iTMS Australia: 26th October?
[img]http://www.appletalk.com.au/newsimg/itmsau.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' align='left' />A recent report in the Financial Review confidently boasts that Apple will launch iTunes Music Store in Australia in the next few weeks.

"While most of the negotiations for the Australian version of the iTunes service have been conducted through the global parents of the Australian music labels, meaning that the date of an Australian launch has been a well-guarded secret, record companies that are based in Australia are said to have finished negotiations with Apple over pricing and terms and are now readying to launch the service."

The article goes on to suggest that we'll be paying as little as 99c per track - which is much cheaper than the prices Americans are paying at the moment. It's so low, that it is infact probably not breaking a profit for Apple.

Who knows if someone in the Financial Review knows what they're talking about in regards to this, but if they do, Apple will probably release iTMS-AU with a new batch of European iTunes music stores, a "special music event" on Oct. 26th. Also expected at this event is the unveiling of the U2 branded "black" iPod.

I too read the AFR article this morning (I still have my old work subscriber access in use!).

In comparison the UK store here has its latest release tracks listed at £0.79p, which when you convert means that the quoted Australian store prices are a bargain at AUD$0.99c.. Whether that pricing strategy continues in view of the established Australian on-line market there you'll have to see. Although I remember when it opened here and in parts of Europe it broke all records -

I've been accessing the UK store here through an AOL dial-up connection and my G4 15" P'book, and if my success with the store is anything to go by - AppleTalk Australia users are going to love it..

Just a warning - to register onto the iTunes Store here, you need a (UK) credit card, rather than just an eftpos card/account - so it might not suit younger users who's parents aren't willing to let their own card loose on the site. Beleive me it is very easy to begin racking up songs in your 'Shopping Cart'!! Considering this I would assume the credit card requirement would be also applied in Australia for security purposes.

I've even found the free weekly promotional tracks released for up-and-coming feature artists worth a sample..

I've got my fingers crossed for you all - Go forth and download (legally)!

I read a post at macnn the other day that makes me think this is probably correct, the guy opened iTunes and it tried to connect to comindico.com.au *fingers crossed*

-Ronin with Scissors

Thats not a good sign considering the state comindico is in....being receivership n all

Im excited. If we get the iTMS I would spend so much money there. I really hope we do get it, as Apple really needs to compete with Bigpond music store.

Thank jesus I just got a credit card, I hope this comes true have been waiting for ages. Might have to cough up and get an ipod. for those without credit cards I tink their offering a gift voucher style payment system where you can buy credit from places like target, almost like a prepaid phone.

I'm going to go to my bank and get a VISA card.

DAMN IT...

there goes all my money on itunes

I would love this to happen but at this stage I would think Apple would pursue larger markets like for example Japan.

I wouldn't get my hopes up, I can't see it being $0.99 AUD. We all know what Apple AU are like with their USD -> AUS conversion (maybe their calculators are busted!) Also the fact that albums are more expensive here too makes me think that each song will probably cost closer to $2.99. Albums, probably about $.50 cheaper than buying a cd.

I know it sucks, but for some reason with the combination of Apple AU and Sony/BMG/EMI etc. I just cant see the consumer benefiting at all really. <_<

Maybe an Asia/Oceania release combined?

yeah they rolled out a slab of Europe simultaneously.

Heres a very VERY funny article about the iTMS rollout.

http://www.crazyapplerumors.com/archives/000292.html

I'm thinking that as well. 79p (the uk itms price) = ~$2AUD
I guess they'll be aiming for that.

How does the report of possible iTMS AU to be linked to 26th October?

iTMS = musical product
26th Oct = Apple "special musical event"

Is it making sense yet?