EMI, Apple unveil iTunes Pass
iTunes Pass is now available on the iTunes Store for Depeche Mode fans.
(Credit: Tom Krazit/CNET Networks)EMI unveiled a new feature on iTunes Tuesday called iTunes Pass, which allows Depeche Mode fans access to the band's upcoming album and other selected goodies.
Apple chose to let EMI make the announcement for iTunes Pass, a new service that will gradually release tracks until the middle of June from the album Sounds of the Universe along with exclusive remixes and videos for $18.99. This is a separate offering from the album itself, which is scheduled to be released on April 21 and can be preordered for $9.99.
At the moment, it appears EMI and Depeche Mode are the only ones trying out iTunes Pass. This appears to be an outgrowth of Apple's decision to allow variable pricing in the iTunes Store for the first time, allowing record companies and bands to offer the digital version of a special-edition CD with extra videos and songs than the regular CD for a premium price.
The Depeche Mode tracks will be DRM-free--Apple's other major change to the iTunes Store this year--and the $18.99 pass won't cost you any more than it would have to buy all the contents of the pass separately, Apple said, although it seems there will be tracks or videos available to pass holders that won't be offered to the general public.
Tom Krazit writes about the ever-expanding world of Internet search, including Google, Yahoo, online advertising, and portals, as well as the evolution of mobile computing. He has written about traditional PC companies, chip manufacturers, and mobile computers, spending the last three years covering Apple. E-mail Tom. 
Wanna know how LAME this announcement is? Just re-read the quoted sentence above. Apple *never* passes on an opportunity to toot their own horn, so they must really be wanting to keep this one hush-hush. Why? Because it's lame, but I'm sure that there are some Apple suckers who'll bite on it.
Yeah, I was really excited when I saw the headline because I thought an iTunes subscription service had been announced. I guess if you're a big fan of a particular band (and have never downloaded anything by that band?) this might be a good deal...but the pricing sucks and the short time limit sucks.
I'm not sure if this is ludicrously stupid or sheer genius on the part of EMI.
That said, I still don't buy CD's anymore. I prefer to pick and choose the tracks I want. The day of the physical media has seen its time pass.
- by DrtyDogg February 24, 2009 3:17 PM PST
- So it's like a digital version of a first day album release? Interesting . . .
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