Last Minute Rumors: DRM Free iTunes, Mac Mini, iPhone Tethering

[MacRumors]

With Macworld Expo kicking off in a matter of hours, a number of last minute rumors have appeared today.

- CNet reports that Apple has cut deals that will allow iTunes to offer copy-protection free (DRM free) songs from the largest music labels. In exchange, Apple is said to offer more flexible pricing.

Under the terms of the deal, song prices will be broken down into three categories--older songs from the catalog, midline songs (newer songs that aren't big hits), and current hits--said one of the sources.

Beyond this, Apple has also come to an agreement to deliver over-the-air downloads which will allow iPhone users to download music directly on their iPhones. These announcements could be announced at Macworld.

- Arstechnica points out one press release by SeeFile software that reveals the software supports the "new Apple Mac Mini".

- TUAW suggests we may finally see an AT&T / iPhone tethering deal announced this week, according to a "trusted" source.

MacRumors will have live coverage of the keynote at MacRumorsLive.com. The keynote kicks off at 9 a.m. Pacific on Tuesday, Jan 6th.

Article Link: Last Minute Rumors: DRM Free iTunes, Mac Mini, iPhone Tehthering

[Vivaldi]

Hopefully most of iTunes' classical music selection is under this DRM-free agreement — otherwise, Puccini's Tosca has just became more devastating.

In all seriousness, though, this is awesome. I await for the release of the new Mac Mini.

[amac4me]

Bring on the keynote!

[maclover201]

Hooray for iPhone tethering!

[adamw]

I say bring it on. I am expectantly looking forward to the announcements Apple has for us...

[Romanesq]

It all sounds good. Give us DRM with 1411 bits or better.
Shoot hit us with SACD quality on iTunes, we'll handle it.

iTunes would rule the world with the highest quality downloads.

All of this is welcome and bring on the new Mac Mini!

[FJ218700]

Originally Posted by maclover201

Hooray for iPhone tethering!

get ready for an extra 29.99 on that data plan

[JNRidgway15]

Fingers Crossed For the new iTunes prices and DRM Free!!!

[dissdnt]

"Beyond this, Apple has also come to an agreement to deliver over-the-air downloads which will allow iPhone users to download music directly on their iPhones. These announcements could be announced at Macworld."

Um can't we already do this?

[oyebto]

lots of rumours in this macworld..

[Mal]

I can't see Jobs giving up on the $.99 pricing. That's been the hallmark of the iTunes Store for a while now, that they've never given in on the pricing.

Originally Posted by dissdnt

"Beyond this, Apple has also come to an agreement to deliver over-the-air downloads which will allow iPhone users to download music directly on their iPhones. These announcements could be announced at Macworld."

Um can't we already do this?

Not over 3G, which I'd assume is what this is indicating.

jW

[Chadder]

I hope that they shut down the DRM servers all together and put them to better uses.

[alexlovesmacs]

I hope they bring tethering onto the iPhone I'll definitely buy it when my Verizon contract finally expires

[fishkorp]

Originally Posted by maclover201

Hooray for iPhone tethering!

Not hooray for $30/month tethering plan that AT&T charges.

*edit*
oops, someone else already said that.

[alexbates]

The DRM-free music might be announced tomorrow but I don't think Apple will have it in iTunes by the end of the day. It will probably be later in the month or next month.

iPhone tethering is a great idea that I hope Apple will allow in 2.3. This might not be for a while though.

How is the Mac Mini a last minute rumor that appeared today? This is probably going to be one of the main products Apple will release tomorrow and we have heard about it for quite a while.

[levitynyc]

I <3 Netshare

[Arcadie]

live coverage as in video?

[Michael CM1]

Originally Posted by dissdnt

"Beyond this, Apple has also come to an agreement to deliver over-the-air downloads which will allow iPhone users to download music directly on their iPhones. These announcements could be announced at Macworld."

Um can't we already do this?

No. Only wifi can be used now. I assume this would be over 3G, but us EDGE users will be SOL.

[alexlovesmacs]

Originally Posted by FJ218700

get ready for an extra 29.99 on that data plan

Do you think it's worth it for that price because when I get tethering I plan on canceling my home phone and DSL.

[Freis968]

What about all the songs we have all downloaded that are not DRM free? Will they all of a sudden become DRM free or will we be able to redownload them for Free?

I can see a lot of people who have spent 100's or 1,000's of dollars on iTunes songs and now for everyone to be able to start buying DRM Free?

I also agree that the song quality should be atleast 1141kbps. My internet connection is downloading at 24mbps from Brighthouse and it takes me just seconds to download an entire album from iTunes. I would be willing to sit for 1 minute to download an entire album offered at WAV format.

[tuc]

I am quite ready for the "new Apple Mac Mini."

[NT1440]

Originally Posted by alexlovesmacs

Do you think it's worth it for that price because when I get tethering I plan on canceling my home phone and DSL.

There will be like a 5GB cap

[FJ218700]

Originally Posted by alexlovesmacs

Do you think it's worth it for that price because when I get tethering I plan on canceling my home phone and DSL.

There will likely be a data cap. Depends on your personal net usage habits and how strong the 3G coverage is in your area.

[heyjp]

Groan. I predict that "new music" will be $1.39 per song and $13.99 for an album for at LEAST 3 months after albums are released.

Unless you just buy old music, this "DRM Free" change will effectively raise the price of new music 40% to near CD prices. Might as well buy the CD and get full bit rates.

Jim

[iParis]

Sounds good to me!
I guess we'll just have to wait until tomorrow.
I can't wait!
Here's hoping for a Mac Mini refresh and DRM free iTunes music!