Apple to offer video in France, iPhone in Asia

The Cupertino company has launched its video store in France, while Hutchison Telecommunications will bring the iPhone to Hong Kong and Macau.

ITunes will offer local programming from several networks including TF1, France Télévisions, Arte, Dargaud TV, and Dupuis TV. In addition, MTV and Disney will offer their own programming, which means American hits like Desperate Housewives and Ugly Betty will also be available.

In total, about 25 programs and 450 episodes will initially be available. The increasingly common variable pricing scheme will also be instituted, with shows either €1.49, €1.99, or €2.49 per episode.

With the launch, the iTunes video store is now available in Canada, the UK, Germany, and France as well as the United States.

Also on Thursday it was announced that Hutchison Telecommunications had partnered with Apple to bring the iPhone to Hong Kong and Macau later this year, other details were few.

The agreement marks the first step into the Chinese market for Apple, which so far has not reached a deal with any carrier in that country. Despite this fact, In-Stat estimates that as many as 400,000 iPhones may be in service within China -- unlocked by hackers too eager to wait for an official release.