At the very least, I hope it makes Microsoft focus on making Windows better. Next opportunity I get to check out a Mac at CompUSA I'm going to see what else they have on that platform that we've been missing out on.

Is the rest of the world really about to see how good we've had it for so long??

twinn233

Oct 20, 2003, 03:49 PM

Originally posted by SiliconAddict
I really don't want to be the "glass is half empty" person on this thread but initial sales are all well and fine. Its how well Apple does in the months to come that is key.
Any new product that has as much buzz and hype as iTunes can sell like hotcakes. Its after that buzz cools is when we find out if iTunes for Windows has staying power. With that being said I can say that at least $60 a month is probably going to go to itunes. ($30 per paychek.) I like iTunes and browsing its store is fun :)

Yes, thats true we (mac users) only bought 1 Million in the first week now were at about 600,000 a week. But Mac users are more aware of updates, windows users however never know.

Patient Fury

Oct 20, 2003, 04:24 PM

Originally posted by deepkid
From the accounting perspective, this wouldn't make sense because there would be little or no profit margin in selling a $1 gift certificate. Credit card transaction costs for selling the certificate would dissuade Apple from doing it.

You might say that they already allow you purchase a single .99 song, but it would be smart of them to move away from incurring transaction expenses on such a small amount ... hence the $10 minimum needed to buy a ceritificate.

To clarify, I wasn't advocating the availability for purchase of $1 gift certificates, but rather a special certificate on Apple (Apple pays for it). My idea was that you could recommend iTunes to a friend by sending the gift certificate to their e-mail. The existing system would work well, just add an option for "Recommend iTunes", or something similar, to the current set of denominations, which gives the recipient $1 (or $.99) at no cost to the sender. The system could limit recommendations to one per email address, and perhaps allow only a few such recommendations to be made by each existing iTunes account. This wouldn't involve any credit card transactions, just a few lump payments from Apple to the record companies while the promotion runs. It seems that this would be relatively easy to implement quickly, and I imagine recieving an invitation to try iTunes and a gift certificate from a friend would convince many Windows users to download and test it. I see this as possibly being a more effective promotional campaign than the Pepsi one and it would probably have a similar cost to Apple.

crenz

Oct 20, 2003, 05:22 PM

Wow. I'm glad Apple is successful. Unfortunately, I can't still use the store... Maybe someone can send me a gift certificate so I can show off the store to some potential switchers ;-).

Hey, that might be a good business idea: Someone set up a company that allows non-US citizens to pay them for buying gift certificates for them...

I have to say, though, that as someone who really likes CDs I am sad that they are being replaced by legal and illegal downloads. I can definitely see the effects of illegal downloading on the music stores; the selection of CDs grew worse over the last few years, they became more expensive and the recent ones use copy protection :(. What a pity... I wish there was an option for me to download an album _and_ get it shipped (non-copy protected) via mail a few days later.

Zeke

Oct 20, 2003, 05:25 PM

Originally posted by Patient Fury
To clarify, I wasn't advocating the availability for purchase of $1 gift certificates, but rather a special certificate on Apple (Apple pays for it). My idea was that you could recommend iTunes to a friend by sending the gift certificate to their e-mail. The existing system would work well, just add an option for "Recommend iTunes", or something similar, to the current set of denominations, which gives the recipient $1 (or $.99) at no cost to the sender. The system could limit recommendations to one per email address, and perhaps allow only a few such recommendations to be made by each existing iTunes account. This wouldn't involve any credit card transactions, just a few lump payments from Apple to the record companies while the promotion runs. It seems that this would be relatively easy to implement quickly, and I imagine recieving an invitation to try iTunes and a gift certificate from a friend would convince many Windows users to download and test it. I see this as possibly being a more effective promotional campaign than the Pepsi one and it would probably have a similar cost to Apple.

I think this is an excellent idea. Everybody will jump for something free and once they see how nice it is people are a lot more likely to continue than to just jump from it. Maybe we can recommend this to Apple...I also agree that they don't have much time to dominate the market because Napster is going to pose a serious problem (unless people hate how it works).

godrifle

Oct 20, 2003, 05:27 PM

I'd just be happy to be able to purchase some of the items currently in my shopping cart, leaving others for reference.

But hey, write to the iTunes team.

Originally posted by SiliconAddict
That's a good workaround but imagine....

