Could preloaded Ipods be the next distribution delivery method and revenue stream?

Although the RIAA pre-warned Ipod manufacturers back in 2006 of the legal ramifications of pre-loading music onto Ipods, I think this is something that the industry truly needs to revisit.

Twenty four percent of persons over age 12 have ever listened to an iPod, iPhone or other MP3 player while connected to a car stereo according to the new Infinite Dial 2010 national survey from Arbitron Inc. and Edison Research.

The new national study showed that 44 percent of all Americans ages 12 and older own an iPod or MP3 player. Among that group, 54 percent have connected their players for listening in the car. "Nearly one in four Americans over age 12 say they have listened to their digital music players by connecting it to their car stereo," said Bill Rose, senior vice president of marketing at Arbitron. "The car is clearly a crucial battleground for people's attention," said Larry Rosin, Edison Research President, "and our study shows that most of those who do listen in this fashion do so more than once a week."

The above statistics makes me want to delve into research and see how beneficial a distribution delivery method of preloaded ipods could suffice and create a brand new revenue stream in the music business. With that said, how much are the majors willing to allow the upload of multiple artists music on such a delivery method to consumers. It has already trickled into some markets globally, and it seems that America is always left holding the bag on the new technology and revenue streams created globally. It could be as simple as licensing the music by artist, genre, etc., to Ipod manufactures and other technology manufacturers that are out there like mp4 players. I think this is something that not only the majors, but independents as well need to research and see if it could be beneficial to them.