After reviewing ‘direct and circumstantial’ evidence, Denise Cote, Federal Judge of New York, ruled that Apple and five publishers participated in a conspiracy to undercut Amazon’s prices, thus illegally chipping away at Kindle profits. Although all five publishers have already settled with the United States Government, Apple plans to go through the appealing process.
The alleged conspiracy against Amazon first began in 2009, anticipating Apple’s first iPad release, and resulted in some e-books’ prices rising from $9.99 to $12.99 or $14.99. Essentially, the agreement between Apple, et al.allowed publishers– not retailers– to set prices. This coordination of prices would help boost Apple’s market share, giving them an unfair advantage.
Although this ruling was made in June, the whole idea of Apple fixing e-book prices kinda falls under the “isn’t-that-common-knowledge?” category, alongside the fact that the NSA is eavesdropping on our phone conversations and surveilling out computer use. I mean, come on. Look at the way iTunes has changed the music industry. You don’t think Steve’s reality distortion field had something to do with that? Psh.
Side note: A major complaint I’ve had for a while is that I’m not allowed to call up the NSA, who has backed up my computer for me, to restore my computer after it has been wiped out by a virus.
Back on track: I’m pretty sure that Apple is going to bounce back from this whole mess, though. Who reads anyway? And who in their right mind would be caught e-reading on anything but a Kindle or iPad. Sorry, Nook.
Speaking of which, Barnes and Noble announced Tuesday that it will quit making its color version of the Nook. This took me by surprise, because I had no idea they made one. B&N’s foray into the realm of tablets was too little too late. And with the growing popularity of e-reading over printed text, the bookseller’s future looks grim. And this makes me sad. =(