Apple iTunes Europe set for June 15 launch

[dArKeR]

LONDON/AMSTERDAM - Apple Computer Corp. will announce next week its long-awaited European version of the iTunes online music store, sources familiar with the matter said.

The announcement will be made on June 15, said sources familiar with the necessary licensing negotiations between Apple and music labels.

An Apple spokesman in Holland declined to comment on the specifics of the launch. However, Apple issued a statement on Monday that it would host a press conference in London on June 15. Apple billed the event, "the biggest story in music is about to get even bigger".

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/5156356/

[LondonAmerican]

1. I wanted to use iTMS

but then I found this!

http://www.allofmp3.com/index2.shtml

Way cheaper and no DRM.

[huellewig]

2. I don't think that is legal.

It might be legal in the sense that they can provide the service since it is from Russia. I just wonder if it is legal for others to use the service in our countries? I'm sure in the US I could get nailed. Not so sure about England. I know the artist and the RIAA don't see any money from it.

I just borrow Cd's from friends that still buy them. We all listen to the same kind of music anyways. Out of all the legal music services iTunes is hands down the best. That's my experience buying one song from it. I use iTunes for my MP3's management and playback every day. It's more then a store. The store is 2 percent of the program. The other 98% kicks much ass for a free program.

[LondonAmerican]

3. I use iTunes

for my music management on my Mac. I just don't use the store.

The Russian store hasn't been touched by the RIAA -- who would not have a leg to stand on.

Problem for Apple is that the iTMS is way too expensive and once people figure out other distribution channels -- as is happening now -- those absurd profit margins to them and the RIAA are going to go down, way down.