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Re-activateApple today announced that at long last, the Beatles' music is available on iTunes. You can now download individual songs from the 13 original Beatles albums, or for $149, grab a box set of the group's entire catalog plus mini-documentaries and video of a live performance at the Washington Coliseum. (In case you have some downtime today, you'll also find plenty of free video at Apple.com, including new iTunes-Beatles ads and historic performances.)
In an unusual move yesterday, the company didn't hold one of its famous "events" but simply teased the announcement in a cryptic splashpage at Apple.com that read, "Tomorrow is just another day. That you'll never forget." At 10 a.m. (Eastern), the splashpage changed to a picture of the Beatles, confirming one of the numerous rumors about what the company would be announcing today. Individual songs are available at the $1.29 price level, albums go for $12.99 or $19.99 (for double albums). The tracks are DRM-free, as is all iTunes music.
This comes as welcome news to Fab Four fans, who have been waiting for years for Beatles music to become available online. Despite the existence of the Beatles Rock Band edition, which came out last year, this is the group's downloadable debut (legal, that is).
Apple and the Beatles had previously feuded for decades over use of the "Apple" trademark. As far back as 1978, the Beatles' Apple Corps holding company had sued the computer company over their use of the name. Later, when Apple Computer became a music retailer, Apple Corps again sued, saying it was a violation of an earlier settlement. A 2006 court ruling favored the American company, though it's taken four more years for the two Apples to finally come together.
—Carol Mangis
—Carol Mangis
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