Apple Delays iTunes 11 -- To 'Get It Right' Or ...?

Get It 'Right'

APPLE has announced that it will delay the release of iTUNES 11 essentially because it's not ready yet, but COMPUTERWORLD also reports that the delay could also be a smokescreen to allow iTUNES's to be revamped along with the debut of APPLE Radio.

Undoubtedly sensitive to criticism of SIRI and APPLE Maps, company PR rep TOM NEUMAYR told ALL THINGS DIGITAL, "The new iTUNES is taking longer than expected and we wanted to take a little extra time to get it right. We look forward to releasing this new version of iTUNES with its dramatically simpler and cleaner interface and seamless integration with iCLOUD before the end of NOVEMBER."

Coincidentally (or not), it has also been reported that APPLE is negotiating with the major labels to launch a rival to PANDORA (NET NEWS 10/26); speculation has a deal being reached in mid-NOVEMBER.

Connecting The iDots

"I know from watching how the company deals with those notoriously loose-lipped majors that discussions frequently intensify just before a service is launched: in an attempt to maintain a little secrecy, APPLE likes to close deals with U.S. majors just before a U.S. launch," blogger JONNY EVANS noted. "It did the same with the iTUNES Store.

"That’s why it’s interesting to take a look at the second paragraph of the BLOOMBERG story: 'Discussions are centered in part around how to share ad revenue and a deal could be reached by mid-NOVEMBER, with APPLE starting service in the first three months of 2013, said the people, who sought anonymity because talks are in progress.'

"Why wait till after CHRISTMAS? After all, APPLE has a raft of newly-introduced mobile devices (iPHONE, iPAD, iPAD Mini, iPOD Touch) all of which are hungry for music. There’s no doubt that iTUNES music streaming would make these products even more interesting across the holiday season."

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