Right click on a song select Wishlist -> with a star rating on interest. 1(red)-2(orange) 3(yellow)-4(green)-5(Blue) stars. When you click on the iTunes store you have a new button apear next to the search field called Wishlist with a little wand next to it. When you click on it the iTMS browser takes you to your list which has all the same info you would see in an iTMS listing as well as a new column called interest and the colored star ratings there. At the top of the list you have a share button. When clicked it has an e-mail address form with an open slot, a hard encoded @ symbol and another open slot. Below that is an add button when clicked adds the e-mail address to the list of users below. What this will do is send these people a link to your wishlist and next to the name you have a dropdown box that says. Send: once, monthly, quarterly, when updated.

the_mole1314

Oct 20, 2003, 05:27 PM

Hmm....

Imagine getting an e-mail from Apple Randomly and you recieved $10 in free music just to try out iTunes. I think that would work. Just send it to random e-mails, not spam per-say, but just a gift.

sososowhat

Oct 20, 2003, 05:45 PM

Originally posted by LimeLite
My guess was that Pepsi would pay the portion of the .99 that doesn't go to Apple, and Apple just doesn't get paid for it. That way, while Apple won't be *making* any money, they won't have to pay out of pocket either, other than the operational costs. Plus, free publicity from Pepsi's ads.

My guess (& it's only a guess) is that Apple pays not only the 99 cents but quite a bit of the advertising too. They're not going to be giving away $100M of product. Maybe $10M gets actually cashed in, which costs $7M to Apple. The real expense is the advertising. It's way (way, way, way) more than $7M if they're starting a massive campaign at the Super Bowl.

Ads are ads and if Apple's featured in them, they'll be paying for them too. Just my guess.

ps: Arn, I think I heard Steve explicitly say the 100 Million give-aways did not count toward the 100M sales goal. I'll review the video, but I'm pretty sure I heard that.

Phil Of Mac

Oct 20, 2003, 05:59 PM

Originally posted by arn
I thought it was clear that the giveaway counted. He said something to the effect of ... "What if we still can't reach our goal of 100 mill... well, we are also going to be giving away 100 million songs with pepsi etc..."

arn

You could interpret that as, "The publicity from our 100 million song giveaway will cause people to buy 100 million more songs, and we'll make millions! MILLIONS I SAID!"

Originally posted by LimeLite
Ok...here's a question that maybe people didn't think of...

With the gift certificates, you buy them in increments of $10. So what happens to the pennies? You're pretty much always going to have pennies in your account if you get gift certificates. Even getting $100 worth is going to leave you with 1 penny. (I'm going by individual songs here, not albums.)

Just a weird sort of observation.

That way you have to spend some of your own money in order to totally use up the gift certificate.

By the way, while 1,000,000 songs may have been downloaded, it will have to go *up* from here--1,000,000 songs in 3 days is 100,000,000 songs in 300 days, and we have to get to 100,000,000 by April.

And, 1,000,000 songs or not, it appears that lots of people still want to listen to "Stacy's Mom" by Fountains of Wayne, as it is still #1. I am willing to take partial responsibility for this.

LimeLite

Oct 20, 2003, 06:07 PM

Originally posted by sososowhat
My guess (& it's only a guess) is that Apple pays not only the 99 cents but quite a bit of the advertising too. They're not going to be giving away $100M of product. Maybe $10M gets actually cashed in, which costs $7M to Apple. The real expense is the advertising. It's way (way, way, way) more than $7M if they're starting a massive campaign at the Super Bowl.

Ads are ads and if Apple's featured in them, they'll be paying for them too. Just my guess.

ps: Arn, I think I heard Steve explicitly say the 100 Million give-aways did not count toward the 100M sales goal. I'll review the video, but I'm pretty sure I heard that.

Ok, but the flaw here is that it's the iTMS that's helping sell the Pepsi, not Pepsi helping to sell the music. Since the music is free, that's what's getting people to buy the Pepsi. It's for that reason that I highly doubt that Apple is paying for all of the songs plus advertising. What, then, would be the benefit of teaming up with Pepsi?

Since the free songs are what's selling the bottles, I'm sure Pepsi is at least paying for the actual advertising.

