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November 29, 2006

ipod

Universal eyes the iPod

Posted Nov. 29, ’06, 8:43 AM PT by Dan Moren
Category | iPod

The Universal EyeMaybe it’s because the Zune (now with kickbacks!) isn’t selling so hot, but Universal’s turned their beady Sauron-like eye onto the far more popular iPod. As you may recall, Universal CEO Doug Morris convinced Microsoft to pay it a fee for every Zune sold, since MP3 players are “repositories for stolen music.” Now Morris says that Universal is considering trying the same thing with Apple.

“It would be a nice idea. We have a negotiation coming up not too far. I don’t see why we wouldn’t do that… but maybe not in the same way.”
Now, I think I may have already expressed myself on this topic in the most recent podcast: suffice it to say that a) I don’t think record companies should be making money on the chance of piracy and b) consumers shouldn’t be treated like criminals.

It remains to be seen whether or not Apple will agree to these demands, though I’d suspect not. As John Gruber’s earlier analysis of the Zune/Universal situation pointed out, the iPod is so much more popular than the Zune that Apple has considerably more weight in its negotiations than Microsoft and its fledgling device.

[via iPod Observer]


3 Comments

Erin B. said:

"and consumers shouldn't be treated criminals"

Missing a word, there, Dan. ;)

November 29, 2006 10:29 AM
Maddles said:

If $1 of my money from the purchase of an iPod goes towards Universal, I reserve the right to download one of their songs. It's only fair :p

November 29, 2006 11:49 AM
Dave said:

My initial response was outrage. I was going to say that this fee is a license to steal. But then I considered shoplifting. It is generally accepted that shoplifters increase the prices of goods for all consumers.

The difference is that shops, in obtaining shoplifting insurance, don't call all their customers thieves. That crack about iPods being "repositories for stolen music" is uncalled for. Unless he has data suggesting what percentage of tracks on all iPods are illegally obtained, he is effectively slandering us all. I hope Apple drops Universal's tracks. It would save me the trouble of deciding which tracks I can buy, and which I am boycotting.

Doug Morris, your asinine comments say more about your own tenuous association with morality and legality than mine.

Okay, maybe I am still outraged. But it's focused.

November 29, 2006 11:53 AM

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