The Next Step for iTunes: Apple's 'Insurance' Plan

[Matt Savoca]

With reports that Apple's Data Center in North Carolina is set to go live around the middle of this year, many have speculated the exact use for the massive site. One likely use is for the evolution of MobileMe, the other may be to extend users' iTunes libraries to the cloud, allowing users access to their music from anywhere.

This is easier said than done. iTunes is a direct-download service that focuses on user's purchasing their content and then owning it. When Apple acquired music streaming service LaLa in late 2009, many thought the next logical step was to allow users to pay for streaming. However, this would require Apple to renegotiate their deals with the many music labels that currently sell their music for download in iTunes. There's been reports that even allowing Apple to have its users upload music to its servers and play back their purchased music would require a re-negotiation.

According to the Financial Times, a "person with knowledge of Apple's plans said that company did not want to undermine the market it dominates." Apparently, Apple has positioned a new service, which may be unveiled at Apple's event March 2nd. From this same source, Apple's plan is not a shake-up of the market it's cornered, but rather an "insurance" plan to make sure iTunes continues to dominate the music download market.

This seems like a win-win for just about everyone (except maybe Spotify). We'll most likely have to wait until next week for more details, but here's hoping we'll be able to access our entire music libraries from the cloud sooner than later.

Source:
AppleInsider
Financial Times

[mmaboi21]

Actually sounds pretty good

[Slingshot377]

Either way, looks like we're gonna get a great new feature!

[piston597]

Hopefully we don't have to pay for it though... but knowing Apple slapping a $99 fee and calling it revolutionary is standard.

[greeneyes5066]

Umm does anyone else think scary scary I like having physical possession of my belongings from photos to ringtones. Once they are no longer tangible then they are not mine. Woohoo for imaginary toys? No I don't think so.

[Rob2G]

I'm waiting for apple to take the Sony route and start banning people from iTunes store and game center and mobile me who jailbreak their idevices.

[StealthBravo]

Well the event will be exciting as usual

[Cowboy]

Yup can't wait

[APVangeliLMS]

They'll call it magical if you throw in another $50.

JK.

[trent_behunin]

Umm does anyone else think scary scary I like having physical possession of my belongings from photos to ringtones. Once they are no longer tangible then they are not mine. Woohoo for imaginary toys? No I don't think so.

So your saying the music you own now is tangible....... as in you can actually touch it?? Seriously dude your music would be the same you would just have the additional option of streaming it over the internet.

[Doran]

I feel for the ones that were not grandfathered into the "Unlimited Data" plan. This new feature could cost them a lot....

[steve-z17]

It's all about the Event, we're going to hear some sweet stuff!

[iLoveWindows&iPhone]

So your saying the music you own now is tangible....... as in you can actually touch it?? Seriously dude your music would be the same you would just have the additional option of streaming it over the internet.

I think what he means by music being tangible is you can do whatever you want with it, wherever, whenever. Obviously when it comes to music, u don't touch it, u listen to it. And yes....if you have a music file (mp3) you can touch it...u can move it from file to file, computer to computer, computer to idevice, etc....making it tangible.

I imagine what apple will do (knowing apple) is you will only be able to have complete control over your music files if they have been purchased through iTunes, and iTunes only. Similar to what Apple has done with ping. What this means is you will only be able to stream the files you have purchased in iTunes. Not the CDs you have payed for and own, and have copied to your computer. I imagine these files will sadly never be accessible through apples "cloud".

[AkkeDaBest]

I imagine what apple will do (knowing apple) is you will only be able to have complete control over your music files if they have been purchased through iTunes, and iTunes only. Similar to what Apple has done with ping. What this means is you will only be able to stream the files you have purchased in iTunes. Not the CDs you have payed for and own, and have copied to your computer. I imagine these files will sadly never be accessible through apples "cloud".

That would be sooooooo typical Apple

[bigboyz]

Maybe the cloud can be used for users that want to utilize it....still keep iTunes but offer the cloud as an alternative paid service??

[Happy Noodle Boy]

I imagine what apple will do (knowing apple) is you will only be able to have complete control over your music files if they have been purchased through iTunes, and iTunes only. Similar to what Apple has done with ping. What this means is you will only be able to stream the files you have purchased in iTunes. Not the CDs you have payed for and own, and have copied to your computer. I imagine these files will sadly never be accessible through apples "cloud".

This is obviously what they'll do. Fully expect everyone to be shocked and outraged about it even though it'd be ridiculous to do anything else.

[Gustavo Saliola]

Hopefully we don't have to pay for it though... but knowing Apple slapping a $99 fee and calling it revolutionary is standard.

Hope so! But i'm afraid that thinking on the Cyberdine Building they tossed, they want some in return...

[eman297]

I'm waiting for apple to take the Sony route and start banning people from iTunes store and game center and mobile me who jailbreak their idevices.

why would you want that, jailbreaking is awesome

[steve-z17]

I think what he means by music being tangible is you can do whatever you want with it, wherever, whenever. Obviously when it comes to music, u don't touch it, u listen to it. And yes....if you have a music file (mp3) you can touch it...u can move it from file to file, computer to computer, computer to idevice, etc....making it tangible.

I imagine what apple will do (knowing apple) is you will only be able to have complete control over your music files if they have been purchased through iTunes, and iTunes only. Similar to what Apple has done with ping. What this means is you will only be able to stream the files you have purchased in iTunes. Not the CDs you have payed for and own, and have copied to your computer. I imagine these files will sadly never be accessible through apples "cloud".

Another way to make money.

[Rob2G]

why would you want that, jailbreaking is awesome

I said Waiting Not Wanting.