Apple launches iTunes Music Store in Australia
Apple Computer today launched its long-awaited iTunes Music Store in Australia, giving iPod owners a legal way of downloading music online.
Individual songs are priced at AU$1.69 on the online store, whereas new release albums are mostly AU$16.99. Over 1,000 music videos and six short movies from Pixar Animation Studios can also be purchased for AU$3.39 and viewed on the recently released video-capable iPod.
Australian artists feature heavily on the home page of the store, with Apple claiming exclusive music from Aria award winner Missy Higgins, as well as Evermore, Paul Mac and The Dissociatives. Tracks from classic Aussie artists such as INXS, Hunters & Collectors and Slim Dusty, are also available. Madonna's entire catalogue and digital box sets from U2 line up the international artist selection.
Apple said personal use rights allowed music purchased from the iTunes store to be played on multiple computers, an unlimited number of iPod music players and burned onto CDs. After purchasing a song, up to five computers can be authorised to listen to a purchased track.
"iTunes features the largest catalogue of local and international music in Australia with over one million songs, enabling music fans to purchase their favourites with one click and have them automatically sync to their iPod," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of iTunes.
Australian users can also purchase gift cards in AU$20, AU$50 and AU$100 denominations through Myer, Coles Supermarkets, BI-LO, Kmart, and other retail outlets, as well as through the Apple Store.
Apple's music store is now available in 21 countries.
Stay tuned to CNET.com.au for updates to come from the Apple press conference held in Sydney this morning.
Australian iTunes Music Store