We have already heard some information about how Apple’s new music streaming service will work, which is expected to be called iCloud, and we already know that Apple is close to signing their fourth major deal with a music label.
Now more details have emerged on how Apple’s iCloud music streaming service will work. According to a recent report from Business Week, iCloud will quickly scan a user’s iTunes library and then mirror those songs in iCloud.
Enhanced Music Quality
What is also interesting is that according to the report, if the track in your iTunes library isn’t encoded in an acceptable quality, Apple will apparently replace the lower quality one with a higher quality one. This feature could be a significant advantage for users who have older or lower-quality music files, as it ensures that their entire music library is upgraded to a higher standard without any additional effort on their part.
This move by Apple could set iCloud apart from other music streaming services by not only offering cloud storage but also enhancing the quality of the music stored. For example, if you have a song encoded at 128 kbps, iCloud could replace it with a 256 kbps version, providing a better listening experience.
Pricing and Integration
There are no details on how much Apple intends to charge for its iCloud service, although there is speculation that iCloud will be built into Apple’s MobileMe service, which we are expecting to be revamped and a new version announced at WWDC. MobileMe, which currently offers services like email, calendar, and file storage, could see a significant overhaul to include iCloud, making it a more comprehensive service for Apple users.
There is also speculation that Apple could offer a monthly subscription for iCloud, similar to Spotify, so we could see them charging something like $9.99 a month for unlimited access. This pricing model would make iCloud competitive with other music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, which already have a strong user base.
Additionally, integrating iCloud with existing Apple services could provide a seamless experience for users. For instance, iCloud could be integrated with Siri, allowing users to request songs, albums, or playlists through voice commands. It could also sync across all Apple devices, ensuring that your music library is accessible whether you’re on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Moreover, the potential for family plans could make iCloud even more appealing. Similar to Apple Music’s family plan, iCloud could offer a subscription model that allows multiple family members to share the service, making it a cost-effective option for households.
Source TUAW
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