Topic: Prediction: iTunes Wii Channel

[Crimm]

I think we're more likely to see Nintendo roll out a generic USB HD driver and a full featured Media Player.

That would make me happy.  I'd rather drop $70 bucks for a HD than $200 for a HD that plays music.

[Requiem]

But how many people already own an iPod?

Those people would be more inclined to buy a Wii if they saw that they synced with each other.

[Smash_Brother]

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Originally posted by: Requiem Those people would be more inclined to buy a Wii if they saw that they synced with each other.

Likewise, people who own Wiis would be more likely to buy iPods to use as storage devices for mp3 and other data transfer.

Imagine your friend comes over to try out the Wii and he/she plugs in their iPod and can immediatelty listen to their music while playing games. How is that not a win for both companies?

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Originally posted by: Crimm
I think we're more likely to see Nintendo roll out a generic USB HD driver and a full featured Media Player.

Nintendo didn't launch their own weather satellites for the weather channel, they didn't develop a browser for the internet channel and they probably won't be creating their own international news network for the news channel.

So what makes you think they'd be dumb enough to try to create their own full-featured media player for the media channel?

Nintendo knows what they're good at: games. Clearly, they're outsourcing the rest.

iTunes is the clear choice: a long running, full featured media player made by a company with whom Nintendo shares the same enemies.

Seriously, Sony and MS are common enemies of Nintendo and Apple. Don't think for a moment that that won't come into the picture.

[Crimm]

Getting satellite data so we can have the (wrong) weather (it's really 80 degrees here?) worldwide is a lot more complex than creating a media player.  Besides, there are literally tons of small software development teams that create media players for mobile devices.  They could easily license one of those, and not have to deal with a large company (like Apple) that may make more difficult demands.  

[Ghisy]

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Originally posted by: Smash_Brother

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Originally posted by: Requiem Those people would be more inclined to buy a Wii if they saw that they synced with each other.

Likewise, people who own Wiis would be more likely to buy iPods to use as storage devices for mp3 and other data transfer.

There's no way I'd buy a cr*ppy iPod as a storage device for my Wii: it would be way too expensive. I'd rather buy an external usb 2.0 HDD.
Plus, I have no need of an mp3 player: I already have the best one out there (iAudio X5L )
Let iTunes exist for computers/Macs (not on mine though) and leave my Wii alone, thank you  

[Smash_Brother]

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Originally posted by: Crimm They could easily license one of those, and not have to deal with a large company (like Apple) that may make more difficult demands.

Like what?

If Apple didn't have a problem developing iTunes for Windows (the OS which is the bread and butter of their worst enemy), then why would Nintendo have issues?

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There's no way I'd buy a cr*ppy iPod

That's nice, but understand that you're part of an ever-shrinking minority. The iPod is to the mp3 player market as the Wii is to the console market: they're both products aimed at the casual user who isn't tech savvy, hence why I doubt Nintendo and Apple will pass up the chance to see to it that they go hand in hand.

[Pittbboi]

Ummm, I'd rather not have to use my ipod as a hard drive. And if that ever happened, I'd be pissed.

iPod's are big, but Apple is discovering that people's media libraries are bigger. I have an 80gb ipod video, and while I still have lots of room on it, that room is steadily shrinking as I gather more albums and videos (heck, I'm already praying that Apple announces a bigger one, so I can ebay this sucker and upgrade). I don't need one more thing to have to store on my ipod. My ipod hd is prime real estate right now, and I'd rather save the space for more of what the ipod is meant for: music, photos, and movies.

Heck, and that's not even including the ipod Nano. Most people who buy them already have more music than they can hold. So using them as a hard drive for your Wii is definitely a no-go.

Nintendo just needs to release a dedicated USB hard drive, or allow Wii to recognize those already on the market. There would be too many problems using the ipod. And I'd rather see a Mario Media Player than iTunes. Apple can do something else.

[Crimm]

iTunes for Windows HAD to occur.  The vast majority of houses do not have a Mac, so if Apple wanted to sell music to those people they had to make a PC version of iTunes.

Anyone who owns a Wii and has a network will have some kind of computer capable of accessing iTunes.

