Apple finally decides to stand up to Sony hackers

Apple finally decides to stand up to Sony hackers, releases ‘The Interview’ on iTunes

Sony Pictures released The Interview last week, after initially caving to threats received from the hackers who hit the studio in one of the biggest data heists to date and canceling the planned Christmas Day launch. The company soon changed its mind, offering interested movie fans the chance of seeing it in select theaters, or streaming it online from either Microsoft or Google. Interestingly, Apple was not willing to make the movie available via iTunes at first, for reasons unknown, but now the controversial comedy can be purchased or rented on iTunes, Re/code reports.

Starting with Christmas Eve, the movie hit Google’s Play and YouTube stores, Microsoft’s Xbox and Sony’s special site for the movie, being priced at $15 (purchase) and $6 (rental).

The same prices are now available to iOS and OS X users looking to see the show via iTunes.

Apple did not explain the launch delay on iTunes though. “We’re pleased to offer The Interview for rental or purchase on the iTunes store,” the company said, without adding anything on the matter.

Both Microsoft and Google explained their decision to partner up with Sony and stream the movie online on launch day. Each company published blog entries on the matter last week, basically saying they support freedom of speech by making The Interview available to the crowds.

Re/code speculates that Apple’s delay is simply caused by internal policies. “The most reasonable answer may be that Apple didn’t want to move at Sony’s speed,” the publication writes.

SOURCE:

RE/CODE