Apple's iTunes store, which offers cheap, legal downloads of music and videos, is finally here after a nine-year wait.
Some netizens said they could buy songs since the early hours of the morning.
"YES! IT'S FINALLY HERE" posted hardwarezone user falseflush at 2:53am.
When xinmsn checked this morning, some songs were going for S$1.28, which is roughly the same as the American price of US$0.99. Some singles, such as Jay Chou's Huo Yuan Chia, were priced at $S$2.48. Albums ranged from S$9.98 to $34.98.
A wide range of songs seems available, from K-pop hits like G.Na's'Black and White' to classical pianist Rachmaninov.
Movies like The Dark Knight are selling for S$14.98. They can also be rented for S$4.98 (HD) and S$3.98 (non-HD). According to the store, once you click play, you have 48 hours to watch the movie.
There has been some speculation about the store's launch over the last three months, with netizens pointing out that that the program's parental controls had been updated to include Singapore.
But last night's launch took many by surprise, as there was no earlier announcement by Apple.
The store may plug a gap in the availability of legal downloads here, and end a long wait by Singaporean users.
Previously, users had to go through the difficult process of registering a US Apple account or buy US gift cards in order to use the iTunes store. Another option for those seeking a quick music fix is Singtel's AMPed downloader, but netizens say it does not offer the same range as the iTunes store. And of course, some have resorted to illegal means.
The iTunes store is also rolling out across 11 other Asian nations, and is a step forward for the legal music and media scene. See our top 5 buys on the store here.
