Why iPod Music Transfer May Call for Software
Posted on 30. Oct, 2010
Despite being one of the most oft-requested features for the Apple iTunes application, it is impossible to transfer music from one computer onto an iPod, and then transfer that music onto a second computer, which severely limits iPod music transfer. Software created by third parties does exist to mitigate this severe gap in native functionality, but the question remains: why does the gap even exist in the first place? Why does iPod music transfer call for software at all?
The Iron Fist of the RIAA
Though Apple remains mute on their reasoning for disallowing multiple computers to sync with the same iPod, the conventional wisdom is this: if you could easily sync your friends’ or significant other’s music onto your device along with the music you’ve already purchased and synced yourself, you would buy less music from the iTunes store. While Apple has publicly regretted having to use Digital Rights Management (DRM) on purchased iTunes content, their track record of capitulating to the requests of the RIAA and the music and film industries in general is pretty solid. The music industry has proven it will go to any lengths to ensure that any royalties they feel they are owed get paid by consumers— even if it means severely limiting the utility of electronic devices consumers spend large amounts of money on, mostly to listen to legally obtained recordings.
Fortunately, there is another iPod music transfer system: software. Specifically, third-party software. While Apple may not be willing to take on “Big Music” and fight for your right to sync with multiple iTunes libraries, they do not stand in the way of companies who have decided to pick up where iTunes left off, and create their own iPod music transfer software. These programs are elegant in their simplicity, knowing that their main purpose is simply to give the consumer back some of the flexibility and utility that has been denied them by larger companies.
The amusing part: iPod music transfer software is quite popular, and gaining in popularity every day. The demand for this functionality is proving that people are willing to pay anywhere from between $20-50 for these capabilities— which, honestly, is probably as much or more per customer than the RIAA was making in royalties off of those customers as a result of them being forced to duplicate purchases in order to enjoy their music with flexibility.
