I read this on the Washingtonpost tech writer's weekly chat. Does anyone know if this is true?
D.C.: Hi Rob, I'm sure you are going to get a ton of questions on the new Ipod lineup. I'm thinking about getting the new Touch, haven't decided 8 or 16GB. Am I wrong to be really steamed that Apple is charging Touch users to upgrade to the software so that we can download from the App Store? Am I the only one?
Rob Pegoraro: No, you're probably not the only one. Apple says that it has to charge for the upgrade because of SEC regulations--they have to account for material upgrades provided to old products, and if they don't derive a continuing revenue stream from them (as is the case with the iPhone) then they must charge something. IANAL (I am not a lawyer), so I can't say if that's the case or not. But I do know that some iPod software upgrades have included small but distinct new features but did not come with a charge.
D.C.: Hi Rob, I'm sure you are going to get a ton of questions on the new Ipod lineup. I'm thinking about getting the new Touch, haven't decided 8 or 16GB. Am I wrong to be really steamed that Apple is charging Touch users to upgrade to the software so that we can download from the App Store? Am I the only one?
Rob Pegoraro: No, you're probably not the only one. Apple says that it has to charge for the upgrade because of SEC regulations--they have to account for material upgrades provided to old products, and if they don't derive a continuing revenue stream from them (as is the case with the iPhone) then they must charge something. IANAL (I am not a lawyer), so I can't say if that's the case or not. But I do know that some iPod software upgrades have included small but distinct new features but did not come with a charge.