Potus

Oct 20, 2003, 06:11 PM

Just got an e-mail from a colleague (a confirmed WinDoze guy): He said his wife bought him a 30G iPod which he loves (!) for his birthday and having heard about iTunes this weekend, he's looking for an OS for his PC that will use iTunes. This is the window of the future: a guy (or girl) who having enjoyed the iPod is now ready for an Apple software experience. I mean he said he was going to upgrade his OS! This is not a piece of cake in the WinDoze world.

I think his previous mp3 player was an Archos jukebox...

Phil Of Mac

Oct 20, 2003, 06:13 PM

Originally posted by LimeLite
Ok, but the flaw here is that it's the iTMS that's helping sell the Pepsi, not Pepsi helping to sell the music. Since the music is free, that's what's getting people to buy the Pepsi. It's for that reason that I highly doubt that Apple is paying for all of the songs plus advertising. What, then, would be the benefit of teaming up with Pepsi?

Since the free songs are what's selling the bottles, I'm sure Pepsi is at least paying for the actual advertising.

Benefit to Apple: more iTMS customers. Free song gets them hooked for life, even if that song is "Stacy's Mom".

JayBee

Oct 20, 2003, 06:15 PM

Just a very quick off-topic thought (though it isn't really as it concerns the downloads aspect) - how will windows owners be kept up to date with new versions of iTunes? If a new version comes out, we get it via Software update. Does anyone know if there's a version checker built into the software to alert windows users when there's a new version?

Could be yet another "ease of use" trojan, especially if the update doesn't require a restart. I was a bit disappointed in the fact that the initial install required a restart on Windows, though to be fair that's probably Win's fault and not Apple's, and to be practical it didn't bother my flatmate who was actually DOING the installing... and who subsequently downloaded and installed it on all his PCs at work, and has proclaimed it an astounding music player.

This was also the guy who was tentatively saying about a month ago that WMA's sound quality "Actually isn't that bad these days". Words were eaten ;)

MOST importantly, though, he's not only converted to iTunes but also to Pink Floyd! Ah the wonders of playlist sharing.

I've just realised what a great sales drive that's going to be. If you're in a Uni dorm network, let's say you start listening to a random album on someone else's machine. It's really good and you're really getting into it, but the other user decides to hit the hay and switch off his machine. You're in for an allnighter, and REALLY need to hear the rest of the album. Did anyone say Music Store?

Beautiful. Now all they have to do is release it internationally. If these figures don't speed up the process, I don't know what will!

To paraphrase from Glengarry Glen Ross...

"These people are out there, waiting to give you their money! Are you going to take it? Are you man enough to take it?"

rdowns

Oct 20, 2003, 06:23 PM

Originally posted by mathematician
I think we have to wait.

I have no PC (!) but I downloaded iTunes for Windows just to see how it looks (in Virtual PC on a Mac).

However, I know a PC guy who tried iTunes and loves it (he would have bought Music, if he had an US Billing Adr.

Just spread the word...

C.

Testify my brother!

I've always tried to convert my co-workers but it's hard if you can only tell them of the Mac experience. I got a new 15GB iPod loaded up with 1,400 tunes that I started bringing to work last week. Everyone is in awe of it and word travels fast.

I showed many of them iTunes f/W which I d/l'd onto my Win2K PC and even purhcased a few tracks to show them how easy it was. Even my boss, a notorious gadget hater was picking my brain as to how he could use an iPod.

A few even visited the Apple Store with me and were aksing which Mac would be best for them. I bet one guy orders the 17" iMac tomorrow.

JGowan

Oct 20, 2003, 06:25 PM

Originally posted by Digipimp
I think a more interesting point is that many of those downloads where by mac users because I don't feel like most Windows users have any idea that iTunes is available for them yet, so this is just scratching the surface really and those downloads are mainly mac owners that own pc's as well. Well, you would be wrong.

Apple is able to track the number of DLs from a WINDOWS computer of the WINDOWS software. If over ONE MILLION copies of the WINDOWS software has been downloaded, then it is QUITE LOGICAL that a million people might want to try the store out. Sure, some of the number is going to be Mac people but it is no coincidence that a huge amount of software was downloaded and then a huge number of songs were bought. It is common sense.

Troll another board.

Phil Of Mac

Oct 20, 2003, 06:28 PM

He's not trolling, he has a valid point: not all PC users have heard of iTunes yet, so it very well might rise.

JGowan

Oct 20, 2003, 06:37 PM

Originally posted by arn
1) Make a folder for those songs, and drag the song name into the folder. It will create an alias/link that you can click on in Windows that will open the music store to the proper location.-arnDude,... you rock! This works so damn fine! Thanks!

