Apple released iTunes 11 last week, and it’s a step in the right direction. Its interface is cleaner and easier to use than previous versions, but what Apple fans have really been wanting for the past couple years is an unlimited music streaming service akin to Rdio, Spotify, or Pandora.
Rumors surfaced earlier this year that Apple is working on a Pandora-like radio service backed by iTunes’ huge music catalog. Some hoped Apple would introduce the service before the end of the year, but a new report claims that the new streaming service is nowhere near to being complete.
CNET reported this morning that music industry sources have told them that the deal Apple has offered for iRadio has left the major record labels cold.
At a minimum, a deal with all the majors is nowhere near to being completed. Even if Apple sweetens its offer or the big labels change their mind tomorrow, these deals take a while to put to bed. Even in the best case scenario, it will still be a while before we see iRadio.
Eddie Cue is the Apple executive behind the negotiations, but has faced huge roadblocks in his negotiations with Sony/ATV, and things aren’t going so well with the other labels, either. Cue has become Apple’s main negotiator as he has overseen the growth of the iTunes Store, App Store, and iBookstore. He’s recently been tasked with fixing Siri and Maps along with running the iTunes division.
Source: CNET
