iTMS Canada Launch Tomorrow?

[MacRumors]

All signs indicate that Apple is on the threshold of their launch of a localized iTunes Music Store for Canada. Many members have noticed that the message "The iTunes Music Store is not available in your country yet" appears when they select any country, which mirrors the behavior just before the launch of the European (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/10/20041026141128.shtml) iTMS stores on October 26.A Canadian launch tomorrow, November 23, would be three days earlier than the previously rumored (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/10/20041012011843.shtml) date of November 26.

[adamberti]

That's the loop I'm getting - credit card is ready. And I can still browse and search the store, same as before EU launch.

Happy Americans? No more whining from up North eh? :)

[im_noahselby]

This is great news indeed ;) It's about time us Canucks got the ITMS, we've been waiting for what seems like forever...

Noah

[Mord]

they took there time

[Macmaniac]

At last the complaints about the lack of ITMS Canada will stop, which country is next? ;)

[Doctor Q]

At last the complaints about the lack of ITMS Canada will stop, which country is next? ;)Ireland? Australia? Japan?

[~Shard~]

Great news, can't wait! Now I can expect some iTMS gift certificates for Christmas! :cool:

3 days early would be great, and I suppose that makes sense since that technically would be on a Tuesday. ;)

[ct77]

... I can instantly satisfy my cravings for timeless classics:

Timeless Classic (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?selectedItemId=24141036&playListId=24088166&originStoreFront=143441)

:D

[zelmo]

Ireland? Australia? Japan?

yes. ;)

[~Shard~]

Ireland? Australia? Japan?

I agree, I think all 3 of those would be excellent places for Apple to focus on - they're definitely the logical places to go next if nothing else....

[Steamboatwillie]

If I remember correctly... On the Canadian Music Channels (TV) didn't the Canadian Government rule that a certain amount of video's played had to be Canadian artists? I'm a bit hazy on the topic and have no facts to back that other than vaguely remembering hearing something about that. If that is true do you think they would impose something similar on the iTunes music store? A minimum percentage of the artists must be Canadian? Seems unreasonable to me. Just curious if anyone has an opinion.

[littlegreen]

it's not tomorrow.

[virividox]

... I can instantly satisfy my cravings for timeless classics:

Timeless Classic (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?selectedItemId=24141036&playListId=24088166&originStoreFront=143441)

:D

haha HE HAS AN ALBUM!!!

[~Shard~]

If I remember correctly... On the Canadian Music Channels (TV) didn't the Canadian Government rule that a certain amount of video's played had to be Canadian artists? I'm a bit hazy on the topic and have no facts to back that other than vaguely remembering hearing something about that. If that is true do you think they would impose something similar on the iTunes music store? A minimum percentage of the artists must be Canadian? Seems unreasonable to me. Just curious if anyone has an opinion.

You're probably thinking of the CRTC (Canadian Radio and Telecommunications COmmission), the regulating body for television, radio, etc. content here in Canada. Although our major media has to have "X" percent of Canadian content on it, I doubt they would have any say over something like iTMS, so I'm not sure if this would be the case. I'm not too familiar with the Canadian Recordnig Industry Association's stance, rules, etc. though, so perhaps they will try and enforce something.

[~Shard~]

it's not tomorrow.

Wow, what an informative first post you've made! Care to elaborate and explain your comment a bit further to give it some substance and make it a little more benefical for everyone reading this? :cool:

[antirealist]

All signs indicate that Apple is on the threshold of their launch of a localized iTunes Music Store for Canada. Many members have noticed that the message "The iTunes Music Store is not available in your country yet" appears when they select any country, which mirrors the behavior just before the launch of the European (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/10/20041026141128.shtml) iTMS stores on October 26...

Well, we know it's coming anyway, but isn't this just standard iTMS behaviour? I've seen this message since the store started.

[Raid]

Well this will be a good thing for me, and the music industry... I previoulsy posted that I'd budget $0.99 a day for the iTMS, when it opened. So I started a little early (Nov 1st) and I have $21.78 to spend at the iTMS if it opened today. This adds up to $361.35 for the year and is about double the amount of cash I've ever spent on music in one year. Looking at it individually might not add up, but imagine if there are more like me ... but perhaps not so budget oriented.

[HoserHead]

Ireland? Australia? Japan?
Ireland at least. Look at the findings circworld and I posted to the iTMS Canada - Next month thread (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=92937&page=4&pp=25).

[appleguy]

I am getting the same message for the store and I am in New Zealand

[Steamboatwillie]

You're probably thinking of the CRTC (Canadian Radio and Telecommunications COmmission), the regulating body for television, radio, etc. content here in Canada. Although our major media has to have "X" percent of Canadian content on it, I doubt they would have any say over something like iTMS, so I'm not sure if this would be the case. I'm not too familiar with the Canadian Recordnig Industry Association's stance, rules, etc. though, so perhaps they will try and enforce something.

If they did wouldn't they also have to impose the same restrictions on brick & mortar record stores? I think you are right and the music available on ITMS Canada (if they indeed do launch) won't be governed to meet a certain amount of Canadian content.

[littlegreen]

Wow, what an informative first post you've made! Care to elaborate and explain your comment a bit further to give it some substance and make it a little more benefical for everyone reading this? :cool:

not really, no. just thought i'd share what i know to save you the disappointment of opening iTunes tomorrow and not seeing the Music Store link in the source list.

is that a more informative second post?

[jwhitnah]

it's not tomorrow.

What is your source or is this a random guess?

[tobyc]

If I remember correctly... On the Canadian Music Channels (TV) didn't the Canadian Government rule that a certain amount of video's played had to be Canadian artists? I'm a bit hazy on the topic and have no facts to back that other than vaguely remembering hearing something about that. If that is true do you think they would impose something similar on the iTunes music store? A minimum percentage of the artists must be Canadian? Seems unreasonable to me. Just curious if anyone has an opinion.

You are talking about the CRTC ruling on Canadian Content. Yes that is still in effect for Broadcast media like TV and Radio. But this is not the same for retail. I could have a store that featured only Japanese titles, however I could not have a radio station that only played Japanese music (ie music made in Japan) I could, however, have a Japanese language radio station that played music made in Canada that was sung in Japanese.

This is quite common amongst non-US nations. Both France and England have content rules that require a certain amount of home-grown content.

This is reqiured when you live next or trade with such a huge content producer as the US.

And personally I am all for Canadian Content, where would the Hip be if it weren't for Canadian Content and frosh week :)

[robocop2000]

I'm getting the 'not available in your country' message aswell in Ireland. I have been buying songs from the UK store through an English bank account but now I can't even get into the store to browse. Something is going down! (or coming up :) )

[Steamboatwillie]

not really, no. just thought i'd share what i know to save you the disappointment of opening iTunes tomorrow and not seeing the Music Store link in the source list.

is that a more informative second post?

Ok, to be specific: How do you know that???

[paddydafarmer]

lt's looking like the Irish store is a possibility :)

[AdamH]

not really, no. just thought i'd share what i know to save you the disappointment of opening iTunes tomorrow and not seeing the Music Store link in the source list.

is that a more informative second post?

No.

Lose the veil, the condescending arrogance, and supply some useful and verifiable information.

Otherwise, just sod off. :rolleyes:

[tobyc]

We in Canada were getting the same message when the European stores were being opened so I wouldn't hold my breath for Ireland untill it has actually been announced. Honestly I don't really care if it is tomorrow or next week so long as it is this month. Then I'll be happy.

[ASP272]

Please Apple, open tomorrow so we can quit getting the same rumor over and over again, EH? :eek:

[Zaty]

I'm in Switzerland (which is still iTMS-less) and I can't access any store, I get a new message still saying that iTMS is not available in my country, but and that's the new part, it now asks me to choose a store. In the past I got directly to the default store after the country warning. Now, when I choose a store, I get back to the country warning. So they're definitely changing something. Our Canadian friends might be lucky :)

[crakly]

it's not tomorrow.

wow, very insightful.

are you steve jobs by any chance? got any info on the powerbook G5s? ;)

[mainemike]

That's the loop I'm getting - credit card is ready. And I can still browse and search the store, same as before EU launch.

Happy Americans? No more whining from up North eh? :)

We're happy for you, Canada.
Now you can download Bryan Adams and Anne Murray to your heart's content. ;)

I really wish I could buy tracks from these interntational iTMS stores though. They have some things the US store doesn't have. Guess I should stop browsing those stores and stop torturing myself.

[crakly]

not really, no. just thought i'd share what i know to save you the disappointment of opening iTunes tomorrow and not seeing the Music Store link in the source list.

is that a more informative second post?

hang on, why would the music store link not be in the source list? its always in the source list regardless of what country you're in, unless you disable it in the preferences... :confused:

[srobert]

My Nintendo DS and iTMS Canada in the same week? A happy week for me but sad day for my wallet. *Crossing my fingers*

[agentkow]

If I remember correctly... On the Canadian Music Channels (TV) didn't the Canadian Government rule that a certain amount of video's played had to be Canadian artists? I'm a bit hazy on the topic and have no facts to back that other than vaguely remembering hearing something about that. If that is true do you think they would impose something similar on the iTunes music store? A minimum percentage of the artists must be Canadian? Seems unreasonable to me. Just curious if anyone has an opinion.

Only applies to broadcast, a store can sell any music they want.


Well, we know it's coming anyway, but isn't this just standard iTMS behaviour? I've seen this message since the store started.

No, it's different in both look and how store access works now.


it's not tomorrow.

Thanks for coming out.

[Mr.Sorensen]

I'm in Switzerland (which is still iTMS-less) and I can't access any store, I get a new message still saying that iTMS is not available in my country, but and that's the new part, it now asks me to choose a store. In the past I got directly to the default store after the country warning. Now, when I choose a store, I get back to the country warning. So they're definitely changing something. Our Canadian friends might be lucky :)

Same thing here in Mexico...

[Doctor Q]

If you see the message when you select a country, I think it's a clue that SOME change is in the works, but that it results from the changes coming for Canada, not that it means YOUR country is getting a localized store too.

And this is only one clue. Even the tried-and-true "everything happens on Tuesday" method of predicting isn't foolproof. After all, Apple also likes Fridays for music and store announcements. We'll see what happens this week and that'll give us clues for future iTMS store openings as well.

At least we don't have to wait outdoors in London weather for this opening!

[Windowlicker]

Kick ass! I hope this is truth.. you guys have had to wait for too long — concidering the fact you're geologically pretty damn close to the States. Props for Apple if they can do it tomorrow!

now. good night.

[~Shard~]

not really, no. just thought i'd share what i know to save you the disappointment of opening iTunes tomorrow and not seeing the Music Store link in the source list.

is that a more informative second post?

No, actually it isn't because you haven't provided us with any useful information to substantiate your claim.

Contribute something of value when you make a statement like that, or don't contribute at all. Thanks for coming out. :cool:

[Flynnstone]

Please Apple, open tomorrow so we can quit getting the same rumor over and over again, EH? :eek:

aaahhhh, the iTunes Canada rumor threads have a life of there own :D

It will be sad to see the rumors die ;)

[jaw04005]

In Canada, can't you use peer to peer networks, legally?

[swhitty]

When accessing the iTMS from Australia the same behaviour is experienced.

Hopefully iTMS is finally arriving here.

[HoserHead]

When accessing the iTMS from Australia the same behaviour is experienced.

