Microsoft has warned Windows 8 users that a touch-friendly version of Apple’s iTunes software will not be hitting the Windows Store any time soon.
Speaking to CNN Money, Microsoft’s CFO for Windows Tami Reller said Microsoft has been keen to welcome Apple into the fold, but a response hasn’t been forthcoming.
Of course, Windows 8 users can still access a version of iTunes using the ‘desktop mode’ but not from the ‘Metro’ style UI or on Windows RT tablets like the Microsoft Surface.
“You shouldn’t expect an iTunes app on Windows 8 any time soon,” said Reller.
“iTunes is in high demand. The welcome mat has been laid out. It’s not for lack of trying.”
Apple would probably see launching iTunes for Windows 8 as simply be aiding and abetting Microsoft’s attempts to muscle in on its share of the tablet market where it remains dominant thanks to the iPad.
In PCs its a different story, because Microsoft still has a much larger market share than Mac OS X and it’s in Apple’s best interests to offer all of that juicy media content to a much larger audience.
Currently, Microsoft has the Xbox Music and Video games to help users buy entertainment content, but there’s no doubt that the lack of iTunes does leave a bit of a hole.
In better news for Microsoft, Reller believes that all of the most popular apps that are available for the iPad will be available in the Windows Store.
“That’s not just our goal, but it’ll be realistic to achieve that,” said Reller. “We’re almost there.”
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
