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Apple and EMI unveil iTunes Pass

Sam Symons   on 24 February 2009 - 19:48 · 12 comments & 2889 views

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There's still no word on the previously rumored iTunes Replay service, but recently Apple has teamed up with EMI and announced a different service: iTunes Pass.

As announced here, iTunes Pass will debut with Depeche Mode's upcoming album, "Sounds of the Universe" but will spread to other content across Apple's online media store. iTunes Pass is a simple subscription service, that will allow you to receive new content and updates, as well as exclusive media, from your selected bands as soon as it's on the iTunes Store. For example, the Depeche Mode iTunes Pass will provide customers with new content and media for the next 15 weeks. This may not seem very groundbreaking, but for some, it will be very handy for keeping up to date on their favourite bands without having to worry about buying separate albums.

Ronn Werre, President of Music Services for EMI Music, said, "As we work to better understand music consumers and help create stronger connections between fans and artists, we are pleased to work with Apple and Depeche Mode to kick off iTunes Pass." He also said, "We think it's a great new platform that will change the way artists engage with their audiences and also a powerful new way for us to build value for our artists' music. And with iTunes Pass, Depeche Mode are once again demonstrating that they are true trailblazers and innovators when it comes to creating amazing music and connecting with their fans." Hopefully this new announcement will lead other bands to follow, or perhaps they already have musicians lined up for the near future.

Expect to see more iTunes Pass content coming shortly.

Post a comment · Send to friend Comments · There are 12 additional comments
(1 reply) #1 rakeshishere on 24 Feb 2009 - 20:15
I'll pass.
#1.1 Sam Symons Live on 24 Feb 2009 - 20:30
rakeshishere said,
I'll pass.

Zing!
(1 reply) #2 PureLegend on 24 Feb 2009 - 20:34
So is this a subscription or do they just take the money themselves when new stuff comes out?
#2.1 Sam Symons Live on 24 Feb 2009 - 21:03
PureLegend said,
So is this a subscription or do they just take the money themselves when new stuff comes out?

Pretty sure you just pay a set amount and get the content as it arrives. Might try it out later on, if it's available in NZ.
#3 Rev. on 24 Feb 2009 - 21:36
Er, so this isn't like the Zune Pass? If not that sucks, one major thing I liked about the Zune. Kept me from pir- I mean.... :runs:
#4 dimithrak on 24 Feb 2009 - 22:09
this might actually work with all the non tech geeks out there.. trust me.. just cause you guys dont like it.. doesnt mean other people think the same way you think...
#5 MightyJordan on 24 Feb 2009 - 22:58
Ripping off the Zune Pass and not even doing it properly. I'm glad I don't use iTunes.
#6 Axon on 24 Feb 2009 - 23:03
I thought this was a test program?
#7 andrewbares on 24 Feb 2009 - 23:18
Huh, I bet there was an article a half a year ago with the same content, but with Zune in the title instead of iTunes.

Plus the Zune Pass is actually a subscription, and it automatically downloads all of these new albums for you. You don't have to do anything and you'll get new songs on your Zune device.

So great job Apple, you mananged to copy Microsoft, but only got a tiny part of Zune's great service. Apple's "Pass" is pretty useless unless you have a subscription so that you can actually listen to the music.

Well, whatever keeps Apple's copy machines running does the job for them, apparently.
(1 reply) #8 ZeroHour on 25 Feb 2009 - 01:07
Wow, pre-pay effectively for content you dont even know will be good or have much of a point, subscription attempt, FAIL!

Neowin: can you please add a bit that explains the Depeche mode deal as an example of what the pass is as I think there is some confusion.

The first iTunes Pass debuts today in conjunction with Depeche Mode's forthcoming 12th studio album, Sounds of the Universe, to be released on April 21 in the US. Fans who sign up starting today get the alternative/dance pioneers' new single, Wrong, as well as the Black Light Odyssey Dub Remix of the new track Oh Well. They will also receive the new album on its street date plus great music and video exclusives before and after the album's release over the next fifteen weeks. The Depeche Mode iTunes Pass can be purchased starting today for $18.99.
#8.1 CalumJR on 25 Feb 2009 - 04:56
ZeroHour said,
Neowin: can you please add a bit that explains the Depeche mode deal as an example of what the pass is as I think there is some confusion.


@ZeroHour -

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#9 LazLong on 25 Feb 2009 - 07:30
iTunes Pass is a simple subscription service, that will allow you to receive new content and updates, as well as exclusive media, from your selected bands as soon as it's on the iTunes Store.

I could swear this already existed....Isn't it call eMule, TPB, Usenet, or something like that?

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