iTunes 1,000,000 Free Downloads

If you weren’t already aware, there’s a new version of iTunes available. It’s version 7 and it’s no longer the iTunes Music Store, instead it’s just the iTunes Store. The reason? Because now they’re really pushing movie downloads, of which they passed 125,000 the first day I believe.

Another item you may want to take note of is that iTunes is offering 1,000,000 free downloads to promote ABC star line-up of shows: LOST, Desperate Housewives and Grey’s Anatomy.

The Season Finale’s of all three shows are available to download for free, along with the fan guide type downloads of:

• The Lost Survival Guide
• Getting Into Grey’s Anatomy
• Desperate Housewives: Time to Come Clean

I’m wondering if iTunes and ABC are being generous or if this is just a test. I’m leaning towards test strongly. Here’s my thought, if they could get 1,000,000 downloads in a really short amount of time for free. How much are 2,000,000 eyeballs attached to about 5,000,000 pounds of grey matter worth?

ABC seemed to do really well with their own website offering of TV shows being available the night after their premiere on the network. What if they started offering their showcase shows available on iTunes the day after for free to a very interested, engaged and targeted audience? I think that would be worth some advertising dollars don’t you?

As an FYI, there’s at least only 999,994 downloads left, I downloaded all 6 episodes right now. Also, is it just me, or does the new iTunes look very Vista like?