Hopefully iTMS is finally arriving here.
For those who don't remember when the same thing happened before the European iTMS expansion, it means nothing. It happens everywhere that doesn't already have an iTMS, so don't get your hopes up. There's no evidence for expansion beyond Canada and Ireland. (For that evidence, see the thread I linked to earlier.)

[Earendil]

I really hope they do release it. Not because I'm a Canadian, but because I'm tired of hearing them complain about it :P ;) :)
It should clear up some forum traffic...now if Apple would just release the G5 PB we'd be ok around here for a little while...

-Tyler Z.

[kettle]

I'm in Switzerland (which is still iTMS-less) and I can't access any store, I get a new message still saying that iTMS is not available in my country, but and that's the new part, it now asks me to choose a store. In the past I got directly to the default store after the country warning. Now, when I choose a store, I get back to the country warning. So they're definitely changing something. Our Canadian friends might be lucky :)

I think Switzerland is great, no iTMS is a small price to pay for being a shinning light in the heart of the European surer states.

Money talks, and they'll want yours soon enough. :)

[markh]

I am getting the same message for the store and I am in New Zealand


Same here in Australia.. Just loops. cannot access the store even if you select the country, say US, UK etc

[Super Dave]

If I remember correctly... On the Canadian Music Channels (TV) didn't the Canadian Government rule that a certain amount of video's played had to be Canadian artists? I'm a bit hazy on the topic and have no facts to back that other than vaguely remembering hearing something about that. If that is true do you think they would impose something similar on the iTunes music store? A minimum percentage of the artists must be Canadian? Seems unreasonable to me. Just curious if anyone has an opinion.

I personally don't find it is unreasonable. The world has felt the massive pressure of the money behind US marketing for almost a century now. Both in the recording industry as well as the film industry the strong US economy has allowed the US to spread a cultural hegemony across international borders.

Nationalist interests, such as the CRTC in Canada are ways of assuring that US money doesn't dictate local tastes. The CRTC doesn't censor foreign programmes or music, but rather enforces a certain percentage of Canadian content. This prevents the worst Britney Spears songs from outmuscling the best Tragically Hip (who?) tunes simply because of marketing budgets. 30 million Canadians simply do not constitute a large enough marketplace to fight an advertisting war with the 300 million US citizens. Although there are those that suggest a free market economy will regulate itself, it tends to regulate itself in favour of those who are wealthiest. Tastes more frequently reflect marketing budget than genuine interest (witness Microsoft/Intel vs Apple/IBM/Motorolla).

I would therefore support the CRTC's initiatives as they allow for an authentic Canadian culture to thrive, while still permitting the best of the US to come in.

Cheers,

David :cool:

[Wonder Boy]

Happy Americans? No more whining from up North eh? :)

man, you said it.

American and uninterested.

[Super Dave]

In Canada, can't you use peer to peer networks, legally?

You sure can:

http://news.com.com/2100-1027-5182641.html

Nonetheless, some of us still feel it is either immoral and/or inconvenient to pirate music. I fit into both camps and am now deleting all illegal music from my computer for the former reason and getting all my music from Apple for the latter.

Also, going digital will save waste on plastic as far as CDs go, so I will likely be going all digital downloads from now on.

David :cool:

[KC9AIC]

Same here in Australia.. Just loops. cannot access the store even if you select the country, say US, UK etc

Well, I'm experiencing the same thing here in Japan, so this may or may not be an indicator of how soon you get the iTMS.

[Sharewaredemon]

At last the complaints about the lack of ITMS Canada will stop, which country is next? ;)

Oh I'm still gonna complain about no iTMS in Canada, even if there is one! :p

but seriously,

You sure can:

http://news.com.com/2100-1027-5182641.html

Nonetheless, some of us still feel it is either immoral and/or inconvenient to pirate music. I fit into both camps and am now deleting all illegal music from my computer for the former reason and getting all my music from Apple for the latter.

Also, going digital will save waste on plastic as far as CDs go, so I will likely be going all digital downloads from now on.

David :cool:


I still like to think of it as illegal, just that the Judge didn't want to give the record companies the records, sort of invasion of privacy sort of thing.

[Super Dave]

Well, I'm experiencing the same thing here in Japan, so this may or may not be an indicator of how soon you get the iTMS.

I doubt it is. As someone said it inidicates **a** change is occuring, not necessarily **a change for you**. We had the same thing going on here in Canada during the European switchover, and it didn't mean we were getting anything then.

David :cool:

[Super Dave]

I still like to think of it as illegal, just that the Judge didn't want to give the record companies the records, sort of invasion of privacy sort of thing.

Hey dude,

I thought that too, but it's actually FULLY legal for us to download as:
"The key provision in Canada's copyright legislation is a private copyright exemption that lets Canadians make private copies for noncommercial use. The way we justify the exemption is by way of a levy that applies to blank media such as blank CDs and blank audio cassettes."

-cited from http://news.com.com/Cyberpiracy+north+of+the+border/2008-1028_3-5097180.html?tag=nl with my bold text

and fully legal for us to upload:

"Ottawa's Geist said this appeared to make uploading itself legal as well, since a peer-to-peer user--like a library--would be entitled to assume that the person on the other side of the connection was acting legally, since downloading was also legal in Canada."
-cited from http://news.com.com/2100-1027-5182641.html

Whether I agree it should be or not--and trust me I side with you on this--it is entirely legal from beginning to end.

David :cool:

[davey-nb]

man, you said it.

American and uninterested.

correction... uninteresting.

[andesco]

In Canada, can't you use peer to peer networks, legally?

I think that still remains questionable. Rulings have said it isn't illegal, so no one is being sued up here, however to industry is putting serious legal pressure on the major Canadian ISPs.

Regardless, the music store will be a success. Its much more convenient than pirating music, the selection is great, the quality it terrific, and the price is right (especial at 99¢ CND). However, I still will open Acquisition a few times to download unreleased stuff, or sample music before I buy stuff.

I think the music industry need to back off. I'm sure their statistics and implications are all wrong. I've downloaded allot of Coldplay and Rooney music for free. A couple of months later I bought there CDs and DVDs, and went to a few concerts –all the result of "pirating" music.

I can't wait till iTunes opens. I have a huge music store playlist with stuff I just can't find on the p2p networks (mostly classical and holiday music).

-Andrew

[elo]

... I can instantly satisfy my cravings for timeless classics:

Timeless Classic (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?selectedItemId=24141036&playListId=24088166&originStoreFront=143441)

:D

I think you're kidding, but you shouldn't be. This album is terrific, and people love it. Well worth the money. Here's a review:

http://www.flakmag.com/music/shatner.html

[danr_97070]

I hope Canada gets an iTunes story; I'm sooooo tired of this topic.

[Wonder Boy]

correction... uninteresting.

i'm american and uninterested.

but it is also uninteresting so, yeah. i love symantics.

[From Win to Mac]

His way of singing is so unique. It's not singing, and it's not talking, but whatever it is, it gives life to a song.

Oh and I hope we get some French songs too, like Jean Leloup and Les Cowboys Fringants.

[adam1185]

I'd say Ireland is coming pretty soon too

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

[brk]

hope you get it canada... but down here in australia we have been getting that message loop since the european stores went online...

[Bear]

I'd say Ireland is coming pretty soon too

http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_canada.jpg
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_ireland.jpg
So, how did you find these images?

[Linton]

I'd say Ireland is coming pretty soon too

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

That makes me really happy!

[afinucane]

I'd say Ireland is coming pretty soon too

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

Looks like this checks out. The images above are hosted by edgesuite.net which is registered (http://whois.sc/edgesuite.net) to none other than Akamai. Looks like tomorrow might be a good day for us Irish music lovers. Bye bye credit limit ;)

[HoserHead]

So, how did you find these images?
circworld and I found them in this thread (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=92937&page=4&pp=25), but because nobody follows links or even reads what people say the same things get hashed out over and over again!

Facts:

Ireland and Canada have iTMS flags.
circworld did the hard work, finding the Canadian flag, and I stumbled on the Irish one.
The "Your country does not have the iTunes Music Store yet" loop does not mean you get the iTunes Music Store, because it's happening to everyone.


I hope this clears things up for people.

[adam1185]

So, how did you find these images?

a thread in the macnn forums

[cesar]

same thing when trying to access from Mexico....

[dvdh]

man, you said it.

American and uninterested.


but oddly still taking the time to read the forum and post to it . . . .

[BWhaler]

... I can instantly satisfy my cravings for timeless classics:

Timeless Classic (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?selectedItemId=24141036&playListId=24088166&originStoreFront=143441)

:D

Man alive, that is one funny post.

Good form, ol' chap.

[ioinc]

If I remember correctly... On the Canadian Music Channels (TV) didn't the Canadian Government rule that a certain amount of video's played had to be Canadian artists? I'm a bit hazy on the topic and have no facts to back that other than vaguely remembering hearing something about that. If that is true do you think they would impose something similar on the iTunes music store? A minimum percentage of the artists must be Canadian? Seems unreasonable to me. Just curious if anyone has an opinion.


Shoot... they can play all the RUSH songs they want!

[Mainyehc]

Guess what... I read that thread, and I tried an obvious trick:

http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_portugal.jpg
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_austria.jpg
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_belgium.jpg
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_deutschland.jpg
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_finland.jpg
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_france.jpg
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_greece.jpg
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_italy.jpg
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_luxembourg.jpg
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_netherlands.jpg
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_spain.jpg
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_unitedkingdom.jpg
http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_unitedstates.jpg

And now, at last, but not least,

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

By looking at these links, it seems that the opening of these last two stores is imminent. I remember reading somewhere that Apple intended to launch all these stores at the same day, but they obviously didn't manage to do that...
Also, the other folks from Australia, Japan, etc., will be disappointed when trying to find "flag_australia.jpg", "flag_japan.jpg", or "flag_*.jpg". Too bad, they will still have to wait a little more... ;)

[fartheststar]

Hey dude,

I thought that too, but it's actually FULLY legal for us to download as:
"The key provision in Canada's copyright legislation is a private copyright exemption that lets Canadians make private copies for noncommercial use. The way we justify the exemption is by way of a levy that applies to blank media such as blank CDs and blank audio cassettes."

-cited from http://news.com.com/Cyberpiracy+north+of+the+border/2008-1028_3-5097180.html?tag=nl with my bold text

and fully legal for us to upload:

"Ottawa's Geist said this appeared to make uploading itself legal as well, since a peer-to-peer user--like a library--would be entitled to assume that the person on the other side of the connection was acting legally, since downloading was also legal in Canada."
-cited from http://news.com.com/2100-1027-5182641.html

Whether I agree it should be or not--and trust me I side with you on this--it is entirely legal from beginning to end.

David :cool:

Personally, I've done my "legal" downloading here in Canada in the past. I would rather pay $0.99 per song to get a crisp, clear song where there was no one on the other end who cuts me off the download halfway through.
No waiting in line to download because servers are too busy. And no one can match the amount of quality and painless downloads that Apple will have.

[~Shard~]

man, you said it.

American and uninterested.

That probably sums up a large majority of the American population, doesn't it? "If it ain't happenin' in my country, it don't matter!" :cool:

[jnicolso1]

As well as iTunes being down there is a puff piece interview with Stan Ng in the Age and the Sydney Morning Herald, the two major Broadsheets. He is quoted as saying "The iTunes Music Store would be a great addition for us in Australia, but we cannot put a specific time on when it will be here."

