Apple plans Music and Podcasts apps for Windows?
Steve Jobs launches Windows version of iTunes
Fully in line with Apple’s strategy to push its entertainment services outside of its walled garden, the latest speculation claims the company is building versions of its Music and Podcasts apps for Windows.
Also on Windows
iMore says the company may introduce the apps through the Microsoft Store later this year.
What’s also of interest here is that Apple’s TV app is already available to Microsoft products, but only to Xbox – might the news mean the TV app will be made available for Windows devices across the board?
What about Music?
Apple still maintains an iTunes app for Windows, but hasn’t updated it for what feels like forever, which is generating speculation the company may intend introducing a Windows version of that app/service also.
Doing so makes a lot of sense, of course: Millions of iPhone and iPad users make use of Windows devices, so making the services they already use available across all these devices is both a user-focused convenience and a useful way to make access to Apple’s services more valuable.
HomePod mini is designed to match almost any indoor design aesthetic.
Available anywhere
The matter also reflects the direction of travel Apple is already on with services. TV for example, is now available in most smart televisions, games consoles and streaming media sticks.
Apple recognizes that as a service provider it needs to reach further than simply the happy denizens of its walled garden, and (of course) making services available across multiple platforms reduces accusations of both user lock in and unfair competition. Apple is simply offering a cross-platform service.
Apple’s preparing to intensify its interest in podcasting
Image c/o: Photo by Dan LeFebvre on Unsplash
What about Podcasts?
One thing that’s a little under the radar here is Podcasts.
At present, that app doesn’t generate much in the way of value for Apple, which kind of suggests the company has bigger plans there, as many have been warning for a while. (Though I’d quite like the company to make the app better at supporting video podcasts first.)
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