Macmaniac

Oct 20, 2003, 06:38 PM

Now all Apple has to do is do a kick a$$ iTunes commercial to bridge the gap until the superbowl:)

Toppa G's

Oct 20, 2003, 09:36 PM

Whenever I'm buying from iTMS, I get to pay $1.04 per song...this seems like gift certificates would end up having like $0.60 unused on them instead of just a few pennies.

Potus

Oct 20, 2003, 09:49 PM

Originally posted by Toppa G's
Whenever I'm buying from iTMS, I get to pay $1.04 per song...this seems like gift certificates would end up having like $0.60 unused on them instead of just a few pennies.

I wonder if the extra pennies could be pooled as a charitable donation so that poor kids or physically challenged people or non-profits could receive the money. Smalldog has a charitble contribution button.

GeeYouEye

Oct 20, 2003, 10:15 PM

Originally posted by Toppa G's
Whenever I'm buying from iTMS, I get to pay $1.04 per song...this seems like gift certificates would end up having like $0.60 unused on them instead of just a few pennies.

Maybe Apple picked Wisconsin for its iTMS location so fewer people would have to pay sales taxes?:confused: I live in CA, not 50 miles from Cupertino, and pay $0.99 a song.

vitaboy

Oct 20, 2003, 10:15 PM

I just wrote iTunes feedback suggest just such a feature. What better way to not let those random pennies go to waste? Watching those pennies add up to millions of dollars would be a great way to build a sense of community among iTunes users!

Everyone should write Apple with this feature request, so that they hear the voice of iTunes users!

http://www.apple.com/feedback/itunes.html

Originally posted by Potus
I wonder if the extra pennies could be pooled as a charitable donation so that poor kids or physically challenged people or non-profits could receive the money. Smalldog has a charitble contribution button.

Analog Kid

Oct 20, 2003, 10:48 PM

Originally posted by Edot
I hope they advertise the Gift Certificates for the holiday season. I can see them being popular gifts. However, people need to know about them! I think they could improve their download numbers significantly if they would advertise the new store for windows and especially the gift certificates. Here's hoping.

I'm still like 3 pages behind in the postings, so this may have come up, but I just had a quick idea that struck me:

Timed delivery of Gift Certificates.

Especially for something like the Christmas season-- people don't want their gift email arriving early, but they don't want to sit on the computer Christmas day sending GCs to everyone.

No reason Apple can't hold them on it's servers and then start mailing them out while Santa flies over. (From: santa@apple.com?)

Could expand the idea to general dates for birthdays, weddings, etc...

rogueimage

Oct 20, 2003, 11:29 PM

suzerain

Oct 20, 2003, 11:57 PM

Originally posted by rogueimage
I live in Boulder, CO, and pay about $1.07 per song, including tax. What gives?

That's a bummer. you guys need to move.

Seriously...that *is* weird. Why is Apple charging sales tax in Colorado and...what was it...Wisconsin?

BTW...I'm with the poster on the first page who said that a lot of the iTunes (software) downloads in the first week were probably Mac users. Or, a better way to put it is, "multi-platform users", like me (when these computer companies are going to get that we don't use either platform 100% of the time is beyond me).

Anyway, I don't think this guy was trolling...I think this is predictable, and good: it means that Windows downloads should only pick up steam as all the PC rags and Web sites start writing reviews of iTunes.

MasterMac

Oct 21, 2003, 12:43 AM

Originally posted by JayBee
Just a very quick off-topic thought (though it isn't really as it concerns the downloads aspect) - how will windows owners be kept up to date with new versions of iTunes? If a new version comes out, we get it via Software update. Does anyone know if there's a version checker built into the software to alert windows users when there's a new version?

There is an option in the prefs under the "General" section on if you want to be notified when a new version is released :) (only on the Windows version, of course, since Mac users already have Software Update)

Sabenth

Oct 21, 2003, 03:18 AM

ok first off well done apple
second this number is just for the USA market no were else just imagine whats going to happen when the rest of us get iTunes Stores..

A legal issues is all that stands between iTunes and the world thats it then its booomm baby...

Seeming I am presently just listhing to the demos of songs its great realy great to hear and also know that there is a service out there that can do the music world a favor and us the listner a service.

