Powershifts in Music and Mobile

This is interesting.
While Apple continues its upward trajectory with iPhone sales and profits, it seems AT&T needs 17 months to break even on the iPhone. Once the iPhone (and Palm Pre, and Android phones) break free from its carrier exclusively, the powershift from carrier to phone manufacturer will be even more apparent.
We’re seeing a similar change happening in the music world. PBS MediaShift is reporting Record Labels Are Losing Power to Fans, Artists.
I say these are shifts for the better.