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[Shockeye]

Sony and Apple On PlayStation 3?

 Some interesting rumors have been surfacing lately surrounding the PlayStation 3. As we all know, Sony has been really tight on who they mention the console too. With the Xbox 360 leaks coming out weeks before its announcement, I highly doubt Sony wants to be in that boat. Although, leaks always happen in some fashion and the latest leak is dealing with Sony and Apple.

An unknown source is confirming that Apple will be working with Sony to link iTunes and iPod into the next console. The iPod connectivity will allow gamers to hook their iPod up to the system and play music straight from the device. iTunes will also be built into the GUI so you can download and purchase online without ever needing a computer.

This would be a big step for both companies. Sony and Apple were unable to comment as of press time. The Sony Conference is scheduled for this Monday.

-Tim Grube
[POSTED: 05/14/05]

Now, it seems to me that if Apple would work with anyone, they'd want to work with a company that is not producing products that competes with them. I'd be more willing to believe this if Apple and Nintendo were rumored to be working together, but to think Sony and Apple are doing this is simply insane.

I like how it's "an unknown source has confirmed". Stop spreading stupid shit people, it's not raging douchebag week.

[stray]

Sony's portable music products suck though. Maybe they're finally realizing that?

Hmm...Probably not.

[Tale]

Now, it seems to me that if Apple would work with anyone, they'd want to work with a company that is not producing products that competes with them. I'd be more willing to believe this if Apple and Nintendo were rumored to be working together, but to think Sony and Apple are doing this is simply insane.

The iPod support could be one of several music platforms supported, including Sony's own, as opposed to an exclusive deal. It would be a good fact to leak, given iPod's sales and market profile. It's always in both companies' interests to kick Microsoft in the teeth.

To me, the Xbox 360 looks like it's trying to be a Microsoftintosh (cool + computer), so working with Apple on a rival console makes sense.

[Hanzii]

Sony's portable music products suck though. Maybe they're finally realizing that?

Hmm...Probably not.

No, they sucked.
They're superior to the iPod in many ways now... just too expensive and not as simple to use (and of course it's hard to break the iTunes/iPod link, that is also a great selling point)

[stray]

Sony's portable music products suck though. Maybe they're finally realizing that?

Hmm...Probably not.

No, they sucked.
They're superior to the iPod in many ways now... just too expensive and not as simple to use (and of course it's hard to break the iTunes/iPod link, that is also a great selling point)

Well, to be fair, I've only owned their Walkman type MP3 players and Mini Disc players. I haven't tried anything new.

[AOFanboi]

iPod support rumors abound for Microsoft's full-circle baby, too - and that even looks like it's built by Apple...

[schild]

Doesn't Microsoft have a gargantuan stake in Apple? Stealing iPod dollars would definately fit their MO.

[Hanzii]

Doesn't Microsoft have a gargantuan stake in Apple? Stealing iPod dollars would definately fit their MO.

What do you mean stake?
They used to own a big pile of Apple stock, which they got after the lawsuit settlement, but they have long since gotten rid of that and own nothing of Apple.

[schild]

Ah. Hence the fact there was a question mark. I couldn't remember if that second part actually happened. That said, Apple and Sony aren't teaming up. If they were, it would be some sort of covert strategy from Sony to destroy Jobs and co.

[stray]

Anyone who thinks they can destroy Apple (or even just Jobs) will most definitely be met with failure. No matter what they try.

I don't know why, but it seems to always work out that way.

[schild]

Microsoft had the chance to utterly decimate Apple. They didn't take it. if someone actually does come out with an iPod killer - without even having that intention in mind - there's a good chance it'll hurt them to the point of no return. Some companies thrive under those sorts of conditions. Apple just happens to be one of them.

Maybe if they'd take a hit on their fucking margin a little bit and drop the price of their computers to something resembling reasonable, I'd pick one up. But until then, fuck'em. Overpriced and underpowered coffee table centerpieces.

[MahrinSkel]

Sony is not a monolithic entity, the portion of it that produces the consoles and their games is actually more closely related to Sony Music than it is to the consumer electronics division.  This might be good for more than just iPod owners, though: With Sony Music no longer leaning on them, the consumer electronis branch might drop the DRM crippling they've been building into all their digital music players, and pursue a more consumer-friendly strategy.  Sony as a whole gets to pursue both sides of the DRM street, and wins no matter how things shake out.

Oh, and Microsoft *did* totally decimate Apple, to the point they had to rescue them with a big cash infusion when it looked like the anti-trust case might actually come to something, back in 99.

--Dave

[AOFanboi]

Anyone who thinks they can destroy Apple (or even just Jobs) will most definitely be met with failure. No matter what they try.

Well, Apple could end up doing a Commodore and suicide themselves with ill-advised products. 3rd party licensees? Pippin? Newton? Cube? Well, they survived those. Commodore did bigger cluster-fucks like the (incompatible) A500+, CD-32, A600/600HD and not going PowerPC from the start on A1200.

The iPod is a great success, but so are their computers - they would survive the coming of an iPod killer.

[HaemishM]

Maybe if they'd take a hit on their fucking margin a little bit and drop the price of their computers to something resembling reasonable, I'd pick one up. But until then, fuck'em. Overpriced and underpowered coffee table centerpieces.

As we both know, it won't happen, because it would require an entirely new attitude about their design principles. They'd have to drop the whole art-fag "design as god" attitude they have, which produces overpriced shit that looks like a fucking lava lamp so all the hippie ivory tower types can feel good about putting one next to their art desk. It would be a triumph of function over form, and their lead designer types (all the way up to Jobs) will not admit that that mentality is great for art, much less so for tools like computers.

[schild]

And that's damned unfortunate. Cuz I'd rather have this sweet little ticket on my deck than an Apple.

[stray]

They make great "tools". It's these damn PC's that I never get any work done on. Too many distractions.