Apple’s iTunes Store achieved this milestone this afternoon. Pretty impressive since the downloadable part of the store was launched less than seven years ago.
I’m curious about two things in regards to this achievement:
- Did the Music Industry traditionally sell the equivalent of a billion albums (give or take there’s 10 tracks on each) in seven years through CDs, cassettes and vinyl? I don’t recall there being a thousand million-selling records happening in such a brief period (or more appropriately, any combination to get such a sum).
- Have the competitors reached totals close a billion? I read the rumor sites, namely macnn.com, and they wouldn’t exclude the achievements of Amazon.com, Wal-Mart’s online store or eMusic. Why the silence?
One lucky person will be receiving a $10,000 card. I wonder if Apple makes one or just credits the winner’s account the monetary amount?
I can go back to making a couple purchases I put off so I wouldn’t skew with the results. As an employee, I’m not eligible for such drawings/contests and it would be embarrassing if I won.