/article/2011/05/11/114207-itunes_player_10_screenshot_500.jpg?lossy)
With Amazon and now Google having rolled out cloud-based music hosting services without the consent of music labels, CNET reports that the labels are reportedly now looking for Apple to become the driving force to bring those companies back to the negotiating table for broader licensing deals.
Since neither company was either able or willing to obtain licenses from the four major labels, neither of them could deliver the same range of options that Apple will be able to offer with its upcoming cloud service, according to multiple music industry sources.
Exactly what those options are, the sources wouldn't say. Nonetheless, the hope in the music industry is that Apple's music service will make the competing offerings look shabby by comparison and force Amazon and Google to pay the licensing rates the labels are asking.
The major labels are reportedly hoping that Apple plans to unveil its licensed version of cloud-based music hosting at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) set for early next month, moving quickly to market with what many hope will be a superior offering before Amazon and Google's services can become entrenched.
Top Rated Comments
Get out of your iOS box and realize is even worse for music fans in the long run. Amazon/Google/<insert cloud service company here> should NOT have to pay licensing fees to labels to store user owned music. The music labels need to adapt and not hold on to old paradigms. Can't wait for the day when they (music labels) are completely irrelevant.
I'm interested in the deal (terms and conditions) Apple signs with the labels, however.
And 1 year later, they'll be giving Google and Amazon sweeter deals because Apple is too powerful.
Agreed.
Good thing Amazon crunched those bastards.
If Apple licenses, then good. But they must be working on something else rather than giving ******** of storage to copy music and stream.
Apple had already done this long before Google and Amazon entered, through MobileMe playback.
I think, Apple is going to think different and act differently. ;)
It seems like just yesterday that the labels looked to Amazon as the savior to break Apple's dominance.
Now they are RELYING on Apple's dominance to break Amazon!
I bet this makes Apple twitch with happiness.
Thats what I got out of it too.