Think Secret has posted a rumor that Apple will unveil a movie download rental feature as part of their popular iTunes Music service during the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference. While I hate to run rumors, Apple is already selling music, videos, tv shows, and has tested selling movies (see image) via download.
Apple is said to have ironed out agreements with Walt Disney, Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures, and Warner Bros., and is currently in talks with other major movie studios as well. It's unknown to what extent content will be available come the August 7 announcement, or whether Apple will announce all of its studio deals at that time.
Thanks to Jim for sending this in.
If true, this could hurts NFX bad; being first to market is always good and Apple has the rep to get people on board. There's still time for Netflix to make a good download service because people still watch movies on tv's, but the clock is ticking.
Posted by: Tim | July 18, 2006 at 10:01 PM
I think we can see where the market is going, with the movielink deal, the recent Times article about studios searching for new outlets for downloading, and the obvious Amazon leap froging of rental ( ala' UK ) for downloading.
I wonder if Steve was able to get his 9.99 flat rate download fee to fly with the involved studios?
I'm hoping Netflix sees this as a compelling reason to accelerate their plans.
Posted by: WeaselBuddha | July 19, 2006 at 01:54 AM