Couple of things that need to be addressed though and no its not software related its payment options dont know how many of you have fantastic plastic a fair few of you obviously but cant Apple lauch top up cards you know life for mobile phones in stores that sell apple products you know buy them like the gift products.

They should also concider selling music videos to go with the music or maybe even lyircs or somthing ok these ideas have probaly come up before but thought id add my 2 pence worth..

iChan

Oct 21, 2003, 04:59 AM

I think the ITMS is great, but I still think it is a limited market, being only available in the states and all... they realy need to get this out to the rest of the world... Europe, with lots and lots of local music, German, Italian, Spanish, Irish, this thing can run and run and run...

Even japanese!

Sabenth

Oct 21, 2003, 05:05 AM

There working on that iChan its not apple its the legal copyrights and local laws govening what can and cant be done with the iTunes Stores at least we can listen to the Tunes for free and for 30 seconds wish it was released here in Australia and even in the UK for when i go home to visit soon Not going to happen for a while but canada might have it soon..

The evididence there for the record lables that this works it makes a deacent cash flow and it could be more effective in providing covarge to an artists of course it helps if the artists are large known but what the hell even the undeground labels are showing there true colours

rdowns

Oct 21, 2003, 05:37 AM

Originally posted by rogueimage
I live in Boulder, CO, and pay about $1.07 per song, including tax. What gives?

Strange, my purchases over the first few months were taxed ($1.07 per song). Hadn't bought a song in weks until a few on my Windows box and just got my invoice, no tax.

I thought the rule of thumb was a company charges sales tax when they have a physical presence in the state. As Apple has offices in most states, they would charge sales tax. Online sales may be exempt in some states.

Than again, what the hell do I know?

bwintx

Oct 21, 2003, 07:23 AM

Originally posted by rdowns
I thought the rule of thumb was a company charges sales tax when they have a physical presence in the state. As Apple has offices in most states, they would charge sales tax.

That would explain why we in Texas are getting taxed eight cents per song. Apple has maintained a presence in the Austin area for quite a few years now.

Thanks for that info.

iChan

Oct 21, 2003, 08:24 AM

I know about the legal stuff in other parts of the world, but its just hard to be impressed with all of this when the only people that have this service available are people that live in the US.

For once, I would like to see Apple launching something simultaneously all around the world.

I mean, Appe Centres in Ireland still dont have the new 15 inch PB or the Wireless mouse and Keyboard...

The Photo Album is something that I am yearning for also as every time I introduce a new member of my family to iPhoto, they always ask what it is... "its great, however, its not available in Ireland" is what I find myself saying all too often.

iChan

Oct 21, 2003, 08:31 AM

On a different note, I do respect everything that Apple has got... Ive been using their computers for a very long time (well, ever since the second coming of SJ - Indigo iMac, mmmm...)

I was playfully imagining to myself setting up a company like Apple - a Computer company.... but it made me realise that they are so much more... they are, i believe the greatest vertically integrated company in the tech world today in my opinion and I dont think many of the people of the windows world understands or appreciates it.

The iTMS on Windows is like an Operating system in itself... But solely for music... When Windows people use it, they will see that they can have that kind of experience with their photos, their movies... everything.

Aw man, I get carried away when it comes to apple. Its hard to define.

A recent article by John Manzione over at macnet2 states that he doesnt like the company but he loves the products... wel, I love the company just as much as their products...

To be constantly innovative, to break barriers, to always thrive to outdo themselves... that is a sign of a great company... not only that, but they have put all their innovations to good use, and right now, it seems as thoguh the pinnacle of all this hard work is with the iTMS... and I feel very left out.

Just wanted to get that off my chest... thanks for your time and sorry for ranting.

aaroncd

Oct 21, 2003, 10:54 AM

A friend of mine from the UK came over to visit in Feb, he wanted to take me with him to help get a new computer (he was a windows user at work anyway). So I took him to the Apple store in Atlanta first, walked out of there with an ibook. He left for Iraq a few days ago, but the week before he was telling me he thinks he needs an iPod, so he bought one of those too, his music collection now resides there. He loves iCal, and Safari, and really loves iTunes, hes not a computer geek, far from it, but loves how easy it is to use.

He says he'll be thinking desktop whever he gets back from Iraq, and wants to know when the music store will be available there.

