The Last Drop

NBC is using Steve Job’s baby to push their agenda. Or at least their programs. But for free? Que? Yeah, their fed up with the iTunes model too. And now, with wifi, the thought of free streaming TV show may make sense. When the wifi speeds pick up, I might even think about it. But until then, the idea of streaming TV shows instead of downloading, saving it and paying for it seems much more appealing.

Word Up to to NBC’s strategy

Not everyone is happy with Itunes. Worse, not everyone is happy with Steve Jobs. And so begins the slow but inevitable backlash against the market leader. Personally, I think competition is good. But tell that to Steve Jobs after years of getting his butt kicked by his old pal Gates. Pepsi is now partnering with Amazon’s new music service in the run up to the Superbowl. Free downloads galore, but none of them on Itunes – a direct reversal from last year. Sony also just announced the addition of their library onto Amazon music DRM free. There goes the neighborhood – all of the major labels are now DRM free on Amazon and only EMI can hold that status at Apple. The price fixing and rights management have long been a grievance for the big 5, but now they have a viable option to let “natural” market forces dictate where music should be bought.

As an avid non-downloader of music, I’m still not moved by any of these moves. Still shifting the ever shrinking dollar from one shell to the next. For me, the live show and word of mouth will always be a larger motivator than any marketing push from the omniscient label. But someone has to push Ashley Simpson on to stardom. Oooh, I almost forgot. JT is performing at the Superbowl. But no Janet Jackson this time. Where will the scandal be?

Pepsi’s Picks Amazon For the Superbowl