In whats being billed as a test case, and perhaps the first of many, Norways consumer ombudsman has announced the intention to petition the countrys regulatory body to force Apple to open its iTunes music store to other players.
As every tech savvy hipster knows, songs sold on the iTunes store can currently be played only on Apples ubiquitous iPod MP3 player. Theres been bellyaching for years that this system is unfair, not to mention very Microsoft/monopoly-like.
Bjoern Erik Thon, the ombudsman, told the Associated Press that he launched the test case after speaking with his counterparts in Finland, France and Germany: "It's a consumer's right to transfer and play digital content bought and downloaded from the Internet to the music device he himself chooses to use. iTunes makes this impossible or at least difficult, and hence, they act in breach of Norwegian law.
Well find out soon if anything comes of this: Apple has until November 3 to respond to the complaint, to which it currently offers no comment.
As every tech savvy hipster knows, songs sold on the iTunes store can currently be played only on Apples ubiquitous iPod MP3 player. Theres been bellyaching for years that this system is unfair, not to mention very Microsoft/monopoly-like.
Bjoern Erik Thon, the ombudsman, told the Associated Press that he launched the test case after speaking with his counterparts in Finland, France and Germany: "It's a consumer's right to transfer and play digital content bought and downloaded from the Internet to the music device he himself chooses to use. iTunes makes this impossible or at least difficult, and hence, they act in breach of Norwegian law.
Well find out soon if anything comes of this: Apple has until November 3 to respond to the complaint, to which it currently offers no comment.
