Cupertino, Calif. – Apple (NASD: AAPL) has "completed work" on its online music
locker service and will launch ahead of Google’s (NASD: GOOG) anticipated similar offering,
Reuters reported, citing people familiar with both companies’ plans. Apple’s
service will reportedly allow users to store songs on an iTunes remote server,
and access them from any Internet-connected device. CNET reports that Apple has
reached an agreement with major label Warner Music Group for the cloud-based
service.
All Things D reported last week that Apple had signed two of the four
major labels, and that the company’s vice president of Internet services, Eddy
Cue, was in New York looking to sign deals with the remaining two labels.
While
Apple appears to be focusing initially on a basic locker service, Reuters cited
two sources who said Google in recent weeks has explored licensing deals for a
more complex music subscription service.
Amazon (NASD: AMZN) recently launched its own Cloud
Drive online music storage service.
The company believes it did not need
additional licenses from the record labels to offer its base service, but is
now reportedly in talks with labels about potential new features that would
require licenses.
Related Links:
http://tinyurl.com/4yhvfpd
(Reuters)
http://news.cnet.com/8301-31001_3-20056528-261.html
http://tinyurl.com/6zgwqeq
(All Things D)
