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Apple to launch ringtone service for iPhone users

News Type: Event — Seeded on Fri Aug 31, 2007 4:32 PM EDT
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Apple during its media event next Wednesday plans to unveil a new ringtone service that will allow iPhone users to turn almost any song sold through iTunes into a ringtone for an additional fee, according to the NY Post.

While the exact pricing for the service is unclear at this point, a source suggested to the New York paper that the ringtones may be marketed as enhanced downloads in much the same way Apple offers high-quality, unprotected music files from EMI.

Apple will also allow users to convert songs they have previously purchased through iTunes into a ringtone.

"In a new twist, iPhone users will have the ability to choose any part of the song they want as their ringtone," the Post said. "Most major ringtone offerings from Verizon, AT&T or Sprint feature pre-determined samples."

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{"commentId":990736,"authorDomain":"brianford"}
Brian Ford

As John Gruber points out: Selling Ringtones at a premium is complete and utter bull@!$%#.

What he actually said:

This whole "ringtones are something different than songs and you have to pay for them" thing is a racket, and everyone knows it.

Indeed.

I'm hoping it doesn't cost anything. As much as I paid for the iPhone, it'd be nice to see some FREE added functionality, before they start charging for more stuff.

{"commentId":990736,"threadId":"145100","contentId":"934495","authorDomain":"brianford"}
  • 1 vote
Reply#1 - Fri Aug 31, 2007 5:20 PM EDT
{"commentId":992399,"authorDomain":"kyleb"}
Kyle Baxter

I am hoping it doesn't, either, but I wouldn't hold my breath. Apple has neck deep in contracts with record labels, and I seriously doubt that they'd let Apple release a system where the ringtones are free. It's unfortunate, but that's the way it is.

Plus, I'm sure Apple doesn't hate the idea of a new revenue stream, either.

{"commentId":992399,"threadId":"145100","contentId":"934495","authorDomain":"kyleb"}
    #1.1 - Sat Sep 1, 2007 2:11 PM EDT
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