We wait with baited breath

[~Shard~]

i'm american and uninterested.

but it is also uninteresting so, yeah.

Actually he meant "American and uninteresting" - maybe you didn't catch his witty comment, it's alright if you were a bit slow on that one... :p

i love symantics.

What the hell are "symantics"? :cool:

[Doctor Q]

By looking at these links, it seems that the opening of these last two stores is imminent.Not quite. Remember that one theory was that a release in Ireland was planned previously and was held up by legal tangles. If so, the server image might be waiting patiently until that gets sorted out, and not indicate anything imminent for Ireland.

[~Shard~]

Not quite. Remember that one theory was that a release in Ireland was planned previously and was held up by legal tangles. If so, the server image might be waiting patiently until that gets sorted out, and not indicate anything imminent for Ireland.

That's true - I think Ireland was actually ready to go in many respects quite a while ago (as far as the actual Store goes) but then ran into a bunch of legal issues. I'm hoping for the Irish out there as well, but don't hold your breath just yet!

As for Canada, we're a sure thing. :p ;)

[broken_keyboard]

That probably sums up a large majority of the American population, doesn't it? "If it ain't happenin' in my country, it don't matter!" :cool:

That would be true for anyone in any country wouldn't it?
I hardly give a crap what happens outside of my city let alone other countries.

[Trowaman]

That would be true for anyone in any country wouldn't it?
I hardly give a crap what happens outside of my city let alone other countries.

Oy. Why do I sense a political argument beginning in the works here? Forget it guys, let's get back to Macs . . . I mean iTunes and Apple's foreign expansion.

[circworld]

let's also add that the iTMS in Canada will be also available in French...

IT WORKS!!!!

If you play around with all the stuff I found the other day you can get pass the stupid loop and get to create your fully functional iTMS Canada account...

Step 1)

Switch to iTMS Canada
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/com.apple.jingle.app.store.DirectAction/switchToStoreFront?storeFrontId=143455

Step 2)
Go to the U2 Vertigo Link
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?selectedItemId=23588537&playListId=23588535&originStoreFront=143455

Step 3)
Sign Up

Currently it seems that they cannot process credit card but everything looks ready (except a few place holders here and there)

[~Shard~]

That would be true for anyone in any country wouldn't it?
I hardly give a crap what happens outside of my city let alone other countries.

What a narrow view and an overall negative comment to make. I find the world I live in fascinating, and I enjoy being educated and informed on what is transpiring in the world around me. I also love traveling around the world and experiencing different cultures, histories and wonders. There is so much to see out there and so much to experience, I don't see how anyone could be happy just living their life in one place, and not broadening their knowewledge, horizons and perspective on the world - on life. Being educated and aware makes me a more well-rounded person and I can't imagine someone who would be complacent to only worry about themselves in their own little world. People like that are truly missing out on the world - on life.

Oy. Why do I sense a political argument beginning in the works here? Forget it guys, let's get back to Macs . . . I mean iTunes and Apple's foreign expansion.

I know, I know - point well taken. :cool:

[~Shard~]

let's also add that the iTMS in Canada will be also available in French...

IT WORKS!!!!

If you play around with all the stuff I found the other day you can get pass the stupid loop and get to create your fully functional iTMS Canada account...

Step 1)

Switch to iTMS Canada
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/com.apple.jingle.app.store.DirectAction/switchToStoreFront?storeFrontId=143455

Step 2)
Go to the U2 Vertigo Link
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?selectedItemId=23588537&playListId=23588535&originStoreFront=143455

Step 3)
Sign Up

Currently it seems that they cannot process credit card but everything looks ready (except a few place holders here and there)

Excellent, nice work on that! It was also great to see the "Canada orb" for the iTMS country earlier in this thread, it definitely makes things more real. ;) Also, I had never even thought about iTMS Canada being in French as well, but that's true - I wonder how that will work out!

Can't wait, only a short wait now.... :cool:

[HoserHead]

let's also add that the iTMS in Canada will be also available in French...

IT WORKS!!!!

If you play around with all the stuff I found the other day you can get pass the stupid loop and get to create your fully functional iTMS Canada account...

It definitely looks as though Apple's shut this down, as I can't sign in - in fact, it specifically says "US Music Store" when trying to activate my account.

Unless I'm missing something, I guess I get to wait. :)

[jimjiminyjim]

Actually he meant "American and uninteresting" - maybe you didn't catch his witty comment, it's alright if you were a bit slow on that one... :p

What the hell are "symantics"? :cool:

I think he meant "semantics." Try a dictionary for that one.
As for missing what subject "uninteresting" applied to... I probably would have misinterpreted too. Who wants to be called uninteresting?

Ya, and the iTunes store isn't working in my country either
(Just thought I'd mention it, since so few other people have ;) )

I'm glad of iTMS Canada, to be sure, whether tomorrow or the 26th.

[Super Dave]

Not quite. Remember that one theory was that a release in Ireland was planned previously and was held up by legal tangles. If so, the server image might be waiting patiently until that gets sorted out, and not indicate anything imminent for Ireland.

But wouldn't it be nice to release the Irish music store on the same day the Complete U2 "Digital Box Set" comes out?

http://www.apple.com/ipod/u2/boxset.html

And really, if you look at the layout of the current international links on the itms, there are exactly 2 more places left to fill the screen (without resizing all the graphics like they did when they went from 4 countries to a bunch). Wouldn't it be nice to fill those at the same time?

David :cool:

[circworld]

It seems that the above only works for the French Canadian Locale version (sorry) but for those you love to see here's a screen capture from the Credit Card Registration page.

I'll post more as I explore the store...

[Super Dave]

<snip>I'll post more as I explore the store...

My only question, is Sam Roberts' "The Canadian Dream" there? I can't believe they took it out of the album for the American release.

David :cool:

[HoserHead]

It seems that the above only works for the French Canadian Locale version (sorry) but for those you love to see here's a screen capture from the Credit Card Registration page.

I'll post more as I explore the store...
Dommage!

Looks like the English locale of the Canadian and Irish stores are aliased to the U.S. store for the moment. (Actually, this might have been the case for a little while; I seem to remember being redirected to the U.S. stores previously too.)

[~Shard~]

I think he meant "semantics." Try a dictionary for that one.

Yah, you're right, people really should try and use dictionaries more often so they don't use non-existent words... ;)

As for missing what subject "uninteresting" applied to... I probably would have misinterpreted too. Who wants to be called uninteresting?

No one of course, I think he was just throwing a jab at Wonder_Boy for the attitude implied in his original comment. A jab which he evidently missed. ;)

Ya, and the iTunes store isn't working in my country either (Just thought I'd mention it, since so few other people have ;) )

I'm glad of iTMS Canada, to be sure, whether tomorrow or the 26th.

Yep, that's for sure - wether it's 1 day or 4, I've waited this long and I can wait a few days more! It's going to be a refreshing change to be able to use iTMS now, I've become so used to just browsing it! :cool:

[HoserHead]

Dommage!

Looks like the English locale of the Canadian and Irish stores are aliased to the U.S. store for the moment. (Actually, this might have been the case for a little while; I seem to remember being redirected to the U.S. stores previously too.)
Also, looks like just changing my preferred language to Français in the International preferences isn't enough. (I speak some French.) Oh well, time to wait and/or go to bed :)

[circworld]

Also, looks like just changing my preferred language to Français in the International preferences isn't enough. (I speak some French.) Oh well, time to wait and/or go to bed :)

Still stuck on the cannot process credit card at the moment so... there is not much to see anyway :)

[Wonder Boy]

What the hell are "symantics"? :cool:

oxycotin will do that to one's grammer. my fault.

what i meant was "semantics": The meaning or the interpretation of a word, sentence, or other language form: We're basically agreed; let's not quibble over semantics.

ps. i'm 25% french canadian. even that little bit of heritage doesn't make me care about canada one bit.

[Doctor Q]

But wouldn't it be nice to release the Irish music store on the same day the Complete U2 "Digital Box Set" comes out?

http://www.apple.com/ipod/u2/boxset.html

As long as we're collecting crumbs of clues, that's a good one. The boxed set may be out a few hours from now. The latest theory could be "Ireland tomorrow, and maybe Canada too!"

[sluthy]

Maybe he just got "semantic" and Symantec mixed up. Quite a few people think "beetle" is spelt "beatle" because of Lennon and Co.

Anyway, here in Australia, I can't even browse anymore. I now get the "Not available in your country yet" message - which is now in a different font (Apple's standard now). When I click "browse a music store" - used to be the - I'm presented with all the different contry orbs and no matter which I click on, I'm sent back to the "not available" screen again. :confused:

[~Shard~]

oxycotin will do that to one's grammer. my fault.

what i meant was "semantics": The meaning or the interpretation of a word, sentence, or other language form: We're basically agreed; let's not quibble over semantics.

Haha - well said then, agreed! :) :cool:

ps. i'm 25% french canadian. even that little bit of heritage doesn't make me care about canada one bit.

25% French-Canadian, but you still don't care? Well, chacun son gout! Je ne suis pas d'accord avec votre opinion et je pense que vous devez soigner des autres pays outre votre pays, mais c'est la vie! :cool:

[serpico]

I get the same screens tonight, can't browse at all. This happened the last time the store was updated with the European countries. I'm sure Canada will be up and running soon. Unfortunately, can't browse tonight...

[~Shard~]

I get the same screens tonight, can't browse at all. This happened the last time the store was updated with the European countries. I'm sure Canada will be up and running soon. Unfortunately, can't browse tonight...

Have no worries - short-term inconvenience is small price to pay for long-term benefit once iTMS Canada is available! Can't wait myself, I'm hoping it's tomorrow but I can wait until Friday if necessary. :cool:

[Porchland]

I can see U2's "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" and play the 30-second clips. Still no change to the front page or to the "Choose a Store" page.

EDIT:

"Complete U2" is also there. $149.99 as expected.

Each LP/EP/collection in the box set has an show/hide arrow next to it, which is the first time I've ever seen that sort of thing on iTMS. Harbinger for heiarchical (sp?) playlists in iTunes 5?

LP/EP/collections arranged earliest-to-latest, then unreleased and rare tracks, then two full concerts, then a few demo tracks.

[broken_keyboard]

I get the same screens tonight, can't browse at all. This happened the last time the store was updated with the European countries. I'm sure Canada will be up and running soon. Unfortunately, can't browse tonight...

You can still get in by clicking on the eyeball...

[swissmann]

I'm sure it will happen soon if not tomorrow. Welcome Canada.

[mainemike]

"Complete U2" is also there. $149.99 as expected.


Lots of extra tracks in that baby. I've been listening to U2 since the early 80s and have followed their releases...I think this digital box set kicks ass with lots of nice little gems.
(One example of many: check out "Alex Descends Into Hell For A Bottle Of Milk". Serious fans will remember that the Edge came out with a "solo" project of sorts back in the late 1980s, a soundtrack to the stage version of Stanley Kubrick's "A Clockwork Orange". Nice to see the track resurrected here, as I haven't seen it since 1991, when it was a B-Side on the "The Fly" single).

Makes me wish they'd release this monster in an actual CD box set so I could set my own encoding prefs, but....

Anyway, I tried to buy a few tracks off the Complete U2 and iTMS won't allow it. Yet.
It's online but then, it's not online. Hmm..we're not supposed to know it's there?
Sort of like peeking at Xmas presents before midnight??

