Besides unveiling the MacBook Air, Apple also made some interesting announcements today regarding their iTunes movie downloads as well as the AppleTV. Some hefty additions have been made to iTunes’ offerings, with nearly every major film studio (including Touchstone, Miramax, MGM, Lionsgate, Newline, Fox, WB, Disney, Paramount, Universal and Sony) having agreed to offer first-run movies through iTunes, one month after their DVD release dates. Movies will be viewable instantly on Macs, PCs, all iPods and the iPhone, available for 30 days from the date of purchase (with 24 hours to complete the viewiing). New releases will be priced at $3.99, with older titles selling for $2.99 (an extra dollar gets you your purchase in HD).
Further, Apple TV will be all you need to purchase and enjoy the movies and music you buy - no computer necessary. Users will be able to preview movies directly on their AppleTVs, as well as access other info about their selections (like the “Listeners Also Bought” section on iTunes). The software update will be free and available to AppleTV owners in two weeks, while those interested in purchasing a new AppleTV can do so for $229 - down from its original $299 price.
In other news, we canceled our Netflix membership today. (Kidding - but we did think about it…)
[via MacRumors]
Facebook
Twitter
Digg
Reddit
StumbleUpon
How long will it take to download a movie via the EDGE network I wonder?
MacBook Air - More like Mac Book Meh.
January 15th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Having taken a look at what Netflix is offering and not having tried either, I’m wondering why - from a strictly online digital movie rental position - anyone would opt for iTunes. Enlighten me.
January 15th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Unfortunately, Netflix’s online movie rental program only works on computers running Microsoft’s operating system.
January 15th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Assuming Netflix delivers a solution for Mac’s?
January 16th, 2008 at 4:05 am
Apple won’t play nice with Netflix (hear it from Netflix’s VP of Corporate Communications, Steve Swasey: http://www.hackingnetflix.com/2008/01/netflix-blames.html)
I don’t think Apple’s VOD is the best solution in all possible worlds, but for a Mac-owning film lover, the best-looking one for now..
January 16th, 2008 at 10:47 am