[Smash_Brother]

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Originally posted by: Pittbboi Ummm, I'd rather not have to use my ipod as a hard drive. And if that ever happened, I'd be pissed.

Then buy yourself another external USB device. I'm sure they won't make the USB ports EXCLUSIVE to iPod connectivity, but NOT allowing for iPod connectivity would be just as foolish, considering the iPod's popularity.

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Most people who buy them already have more music than they can hold. So using them as a hard drive for your Wii is definitely a no-go.

I don't, and I don't know who "most people" are but the other two iPod-using friends of mine don't suffer from that problem either.

Regardless, the OPTION would still be a useful feature, whether or not you feel compelled to carry around every piece of media you own or not.

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Nintendo just needs to release a dedicated USB hard drive

Like their sodomy special branded SD cards sold at a premium? No thanks.

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There would be too many problems using the ipod. And I'd rather see a Mario Media Player than iTunes. Apple can do something else.

First of all, WHAT problems? iPods are designed to show up as an external USB storage device upon connection. They will be the same for the Wii.

Second, "Mario Media Player"? Are you serious? I would have objected to Nintendo slapping Mario all over the weather, news and internet channels because it's completely unnecessary and gives a "gamer" edge to applications which are supposed to be all about the non-gamer.

If Nintendo does offer a media player, they're going to outsource it like everything else they've done which doesn't relate to gaming and my bet is still on Apple.

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iTunes for Windows HAD to occur. The vast majority of houses do not have a Mac, so if Apple wanted to sell music to those people they had to make a PC version of iTunes.

You still didn't answer my question.

You seem to think that Apple will have some "harsh demands" of Nintendo if they make a Wii version of iTunes, whatever that means. Seriously, what "demands" might Apple have and why?

[BlackNMild2k1]

Smash_Brother, you should just give up, you can't explain flavor to someone that can't taste.

I don't even have an iPod, nor do I plan on buying one, but even I can see and appreciate the benefits of having iTunes on Wii.

I also assume that you don't need an iPod to use iTunes, but it is recommended as far as syncing with an mp3 player goes.

I would also assume that out of all the people oth there with a real portable mp3/media player (6-30GB), most of those people probably have an iPod which means most of those people probably have and use iTunes. And isn't Nintendo trying to cater to the widest possible audience.

remember some odd years ago when it was rumored that MS was coming out with an iPod killer that would attach to the Xbox360 like a HDD but you could detach it and use it like an iPod, well why should Apple and/or Nintendo have been listening and figured that that would be a good idea and attempt to make it happen?

Now I'm not saying that this is so obvious that its gonna happen, as I think it is such a good idea that I actually expect it not to happen. It just makes too much sense to me.

[Smash_Brother]

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Originally posted by: BlackNMild2k1 Now I'm not saying that this is so obvious that its gonna happen, as I think it is such a good idea that I actually expect it not to happen. It just makes too much sense to me.

Yeah, the most I think it has going against it is the fact that it makes too much sense.

Both Sony and MS planned to offer their own mp3 players and their own mp3 download services, and those would both work with their respective consoles, from what I recall.

If Sony and MS both intend to strike a blow at Apple and Nintendo at the same time, it makes too much sense that Apple and Nintendo would respond by collaborating to see to it that neither of their enemies have their edge over them.

[The Omen]

MS has already released Zune, so I'm certain Apple would love to partner with Nintendo in order to take a bite out of the pie.

[Pittbboi]

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Then buy yourself another external USB device. I'm sure they won't make the USB ports EXCLUSIVE to iPod connectivity, but NOT allowing for iPod connectivity would be just as foolish, considering the iPod's popularity.

I agree it would be foolish not to include some sort of ipod support; what I disagree with is the fact that this would be/should be considered something major. Macs, PCs, heck even Xbox360s can recognize ipods. If Nintendo allowed the Wii to recognize the ipod that would be great, but it would be retarded if they touted that as some sort of awesome feature, because...well, it isn't. And they definitely shouldn't go forward with some major OMG iTUNES WII!! idea. Again, pretty on paper...

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Like their sodomy special branded SD cards sold at a premium? No thanks.