[Yvan256]

My Nintendo DS and iTMS Canada in the same week? A happy week for me but sad day for my wallet. *Crossing my fingers*

iTMS Canada, Nintendo DS, World of Warcraft, and that's not counting Metroid Prime 2 from last week.

It's all or nothing, eh?

[mainemike]

Here's the message I received when trying to buy "Complete U2" on US iTMS at 1:00am.

Any of you fellow geeks seen this one on iTMS before?

http://homepage.mac.com/michaelalden/notavailable.jpg

[jrober]

If iTMS Canada launches there will only be G5 Powerbooks to wish for, what are we going to speculate about now!

Seriously good on Apple if a little late. Just FYI The stores are required by law to be in two languages in Canada. Canadian English and Quebecquois (Very similar to but not the same as French). 4 Years ago I was involved in a web project across the world and Canadian sites had to be dual language or at a minimum the other language version has to launch within 1 year of the launch of the first.

[coolfactor]

In Canada, can't you use peer to peer networks, legally?

Not illegally. There aren't laws forbidding usage of p2p networks (yet), but that doesn't make it right. It's still stealing.

btw, who would've rated this article negative?

[Trowaman]

U.S. store is updated. Not seeing an option to access Canadian or Ireland stores.

[mainemike]

btw, who would've rated this article negative?

Good question.
Maybe it's the "Freedom Fries Faction". You know what I mean.
The "nattering nabobs of negativity" who are upset and/or threatened that some of us here in America are looking to Canada as an example of sanity and levity in these radical fundamentalist times we're living in.

I grew up in Alaska, and now I live in Maine. Both states border Canada.
A coincidence?

[nagromme]

A couple weird things about the U2 set: the songs it contains don't (currently) come up in iTunes searches. (Try "U2 crashed" and you won't get "Daddy's Gonna Pay For Your Crashed Car") and Zooropa, while complete in the box set AND available per-song, is still listed by itself as a "partial album," missing track 6. (For the record... not a fan of track 6, I just just don't like the idea of partial albums :) )


Good question.
Maybe it's the "Freedom Fries Faction".
:D

[mainemike]

A couple weird things about the U2 set: the songs it contains don't (currently) come up in iTunes searches. (Try "U2 crashed" and you won't get "Daddy's Gonna Pay For Your Crashed Car") and Zooropa, while complete in the box set AND available per-song, is still listed by itself as a "partial album," missing track 6. (For the record... not a fan of track 6, I just just don't like the idea of partial albums :) )

:D

It's weird right now. I guess we have to wait for the "digital dust" to settle.
Methinks Apple iTMS workers are knocking back coffee and prepping everything for tomorrow morning.

It will be good.

[broken_keyboard]

Wow, the U2 set has 446 songs. Those guys sure were prolific. That's 223 minutes of free preview :-o

[JediL1]

Wow, that's 3 hours and 40 minutes of just listening to the free previews for The Complete U2

[Zaty]

Maybe he just got "semantic" and Symantec mixed up. Quite a few people think "beetle" is spelt "beatle" because of Lennon and Co.

Anyway, here in Australia, I can't even browse anymore. I now get the "Not available in your country yet" message - which is now in a different font (Apple's standard now). When I click "browse a music store" - used to be the - I'm presented with all the different contry orbs and no matter which I click on, I'm sent back to the "not available" screen again. :confused:

Something is coming, iTMS is still not accessible from Switzerland, either. I think Apple are changing something and therefore temporarily blocked access from non-iTMS countries. Not being able to access iTMS doesn't mean any countries other than Canada and perhaps Ireland will get an iTMS today or anytime soon. In fact, on the eve of the launch of the Euro zone store, iTMS wasn't accessible from Switzerland although there was no Swiss store to be launched.

Anyone from Denmark, Sweden or Norway having the same problem, too? Just wondering :)

[serpico]

You can still get in by clicking on the eyeball...

That get's me to only the charts section. Not the actual store to browse.
My wife finally got her U2 iPod today. She's so happy, it's her first Apple product. She got the $50 discount coupon for the U2 box set and she's ready to buy. Bring on the store...

[broken_keyboard]

That get's me to only the charts section. Not the actual store to browse.
My wife finally got her U2 iPod today. She's so happy, it's her first Apple product. She got the $50 discount coupon for the U2 box set and she's ready to buy. Bring on the store...

Apparently they have been giving free concerts :)

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,139332,00.html

[nagromme]

I like that the U2 banner says "With Digital Booklet." A nice hyperlinked PDF perhaps? It's not clear to me how you even get it. But it's a good trend I hope. I want liner notes with my downloads!

(And as of 6AM EST, no new stores are appearing.)

[ct77]

My only question, is Sam Roberts' "The Canadian Dream" there? I can't believe they took it out of the album for the American release.

David :cool:

THEY DID? :(

That's one of the coolest songs on album! S - O - C - I - A - L - I - S - M baby.

Granted, in the 50's in the States, it would have probably gotten Sam locked up in jail. Hmm...

[Warbrain]

Here's the message I received when trying to buy "Complete U2" on US iTMS at 1:00am.

Any of you fellow geeks seen this one on iTMS before?

http://homepage.mac.com/michaelalden/notavailable.jpg

I have, once with a CD when it's release date was pushed back, but the songs were still listed on iTMS.

[Iceduck]

Anyone from Denmark, Sweden or Norway having the same problem, too? Just wondering :)

I'm in Denmark and I get the same error message when selecting a country. It should be noted that the recently launched European stores can't be called a "EU store" since a large part of the EU is missing, namely Sweden and Denmark (the only old EU member states not using the euro as currency (yet)).

[cantrdr]

That's true - I think Ireland was actually ready to go in many respects quite a while ago (as far as the actual Store goes) but then ran into a bunch of legal issues. I'm hoping for the Irish out there as well, but don't hold your breath just yet!

As for Canada, we're a sure thing. :p ;)


I have never been so led up the garden path before in my life. I never thought of that but I now remember that I read that exact article in the local press with regards to a last minute hang up for the Irish iTMS, but I took a more optimistic view, it really sounded like it wasn't something too serious.

[cistamala]

Hello

I get the same problem when i try to het in to iTMS from Norway, it says first that it's not availible in my country yet, yhen i click on the link to the iTMS in other countrys and when i click on any of the flags i get to the same country warning.

Bojan from Krajina
Norway

[Skippy438]

Okay, this is weird now, I am an American student living in Ireland. As of 7:30 AM GMT I was able to log into my American iTMS account, and was not given the country warning. As of noon I am unable to access it at all. When I was given the country warning before I was able to click on the American store and shop as usual, now clicking on the American store kicks me back to the country warning ... weird.

[cistamala]

Does anybody know if there is going to be some kind of anounsment the next days? Some meeting or some release plans?? Some indication of a updated iTMS? I'd relly like to see iTMS in Norway.

Bojan from Krajina
Norway

[Stella]

After the opening on the many European stores last month, besides Canada, Apple said they were planning on no more iTMS stores in the near future.

I get the impression that the opening of iTMS Canada will be a low key event. I've not heard about any Apple event either - if there were, it would have been mentioned on rumour sites - but there have been none.


Does anybody know if there is going to be some kind of anounsment the next days? Some meeting or some release plans?? Some indication of a updated iTMS? I'd relly like to see iTMS in Norway.

Bojan from Krajina
Norway

[Super Dave]

THEY DID? :(

That's one of the coolest songs on album! S - O - C - I - A - L - I - S - M baby.

Granted, in the 50's in the States, it would have probably gotten Sam locked up in jail. Hmm...

lol. Yeah, it's kinda ridiculous that they took it off of the US release. This explains much about why the Hip have never made it big south of the border. Imagine having to cut out every single reference to Canada for their US releases. Stompin' Tom definitely wouldn't have made it. ;-)

David :cool:
S-o c-i-a l-i-s-m is here to stay.
S-o c-i-a l-i-s-m is the only way-ay-ay.

[Iceduck]

I'd relly like to see iTMS in Norway.

Sadly I doubt we'll see iTMS in non-euro countries in the near future. I would especially expect Norway to be iTMS-less for a long time to come since it's not a very populated country AND since it's outside the EU. But hopefully I'm wrong :)

[pkis]

I'm getting the 'not available in your country' message aswell in Ireland. I have been buying songs from the UK store through an English bank account but now I can't even get into the store to browse. Something is going down! (or coming up :) )

yes, iTMS Canada is coming up. Just like last time, iTMS is gone from ALL countries except for those who already have a store. I'm in Switzerland and I can't browse either. Seems to be the case every time a new store is launched. There's no reason for speculations: it's clear that iTMS Canada will launch tonight or tomorrow - and nothing else.

[pkis]

I'm in Switzerland (which is still iTMS-less) and I can't access any store, I get a new message still saying that iTMS is not available in my country, but and that's the new part, it now asks me to choose a store. In the past I got directly to the default store after the country warning. Now, when I choose a store, I get back to the country warning. So they're definitely changing something. Our Canadian friends might be lucky :)

Don't work up your hopes - the same message appears for Hungary and Croatia as well. iTMS Canada will launch, nothing else!

[pkis]

I think Switzerland is great, no iTMS is a small price to pay for being a shinning light in the heart of the European surer states.

Money talks, and they'll want yours soon enough. :)

come on, ever lived in Switzerland? It's a state full of conservative bone-heads, extremely high prices, social insecurity and, due to the self-chosen isolation, less and less choice in terms of products and opportunities. I've lived here for 27 years, it's a pain. I'll leave as soon as I can (and I'm not kidding).

[Anarchy99]

Not illegally. There aren't laws forbidding usage of p2p networks (yet), but that doesn't make it right. It's still stealing.

btw, who would've rated this article negative?
actually its not stealing at all the definition of stealing is:
the act of taking something from someone unlawfully;

its legal here so its not stealing

just my opinion
(and i think its great it makes music be music again
tons of artists sell out and make big bucks from heartless music corporations if no one really pays for there stuff its the start of them doing there music not for money but for the love of the music and thats a good thing
im not against them making a living but thats all id want to see
they make lots of $$ then the give a big chunk to charity to get praise from people/the media but really its not lots for them cause they spend double that on a weekend pool party with there friends) just my opinion

[tomb]

same here! coool!

[El Pro]

You still have access to the music store, you just have to hit the "browse" button...

[pkis]

Something is coming, iTMS is still not accessible from Switzerland, either. I think Apple are changing something and therefore temporarily blocked access from non-iTMS countries. Not being able to access iTMS doesn't mean any countries other than Canada and perhaps Ireland will get an iTMS today or anytime soon. In fact, on the eve of the launch of the Euro zone store, iTMS wasn't accessible from Switzerland although there was no Swiss store to be launched.

Anyone from Denmark, Sweden or Norway having the same problem, too? Just wondering :)

Zaty, please have a look at the Apple interview on www.macprime.ch. There's not going to be a Swiss iTMS store. They won't even say they're negotiating with the IFPI Switzerland and the latter clearly recently denied any negotiations with Apple in an article in the Aargauer Zeitung and the Oltner Tagblatt. Apple also appeared enormously arrogant when asked about the current petition for an iTMS Switzerland. They basically said they don't give a crap about the Swiss people's opinion: as long as they don't think a Swiss iTMS would be profitable, there's not going to be one.
Let's face it: we're not in the EU, we don't use the € and it's way to expensive for Apple to have a store for a country with so few people that actually buy stuff online and even fewer that own a credit card.

