So here we are again - at the gates of the Digital Revolution (Part VIII) we have seen many try and even more fail within this area. King Apple is still the ruler and with many challengers (mainly using Microsoft technology - always chasing but never seem to make that final leap forward... PlaysforSure ring some bells??)
Personally, I always look at differentiators in this space to see what others are doing and how well they execute the delivery. It has been said that iTunes – “just works and that's what makes it great!!”
I have to agree and yet disagree -
- yes iTunes + iPod = seamless experience - however it still remains an issue that if you want to purchase music / video etc.. then you are tied in to some antiquated DRM (whether that’s FairPlay, WM DRM...etc) that locks both the user and device so far that it really does kills the music!
I am lucky that I have been on both sides of the fence (as has Conchango’s latest recruit and great friend of mine – Dan!) where we can understand how illegal file sharing of music is damaging music (££££££££££££) but we have also seen firsthand the sheer frustration and anger from the consumers view point when a root or leaf licence fails to deliver or Windows Media Player requires a “security update” to allow DRM material or the iTunes library wants to sync with my iPod – user does not - but will not allow a transfer of a purchased track as they don’t have the required security to allow this – I could (and will on another post) go on and on about DRM - but today the "Madman" returns as I look to review, create and deliver another “Digital Revolution” for our client.
· Will they succeed this time?
Who knows? Many have spent over $50Million and got nowhere
· Will they even make a dent in the iTunes market?
Maybe? The key is seamless connectivity on multiple platforms and devices and ease of use - anything more and you've lost the consumer and their off to their local Torrent!
What I do know is that Conchango has the commercial, technical and creative "know-how" to deliver something of greater value than what has been delivered thus far and this, my friends, can only be a step in the right direction...
So I welcome you one and all to follow in this journey of discovery and follow the Diary of a Madman....
Let the madness begin..