You conveniently left out the end-half of my sentence. I'll quote it for you: "Nintendo just needs to release a dedicated USB hard drive, or allow Wii to recognize those already on the market."

And that's my whole point. It wouldn't be a bad idea to allow the ipod to connect to the Wii and play media files and act as a hard-drive. But is it a better alternative to a Nintendo media player and allowing the Wii to recognize computer and/or external hard drives? I don't think so.

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Second, "Mario Media Player"? Are you serious? I would have objected to Nintendo slapping Mario all over the weather, news and internet channels because it's completely unnecessary and gives a "gamer" edge to applications which are supposed to be all about the non-gamer.

I wasn't being serious. I used 'Mario Media Player' to show that I would rather have a standard media player provided by Nintendo FIRST, than have to rely on an itunes channel initially. Heck, they can call it WiiPlay-er for all I care.

[Smash_Brother]

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Originally posted by: Pittbboi I agree it would be foolish not to include some sort of ipod support; what I disagree with is the fact that this would be/should be considered something major.

The two biggest innovators in their respective markets working together may not be any big deal to you, but I think it'd be some pretty incredible news.

They're my two favorite companies in the world. Apple was almost dead at one point, then Steve Jobs was brought back to the company, launched the iMac and it's been an uphill climb ever since, thanks to Apple using the iMac to aim for, that's right, the non-tech savvy people who weren't yet on the internet.

Nintendo was in the same position and they did exactly the same thing: design a product to aim at a previously untapped sector, the non-gamer, and so far it has likewise worked wonders for them.

The similarities between Apple and Nintendo go on and on. Both companies are the primary innovators in their industries and both companies have found their sweet spot in bringing technology closer to people who thought the technology was beyond them.

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You conveniently left out the end-half of my sentence. I'll quote it for you: "Nintendo just needs to release a dedicated USB hard drive, or allow Wii to recognize those already on the market."

I addressed that concern earlier when I said that I was certain Nintendo would allow the USB ports to connect to all manners of USB devices.

I just needed to express my disgust at the current Wii branded SD cards which cost assloads more than they should. Sorry, was my angst talking more than my reason.

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I wasn't being serious. I used 'Mario Media Player' to show that I would rather have a standard media player provided by Nintendo FIRST, than have to rely on an itunes channel initially. Heck, they can call it WiiPlay-er for all I care.

And this is where we DO disagree: I think it would be an awesome collaboration for a number of reasons, first and foremost that I love both companies and because they literally share two GIANT enemies, enemies which would love to snuff them both out but for different reasons.

The Xbox 360 is competing with the Wii while the Zune is competing with the iPod. What bigger kick in the teeth than adding iPod/iTunes connectivity to the Wii?

That aside, I think Nintendo developing a media player is still a terrible idea. Why? Because Nintendo doesn't do media players. That's not their forte.

Do you have any idea how long it would take and how many resources would go into developing a FULL-FEATURED media player with all codecs supported, mp3 managing, playlists, streaming audio/video, etc.?

This is what the corporate world calls "reinventing the wheel". Why reinvent the wheel when you can license the wheel for a fraction of the cost and a modicum of the time?

And iTunes is still the most casual-friendly "wheel" out there. It and the Wii go hand in hand.

[vudu]

Charmin and Oreck need to form a partnership to create toilet paper that vacuums the poop from my bottom.  Both companies stand to make a lot of money and expand their respective markets and the consumer would greatly benefit from the resulting product.

I'm not necessarily knocking your idea, I just want to point out that not all brilliant ideas become reality for a multitude of reasons.

[Smash_Brother]

Are you kidding? I would buy one of those for myself and everyone I know...

But seriously, when Bounty releases a toilet paper that vacuums, then yes, Charmin and Oreck SHOULD team up.  

[BlackNMild2k1]

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Originally posted by: vudu
Charmin and Oreck need to form a partnership to create toilet paper that vacuums the poop from my bottom.  Both companies stand to make a lot of money and expand their respective markets and the consumer would greatly benefit from the resulting product.

I'm not necessarily knocking your idea, I just want to point out that not all brilliant ideas become reality for a multitude of reasons.