[El Pro]

Why today rather than friday? I think there's got something to do with the new U2 album... MORE SALES!!!

[pkis]

Sadly I doubt we'll see iTMS in non-euro countries in the near future. I would especially expect Norway to be iTMS-less for a long time to come since it's not a very populated country AND since it's outside the EU. But hopefully I'm wrong :)

unfortunately, you're not: it's the same situation here in Switzerland and Apple has officially admitted in local newspapers that they're not interested in opening non-euro (as in the currency) stores in Europe at this time.
Also, the Swiss record industry (the IFPI Switzerland) has publicly said, that there aren't even any negotiations with Apple at the moment. Neither Switzerland nor Norway have enough people who are able to buy stuff online (e.g. have credit cards, have broad-band access, are willing to use both ...) - as the currency exchange will eat all the margins, only those countries with a huge popluation will get a store.
At least we have MSN Music, MyCoke Music etc. now in Switzerland, so some people can legally buy music online at reasonable prices - alas, I'm not one of them as we only have macs at home and as I have an iPod, which won't play WMA songs. I guess my next computer will be a Windows box and my next player's going to be some WMA-compatible device. Buying music online is very important to me. And as Apple doesn't seem to give a crap about my opinion, I won't be giving them my money in the future either.

[almostwise]

This gives me one more reason to move back to Canada...

[El Pro]

This gives me one more reason to move back to Canada...

"W" SHOULD be the reason!!! You already have ITMS!

[Iceduck]

unfortunately, you're not: it's the same situation here in Switzerland and Apple has officially admitted in local newspapers that they're not interested in opening non-euro (as in the currency) stores in Europe at this time.

I can understand your frustration, since I'm kinda in the same situation. But all this shows very clearly exactly why the EU and the euro are good things for commerce. It's much easier to start something like the iTMS when there's one currency and one market. For Denmark the future might be a little brighter, currently it looks like we'll adopt the euro after the next referendum which will probably be some time in 2005 og 06. It also appears to be the case in Norway (which is currently outside the EU). Sweden will have to wait for while since they recently voted no to adopt the euro.

[moot]

yes, iTMS Canada is coming up. Just like last time, iTMS is gone from ALL countries except for those who already have a store. I'm in Switzerland and I can't browse either.

Here in Japan the same seems to have happenned. I get looped back to the same message. However, I then decided to click "Sign In" and signed into an account I have for the UK store. It let me do that and sent me to the store. I can browse and purchase (just tried) with no problems.

Hope this helps others with an account living in a no-iTMS country. :)

[pkis]

I can understand your frustration, since I'm kinda in the same situation. But all this shows very clearly exactly why the EU and the euro are good things for commerce.

Tell me about it - I've been in favor of joining the EU for years but my bone-headed co-inhabitants don't seem to realize the benefits. As my opinions tend to differ more and more from those of my "fellow Swiss", we (my wife and I, that is) have been planning on moving into a more liberal country for quite a while. And since we're both done with University next year and the job market situation here is dismal, it looks as though that's gonna happen by the end of 2005 (I'm actively looking for jobs abroad, right now).

[im_noahselby]

What time today does the Canada ITMS officially open?

Noah

[kettle]

Apple has officially admitted in local newspapers that they're not interested in opening non-euro (as in the currency) stores in Europe at this time..

So what is the U.K. if it's not an iTMS trading in Pounds Sterling.
You mean not opening as in "not opening anymore" or not opening as in "I made that up"

[iAlan]

I used to be able to enter the US iTMS, but am now in a loop...can't get to any music store. The opening page says the usual 'You will be able to browse and listen to previews...' message, then clicking the 'click here arrow' takes me to the page with the flags, then selecting a store takes me back to where I started....this did not used to happen?

However, if I click the 'Browse' icon in the top right corner, I can get in to the US store (I think).

I cannot get to the Qt content areas though?

[HoserHead]

What time today does the Canada ITMS officially open?
I'm going on record as predicting that it won't be opening today. I have no insider information; it just seems like it'd be open already if it was going to be.

[superfunkomatic]

If I remember correctly... On the Canadian Music Channels (TV) didn't the Canadian Government rule that a certain amount of video's played had to be Canadian artists? I'm a bit hazy on the topic and have no facts to back that other than vaguely remembering hearing something about that. If that is true do you think they would impose something similar on the iTunes music store? A minimum percentage of the artists must be Canadian? Seems unreasonable to me. Just curious if anyone has an opinion.

it's called canadian content or CANCON, it's a way to promote Canadian talent on our media in a vast see of Britney's and Jessica's. i'm quite sure it only applies to broadcast media, not downloadable music. we have cooltracks and napster and they don't have any CANCON rules, although much like other countries stores i'm sure there will be interest in Canadian bands as feature artists.

[robocop2000]

If you search for itunes on google news (http://news.google.ie/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=itunes&btnG=Search+News) the top story is: Today, the highly anticipated iTunes Music Store Canada was revealed along with the Irish store. ... from macteens.ca along with the picture shown below.

The link doesn't work so I guess that they were just guessing it was going to happen and the picture is a fake as the stores are listed alphabetically and hence Ireland and Canada would not be beside each other.

[HoserHead]

If you search for itunes on google news (http://news.google.ie/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=itunes&btnG=Search+News) the top story is: Today, the highly anticipated iTunes Music Store Canada was revealed along with the Irish store. ... from macteens.ca along with the picture shown below.

The link doesn't work so I guess that they were just guessing it was going to happen and the picture is a fake as the stores are listed alphabetically and hence Ireland and Canada would not be beside each other.
Those pictures are from an Akamai mirror; take a look at Canada (http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_canada.jpg) and Ireland (http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/flag_ireland.jpg). You're right about them jumping the gun, though.

[pkis]

So what is the U.K. if it's not an iTMS trading in Pounds Sterling.
You mean not opening as in "not opening anymore" or not opening as in "I made that up"

I just summarized a news paper article which included an interview with a spokesperson for Apple Switzerland (you'll find the article reproduced here, it's the fourth posting from the top: http://www.macprime.ch/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=talklounge_talk;action=display;num=1098891138) . The currency alone isn't the issue. The problem is the currency in combination with a small population. England is the largest market for music in Europe - that's why the pound didn't matter. Plus: you're paying more for the downloads than anyone else in Europe, which maximizes the margins despite the currency conversion.

[Daveway]

Well i guess since Apple has the logos on their server, we are now seeing an iminent launch of Canada as well as Ireland. No that i care because i already spend about $5 a month on the iTMS.

[Zaty]

Zaty, please have a look at the Apple interview on www.macprime.ch. There's not going to be a Swiss iTMS store. They won't even say they're negotiating with the IFPI Switzerland and the latter clearly recently denied any negotiations with Apple in an article in the Aargauer Zeitung and the Oltner Tagblatt. Apple also appeared enormously arrogant when asked about the current petition for an iTMS Switzerland. They basically said they don't give a crap about the Swiss people's opinion: as long as they don't think a Swiss iTMS would be profitable, there's not going to be one.
Let's face it: we're not in the EU, we don't use the € and it's way to expensive for Apple to have a store for a country with so few people that actually buy stuff online and even fewer that own a credit card.

I'm fully aware of all the things you wrote about in your post, but there's a tiny little piece of hope: Microsoft! (MSN Music is already available in Switzerland). One thing is for sure, though, Apple will launch iTMS Switzerland sooner or later. Because, sometime in the not too distant future, buying music online will be popular in Switzerland as well. So how does Apple think they can hold onto the iPod's success if you can't buy music online that plays on your iPod? (Of course, there's always a work around which involves burning a CD, but that cannot be the solution). Secondly, although we're only 7.4 million people, Apple earns more money per capita in Switzerland than anywhere else.

[pkis]

I'm fully aware all of the things you wrote about in your post, there's a tiny little piece of hope: Microsoft! (MSN Music is already available in Switzerland). One thing is for sure, though, Apple will launch iTMS Switzerland sooner or later. Because, sometime in the not too distant future, buying music online will be popular in Switzerland as well. So how does Apple think they can hold onto the iPod's success if you can't buy music online that plays on your iPod? (Of course, there's always a work around which involves burning a CD, but that cannot be the solution). Secondly, although we're only 7.4 million people, Apple earns more money per capita in Switzerland than anywhere else.

I'm also quite sure that Apple will change their opinion once iPod sales drop dramatically in Switzerland - which possibly will happen soon, as the media are getting tired of Apple's stance and are already mentioning the facts that there's no iTMS Switzerland and that WMA-Files won't play everytime they talk about the iPod. So I guess our only hope is that people stop buying iPods here ;)

As far as Microsoft goes: there are two major differences between the MSN Music Store and the iTMS: 1. Microsoft has so much money, that they really don't care about making profits in Switzerland. They believe a good reputation in terms of music downloads will push them into a better light elsewhere (about which they're probably right). 2. Microsoft didn't have to care a bit about the record industry - they didn't have to negotiate any rights etc. because they're selling their music through the OD2 network, which has had all the agreements and contracts with the IFPI for more than a year.

Because of the latter, btw., we also have to realize the following: there are essentially only two download services in Switzerland: OD2 (directmedia.ch, music.msn.ch and mycoke) and One2Joy. One2Joy only sells music by Indies.

[Zaty]

Because of the latter, btw., we also have to realize the following: there are essentially only two download services in Switzerland: OD2 (directmedia.ch, music.msn.ch and mycoke) and One2Joy. One2Joy only sells music by Indies.

Thanks, I didn't know that directmedia and my coke also used OD2.

[AdamH]

Looks like we've been jumping the gun... Its now after 9AM PST. I suspect the originally-floated date of November 26th (originally rumoured BEFORE the iTMS Europe / U2 / Photo event) will hold true.

If Steve doesn't come through in this calendar month as promised, I might send him a special iPod with a few of my thoughts :p

[El Pro]

Today? Tomorrow?... Best chance is friday.

MacRumors is the only place talking about today... Get real!

Let's calm down and wait until friday. We're gonna get it!!!

[Doctor Q]

I like that the U2 banner says "With Digital Booklet." A nice hyperlinked PDF perhaps? It's not clear to me how you even get it. But it's a good trend I hope. I want liner notes with my downloads!Apparently, the booklet comes as a track that is a PDF file rather than an AAC file.

[Super Dave]

Looks like we've been jumping the gun... Its now after 9AM PST. <snip>

And now it's after 10 AM PT. Bah!

David :cool:

[im_noahselby]

Why oh why does Apple do this to me. :(

The wait continues...

[Stella]

Why oh why does Apple do this to me. :(

The wait continues...

Apple didn't do any thing to you.

this is why apple do not like rumour sites - builds false expectations.

I think it was Apple-X.. they were bitching because when iPod Photo et al were released, Apple didn't announce the mobile AAC format... YET APPLE NEVER MENTIONED THEY WOULD RELEASE SUCH A FORMAT, IT WAS ALL JUST RUMOURS. Apple-X bitched and bitched about Apple not delivering on a rumour.

