Apple Extends iTunes to Wireless

First came the iPod Mini; now comes iTunes mini. Apple is partnering with Motorola -- the world's number two phone maker -- to install a slimmed down version of the iTunes software on select wireless phones. iTunes equipped models will begin shipping in the first half of 2005.

The announcement came on the eve of Motorola's annual analyst meeting as Motorola Chief Executive Edward Zander held up an iPod and Motorola cell phone and quipped, "It would be great if we could just figure out a way to bring these two devices together." Apple CEO Steve Jobs appeared on the screen behind Zander moments later.

"Wouldn't it be great if you could take a dozen of your favorite songs with you on your phone," Jobs said. "We thought it would be great if together Motorola and Apple could give them (consumers) a small taste of what this digital music revolution is about."

Apple and Motorola's surprise announcement, coupled with the revelation that RealNetwork's RealPlayer 10.5 media player will support and manage songs on the iPod, may signal that Apple is starting to open up the once insular world of the iPod and iTunes Music Store to partners or that it is losing its grip over its nascent music empire.