Apple event may bring basic iTunes web store, not streaming
updated 08:00 am EDT, Thu August 26, 2010
Apple seen focusing on iTunes web, no new deals
Apple's cloud-based efforts at its music event next week may involve a more social component rather than any streaming service, tipsters said Thursday. Music industry contacts told AllThingsD that they expect a "lightweight" version of the iTunes Store on the web that would make it easier to share preferences over social networks, though it wouldn't include direct sharing. How much functionality would exist isn't known, but it would be an improvement on Apple's current web presence, which is limited to viewing individual album pages.
Label heads have also speculated, but haven't confirmed, that Apple may have wireless syncing that would push content between an Apple handheld and a computer, possibly in both directions. Such an approach wouldn't be as advanced as what Google plans to offer, where a purchase on the web would start the download on an Android phone, but it would trump Microsoft's Zune and Windows Phone 7 plans and wouldn't need a separate license.
The sources added that Apple hasn't even asked for an iTunes license for a streaming service and that it may not play any significant role next Wednesday. Apple could theoretically launch a "locker" service that holds an existing collection under the argument that it isn't necessary to get separate licenses for content users already own. While video is still copy protected, all iTunes music is protection-free and doesn't have any device licensing attached.
Apple may not be eager to challenge labels, however, at a time when Amazon has significant share and labels may turn to Google Music as retaliation if iTunes frustrates them.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Wrong!
Label heads have also speculated, but haven't confirmed, that Apple may have wireless syncing that would push content between an Apple handheld and a computer, possibly in both directions. ... and wouldn't need a separate license.
It sounds like someone' s mixing metaphors here. People want wireless syncing. No need to plug in, just connect to the network and sync. It ain't hard.
However, the talk of a license seems to think that they aren't talking syncing, but streaming (for why in the world would one need multiple licenses to 'sync'). People also want streaming from their libraries. Real streaming, like "I'm not at home let me connect through the internet to get to my music". Like AirVideo, but for music.
But I don't see it happening if Apple is really working on a on-line music service. Being able to stream from your own computer would limit the need for people to use Apple's service. So, best option: Don't ever bring the ability, then there's no competition.
While video is still copy protected, all iTunes music is protection-free and doesn't have any device licensing attached.
Sorry, but all itunes music is NOT protection free. All currently sold music is protection free. But there are hundreds of millions of existing songs out there that are still in DRM mode that are still restricted to Apple's devices and iTunes.