Hold function

[caseybb4]

Hey All,

I was looking at a picture of the iPhone and noticed it has a mute and hold button. Do you think you can play music on hold from your itunes library? What are your thoughts?

-Rob

 

[iMeowbot]

Do you think you can play music on hold from your itunes library?

I doubt that it will be allowed. On-hold music has licensing strings attached, that wouldn't be very compatible with non-subscription music.

 

[caseybb4]

It only has licensing issues if you play copy-righted music. So, obviously you couldn't play anything with DRM. If you doubt there will be music on hold, which you are probably right, then what do you suspect would be the difference between hold and mute.

 

[iMeowbot]

It only has licensing issues if you play copy-righted music. So, obviously you couldn't play anything with DRM.

Or any commercial music without DRM, which is still protected by the very same copyrights. It would be really, really tough for Apple to negotiate such a thing.

If you doubt there will be music on hold, which you are probably right, then what do you suspect would be the difference between hold and mute.

Music on hold would be transmitted over the "wire". The iPhone mute thing just cuts out the local iPod audio.

 

[caseybb4]

I understand that music without DRM can still be copyrighted but my point is, baring any patent infringement, apple wouldn't need to permission from the 4 major labels to play non copyrighted music on hold. If the user selects a DMR-free song that is copyrighted then that is not Apples violation. An iPod can play pirated music, however, it's infringement of the end user. Music on hold is the only reason I can think of to have both a mute and hold button. Also, do you think the record labels would be opposed to the idea? It is non-commercial promotion of their music. You can buy a ringtone...maybe you can buy a hold song.

The iPhone mute thing just cuts out the local iPod audio.

Obviously, but why hold and mute? What do you suspect is the function of the hold button?

 

[iMeowbot]

I understand that music without DRM can still be copyrighted but my point is, baring any patent infringement, apple wouldn't need to permission from the 4 major labels to play non copyrighted music on hold.

For playing music across a phone call when you put someone on hold, there most certainly are license fees, because it's a public performance.

If the user selects a DMR-free song that is copyrighted then that is not Apples violation.

It would technically be the phone users' violation if they aren't cutting checks to the royalty collection agencies, but Apple would be under pressure from content owners not to make the feature available without some kind of assurance that those fees would be paid.

Music on hold is the only reason I can think of to have both a mute and hold button.

A much simpler reason to have a hold button would be to put people on hold 😀 This goes hand in hand with the conference call feature.

Also, do you think the record labels would be opposed to the idea?

This is more the domain of music publishers. They are often, but not always, the same people.

It is non-commercial promotion of their music.

It really doesn't work that way.

You can buy a ringtone...maybe you can buy a hold song.

It's possible that something like this could be done, but Apple would be forced to restrict it to specially licensed tracks.

 

[TheAnswer]

Obviously, but why hold and mute? What do you suspect is the function of the hold button?

Hold is useful for putting someone on hold...keeping the connection while you answer another call or connect another party for a conference call and discussing briefly with them before you bring in the party on hold. Since mute just shuts off your microphone, but lets them blather on...hold is also useful for putting someone in "time out" so you don't have to listen to them without hanging up on them.

 

[buymeaniphone]

If you doubt there will be music on hold, which you are probably right, then what do you suspect would be the difference between hold and mute.

You would use the hold to make another call and perhaps have a 3 way conference call. You would use mute so the other person on the phone doesn't have to hear you scream at your dog for pooping on the floor again. 🙂

 

[chatster18]

You would use the hold to make another call and perhaps have a 3 way conference call. You would use mute so the other person on the phone doesn't have to hear you scream at your dog for pooping on the floor again. 🙂

I agree! But the music feature would be nice!!😀