The much-awaited new Apple smartphones--iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and iWatch unveiled during the launch on September 9, 2014 in Curtino, California were visual, communication technology delights for the Apple fans. Similarly, the music provided by U2 from the Songs of Innocence Album at the tail-end of the event was an audible surprise treat as well.
Resting aside issues whether the new iPhones are worth the wait, other issues that occurred during the event floated: the launch of U2's Songs of Innocence Album, why it's being given for free to iTunes customers and why it will be streamed in Beat Music beginning October 14, 2014, as announced by Apple head Tim Cook.
Months ahead, the progress of U2's latest album was a buzz in the music industry. Speculations floated whether there's an album to be released within the year, and if the expected world tour to promote it would take place. In a related article, a Billboards source was quoted to have said the group is yet to capture the magic, or the U2 sound, for the album. Now, with all the drumbeat on Apple's new smartphones, who would think the Irish band's album was part of the grand stage?
Those with business mindset know there was a hefty deal cooked between Apple's Tim Cook and U2's management group, Guy Oseary of Live Nation Entertainment and Universal Records. Apple paid the U2 album an undisclosed handsome amount to release the album for free in iTunes until October 14 for its 500 million customers in 119 countries. This is in addition to US$100 million for the album's global marketing campaign.
Now, is this a gift for the iTunes customers? It is, on one side. Yet, the deal was more of resuscitating the dying iTunes store and drilling the presence of another Apple's investment, Beats Music. Eventually, it is believed the Apple move is to set a future possibility of making the company a one-stop shop for music, discarding another layer, that is, the music company label. The artist directly releases its album to the Apple's Beat Music or iTunes.
Why U2? Apple believes in U2!
