Apple to Announce iTunes Movie Rentals?

An anonymous reader writes "Think Secret is reporting that the next Apple Worldwide Developer's Conference may be the company's platform to announce movie rentals via iTunes. The files would probably have a built-in shutoff timer, or only allow a certain number of viewings." From the article: "Apple is said to have ironed out agreements with Walt Disney, Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures, and Warner Bros., and is currently in talks with other major movie studios as well. It's unknown to what extent content will be available come the August 7 announcement, or whether Apple will announce all of its studio deals at that time ... Apple had been trying for months to persuade the movie studios that the a-la-carte model of buying individual titles, as the iTunes Music Store offers with music, was the way to go. The studios, however, have been fixed on offering only a subscription or rental-based model."

Comments

DRM Creep?

[Whiney Mac Fanboy]

First they give you a fairly liberal DRM.

Then they tighten that DRM slightly with iTunes 'security' updates.

Then they introduce DRM that enforces ppv / rentals / time limiting.

Next? (remember that lucky ITMS buyers get whatever DRM Apple wants them to have!)

Re:DRM Creep?

[Whiney Mac Fanboy]

The difference between Apple and Microsoft is that Microsoft is more successful. Both companies love proprietary software and DRM. Both companies screw over their customers.

Hmmmmn, I mostly agree - but Apple does make nicer products than MS - there's no denying it (not that that's much of a compliment to Apple).

I agree that both companies love proprietary software (I mean OS X is now no more 'Open' than XP with SFU installed), DRM and screwing their customers intro the ground,

Apple fanboys are about to mod me down. :)

Probably :-)