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Originally posted by: Smash_Brother
Did you read my first post? THEY ALREADY HAVE COLLABORATED by licensing the QuickTime codec to Nintendo.
And business logic dictates that they didn't license the QT codec without a VERY good reason for doing so.
That's an awfully huge jump to make. Yes, there is some licensing involved in QuickTime usage; however it isn't something Apple is really apt to make heavy demands for. It is also possible that Nintendo licensed a third party's multimedia software, and that company already had a QuickTime license. If that is the case Nintendo never even had to talk to Apple. Either way, they [whoever made the media player] may have just licensed it because its there, and people recognize the name.
However, lets assume that Nintendo is the source of the media player, and that they did negotiate with Apple.
By comparison, integrating iTunes Music Store would require a complex feat of negotiation. Nintendo isn't going to do it unless either A: Apple pays them, or B: Nintendo gets a cut, or C: They think it will sell Wiis. Apple has no reason to do the first two, and the third doesn't seem like it would work.
Nintendo does what benefits them, and integrating iTunes with a set-top box isn't really much of a boon because if you have an iPod (not to mention a network) you already have a computer (and almost certainly iTunes).
It's different than cell phones, that integrate iTunes, because those are portable devices. They allow you to buy music when you're not home. In this case it is a selling point for the phone, so Motorola was more than willing to GIVE Apple everything they would need to implement iTunes on the ROKR. Obviously you can't use your Wii when you're out and about, so iTunes integration isn't really as affective a selling point. On top of that, the fact the ROKR was met with disappointing sales. Nintendo and Apple both know this.
From Apple's perspective, they have to be fully aware of that fact and it wouldn't really benefit their sales, it would simply set aside a portion of their sales for which they have to pay a third party (Nintendo).
I feel confidante in saying this because there is no reason to believe that people would make purchases on the Wii they would not make on the computer (that we have already determined they have). Why would they? If the iPod can be accessed by the Wii's USB 2.0 connector why NOT just use your computer to download the music? What do you gain?
While it may happen I find it to be far from a foregone conclusion. I think a more fleshed-out media player is the first thing we need.