iPhone/iTouch sells 30 million in 19 months

[famousringo]

Plaupius said:

famousringo said:

 

I wouldn't be surprised if paid downloads are a lower proportion than that, but point taken.

I'm definitely excited for digital distribution to grow up in any medium. Just think of all the resources wasted on printing things and periphal costs of distributing and purchasing those printed things.Free up those resources and we can devote them to other, more productive activities, like making more content perhaps.

Also, re: the above post, jinx. You owe me a Coke.

I have a vague recollection of reading/hearing that about 80% of the downloads are free, but it could just as well be a figment of my imagination. I share your enthusiasm for digital distribution, and I'd like to add that from a financial perspective it also frees up huge amounts of cash that would otherwise be tied up in the physical products all along the value chain. The downside is that your local brick-and-mortar game shops will have a much harder time when physical game sales decline, something which Apple won't suffer from since their retailers are not depending on game sales.

Regarding the Coke, how would you like it delivered?

I'm not too worried about the businesses and jobs associated with media retail. Lots of other industries have gone obsolete and we always find something else to put those people to work on. The transition stinks, but that's progress.

And digitally. Duh.