Apple Wants Slice of Movie Rental Biz

Fox deal presages plans to shake up online distribution
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 27, 2007 11:53 PM CST
Apple Wants Slice of Movie Rental Biz
The Apple TV on display with the movie, "The Incredibles" showing at the Apple store in Palo Alto, Calif., Monday, March 26, 2007. Apple TV is a set-top box that can wirelessly stream or download iTunes videos, podcasts and music from a computer to a television. Apple's expected to announce the launch...   (Associated Press)

Apple is getting ready to formally announce the launch of its online movie rental business, the AP reports. Fox is already on board, as the FT reported yesterday, and other studios are expected to follow in making their movies available for rent through iTunes. Apple's also planning a widespread licensing deal for its FairPlay anti-piracy technology.

The popularity of Apple's iPodmedia players is expected to give a big boost to digital movie distribution. Movie sales on iTunes have been logging a long way behind music sales, but consumers haven't yet had the option of renting. "People want to watch movies but not necessarily own them," an expert noted. (More Apple stories.)

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