I admit it. I’m lazy. Even though I’ve purchased and ripped hundreds of CDs (plus those DRM-encumbered iTunes), I still prefer someone else program my playlists. In fact I’m an iPhone owner who (mostly) forgos the audio iPod functions, opting instead for the (jailbreak) iRadio streaming application. Or my XM subscription via Helix or computer. And each time an iTunes music subscription service rumor arises I feel compelled to cover it. According to the Financial Times, there are two models under consideration:
One executive said the research had shown that consumers would pay a premium of up to $100 for unlimited access to music for the lifetime of the device, or a monthly fee of $7-$8 for a subscription model. Apple would not comment on the plan, but executives familiar with the negotiations said they hinged on a dispute over the price the computer maker would be willing to pay for access to the labels’ libraries.
I’d gladly pay more for a device or a monthly fee for unlimited tunes. Though, perhaps XM (or Sirius) is working on an iPhone app – making this a non-issue for me. (I have a feeling Mari’s lazy too – and is hopefully enjoying her new Slacker device.)