Mikkel L. Ellertson wrote:
Scott van Looy wrote:
Today Les Mikesell did spake thusly:
Or, convince Apple they should release a Linux port of itunes...
Who would pay for it? The problem isn't that the mp3 codecs are patent
encumbered, they're that the people who own the patents charge a per
seat licence feee, afaik...
They could always sell it like other closed source software.
Or they could give it away like they do the freely downloadable versions
for windows and the mac... They do those versions on the (correct)
assumption that even though it can be used without paying anything to
play and rip your own CDs, many users will choose to purchase music from
the itunes store and will buy ipods for the unique convenience that the
combination provides. For example, you can set up (free) subscriptions
to podcasts that are available on the itunes store and other places that
will automatically download new items when available with a smart
playlist that includes unplayed podcasts. When you sync the ipod it
will copy over new items and sync back the play counts. If you've also
set played items to be deleted, itunes will notice that you listened to
an item - whether on the ipod or played in itunes - and delete it on the
next refresh cycle as it checks for new material. So, with no effort
besides plugging in the USB connector you can always have a playlist of
fresh and interesting material on your ipod. Is there a free
alternative that can match this convenience?
--
Les Mikesell
lesmikesell@xxxxxxxxx
