Apple’s iTunes Match service was launched in the US yesterday, and we still don’t have any official confirmation from Apple on when the service will launch in the UK, Europe, and other countries around the world.
When Apple discussed the iTunes Match service at the iPhone 4S event last month, they said it would launch in the US by the end of October. The service was officially launched yesterday, the 14th of November.
Apple has previously said that they are working to bring iTunes Match to other countries. We presume they are agreeing deals with the record companies in Europe, the UK, and other countries around the world.
What is iTunes Match?
iTunes Match is a service that allows users to store their entire music library in iCloud, including songs that were not purchased from iTunes. For an annual fee, users can access their music from any Apple device, ensuring that their entire music collection is available wherever they go. The service scans your music library and matches your tracks with those available in the iTunes Store. If a match is found, the song is automatically added to your iCloud library, allowing you to download or stream it in high quality. If no match is found, the service uploads the song to iCloud from your device.
Challenges and Expectations for Global Launch
According to various sources, we may have to wait until next year to see iTunes Match launch in the UK and Europe. Considering the recent delay for the US launch, we suspect it will be 2012 before iTunes Match launches outside the US. The delay is likely due to the complex negotiations required with international record companies and music rights holders. Each country has its own set of regulations and agreements that need to be navigated, which can be a time-consuming process.
For example, in the UK, the music industry operates under different licensing agreements compared to the US. This means Apple has to negotiate new deals to ensure that iTunes Match complies with local laws and regulations. Similar challenges are faced in other European countries, where the music industry landscape can vary significantly from one nation to another.
Despite these challenges, the anticipation for iTunes Match is high. Many users outside the US are eager to take advantage of the service’s convenience and the ability to access their music libraries from any Apple device. The service also offers a solution for those who have a mix of purchased and non-purchased music, providing a unified platform for all their audio content.
Moreover, the launch of iTunes Match in the US has been met with positive feedback, which bodes well for its international rollout. Users have praised the service for its ease of use and the high-quality audio provided for matched songs. This positive reception is likely to increase demand for the service in other countries, putting additional pressure on Apple to expedite its global launch.
In conclusion, while the wait for iTunes Match to launch outside the US may be longer than initially expected, the service’s potential benefits make it worth the anticipation. Apple is likely working diligently to overcome the regulatory and licensing hurdles, and we can expect the service to be available in more countries in the near future.
Source Mactrast, Cult of Mac
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