Matt Maier’s review of the Yahoo Music Unlimited download service, specifically used in conjunction with the Audiovox 5600 Windows Mobile smartphone, seems to have stumbled on the missing element with all these new iPod- and iTunes-fighting services.
Overall, this is still very much a beta product (it even says so in the menu bar), and very badly needs a device—either a mobile phone or MP3 player—to compliment the service and make it truly enjoyable, rather than just an Apple alternative.
Remember when the iPod came out and it made something old (MP3s) feel new and interesting? None of these all-you-can-eat services have quite pulled that off yet. I think they can (I’m a big fan of the model, in concept) but there’s still a missing element. Is it the hassle of DRM? Is it the fact that none of the services offer a comprehensive catalog? Actually, I think that’s it.
If I’m going to pay a monthly fee for access to our cultural back catalog, I want it all. That would be new and interesting, for sure. Isn’t unlimited choice the point of renting in the first place?
Review: Yahoo Music Unlimited [MobilePlaya]