[SilvorX]

for some reason i wouldn't be surprised if iTMS wont come up here this month, i wonder if he meant next nov... u never know :confused:

[cantrdr]

i've been reading this forum all day at work with no iTunes in front of me to experience what the h*ll everyone was talking about, but now that i'm home the first thing I have done is open itunes, and yes whereas previously I would get a country warning(i'm in Ireland) but then proceed to automatically go on to browsing itunes, I now can't get past the country warning.
So my 2 cents are, yes there is something different today(i'm not a techie so it has to be significant for me to notice), what it is I don't know. I would like to know if all iTunes users are getting this or is it business as usual in places like Australia, Japan, Eastern Europe etc...??

[atomiton]

man, you said it.

American and uninterested.

interested enough to post obviously. ;)

[zapbranigan]

Regarding the images as evidence for existence the Irish store, we already know from statements by Apple and Irish music biz spokestypes that the Irish store was supposed to be launched alongside all the other Euro-using countries that joined the party last month but was held up by a last minute disagreement with Irish Musical Rights Organisation (which collects artist's roylaties). It is therefore unsurprising that the store's artwork and infrastructure has been ready and waiting in a holding pattern for several weeks already. It does not in itself show that the disagreement has been overcome and that the store will make its debut alongside the Canadian store whose arrival had been officially foretold for late November.

Of course, my credit card and I are hoping that it will appear imminently though it doesn't look like its going to be today now.

[appleguy]

I dont really care myself about if it gets released in Canada or Ireland
JUST BRING IT DOWN UNDER.... I have money on my credit card just itching to be spent... its burning a whole in my pocket just to get out

[Doctor Q]

Good explanation, zapbranigan. Friday seems like the most likely day for Canada (and if not then, then next Tuesday, the last day in November), and there is no indication that Ireland is about to go live.

[coco A]

Just tried to browse US music store from Australia and it won't let me... is this a good sign???? it's a stretch but eh! ;)

[~Shard~]

I dont really care myself about if it gets released in Canada or Ireland
JUST BRING IT DOWN UNDER.... I have money on my credit card just itching to be spent... its burning a whole in my pocket just to get out

And I'm sure Canadians and Irish people say the exact same thing about their respective countries and Australia. :p ;)

[Super Dave]

And I'm sure Canadians and Irish people say the exact same thing about their respective countries and Australia. :p ;)

No man, Canadians are polite, and the Aussies are cool. After they're done with my store, I really do hope they go down under.

David :cool:

[~Shard~]

No man, Canadians are polite, and the Aussies are cool. After they're done with my store, I really do hope they go down under.

David :cool:

Very true actually, I stand corrected. Us Canadians are very polite, and Aussies are very cool - I really enjoyed the time I spent in Australia a couple years ago and met lots of great people. :cool:

[sromurcam]

iTMS launches in Canada Nov. 30th. confirmed.

[trump]

who doesn't love Australia? They're #2 in my books....riiight after Canada :cool:

EDIT: Nov 30th....confirmed by who?

[~Shard~]

iTMS launches in Canada Nov. 30th. confirmed.

That's a nice, bold first post - but not very helpful. Care to actually back that up with some factual information please? :cool:

[Super Dave]

iTMS launches in Canada Nov. 30th. confirmed.

And…they're releasing the G6 that day too. For real and for true!

Just kidding there sromurcam, but could you back it up a bit?

David :cool:

[dweebert]

I was predicting the 30th as well, as it follows' Apple's/Jobs' pattern. They promised iTMS Canada "in November" four days before the end of October, which we all know means "as close to the end of the month as we can get away with."

The 30th is also a Tuesday...

[aethier]

25% French-Canadian, but you still don't care? Well, chacun son gout! Je ne suis pas d'accord avec votre opinion et je pense que vous devez soigner des autres pays outre votre pays, mais c'est la vie! :cool:

great use of google language tools you demonstrate for us. or do they just not know how to teach French in Regina? direct translations tend to lead to grammatically flawed sentences, but then, we are talking about western canada, so they don't really count anyway.

in better news, i am just as excited as everyone else about the canadian iTMS. i do not however understand, the logic of the people who are bragging about their ignorance *cough* 'i don't care about anything beyond the borders of hickville' *cough* :(

aethier

[~Shard~]

great use of google language tools you demonstrate for us. or do they just not know how to teach French in Regina? direct translations tend to lead to grammatically flawed sentences, but then, we are talking about western canada, so they don't really count anyway.

Actually, it would be the latter - I didn't use any Google tools (didn't know Google had language tools!) and you can blame my broken French on the fact that it's been 10 years since I learned French in High School. So, that's pretty much my attempt to string together what I remember to be somewhat correct words in French. I am by no means trying to come across as some French expert or try to "fool" people using these Google tools you speak of - I'll be the first to admit my French is not very good, just thought I'd try it for fun while I had the chance! ;)

And on that note, how about having some fun, and not being so critical - you seem a little uptight about this. Also, there is absolutely no need to insult part of your own country, i.e. Western Canada, and say they don't count - that conveys a very unpatriotic and negative attitude. Insult part of your country and you're insulting yourself. So lighten up, I was just having some fun. :cool:

in better news, i am just as excited as everyone else about the canadian iTMS. i do not however understand, the logic of the people who are bragging about their ignorance *cough* 'i don't care about anything beyond the borders of hickville' *cough* :(

I agree with you on that one! I don't understand how people can be proud to be ignorant... :confused:

[MacinDoc]

I was predicting the 30th as well, as it follows' Apple's/Jobs' pattern. They promised iTMS Canada "in November" four days before the end of October, which we all know means "as close to the end of the month as we can get away with."

The 30th is also a Tuesday...
You could be right, but my money's been on the 26th all along, as the initial rumour (well, this is a thread about Canada, so this spelling is appropriate, IMO) suggested.

[sjl]

who doesn't love Australia? They're #2 in my books....riiight after Canada :cool:
Nah, sorry mate, you're living in a deluded world. Australia's #1. Mind you, Canada is a pretty close second. (Spent six weeks there, a couple of years ago. Lovely place. Toronto in particular -- if it weren't for the weird accents and the fact that they drive on the wrong side of the road -- could be any part of Melbourne. :D)

It's kinda strange. Customs at Honolulu rubbed me the wrong way, big time (nothing in particular; just the attitude, I guess... maybe the fact that I was a bit tired after the flight from Sydney didn't help.) Customs at Vancouver, OTOH, I had no particular issues with. *shrugs* In any case, I doubt I'd visit Canada again. I have no desire to be fingerprinted just because I'm passing through some ultra paranoid country that I don't even have much interest in seeing anyway. :D

(Please understand: I'm not bashing US citizens in particular. It's the attitude of the government that mostly rubs me the wrong way. I dunno why, really.)

[snack]

Many members have noticed that the message "The iTunes Music Store is not available in your country yet" appears when they select any country, which mirrors the behavior just before the launch of the European (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/10/20041026141128.shtml) iTMS stores on October 26.

You mean the same message which all countries get that don't "yet" have the iTunes Music store? The same message which caused macosrumors.com to list about 15 countries under exactly the same guise of "proof".

Come on.

p.s. I've been getting that same message (though altered layout) in Australia since Oct 25.

[johnnyjibbs]

I don't get what all the fuss is about the country warning message. I got that message every time I accessed the music store prior to its release in the UK (i.e. the message came up every time I accessed it between September 2003 when I got my PowerBook up to June 14th 2004 when the UK version was released).

The warning is there to simply state that you can browse the store but not use it. I don't think it gives any indication of changes or new stores imminent at all.

Obviously iTMS Canada didn't happen yesterday but it probably will soon. You can do nothing but wait until it happens and be prepared for a little snag or last piece of red tape to delay it a couple of days or weeks too. Be patient and it'll be here :cool:

[adamberti]

I don't get what all the fuss is about...

We can certainly see that message, and it offers to let us browse, but we can't. We pick a store, and end up in a loop. So the only access we have is through the browse feature of iTunes. No graphical interface with all the features (iMixes, Videos, etc). THAT is the what the fuss is about. And the same thing happened just before the last 'broadening' of the iTMS. So we thought it may come as early as yesterday (tuesday) but aparently not.

[johnnyjibbs]

We can certainly see that message, and it offers to let us browse, but we can't. We pick a store, and end up in a loop. So the only access we have is through the browse feature of iTunes. No graphical interface with all the features (iMixes, Videos, etc). THAT is the what the fuss is about. And the same thing happened just before the last 'broadening' of the iTMS. So we thought it may come as early as yesterday (tuesday) but aparently not.
Oh I see. Thanks for clearing that up.

[sromurcam]

i know because someone who works at a label in canada told me. they're working with iTMS on content. they will not launch during the u.s. thanksgiving. november 30th it is. trust me. and i can't wait!

[Timboid]

What the hell are "symantics"?

Symantics? Perfectly cromulent word!
;)

[trump]

Nah, sorry mate, you're living in a deluded world. Australia's #1. Mind you, Canada is a pretty close second. (Spent six weeks there, a couple of years ago. Lovely place. Toronto in particular -- if it weren't for the weird accents and the fact that they drive on the wrong side of the road -- could be any part of Melbourne. :D)

It's kinda strange. Customs at Honolulu rubbed me the wrong way, big time (nothing in particular; just the attitude, I guess... maybe the fact that I was a bit tired after the flight from Sydney didn't help.) Customs at Vancouver, OTOH, I had no particular issues with. *shrugs* In any case, I doubt I'd visit Canada again. I have no desire to be fingerprinted just because I'm passing through some ultra paranoid country that I don't even have much interest in seeing anyway. :D

(Please understand: I'm not bashing US citizens in particular. It's the attitude of the government that mostly rubs me the wrong way. I dunno why, really.)


Only thing stopping me from visiting Sydney is the 24 hour flight...but I do hear that your girls aren't that bad ;) It really is strange how similar Canadia and Aussiealia are, even in history

As for iTMS - I'm syaing the 26th. Why? Well Apple has something special planned for that day
http://www.apple.com/giftguide/holiday/

[~Shard~]

Nah, sorry mate, you're living in a deluded world. Australia's #1. Mind you, Canada is a pretty close second. (Spent six weeks there, a couple of years ago. Lovely place. Toronto in particular -- if it weren't for the weird accents and the fact that they drive on the wrong side of the road -- could be any part of Melbourne. :D[

Did you manage to spend any time in the Prairies or the West Coast? Although Toronto is nice, it's a huge smoggy city, whereas if you head out into BC you have the Rockies, the Pacific Ocean, the beach, and the Island is amazing - great activities like ocean kayaking, whale watching, surfing, and rainforests which match those of New Zealand! As for the Prairies, where I'm at, you'd probably enjoy it if you enjoy the Outback - a whole lot of nothing. ;) Dry heat during the summer with temperatures at 30-40 degrees if not higher some days! Yep, we definitely have a diverse country here.... :cool:

And I love Australia too, really enjoyed the time I spent there. My brother just returned from Melbourne actually, amazing city. I also met a couple great blokes from your fine police force while I was backpacking through Eastern Europe a couple months ago too, we were out drinking all the time! :cool:

[antirealist]

Interesting comment at MacFixit (http://www.macfixit.com)

Gilbert Breen writes "I, too, am experiencing the same issue. I am a US student studying in Chile this semester. Up until last week I was able to browse and purchase music since my credit card has my US address.

"Once I noticed the behavior, I emailed Apple and was told, at first, to make sure I upgrade to version 4.7 of iTunes. I responded that I had already done so. Apple then responded that this is expected behavior of iTunes 4.7. iTMS logs your IP address and if it is not in one of the countries where there is an established iTMS, your access is denied. You can no longer even browse unless you are physically in a country with an established iTMS."


