User profile for user: Irish2DaBone
Irish2DaBone Author
User level: Level 1
26 points

Downloading Ringtones From iPhone Caution

I probably missed something (user error) when accessing iTunes Store from my new 3G for the FIRST TIME, but I did a Ringtone search... Specifically, a simple "door bell" tone for incoming SMS msg's. I found one called "Door Bell 1" so I purchased the 7-sec download for $0.99. I went to sync to iTunes on my MBPro, and moved it from "purchased" folder to Library under MUSIC folder... went to STORE on Toolbar and selected Create Ringtone... and was shortly notified that my selected RINGTONE WAS NOT LONGER AVAILABLE AS A RINGTONE. Therein lies the potential "Caution" for those attempting to purchase a Ringtone from the iPhone itself? I am sure iTunes Store will make things right... but now I must go thru the "credit" reimbursement exercise.

So I am asking those of you experienced in downloading ringtones from your iPhone (since there is a slightly different view of iTunes Store), what I missed? I did not see the BELL icon on this particular section and assumed that seeing it came up under RINGTONE's and only had 7-seconds listed for the actual tone duration, that SURELY iTunes wasn't going to charge me $0.99 for a 7-sec tone unless it was TRULY A RINGTONE??? When for $0.99 I could have purchased a 3-5 min song...? Thereby leaving you with my question... Regardless of searching for a Song or a simple tone as I did for a ringtone, what is the indicator for id'g either as a ringtone when you access iTunes Store from your iPhone? Do you still see a BELL icon next to it? Thanks

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Jul 27, 2008 8:35 AM

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8 replies
User profile for user: Irish2DaBone
Irish2DaBone Author
User level: Level 1
26 points

Jul 28, 2008 2:59 PM in response to Andrew J

Thanks Andrew... Excellent point and my bad... but in thinking again about this, regarding SMS messages, I just assumed that since SMS had a selection of tones, that a 7-second tone duration on iTunes such as a simple "doorbell" wouldn't be capable of having a 30-sec ringtone created from it; therefore, surely would have been designed for an SMS notification as the single "chime" tone, or clinking glass of a short "ting-ting" ... how's that for replicating the sound 🙂 You get my point. So, I learned a lesson about SMS tones today. I really do appreciate that. Still no word back from APPLE iTunes folks yet?
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User profile for user: colt_777
colt_777
User level: Level 1
10 points

Jul 28, 2008 4:26 PM in response to Irish2DaBone

Why is this whole ringtone process so complicated and drawn out? Seriously.. I work in IT and it is a pain for me. I can't start to think how it might be for someone who finds computers hard to use. I honestly love my iPhone and don't regret getting it one bit, but Apple have seriously overlooked a few really basic features. On almost every single other phone I have owned (all nokias and one LG) all you have to do is copy an audio file to the phone or it's memory card, go to the file on the phone, and then open options and set it as a ring tone. No renaming, converting, creating, mixing, syncing, etc. No changing view options. No software necessary at all. Clearly the only reason Apple have locked us into doing it this way is to make money from the iTunes store. Maybe that might work but I would think there would be a lot of people unhappy with this process.
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User profile for user: Irish2DaBone
Irish2DaBone Author
User level: Level 1
26 points

Jul 30, 2008 9:16 AM in response to colt_777

Your input appreciated... and I agree. My initial query actually was a "mix" of questions. I am in s/w sales and as most vendor's, they are "coin operated" and looking to isolate their market share. When I worked for HP years ago, they were one of the first to really admit to cannibalizing their products in keeping their revenues turning. I too love my 3G after 4-5 days now and understand most of its limitations. I was asking more about accessing iTunes from the 3G and if the "bell" icon wasn't visible when accessing tunes from it, versus my MacBook Pro?
Thanks... I haven't seen the invoice come across my inbox yet, so maybe iTunes didn't charge me?
I am sure there are a few glitches to be worked-out... thankfully I am not experiencing some of the issues shown in these discussion groups, although i believe some bought the 3G for its "glitz" and just didn't do their homework before buying their iPhone and now caught by surprise based on assumptions they had made?
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User profile for user: Andrew J
Andrew J
User level: Level 3
790 points

Jul 31, 2008 6:11 AM in response to Irish2DaBone

I have noticed if you repurchase an item from the store, an alert comes asking if you wish to download, and then says you have already purchased this item, do you wish to download again for free.

I have changed my sms tones many times before, but it involves a process frowned upon highly in the forums. It can be a lot of fun. If only it was legitimately allowed, like any other phone on the market.

Being (anal) about digital rights media frustrates everyone, and apple are the king of anality.
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Downloading Ringtones From iPhone Caution

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