Comments on: Does Sony finally have an iTunes answer?

As it reportedly prepares another challenge to iTunes' video offering, observers say the company has many tools needed to launch an offensive against Apple.

[skeptik]

it's obvious:

"Sony's preoccupation with digital rights management and proprietary <formats>."


Yep. That and the idea that a Sony customer should be a Sony only customer. Back in the 90's I was on that ship because Sony made things that cost right and worked great. Of course that was before DRM and internet piracy, and Sony seems to be just one step behind the RIAA in terms of respecting their customers in that arena.
No more for me, thanks.

[Fat Drunk and Stupid]

Sony has nothing to win

Apple makes money selling iPods. The music and video service that Apple provides is meant to sell iPods. Apple doesn't care about competition selling music or videos so long as the music and videos can run on their iPods.

Like any business, Apple wants to make money from selling music and videos. Unlike Sony, Apple makes money from iPod sales regardless of profit from the online sale of music and video.

Too bad Sony's own proprietary system locked them out of this business model.

"I would prefer that there's competition," Cardone said. "At iTunes, I don't mind paying $1.99 for a show without ads. It's more efficient and takes up less storage, but maybe Sony or someone else can appeal to customers who might see price as a priority. I wouldn't mind having more than one choice."

What does Sony have to gain from selling its music or videos for less?

What can Sony gain from selling their music or videos for more?

Who would buy Sony music or videos if they could only be played on a PSP or with proprietary Sony software?

Sony has nothing to win.

[Chevaliermusic]

While I agree

that it's unlikely Sony will win this fight (or that anyone will quickly overtake Apple in this sector - even given NBC Universals gameplaying with music and video removal), I can see that more than a few PS3 owners and PSP owners might want to download video to those devices. Especially if you're able to get that video in HD on a PS3 and you can't get any video in HD from iTunes at this time. The point is that they already own PS3s and PSPs, so ofcourse many of thing will be willing to do more with those devices.

[ralfthedog]

Sony has one advantage.

Apple does not make good root kits. Sony root kits are great! They crash my computers. This lets me know when it is time to go out and eat or sleep. I don't remember the last time I had one of my macs or Linux boxes crash. I could starve!

I think the perfect technology would be to put a Sony root kit in a Xbox 360. When it burst into flames, I would get lots of exercise extinguishing my house. This could be a better workout than my Wee!

[Vegaman_Dan]

Download your movie and get a rootkit for free!

I'm curious what sort of proprietary player Sony would require to ensure that they has sole control over content from their online store. iTunes is bad enough with infecting systems to inspire multiple other companies to come up with alternatives to give end users control over their own computer. What will Sony do to the system?

Their track record isn't very good in this area, I'm afraid. It should be interesting to see what develops.

[bobby_brady]

Extra Extra, download from Sony and get a Rootkit!!

Along with overly loaded DRM music files that you can only play twice. After the second play your computer will self-destruct without any warning. Sony is trying to fight piracy so they are taking actions against it.

Extra Extra, read all about it!

[ShamusMac]

NO more SONY for me

I love my SONY cybershot but given all the other problems I've had with SONY products, like CDs with root kits and nearly uneditable video formats. I'm really turned off of the brand.

The only thing SONY can offer me now is a huge apology and a large sum of money and I know that's not happening. So goodbye SONY. I hope you go bankrupt.

[swiggins]

One thing at a time, . . . PLEASE.

Jeeze, how about fixing the PS3 line of junk? I have 2 games for the
PS3 that are ok. THeir latest title LAIR, the 18 million dollar epic
game, has all but bombed. The PS3 is still too expensive for the
average man to go out and buy, and the online service pales in
comparison to Xbox LIVE. Worry about the dam games please.

[romanom]

Sooner set myself on Fire

Sony at this point has little cred in this market. If Sony was smart (and they're not) they would stick exclusively to hardware where they at least competence.

Sony, give it up after Connect Music do you think anyone will be stupid enough to buy hardware "slaved" to a Sony service? Especially one where the hardware won't be just a cheap MP3 player!

Learn from Toyota, you work for the customer...not the other way around.

[tundraboy]

If Sony is banking on PS3 to anchor their video download ambitions . . .

They are doomed.

Most people who might be interested in video downloads will look at the PS-3's on screen interface, then the game pad/remote, then the price tag of the PS3, and just say forget it.

Sony still doesn't get it. To sell a simple thing like video downloads through a complex, undecipherable gadget like the PS3 is just plain stupid.

[godofbiscuits--2008]

disagree

if the PS3 isn't doing something else (like computing for
Folding@Home), when I insert a DVD or blu-ray disk, it
automatically starts to play it.

Combined with the BD/Playstation remote control, it's very
nearly indistinguishable from a stand-alone player. And it has
many pluses over a standalone player, including gaming, the
ability to apply updates automatically, and the ability to serve as
a media endpoint.

I don't use it as the latter because it's a pain to set up UPnP
servers on my Macs and I have an ?tv anyway.

[fastfred1]

Chaps my Ass

Why does everyone try to improve what Apple does?
Why don't they come up with something on their own.
Does the Oriental mind just copy other people, then say made in
Japan. Most creative people are a pain the ass, as is Steve Jobs.
But he's our pain in the ass. Mac's Rule.

[onlyauser]

Let's hope so! Competition always good for consumers

Apple is highly polished and Sony has been a disappointment of recent years, however, I wish Sony great success in this arena against Apple. If they have the right pieces they can do very well.

Anything to challenge Apple or any other dominate industry players is a good thing for consumers IMHO.

[GGGlen]

Normally, I'd agree

Except for the fact that every single one of Apple's so-called
"competitors" has offered less, has been more inconvenient to
use, and has demanded more of my money in return for their
services.

It's getting downright comical, now, but the One Thing that the
vast majority of aPpLe hAtorZ have failed to take into account, is
that Apple isn't "In Control" of anything. Apple does not create
the content that they resell. Apple has dozens of competitors.
Apple is in the drivers seat because they are the option that the
CONSUMERS CHOOSE TO USE.

It really is that simple, folks. Apple makes things easy to buy
things at a price that consumers deem to be fair, so we choose
to employ Apple's services.

[godofbiscuits--2008]

Sony won't

allow purchases/rentals to be played on iPod/iPhone. My opinion,
but a safe one, I think.