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Google to Compete with iTunes?
mikeythecmptrguy wrote to mention a Forbes report on analyst predictions that Google may be gearing up to compete with iTunes. From the article: "Analyst Robert Peck speculated that it makes sense for Google to create a rival for the popular iTunes service by Apple Computer, given the explosive growth of unique visitors to the iTunes' Web site. 'Further, Nielsen indicates that iTunes users form a distinct target audience with brand preferences along autos, alcohol beverages, magazines, and television,' he added. "
If this turns out to be true it would seem to indicate a shift from google innovating to a more microsoft-like strategy of trying to copy a competitor. I'm not sure how well this would work out, however. Most people I know love their ipods and they are happy with itunes. Plus, a lot of people are crazy about apple; they can release any new product and people will flock to buy it.
$60 a year, unlimited downloads to your PlaysForSure player. Sure, they aren't as pretty as the iPods nor are they are easy to use, but they play music in a random loop with good sound quality.
While iTunes is great, $.99 a song is NOT great especially considering I can pick up a CD for cheaper than that is -- packaging and all. And you know... some people like the album art in REAL LIFE, along with the lyrics so you can sing along horribly (as is the case with me).
So if Google comes along with something better than THAT... i'd be suprised.
The price is always right if someone else is paying.
Ah, but that would require them competing with the iPods and the PlaysForSure devices that have already been purchased. It would have to be one hell of a service, to convince everybody to buy Yet Another Portable Media Player.
If you don't know where you are going, you will wind up somewhere else.