Now that Gnomedex 5.0 is officially over, it’s time to move on to the “next big thing” in the “buzz-o-sphere.” DaveW is dropping the hint that tomorrow is the “big day” for the iTunes 4.9 announcement. In addition to RSS 2.0 w/enclosures, Dave thinks that Apple will be announcing some big content deals as well. This would make sense. And since none of us heard Adam talk about his discussions with Sir Steve (at least, not on the record), I am guessing that Adam has something brewing on this one (and not just Senseo).
Of course, I am always concerned if/when Apple gets engaged with content developers. I would hate to see the Apple sheen rubbed off simply because some content creator got a little off-color with their content. For example, there are a lot of folks who love Dawn and Drew. But there are a lot of folks who don’t like Dawn and Drew. Or let’s pick a more universally unsettling character: Howard Stern. I support Howard’s right to say whatever he wants to say. But I wouldn’t necessarily buy products from companies that endorse him – or his message. And I am not alone.
My point is not to denigrate Howard or Dawn and Drew (or any other content provider). Rather, I hope that Apple can steer clear of the politics surrounding certain content providers. Apple’s image is based upon innovative and cool stuff – not edgy or offensive content. Don’t get me wrong. If Apple wants to get further into the content business, good luck to them. I just hope they don’t miss their core mission: building cool products that I can use.
-CyclingRoo-