Apple may fully convert iTunes from a software-based application to a cloud service in 2010, thus stalling rivals and solving the problem of pesky license tug-of-war fights with music publishers, an online music veteran suggested Tuesday.
Citing “a wide variety of insider sources,” Michael Robertson, founder of MP3.com and CEO of MP3tunes, said Apple this year will leverage its recent purchase of music streaming service Lala to convert iTunes to a fully cloud-based operation. “The Lala upload technology will be bundled into a future iTunes upgrade which will automatically be installed for the 100+ million iTunes users with a simple ‘An upgrade is available…’ notification box,” wrote Robertson on TechCrunch.
Rather than building the technology in-house, the Lala acquisition permits Apple to quickly transition from a software business to a cloud service, the online music expert reasons. However, although the service will be cloud-based, iTunes consumers will still be able to buy music and videos as they are now. Once purchased, though, the material will be automatically uploaded to the mobile iTunes where it can be accessed from anywhere and from any device.
The new approach will “sidestep new licenses from the major labels,” which Robertson said are wary of Apple. Because the music is owned by the users, Apple won’t need to negotiate new license deals with record publishers.
Already, signs are evident that Apple is moving in Robertson’s direction. Earlier this month, we reported Apple had begun offering 30-second sound clips on its browser-based iTunes Preview site. That site, quietly introduced in November of 2009, allowed people to browse song titles without requiring they install the iTunes software.
[Via TechCrunch]
