Apple to reinvent the album?

 

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By Stuart Turton

Posted on 27 Jul 2009 at 09:24

Apple is working with the four major music labels to stimulate album sales by providing additional digital content with downloads, reports suggest.

As reported by the FT.com, Apple is working with EMI, Sony Music, Warner Music, and Universal Music Group to turn albums into interactive bundles, stuffed with lyric sheets, photos, cover art and liner notes.

Initially envisioned as "interactive books" the downloads would be self contained, allowing users to play tracks from within the bundle rather than through iTunes.

"It's all about re-creating the heyday of the album when you would sit around with your friends looking at the artwork, while you listened to the music," an unnamed Apple executive tells the FT.com.

The FT goes on to renew the ever-circulating rumour that Apple is working on a tablet device. The website reports that the device will feature a 10in screen and be aimed at those looking to download and watch movies on the go.

Apple is reportedly looking at making announcements in September.