Apple is to join forces with the four biggest record labels
to boost online sales of complete albums over the more popular
single tracks.
The firm is to bundle video clips, interactive booklets, sleeve
notes and lyrics to attract users of its iTunes store to the
higher-margin albums, according to the
Financial Times.
Album sales in the US fell 14% in 2008, according to Nielsen
SoundScan, which tracks retail sales data.
Apple is working with EMI, Sony Music, Warner Music and
Universal Music Group on the project, which is scheduled to be
launched in September.
The album project comes as Apple races to complete a portable,
full-featured, tablet-sized touch-sensitive computer with a 10-inch
screen by the end of the year.
This updates
recent reports that the Apple tablet, rumoured for years, was
scheduled for release early in 2010.
According to the FT, the device could be launched with the new
content deals, including those aimed at stimulating sales of
CD-length music.
The device will connect to the internet like the iPod Touch to
access Apple's online stores and has attracted interest from online
video and book suppliers.