[Article] Ayu takes digital music to the "Next Level"

[Raleigh]

Originally Posted by KarenPang

she sure's smart in thinking such a concept

I wouldn't be surprised if other major labels will follow her eg. in due time as physical CD sales are declining every year it goes by

Well if this album will be a success I'm quite sure that other labels will try to copy the technique. I remember when Koda came up with the 12 singles concept, several other artists tried something similar, on a smaller scale. So it's possible Ayu would lead the next new trend.

However, I have the feeling that in order to make USBs popular, they must be at least the same price of the CD+DVD Version or else people are not going to be willing to spend more money.

[jbrat2219]

Originally Posted by Tom Punks

I doubt that. The reason physical CD sales is declining is because it's more convenient and cheaper to buy an album/single online. This REALLY doesn't offer anything new that would motivate people to buy USB sticks instead of buying songs from iTunes, except for the appeal of having a pretty Ayu USB stick.

Think about it... If you REALLY want the songs in .mp3 format or whatever versus having them on a CD, which are you more likely to do..? Are you more likely to spend $15 or whatever to buy the songs from iTunes, or $70 for the same songs plus a little stick?

And as for CD vs. USB stick... Well I can play the CD in my car, a portable CD player, a DVD player, my computer, etc., and the CD is better quality. Whereas I can play the USB stick in... probably just my computer. Plus it's probably non-copyable and less quality than CD.

To me, the USB stick thing just doesn't make sense.

I don't know about that, the USB sticks are selling like hotcakes and you don't just get the songs, you get the videos and digital booklet as well. Slap on limited edition and collectors item and you have yourself a bunch of sales. Even people here are scrambling to find places to pre-order them. So it may not be something "new" per-se but it's still something new that's she hasn't done before.

But I do agree, if everyone starts releasing USBs, it's not going to overthrow the convenience of digital downloads.

[Melrose]

I don't know why anyone would use iTunes or such. If you're going to get songs digitally, you might as well just download them.

[Dokiyo]

IF they state that apparently, it comes in a CD case and is easy to stock on store shelves~ then most likely, it will be released again and be put the STORE SHELVES~ lets just hope thats the case~ because, im pretty sure theyd say that for a reason.~

[Blasterion]

and if they want to up the Oricon sales with this, they'd better make some more of those USB's..
it's not really any use then, if they're already sold out..(right?)

[jimex289]

Originally Posted by Melrose

I don't know why anyone would use iTunes or such. If you're going to get songs digitally, you might as well just download them.

Haha for people who don't want to pirate music I guess.

[hiro_hikaru1987]

NO!!!!~ yesasia doesnt hv the USB version on sale!!! >< >< >< i want that USB VERSION!

[Tom Punks]

Originally Posted by jbrat2219

I don't know about that, the USB sticks are selling like hotcakes and you don't just get the songs, you get the videos and digital booklet as well. Slap on limited edition and collectors item and you have yourself a bunch of sales. Even people here are scrambling to find places to pre-order them. So it may not be something "new" per-se but it's still something new that's she hasn't done before.

But I do agree, if everyone starts releasing USBs, it's not going to overthrow the convenience of digital downloads.

Sorry, I didn't mean specifically this release... I meant that I doubt this will be a way to get physical sales up like Karen said. It's much more expensive and just has less benefits than an actual CD, so I don't see USB format bringing up physical sales ever.

[jimex289]

It may have more uses than a CD but that's about it. In the end you can play a CD on a CD player or on your computer. You could also rip the CD onto your computer into digital format. You can do that with USB but you can't really listen directly from it unless you have a computer with you. In that case wouldn't it be the same thing as just having a CD popped into your computer? The benefit I see of owning that USB is purely from a collector's standpoint. The design is very beautiful and I'm sure it's made of high quality material. I don't think I can wear that around my neck though...it seems oriented at a specific gender.

[Raleigh]

Originally Posted by jimex289

It may have more uses than a CD but that's about it. In the end you can play a CD on a CD player or on your computer. You could also rip the CD onto your computer into digital format. You can do that with USB but you can't really listen directly from it unless you have a computer with you. In that case wouldn't it be the same thing as just having a CD popped into your computer?

Well, I'm guessing it's because there's this habit of the Japanese and even the Chinese of always dragging their laptops around with them so most prefer to listen to music from their laptops. And USBs are more handy and easier to carry than CDs. Also apparently USBs are becoming a part of life in technology. This guy mentions how the Honda City is going to include a USB ports, apart from the usual CD player.

[stardusties]

...i'm all for this....along with the cd+dvd format kekekeke <3 i CANT WAIT ><!!!!

[Kazeyomi]

Nice article, thanks!

She's really smart ^^ usb are the future. Like when music cassettes was replaced with cds . Now the cd will be replaced by usb flash drives

Anyway NEXT LEVEL usb version is really expensive, and what the.. usb in Japan are really expensive x___x'
My 4GB usb was cost around 10 dollars (5 euros circa), lol.

[Melrose]

^

You could always wear it around our neck for cosplay. XD

[pommy48]

well the world is going toward digital these days~
but i like the idea, and that ayu is the first one to do it

[Olw---A]

well I'm afraid we won't be able to copy the music on the computer... just like itunes downloads are secured...
but it's a nice moves from her !

[ComatoseBunnySnatcher]

Originally Posted by Melrose

^

You could always wear it around our neck for cosplay. XD

It would be too small to wear around OUR necks xD

[Melrose]

^

Huh? Who is "our"? xD

It says there's a necklace lace that comes with it.

[ALfromHELLSING]

Whoa! Great thnx for the news! So there will be 4 versions of cover? That's AWESOME!
GOD I need to get that USB ASAP!!

[AyUta]

That's really awesome Ayu
I hope I can buy this new album on USB at Kinokuniya

[minna]

I freakin' need this version!
don't care if I have the album twice, I want it !!!!

that's really cool!