27 Beatles songs have now been made available for download as ringtones via iTunes. The available tracks are the same tracks that comprise the Fab Four's '1' compilation; a selection of The Beatles' number one hits from the UK and USA. The album itself has recently achieved sales of 12 million, since its release in 2000.
The 27 ringtones, which include 1962's 'Love Me Do' and 'The Long and Winding Road' from 1970 cost $1.29 each, which is the same cost as downloading the full song. The ringtones can be downloaded to devices such as mobile phones, iPads and iTouches, according to a report from LA Times today (February 22, 2012). The release of the ringtones marks another significant step in The Beatles back catalogue's foray into the realm of digital media. Their music was withheld for a long time from legal download sites such as iTunes. However, in November 2010, their material was made available for download on iTunes. This marked the end of a long-running feud between The Beatles and Apple Inc. (the owners of iTunes) over the use of the brand name 'Apple,' as the Beatles' own label, founded in 1968, was named Apple Records.
On February 9 this year, Paul McCartney became the final member of The Beatles to receive his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Neil Young introduced the former Beatle at the unveiling ceremony, in which MCCartney paid tribute to his former band mates.