Apple very near acquisition of Lala?
updated 04:35 pm EST, Fri December 4, 2009
Apple Lala rumor hints at iTunes streaming
Apple may be on the verge of buying out streaming music site Lala, a leak indicated on Friday. The iTunes operator is understood to be in "very advanced" negotiations and may have even already agreed to all terms with only a formal signing needed to complete the deal. None of the companies involved have commented on the CNET rumor.
If put into practice, a takeover of Lala would give Apple the opportunity to launch a web-based streaming service for iTunes, either for samples or for full tracks. Apple has already made a partial dip into the web through iTunes 9, as the redesigned iTunes Store interface uses primarily web-based code rather than the proprietary techniques of iTunes 8 and earlier. The Cupertino firm already has a web preview feature that lets users see the title and track order, but not play songs, before they launch an iTunes link.
Its timing also puts Apple in the middle of a conflict between various web streaming outlets. MySpace recently bought iLike and iMeem, while iLike and Lala together form the backbone of Google's playable music search that provides streaming previews of tracks and on-the-spot purchases.
Lala currently operates as a traditional MP3 music store on top of its primarily ad-supported streaming and commonly sells individual tracks for 89 cents each.
Social networking too
12/04, 05:13pm reply
And not just streaming music, but Apple could be interested in Lala for their social-networking features as well.
c4rlob
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2009
Subscription Service
12/04, 05:47pm reply
If this is true, and it's a service with many of the same features as Rhapsody/Napster, then I am dying to see how many people comment that it's the best thing Apple has done - particularly those who said NO ONE wants a subscription music service (note: I do. I use Rhapsody on my iPhone, and haven't bought any music from iTunes in probably...two years? So far, very little issues).
JTh
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2007
Lala is NOT a subscription service
12/04, 10:18pm reply
I don't know who thinks Lala is a subscription service, but it is definitely not.
It works like this: You can listen to any song in their catalog for free once. (Their catalog is huge, at least as big as iTunes.) Then you can either buy MP3s (no DRM) for around 89 cents apiece, or buy a "web version" of the song for substantially less, which allows you to listen to the song via your browser as many times as you want.
There is no recurring subscription fee. It's a lot like iTunes, except for the addition of the free listens and the web versions. Apple is most likely interested in buying Lala because it has serious potential to put iTunes out of business.
leamanc
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 2003
Re: lala
12/05, 12:24pm reply
Apple is most likely interested in buying Lala because it has serious potential to put iTunes out of business.
Right. That's why lala sold out in a heartbeat,
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Apple/social-networking?
12/05, 01:46pm reply
"Apple could be interested in Lala for their social-networking features" hmm, Apple isn't known for its socialness, more like for being secretive & controlling. Good luck.
timjones17
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Joined: Nov 2009