This isn't quite true, as you can still use the browse button.

[kiwi-in-uk]

Interesting comment at MacFixit (http://www.macfixit.com)



This isn't quite true, as you can still use the browse button.

But ...

Earlier this month I used iTunes 4.7 to purchase on a UK account from both UK and Australia, using two different laptops.

[bytemonger]

I just saw this in MacFixit and when in Itunes click on a song title arrow and it will take you you to the song in the iTunes Music Store and you can then browse from there. However the prices (in Canada anyway) show up as 0.99 Euros not dollars. So it is definately sending me to a Eurpoean Store not the US store.

[antirealist]

I just saw this in MacFixit and when in Itunes click on a song title arrow and it will take you you to the song in the iTunes Music Store and you can then browse from there. However the prices (in Canada anyway) show up as 0.99 Euros not dollars. So it is definately sending me to a Eurpoean Store not the US store.

I'm in Canada. If I click the US store, and then browse, the prices are in US dollars. If I click the Italian store (for example) and then browse, I see the prices in Euros. Click the UK store and browse, and the prices are in Pounds.

[tobyc]

i know because someone who works at a label in canada told me. they're working with iTMS on content. they will not launch during the u.s. thanksgiving. november 30th it is. trust me. and i can't wait!

Why would a US holiday have anything to do with the launching of a Canadian store. the announcement would probably come from Apple Canada and the only people that it would really be intersted in it would be the Candian media and Canadian purchasers.

Personally I think it will be Friday as previously announced.

[kiwi-in-uk]

the only people that it would really be intersted in it would be the Candian media and Canadian purchasers.

I disagree - a large number of people in many countries are interested in whatever Apple does with ITMS.

[Doctor Q]

It must also take a lot of staff at Apple in the U.S. to coordinate the release, announcement, and publicity for a new online store opening. On a U.S. holiday, that's harder.

[Avicdar]

It must also take a lot of staff at Apple in the U.S. to coordinate the release, announcement, and publicity for a new online store opening. On a U.S. holiday, that's harder.

I suspect that the servers for all of the stores must be centrally located, but I am not basing that on any kind of knowledge of the ITMS infrastructure. I just can't imagine Apple setting up servers for each store in the country that the store serves.

If I am right, then of course you would need IT people right there to ensure that the Canadian launch was free of technical issues, which again is not a cool thing to do to your staff on the holidays, if indeed the servers are in Cupertino.

On another note - I can't even get to the page that lets me choose the store (with the flag logos). Just tried a few minutes ago. Was working fine earlier today. This is kinda new, but who knows what, if anything, it means.

[antirealist]

On another note - I can't even get to the page that lets me choose the store (with the flag logos). Just tried a few minutes ago. Was working fine earlier today. This is kinda new, but who knows what, if anything, it means.

Same here. This really is new behaviour.

[jimjiminyjim]

Why do you suppose they did that? To save on bandwith as people across the world attempt to see how their own iTunes is going to work... and as they check to see if iTunes Canada/Ireland is available.

Honestly, how many people do you think are checking once or more a day?

[Super Dave]

Same here. This really is new behaviour.

It's bloody weird is what it is.

David :cool:

[jeffbistrong]

i just got an email from itunes which is subjected US test? any info on what that means?

[acceber]

Ireland? Australia? Japan?

Luxembourg got the iTMS before Australia. The total population of Luxembourg is what? Half a million? Blah.. It's not like I'm old enough to have a credit card anyway :p

[sjl]

Did you manage to spend any time in the Prairies or the West Coast? Although Toronto is nice, it's a huge smoggy city, whereas if you head out into BC you have the Rockies, the Pacific Ocean, the beach, and the Island is amazing - great activities like ocean kayaking, whale watching, surfing, and rainforests which match those of New Zealand! As for the Prairies, where I'm at, you'd probably enjoy it if you enjoy the Outback - a whole lot of nothing. ;) Dry heat during the summer with temperatures at 30-40 degrees if not higher some days! Yep, we definitely have a diverse country here.... :cool:
Oh, yes, I started out there. Spent two weeks in the Rockies, and a week or so around Vancouver and Victoria. Toronto was basically a base for poking around the western area of Canada (eg: Niagara Falls -- talk about your tourist traps, although the falls themselves were great), as well as Churchill (don't ask; it won't hurt so much. :D Nah, seriously, I'd pre-booked the ticket - Melb-Syd-Van-Toronto-Van-Syd-Melb - and was going to make things up as I went along once I got to Toronto. So I booked a flight to Winnipeg from Toronto, and took the train from there to Churchill.)


Only thing stopping me from visiting Sydney is the 24 hour flight...
Tell me about it. I made the mistake of having a flight straight back from Toronto. Toronto to Vancouver to Honolulu to Sydney to Melbourne. Not counting stopovers, I swear I was inside metal tubes for a good 24 hours. It was over a year before I flew again. :D If I were to do it again, I'd space it out -- have a day or two in Vancouver, a day or two in Honolulu, then fly straight back home via Sydney (unless there's a direct flight from Honolulu to Melbourne, which I doubt.) More likely to go to Africa next though (if there is a next time -- I'm kinda broke for the next 15 or more years, having just taken out a mortgage. :D)

[SilvorX]

as well as Churchill (don't ask; it won't hurt so much. Nah, seriously, I'd pre-booked the ticket - Melb-Syd-Van-Toronto-Van-Syd-Melb - and was going to make things up as I went along once I got to Toronto. So I booked a flight to Winnipeg from Toronto, and took the train from there to Churchill.)
how did u like ol' churchill?
I've never been there but had a friend from there.. see any polar bears? ;)

iTMS wont let me switch countries now when i click on "..to browse a music store, click here"..

and i just realized that the iTMS ID3 tags d00ds need to do a better job at composers.. for some of the songs by my fave canadian rock band is all bs, saying musicians wrote the song who didn't and such.. ugh

[HoserHead]

I don't really see any reason why the Canadian store shouldn't launch tomorrow. Here's hoping!

[DigitalLifeDad]

I don't really see any reason why the Canadian store shouldn't launch tomorrow. Here's hoping!

My fingers are crossed... :confused:

[dejo]

I don't really see any reason why the Canadian store shouldn't launch tomorrow. Here's hoping!

Possible reason: It's not a Tuesday. :)

[bmccann42]

As are mine. Been looking forward to this for quite some time.

[appleguy]

Can anyone else out side an itms zone get in. I am only getting the message saying not available but nothing when you click on the arrow
Something is in the works

[trump]

would iTMS be launched by Apple Canada, or Apple America? If it's Apple Canada then there is no reason why it wouldn't launch tommorow...if it's down at Infinite Loop then thanksgiving might be a prob

[lukasgardiner]

this just feels like the ongest wait ever for something from apple.

just hope it is tomorrow so that i can spend the whole wekeend downloading music.

[gmanrique]

Why would a US holiday have anything to do with the launching of a Canadian store. the announcement would probably come from Apple Canada and the only people that it would really be intersted in it would be the Candian media and Canadian purchasers.

Personally I think it will be Friday as previously announced.

as previously announced by who? MacRumors?

[sromurcam]

November 30th...end of day, pending publishing clearances. Many Cupertino staff are involved in the launch of any new iTunes service. It is coming, just not today or tomorrow. Mark my words.

[emptyair]

I just saw an iTunes ad on a Toronto tv station. It was the new ad with U2 featuring vertigo. At the end of the ad it said, "iPod + iTunes" then "Apple.ca" I don't remember seeing an iPod ad aired in Canada mentioning iTunes before. It's always just said "iPod from Apple" or something like that. Here's hoping that maybe this is a sign that the store is coming tomorrow! :)

[Yvan256]

Can anyone else out side an itms zone get in. I am only getting the message saying not available but nothing when you click on the arrow
Something is in the works

I get that too (00:12 in my timezone, which is GMT-05:00). Clicking on the arrow no longer takes me to the flags page, it just reloads the same page.

[Yvan256]

I just saw an iTunes ad on a Toronto tv station. It was the new ad with U2 featuring vertigo. At the end of the ad it said, "iPod + iTunes" then "Apple.ca" I don't remember seeing an iPod ad aired in Canada mentioning iTunes before. It's always just said "iPod from Apple" or something like that. Here's hoping that maybe this is a sign that the store is coming tomorrow! :)

If I recall I've seen that ad many times (Space channel and Discovery I think). Also, remember that iTunes doesn't equal iTMS.

After all, they couldn't really sell the iPod without iTunes. But we can use iTunes + iPod without iTMS.

In any case, the fact that we can't even select a country anymore might be the final sign. iTMS Canada in a few hours? (minutes?)

[Francesco]

didn't srumourcam say the 30th?, Considering the amount of talk here i'm gonna take his word for it and not get hopes up.

[autopilot]

would they just launch it w/o warning?

wouldn't it make more sense from a sales perspective if they launched a marketing blitz and official announcement 1-2 weeks prior to the iTMS going live?

[Yvan256]

would they just launch it w/o warning?

wouldn't it make more sense from a sales perspective if they launched a marketing blitz and official announcement 1-2 weeks prior to the iTMS going live?

Well, Steve-o did say "coming in november for Canada", and there's only 5 days left. If they wanted to make some official announcement it's kinda too late already.

And as others have stated, we now can't even go to the country selection page anymore... Something's being set up in iTMS that's for sure.

Still nothing on Apple.ca though

[Yvan256]

If you go to www.apple.com, you see "The Complete U2 - iTunes Exclusive Box Set".

If you go to www.apple.com/ie/, you see "The Complete U2 - iTunes Exclusive Box Set".

If you go to www.apple.com/ca/, you don't see "The Complete U2 - iTunes Exclusive Box Set".

There's also no "http://images.apple.com/ca/home/images/2004/11/U2boxset20041123.jpg" image (but there is for .com, .com/uk/, .com/ie/, etc).

So I guess this means: Ireland, you got iTMS! Congratulations!

As for us Canucks... maybe in four days? :(

(what's the delay about? We already got download services, why is iTMS Canada taking so long?!)

[roadapple]

Soon as it's released, I'm driving to Windsor (via the tunnel), betting $50 on black and wasting the winnings on itunes!!! (with a quick stop at cherry's)

[MacinDoc]

I still think it'll be Nov. 26. After all, Apple already has a sales event planned for that day.

[appleguy]

take a look at this site http://www.apple.com/ie/itunes/

[cantrdr]

If you go to www.apple.com, you see "The Complete U2 - iTunes Exclusive Box Set".

If you go to www.apple.com/ie/, you see "The Complete U2 - iTunes Exclusive Box Set".

If you go to www.apple.com/ca/, you don't see "The Complete U2 - iTunes Exclusive Box Set".

There's also no "http://images.apple.com/ca/home/images/2004/11/U2boxset20041123.jpg" image (but there is for .com, .com/uk/, .com/ie/, etc).

So I guess this means: Ireland, you got iTMS! Congratulations!

As for us Canucks... maybe in four days? :(

(what's the delay about? We already got download services, why is iTMS Canada taking so long?!)

It's 9am here in Dublin, and I don't have iTunes. And the disclaimer hasn't changed in the iTunes download page. I've been seeing the U2 box set ad for a few days now. I think it's because i'm linked to UK or US

"iTunes is licensed for reproduction of non-copyrighted materials or materials the user is legally permitted to reproduce. Purchases from the iTunes Music Store are available only in Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. See Terms of Sale."

