Michael Knutson
02-09-2011, 07:00 AM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2011/02/apple-still-dominant-in-online-movie-sales-but-walmarts-sneaking-up.ars?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss' target='_blank'>http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2...tm_campaign=rss</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"The online movie business has been booming in recent years thanks to everyone and their mom either starting up their own services or signing contracts with the major players. Despite so many entrants into the market, Apple has still managed to retain its dominance when it comes to delivering feature-length films to customers, though it has lost some of its share of the consumer dollar over time."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/at/auto/1297224087.usr17748.jpg" style="border: 0;" /></p><p>Interesting that Walmart (in this article) is predicted to become a much bigger player in online movie sales. With Apple having 64.5 percent market share in 2010, followed by Microsoft at 17.9 percent, and Sony third at 7.2 percent, Walmart is currently lumped-in with the "other" group, sharing the remaining 10.4 percent. I guess that it makes sense, as Walmart isn't generally content to be anything but first wherever they compete. Maybe it's a reaction to being overtaken by Apple in music sales back in 2008, or maybe they sense an opportunity - as sales of physical media begin to dwindle. They haven't become the largest retailer on the planet by missing emerging trends. Anyone see a future for physical media?</p>