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Apple Working on International iCloud Music Rights for October 4th?

CNet reports that Apple is actively trying to lock down worldwide cloud-music rights for a possible October 4th launch.

Sources familiar with the discussions between Apple, record companies, and music publishers, say Apple is seeking international music licenses for its iCloud service. The licenses would be similar to those the company has already obtained for U.S. operations, the sources said.

CNet believes if the negotiations wrap up in time, they could be part of Apple's October 4th media event where the company is expected to launch the next generation iPhone. Deals are reportedly close but "nothing is signed".

Apple's iCloud service offers a number of different backup and syncing services over the air. In particular, they allow users to re-download previously purchased music. And with the addition of iTunes Match, allow users to match and store all their music in the cloud. Amongst the countries that could see iCloud agreements are Germany, France and the UK.

Previous estimates had pegged UK support to be delayed until 2012.

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21 weeks ago

first we get movies in europe, and now we get this? love it!


They need to kill regional license deals with fire! We finally have the iTunes movie store here now (Netherlands), and the purchase of an HD movie in iTunes (720p remember) is $5 more expensive than buying the bluray (1080p) in the store. Why would I buy a digital file if I can have the same (or even better) for less money and not have the fuss of making backups etc. to protect my digital purchase?

I think these media producers need a little bit of education about elasticity.
Rating: 4 Positives / 1 Negatives
21 weeks ago

I just wonder about pricing; the local Apple site used to say that iTunes Match will cost US$24.99/year, and now it doesn't mention pricing at all. I suspect that Apple's going to charge more than the previously-announced price :(


No they won't. I've already been charged because of the beta. I dont think Apple would increase it. That would make some devs angry.
Rating: 3 Positives / 1 Negatives
21 weeks ago
... and Canada?
Rating: 3 Positives / 1 Negatives
21 weeks ago
Do it quickly!
Rating: 3 Positives / 1 Negatives
21 weeks ago
first we get movies in europe, and now we get this? love it!
Rating: 3 Positives / 1 Negatives
21 weeks ago
I hope they do get it sorted - as it stands at the moment, iCloud outside the USA is very much a second class citizen!
Rating: 1 Positives / 0 Negatives
21 weeks ago

They need to kill regional license deals with fire! We finally have the iTunes movie store here now (Netherlands), and the purchase of an HD movie in iTunes (720p remember) is $5 more expensive than buying the bluray (1080p) in the store. Why would I buy a digital file if I can have the same (or even better) for less money and not have the fuss of making backups etc. to protect my digital purchase?

I think these media producers need a little bit of education about elasticity.


I agree on the quality part, id rather also have 1080p. As for cost, I dunno. Sure, Id like it to be cheaper, but id gladly pay more for this than a bluray (providing apple lets me redownload if I loose the file for some reason). It saves me the hassle of going to the store, saves me gas money, saves the enviroment. There are plenty of reasons for going all digital over having a plastic box with a disc in it collecting dust in the bookshelf.
Rating: 3 Positives / 2 Negatives
21 weeks ago

... and Canada?


Good luck getting approval from the CRTC! Lol.
Rating: 2 Positives / 1 Negatives
21 weeks ago

You're in the US though, right?



That's the US site too. There's no longer a price listed on the local site.

Edit: Hmm, there's a price at the bottom of the page, but not up in the text where it used to be. There's also a footnote stating "Pricing based on services provided in the US" but I'm not sure whether it's always said that or not.


Are you talking about iTunes Match Nermal ? If you are it's only available in the U.S. right now so there wouldn't be a price in a different country.

I noticed it said coming this spring. When is spring in NZ ?
Rating: 2 Positives / 1 Negatives
21 weeks ago

I just wonder about pricing; the local Apple site used to say that iTunes Match will cost US$24.99/year, and now it doesn't mention pricing at all. I suspect that Apple's going to charge more than the previously-announced price :(


Still US$24.99/year

http://www.apple.com/icloud/features/
Rating: 2 Positives / 1 Negatives

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