[antirealist]

Today's Globe and Mail has an article on the impending iTMS launch (subscribers only). The money quotes:

In October, Apple said it would launch in Canada in November, and a company spokesman said this week the company intends to meet that deadline.

“It's still November; we'll launch in November,” Apple's Natalie Kerris said.

...

David Basskin, president of the Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency, which negotiated with Apple and the other on-line music players on behalf of copyright owners, said his organization “stands ready” to sign a deal with any company that wants to legally sell downloads. The overall goal in licensing pay-for-play systems is “to reduce the amount of piracy,” he said.

Mr. Basskin said his organization only recently initiated discussions with Apple regarding iTunes, and as of Thursday they were “close to an agreement.”

[HoserHead]

I guess that kind of sews it up; launch will be Tuesday.

Those quotes make me worry for several reasons, though:
- Breadth of music. If everyone needs to go through the CMRRA, are we going to have a comparable number of tracks? Will places like CD Baby be represented in the Canadian store?
- Certainty of launch. If they're still negotiating now, it's possible the launch date will slip...

[Maxicek]

Hopefully it won't get to Tuesday and nothing happens, or this thread will end up like the "iTunes Canada - June 15th too?" thread from Page 2. :D

Even more hopefully it won't open on Tuesday and be full of only Celine Dion and Bryan Adams tracks! :eek: :D

[lukasgardiner]

Today's Globe and Mail has an article on the impending iTMS launch (subscribers only). The money quotes:

sometimes you just gotta wonder with apple. how can a company be so sure of something when some of the essential bits of the puzzle aren't yet in place?

and telling us that itms will launch in november and the launching it on the very last day of the month is such an apple thing to do. a little insulting and frustrating but i guess by now we should all be used to it.

[ozone]

Apple... great products, lousy delivery and customer care. Why am I not surprised that iTunes has yet to launch here in the frozen wasteland? Every product I've waited for - not until 200X; my own personal order - delayed 3 weeks only to find out the wrong thing had been internally ordered by Apple Canada - forget that - back to Windows; store that I bought the PowerBook for my wife - now closed down; been waiting for iTunes to come out in Canada for so long, I really don't know if I care anymore.

[cantrdr]

Apple... great products, lousy delivery and customer care. Why am I not surprised that iTunes has yet to launch here in the frozen wasteland? Every product I've waited for - not until 200X; my own personal order - delayed 3 weeks only to find out the wrong thing had been internally ordered by Apple Canada - forget that - back to Windows; store that I bought the PowerBook for my wife - now closed down; been waiting for iTunes to come out in Canada for so long, I really don't know if I care anymore.


'Frozen Wasteland' ....don't sell us so short!! We're still worth $30mln+ to Apple if we all bought one track!

[lukasgardiner]

i've been ready to spend hundreds on itms ever since the rumors started. now it looks like i will have to wait until november 30th at 11:59:59 pm --- that's so like apple.

someone mentioned an event happening today somewhere in canada. don't remember reading about that. is it happening in toronto? and at what time i wonder?

wonder what the prices will be like. some say 99cents. not sure.

[geeyesgee]

That's it...the first song I'm going to buy on iTMS if it's available is Spirit of th West's "Far too Canadian". The lyrics seem appropriate:

i'm so content, to stand in line
wait and see, pass the time
talk a streak, fall alseep, wake up late, whine and weep
i kiss the hand that slaps me senseless
i'm so accepting, so defenseless
i am far too Canadian

i pick the bones, of what's been done
lick them clean, with a cautious tongue
in dim lit rooms, i spill my guts
i'm the revolution when the doors are shut
i'd bite the hand that slaps me senseless
but my patience is too relentless
i am far too Canadian

[autopilot]

'Frozen Wasteland' ....don't sell us so short!! We're still worth $30mln+ to Apple if we all bought one track!

$30 Million... is that Canadian?

Is that worth even 1 hour of Steve's time? ;)

[reckless_0001]

I think they will launch it in around 4hrs, based on the time the euro store was opened.. :)

[cantrdr]

$30 Million... is that Canadian?

Is that worth even 1 hour of Steve's time? ;)


Canadian...pesos... whatever you want to call it!!!

[advocate]

Canadian...pesos... whatever you want to call it!!!

Hey now, we're fast approaching parity.. 84.88 cents and rising!

[cantrdr]

Hey now, we're fast approaching parity.. 84.88 cents and rising!

Just think how cheap those iPods will be after we hit parity and beyond eh!! Thanks W

[stcanard]

Mr. Basskin said his organization only recently initiated discussions with Apple regarding iTunes, and as of Thursday they were “close to an agreement.”


Wasn't the CRIA telling everybody 6 months ago that everything was negotiated with Apple and they didn't know why Apple was dragging their feet?

[smcavoy]

Canadian...pesos... whatever you want to call it!!!
hmm...
Jan 2003 - 1 CAD = 0.65 USD
Nov 2004 - 1 CAD = 0.85 USD
that "pesos" is projected to be 1-1 if not more within a few years.
so there
:)

[lukasgardiner]

maybe ol' steve-o's "launch canadian iTMS store" key is broken o his keyboard
:)

[Ellision]

I think we can assume there will be no announcement event. No press releases have been sent out, no forums booked, nothing. I guess it will be a pretty silent launch, followed up by a marketing blitz.

It's really odd that all these under-the-hood changes took place the day before the launch of the EU stores, but we've witnessed the better part of a week of such conditions now. Getting frustrated, I am.

AEC

[autopilot]

maybe ol' steve-o's "launch canadian iTMS store" key is broken o his keyboard
:)

HAHAHAHA!

yeah, same for ireland from what i hear.

[Doctor Q]

Every product I've waited for - not until 200X; my own personal order - delayed 3 weeks only to find out the wrong thing had been internally ordered by Apple Canada - forget that - back to Windows; store that I bought the PowerBook for my wife - now closed down; been waiting for iTunes to come out in Canada for so long, I really don't know if I care anymore.From the pattern, it sounds like, after iTMS Canada opens, everyone else in Canada will buy music online and download it immediately while you will buy music and it will say ":( sorry - iTMS is out of stock of that song - your download will be delayed 3 weeks". I hope you have better luck than that!

[Sharewaredemon]

I don't know who posted this but they said they knew someone on the "inside" and that Apple was not going to release iTMS in Canada until Thanksgiving is over. Which to me makes sense, because if all of the stores are based out of Cupertino, I'm assuming the majority of the staff is not working today.

[aestival]

Wasn't the CRIA telling everybody 6 months ago that everything was negotiated with Apple and they didn't know why Apple was dragging their feet?

Actually, it wasn't just the CRIA, it was exactly the same person, and while they'll likely never publish it, here's a quick letter I sent to the Globe & Mail (I would have called Mr. Basskin a "liar" or worse, but he may just be a simpleton or a fool):

Apple's iTunes online music store is apparently poised to open in Canada ("Apple ready to press play on iTunes in Canada", Globe & Mail, Nov. 26), but the Canadian recording industry is disturbingly self-contradictory. In particular, you quote David Basskin of the Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency as saying "his organization only recently initiated discussions with Apple regarding iTunes". However, in April of this year the very same Mr. Basskin told AppleInsider (http://http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=429) that the CMRRA "are presently in negotiations with Apple to license the iTunes Music Store for activity in Canada, and hope the negotiations lead to an agreement soon, but noted that the timing and manner of the service launch remain entirely in Apple's hands" ("CMRRA points finger at Apple over iTMS Canada delays", April 19, 2004). It would probably be far easier for the music industry to convince people to buy music if they weren't such transparent dissemblers.

[stcanard]

Actually, it wasn't just the CRIA, it was exactly the same person, and while they'll likely never publish it,

Glad you had the reference to be able to point to for a letter!

The Globe actually has quite a good track record for publishing that kind of thing, so it might make it. I'll keep an eye out for you letter :)

[Super Dave]

Just think how cheap those iPods will be after we hit parity and beyond eh!! Thanks W

You're funny. Apple STILL hasn't dropped a single price that I can see despite the formidable strength of the Canadian dollar.

David :cool:

[SpamJunkie]

You're funny. Apple STILL hasn't dropped a single price that I can see despite the formidable strength of the Canadian dollar.

David :cool:

Apple drops prices all the time. The original iPod cost $399 US and $599 CAN. That's 0.66 exchange. The 40gb iPod costs $399 US and $559 CAN, that's 0.71, but if you account for the $25 levy on the Canadian one, for $534 CAN, it's 0.75, which is very close to exchange at the time, 0.77.

What apple does is set the price when they release new products or revisions, then keep that price until the next revision. So when the iPod is revised next it will have a price set by a more favorable rate, assuming the American dollar continues to weaken.

[aestival]

Apple drops prices all the time. The original iPod cost $399 US and $599 CAN. That's 0.66 exchange. The 40gb iPod costs $399 US and $559 CAN, that's 0.71, but if you account for the $25 levy on the Canadian one, for $534 CAN, it's 0.75, which is very close to exchange at the time, 0.77.

What apple does is set the price when they release new products or revisions, then keep that price until the next revision. So when the iPod is revised next it will have a price set by a more favorable rate, assuming the American dollar continues to weaken.

The day before Apple announced the iPod Photo, the dollar was at 81.75, and for the preceding two weeks it was trading at around 80 cents. This isn't a small distinction: using 81.75 would make a 60GB iPod $757 instead of $799 (and yes, I didn't apply the exchange to the $25 levy). With 15% tax, that makes for a difference of almost fifty dollars! The reason people are complaining (and buying iPods in the US) is that the price should now be down to $729. Also makes waiting to buy a lot more attractive: if the dollar climbs modestly to 88 cents by late January, and Apple drops the 60GB iPod Photo to $499US, a fair exchange would drop the Canadian price from $799 to $599 (!)

[SpamJunkie]

using 81.75 would make a 60GB iPod $757 instead of $799

You read too much into my post. I was just proving to Super Dave that Apple has changed their prices with currency exchange changes.

He said "Apple STILL hasn't dropped a single price that I can see".

[AdamH]

T The reason people are complaining (and buying iPods in the US) is that the price should now be down to $729. Also makes waiting to buy a lot more attractive: if the dollar climbs modestly to 88 cents by late January, and Apple drops the 60GB iPod Photo to $499US, a fair exchange would drop the Canadian price from $799 to $599 (!)

Tell me about it. A friend of mine has US banking/credit accounts as well as an office in California. I'd rather buy Apple stuff from the US store. When I bought my iPod (get this), it was CHEAPER to buy from the US store LIST than from the Canadian store with educational or developer discount.

Time to wake up folks... You get more money when the money flies south of the border... Pass it along to the consumer. You might find you'll sell more.

[atraininc]

I think if it hasn't arrived yet today then it's not going to. Probably on Tuesday Nov. 30?

What do you think?

[jimjiminyjim]

Tuesday Nov 30 works for me.
You didn't specifiy a year though... (e.g. June 30th)

[autopilot]

my money is on this coming tuesday...

although i'm not actually betting any money AND it makes it easier that most of the other predicted dates have passed... ;)

[lukasgardiner]

if it is indeed tuesday i'll be both thrilled and p'd off at the same time. that's the way i usually am with apple. it has already taken way too long and now the november launch will turn out to be the very last day of the month. typical.