Bypassing iTunes and all other digital outlets entirely, the Beatles' company Apple Corps. has announced that the group's full catalogue will be available in North America starting on December 8th through a limited edition of 30,000 stereo USB "apples." On the official website thebeatles.com, it was announced: "The exquisitely crafted, apple-shaped USB drive is loaded with the critically acclaimed re-mastered audio for the Beatles' 14 stereo titles, as well as all of the re-mastered CDs' visual elements, including 13 mini-documentary films about the studio albums, replicated original UK album art, rare photos and expanded liner notes. A specially designed Flash interface has been installed, and the 16GB USB's audio and visual contents will be provided in FLAC 44.1 Khz 24 bit and MP3 320 Kbps formats, fully compatible with PC and Mac."

"The Beatles Limited Edition USB Stick" featuring their entire catalogue is available for pre-order at thebeatles.com for $279.00.

Paul McCartney recently defended the group's delay in getting the group's material out on the Internet: "Well, you know you've got to get these things right. You don't want to do something as cool as that, and then in three years time think. 'Oh God, why did we do that?'