So yeah it all works, show them, let them play and we can bring the sheep into a new line :)

Aaron

Vector

Oct 21, 2003, 11:13 AM

Originally posted by iChan
On a different note, I do respect everything that Apple has got... Ive been using their computers for a very long time (well, ever since the second coming of SJ - Indigo iMac, mmmm...)

Speaking of the second coming of steve jobs, has anyone else noticed that the book is on itms?

Potus

Oct 21, 2003, 11:20 AM

Originally posted by Vector
Speaking of the second coming of steve jobs, has anyone else noticed that the book is on itms?

Yes. But Audible.com has had it as an offering for a long time. Has nothing to do with ITMS

Vector

Oct 21, 2003, 11:36 AM

Originally posted by Potus
Yes. But Audible.com has had it as an offering for a long time. Has nothing to do with ITMS

i realize that. i just thought it was interesting and was pointing out for anyone who hasnt seen it.

JulesTM

Oct 21, 2003, 12:43 PM

Originally posted by jrober
This is great news.

Being new to the windows world :-) is 1M downloads a good rate?

Now Steve just get the European store running and I can contribute to the purchased figures.

Yeah, if iTunes Music Store supported Euro Mac and Windows Users the Song sales would grow even more and so would iPods!

Come on apple! :D

Phil Of Mac

Oct 21, 2003, 01:21 PM

Originally posted by Vector
Speaking of the second coming of steve jobs, has anyone else noticed that the book is on itms?

Indeed! Steve Jobs didn't like that book, I wonder why he allowed it on the site!

LimeLite

Oct 21, 2003, 03:40 PM

Originally posted by Phil Of Mac
Indeed! Steve Jobs didn't like that book, I wonder why he allowed it on the site!
Um, probably because if the first filter of content was Steve Jobs himself...that could lead to some issues. He can't not let something on there for personal reasons. He's running a business, not a club in a tree house.

Phil Of Mac

Oct 21, 2003, 03:50 PM

Originally posted by LimeLite
Um, probably because if the first filter of content was Steve Jobs himself...that could lead to some issues. He can't not let something on there for personal reasons. He's running a business, not a club in a tree house.

Jobs tried to sue to keep that book from being published. He would doubtless have reservations about *his own company* selling that book :)

LimeLite

Oct 21, 2003, 04:43 PM

Originally posted by Phil Of Mac
Jobs tried to sue to keep that book from being published. He would doubtless have reservations about *his own company* selling that book :)
He might not like it, but you have to think about it in business terms. If he were to not allow that, then where does it stop? Is he going to not like country music in? Or a particular artist for a statement they made? He's got to be objective about this and not let personal feeling or reservations get in the way.

Blaaze

Oct 21, 2003, 05:02 PM

that is awesome news

jywv8

Oct 21, 2003, 06:25 PM

Originally posted by suzerain
That's a bummer. you guys need to move.

Seriously...that *is* weird. Why is Apple charging sales tax in Colorado and...what was it...Wisconsin?

I live in Chicago, and they charged me sales tax, too. $1.06 for one song.

Phil Of Mac

Oct 21, 2003, 06:43 PM

$1.07, and I'm billing from western Washington.

LimeLite

Oct 21, 2003, 07:12 PM

I've been purchasing from California and I don't think I've ever been charged sales tax.

MasterMac

Oct 21, 2003, 07:18 PM

Originally posted by LimeLite
I've been purchasing from California and I don't think I've ever been charged sales tax. Same here (I'm in Calif. too). No tax, just $.99 :)

Patient Fury

Oct 21, 2003, 07:55 PM

The reason why iTMS has no sales tax in CA despite Apple's (obvious) presence:

Source: Are your internet sales taxable?
California State Board of Equalization
www.boe.ca.gov/pdf/pub109.pdf

"Your sale of electronic data products such as software, data, and digital images is generally not taxable when you transmit the data to your customer over the Internet or by modem. However, if as part of the sale you provide your customer with a printed copy of the electronically transferred information or a backup data copy on a physical storage medium such as a CD-ROM or diskette, your entire sale is usually taxable. For example, if your company sells canned (non-custom) software programs to customers who download them from a server, those sales are generally not subject to tax. However, if you also provide your customers with a backup copy on a CD-ROM, the entire transaction is taxable. Similarly, if you transmit a stock (non-custom) database to your customer over the Internet and also provide a printed copy of the contents, the entire sale is subject to tax."