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iTunes 8.2 has yet to be released, but some attentive users have noticed Blu-ray language on the iTunes splash screen. Is it a mistake? Is it random licensing mumbo-jumbo? Or is it a premonition of things to come? This tidbit of information, not conclusive by any means, is both surprising news and potentially good news, not to be understood without some history.
Blu-ray aspires to be at the front of the line in the new generation of digital viewing. In similar front-of-the-line style, Apple craves the primary position in other forms of technology. Yet some feared that the twain shall never meet. It was just last fall that Steve Jobs came out with his “bag of hurt” comment, referring to Blu-ray’s complexity and cost. His point was: Apple is not going to integrate Blu-ray technology into its products. Plain and simple.
History lesson over. What does this mean for the here and now?
Now, it appears that either Steve Jobs 1) was not being entirely forthright last October, 2) got trumped in a board meeting, or 3) changed his mind. Although Macs can’t play Blu-ray Discs right now, that may all be changing in the next generation of the Mac. Most likely, however, Apple will first release iTunes 8.2 with Blu-ray ripping capability. This will be the most effective and widespread way to give Blu-ray a boost. After that, Macbooks may come with the Blu-ray supported already configured into the system.
The hope is that Apple will make some kind of conclusive statement at the Worldwide Developers Conference in California. The Cupertino-based company has always enjoyed releasing just enough information to send rumors flying, and then making a dramatic announcement that dispels rumors and excites users. Most certainly, we will hear something about Blu-ray and Apple. What specifically? It remains to be seen.
