I think this probably has something to do with the new subscription model they're rolling out with Newscorp and the Daily. I'm not so sure it's as cut and dry as this article makes out, and I'd wait to hear from Apple about that "access to purchases they have made outside the App Store" bit. It sounds a bit weird to me. I can think of a hundred ways that's not enforceable or even legal.
As I understand it, the only difference here is that the paying for content on an Apple Device now has to go through Apple. Which I think may well be a bonus for end users (in terms of convenience and security), but not so great for people like Sony and Amazon who were expecting to get 100% of the cash but now they'll have to pay 30% (probably) to Apple.
They may think it's unfair for Apple to muscle in on their revenue, but they didn't invent iOS or the iPad or the iPhone or the iPod Touch...
As I understand it, the only difference here is that the paying for content on an Apple Device now has to go through Apple. Which I think may well be a bonus for end users (in terms of convenience and security), but not so great for people like Sony and Amazon who were expecting to get 100% of the cash but now they'll have to pay 30% (probably) to Apple.
They may think it's unfair for Apple to muscle in on their revenue, but they didn't invent iOS or the iPad or the iPhone or the iPod Touch...
so..... neeeerh!