Variable Pricing

Variable pricing has now been implemented at the iTunes music store. In April 2009 , based on what the music labels charge Apple, songs on iTunes will be available at one of three price points-69 cents, 99 cents and $1.29-with many more songs priced at 69 cents than $1.29. Interesting as Amazon's uncomfortably similar top 10 list has all these tracks priced at $0.99 (encoded as DRM-free 256kbps VBR MP3). A handful of tracks (nine in the top 100) do hit the higher $1.29 price further down Amazon's list. Now, if you believe Steve Jobs, labels are charging Apple more for the rights to sell its music than Amazon. This info is based on a quote attributed to Steve Jobs in the Apple press release from January.