We already know that Apple has signed deals with three of the four major records labels, and we heard recently that Apple was in discussion with Universal Music to sign the final deal they would need to launch their iCloud music streaming service.
Apple had already signed deals with EMI, Warner Music, and Sony Music, and Universal Music were the final company that Apple needed in order to offer more services with iCloud than the unlicensed offerings from both Google and Amazon.
According to a recent report by Cnet Apple has now signed a deal with Universal Music, and the only thing it has left to do is sign deals with the individual music publishers. It looks like Apple has also signed a number of deals with a range of large music publishers.
Implications for the Music Industry
The signing of these deals is a significant milestone for Apple and the music industry as a whole. By securing agreements with all four major record labels, Apple is positioning itself to offer a comprehensive and legal music streaming service. This move could potentially disrupt the current market, which is dominated by services like Spotify and Pandora. Unlike these services, Apple’s iCloud will allow users to store their entire music library in the cloud, making it accessible from any device with an internet connection. This could be a game-changer for music enthusiasts who have extensive collections of music.
Moreover, the deals with individual music publishers are crucial because they ensure that songwriters and composers are fairly compensated for their work. This is a significant step towards creating a more sustainable and equitable music industry. By involving music publishers, Apple is not only securing the rights to stream songs but also ensuring that the creators behind the music are rewarded.
What to Expect from iCloud
So we can expect to hear about Apple’s music streaming service when iCloud is announced in the Keynote speech at next week’s WWDC, which will be delivered by Apple CEO Steve Jobs. The iCloud service is expected to offer a range of features that will set it apart from existing services. For instance, it is rumored that iCloud will include a feature that scans a user’s music library and matches it with tracks available in the iTunes Store. This means that users won’t have to upload their entire music library, saving time and bandwidth.
Additionally, iCloud is expected to integrate seamlessly with other Apple services and devices. This could include features like automatic backups, synchronization of playlists across devices, and even the ability to share music with friends and family. The integration with Apple’s ecosystem could make iCloud the go-to service for Apple users, further solidifying Apple’s dominance in the tech industry.
Another interesting aspect to consider is how iCloud will handle music discovery. With Apple’s extensive data on user preferences and listening habits, iCloud could offer personalized recommendations and curated playlists, enhancing the user experience. This could make discovering new music easier and more enjoyable for users.
In conclusion, Apple’s signing of deals with all four major record labels and various music publishers marks a significant step towards the launch of its iCloud music streaming service. This service promises to offer a range of features that could revolutionize the way we listen to music. With the announcement expected at next week’s WWDC, music enthusiasts and tech aficionados alike are eagerly awaiting more details.
Source TechMeme
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