Apple has
licensed its iTunes software technology to Motorola for use on its mobile phone Handsets and will develop a customised handset version. This version of iTunes will feature similar capabilities to the desktop iTunes version, however the handset version will lack the iTunes store capabilities until 3G or some other high bandwidth cellular network technology takes off. Music can
be transferred to supporting handsets either via USB or Bluetooth.
Unlike the upcoming HP branded iPod, this will be the first time Apple has allowed its Fairplay DRM technology to be used on a 3rd party portable device. However unlike even the iPod mini series, the Motorola handsets will only have enough capacity for a handful of songs making only suitable for short journeys or to pass the time. The first iTunes enabled Motorola handsets are expected to ship in the first half of 2005. GristyMcFisty submitted the followings news via our news submit :
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Apple will create a custom version of its iTunes jukebox software to run on Motorola's handsets. The app will not initially be able to preview, buy and download songs over the air directly from the iTunes Music Store. Instead, users will have to download tracks on a PC or Mac then transfer them to the phone using a Bluetooth or USB link, but that's probably the best solution until much higher data throughputs become available over cellular networks. HP's own-brand iPod is expected to ship in September, but - barring other deals, of course - Motorola's handsets will become the first devices not produced by Apple to support the Mac maker's DRM technology, FairPlay. Indeed, this is a key deal for Apple, and one that pitches ITMS as a revenue centre in its own right rather than simply an opportunity to sell iPods. It's also a smart deal in that it's able to both increase ITMS traffic and ITMS market presence without hindering iPod sales. It's likely to be some time before handsets feature sufficient storage capacity to match even last year's iPods, let alone today's. So handsets are likely to be used for more casual listening rather than the 'take your record collection with you' role that the iPod majors on. |
It seems like Apple is aiming to prepare to be one of the starting leaders in a music store on the move. While the upcoming handsets will only feature playback software, the next handsets afterwards will likely offer access to iTunes store once the cellular networks are upgraded to handle the necessary bandwidth.
While the music industry would be happy to see consumers being able to purchase music without entering a music store or touching a PC once high bandwidth cellular networks become availale, it could mean bad news for them if someone manages to develop successful P2P software for mobile handsets. :p
However, there is one catch to using a cellular handset as a portable music player: Once the battery runs out, not only does this leave one in silence, but also without the ability to make or receive calls and messages.
Source: The Register - Mobile Devices
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