Amid the speculation around the launch of Apple's new tablet computer (dubbed the iPad), a variety of rumours have begun circulating about the intended markets Apple seek to target with the product and how they will charge for content on the device.

 

 

Renowned for having revolutionised the way in which content from the music industry is distributed through it's iTunes Store, enabling consumers to purchase specific tracks rather than complete albums, many analysts believe that, with their tablet device, Apple will aim to reshape businesses involved in the production of educational textbooks and literature, newspapers and television.

 

With the device announced on Wednesday and believed to be due for release in late March, Apple has been reported to have been exploring electronic textbook technology leading many to believe the device will be targeted at Universities and educational institutions as an interactive tool for facilitating learning. It has also been reported that they have been looking at how newspaper and magazine content can be presented differently on the tablet.

 

 

However, one interesting rumour not directly related to the tablet that has been discussed recently is a planned revamp of the iTunes service by creating a web-based version that could be live as soon as June. Tentatively named iTunes.com, the service would enable customers to buy music from Apple without going through the existing specialised iTunes programme on computers or iPhones.

 

 

Well there are a few possible explanations for this:

 

Wider Market 

 

With competitors to the iPhone making significant attempts to catch up, being able to sell directly to users of any handset, not just iPhones, will effectively increase the number of potential customers who can buy from iTunes online. It will also open up the service to those who choose not to use the iTunes software application, but who still purchase music online.

 

Less Barriers to Purchase 

 

Requiring customers to spend time downloading a software application, installing it and then searching for the music they wish to purchase is a pretty significant number of hurdles to make them leap before they can get what they're after. By creating a web-based version of iTunes, Apple will now be able to populate numerous websites with "Buy Now" buttons, integrating iTunes into activities such as listening to internet radio, searching review websites, movie and television series websites (for soundtracks or songs that feature in), etc.

 

Making it easier for people to buy what your selling has always been a good way of selling more after-all!