That is brilliant!! Just imagine never having to to go back for a second round. lol
Vudu I think thats the funniest thing I've ever heard you say
I would buy it.

[Leck]

Dunno if anyone has already seen this or not:
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=217444
Basically its a rumour that the next iPod will have a d-pad (and I assume some buttons) and be able to play classic Nintendo games.

If they incorporated the Gameboy Mini into the next iPod, they would have a pretty cool item without competing with the DS.  Sounds like a good idea to me.

[Smash_Brother]

Whoa...

Interesting. Maybe you could buy VC games and upload them to play on your iPod?

Not the functionality I predicted, but it would be interesting nonetheless.

[JonLeung]

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Originally posted by: UERD
Maybe Steve Jobs will announce this instead of/in addition to that rumored 'iPhone' thing during his conference in January.

I know Apple has that iTV media streaming box thing in the works...maybe there'll be some sort of connectivity there?

I'm not a big Apple fan but I stumbled upon some news about the MacWorld event yesterday there's some ruckus over the new iPhone.  Some phone by Apple with iPod, Internet, etc. functions.  It actually looks pretty cool - I've been on the fence about an iPod all this time and I still don't have a cell phone.  And there's some Apple TV thing, too.

iPhone

Didn't hear anything about a Nintendo thing, though.  They did say the iPhone was exclusive with Cingular.  Oh, and they also changed their name to just Apple, Inc. (instead of Apple Computer, Inc.) because they're about all electronics (including phones and TV recorders, apparently).  Maybe something to do with games is on the way?  The iPlay, or iGame?  That is if they don't team up with Nintendo.  iWii?

[KnowsNothing]

I've wanted an mp3 player with a touchscreen (made by a competent company) for years, it seems like such an obvious move, I'm surprised it took this long....The iPhone looks awesome, but at $599 for only 8 GB of storage there's no way in hell I'll be buying it.  Hopefully they'll upgrade their iPods to use the touchscreen in the future....the click-wheel is cumbersome and frustrating...

[Smash_Brother]

The iPhone looks nice, but it's WAY too much money...

I'm probably one of the bigger Mac nuts here (possibly the biggest), but I'll be the first to admit their products cost far too much, especially when they're new.

[JonLeung]

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Originally posted by: capamerica

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Originally posted by: JonLeung
Quick, someone make a silhouetted video (iPod style!) of playing the Wii and then using an iPod.

Full Size - 1024x768

Awesome!  Good work (if you made it)!  I can't see certain images at work for whatever reason, so I didn't even see it until just now.  That's pretty hot.  I think I'll use it as my wallpaper for a while.

[Crimm]

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Originally posted by: Leck
Dunno if anyone has already seen this or not:
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=217444
Basically its a rumour that the next iPod will have a d-pad (and I assume some buttons) and be able to play classic Nintendo games.

I don't see that  happening either.  Nintendo really isn't likely to bring in an outside tech company into the gaming market as a partner.  They've done it multiple times, with various levels of failure.

- The CD-i fiasco ended up with Philips getting to create "EXCUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUSE ME PRINCESS!"
- Even more importantly, the PlayStation mistake brought Sony into the gaming market.

Besides, even Nintendo says that this was the last Christmas of the GameBoy Advance.

Besides, the next iPod is

FIVE-HUNDRED NINTY-NINE U S DOLLARS*
FIVE-HUNDRED NINTY-NINE U S DOLLARS*
FIVE-HUNDRED NINTY-NINE U S DOLLARS*
FIVE-HUNDRED NINTY-NINE U S DOLLARS*
FIVE-HUNDRED NINTY-NINE U S DOLLARS*
FIVE-HUNDRED NINTY-NINE U S DOLLARS*


*With a 2 year service plan

[Smash_Brother]

What you're seeing there is duck soup for Cap.

Seriously, my advice is not to piss him off if there's a photo of you available on a blog or something. He can make things that didn't happen happen...

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Originally posted by: Crimm I don't see that  happening either.  Nintendo really isn't likely to bring in an outside tech company into the gaming market as a partner.  They've done it multiple times, with various levels of failure.

That's the beauty of the channels: they don't lend anything involving gaming to these other companies.