Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak is no stranger to strong statements. In his latest statement, Wozniak suggests Apple should port iTunes to Android.
In summary, “The Woz” states that Apple’s growth started with iTunes and the iPod. Apple had no problem allowing Windows access to its iTunes marketplace so why should it restrict it on the Android platform? The statement has created quite a stir in a chat on Slashdot. Personally, I agree 100% — however I highly doubt Apple would allow its crown jewel onto its primary competitors mobile platform.
What do you think? Is the risk worth the reward for Apple or should it keep its music biz away from non-iOS mobile devices?
8 Comments
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Alan Wade
As a non-Apple fanboy I think Wozniak should leave well alone the Android phones. I think Apple has done enough damage to the commercial world without trying to destroy the rest of it. If Apple shut down, who would miss it? – not me thats a fact!
Steve Krause
Hi Alan,
Interesting perspective. What do you think is a good alternative to iTunes on the Android platform? Do you think Google Music or Amazon will be “better” in the long-run over Apple or do you prefer streaming and just paying a subscription.
Honestly, I’m curious to hear more about what you think Apple has done in regards to the commercial world.
Thanks!
Bogdan Bele
I think not selling music to Android users just leaves room for the Google Play Store to grow. By the time Apple will wise up and do it, no Android user will care anymore.
Steve Krause
I think the only reason Apple doesn’t throw an iTunes App up on Google play is to prevent there from being an easy way for iOS users to move their music collection and music “workflow” over to an android device. Then again, they could also be leaving a lot of cash on the table by not building an iTunes App on the droid platform…..
Hard to say without a crystal ball however I think in the long-run, it will hurt them more in the long-run by not opening up the service to more devices.
Anon
Apple is missing a huge, and I mean huge opportunity right now. If Apple started selling Android apps via iTunes and built an SDK to easily make cross-platform apps and encouraged developers to do so, and both could be bought from a single store…. It would dominate everyone.
Just image it. It would be like the Steam of the mobile world. Buy the app once, and then you own it on all platforms. Amazon does it with music and books, but only Apple can do it with apps. They are literally the only company that can because they have a monopoly on their iOS market.
Brian Burgess
I’m not sure about this. I can see both sides. On one hand, Apple is missing out on a huge market. But personally, man I’m avoiding iTunes like the plague anymore. There are better alternatives like Google Music and my favorite — Amazon and it doesn’t require a bloated desktop app. If Apple were to do it, they would need to create a app that isn’t bloated and runs fluidly on Android.
Sharon Sanderson
I totally agree!
Steve Krause
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for the comment. Curious — are you an android user? If yes, would you use iTunes on your Android if it was available?