iTunes streaming some way off as major labels yet to agree to Apple’s plans

Ever since iCloud was just a rumor in the blogosphere, people have been muttering about some sort of iTunes streaming/subscription service. It’s fair to say I was a little disappointed when all we got was the iTunes Match system which gave us the option to pay for the privilege of accessing our music without having it on our own hardware. (Totally not renewing my subscription by the way.) That said, iTunes streaming rumors have not gone away, and there is fresh speculation on where developments are heading.

CNET reports that Apple’s talks with major record labels are showing little signs of progress:

The rumors continue to swirl but multiple music industry sources have told CNET in recent weeks, the deal that Apple has put on the table for iRadio is not being warmly received the major record companies: Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group and Universal Music Group.

They say at minimum, a deal with all the majors is nowhere near to being completed.”

The same, long process took place before iTunes launched too, and eventually the companies buckled knowing that selling its content through Apple’s ecosystem was the only to secure some revenue. The same isn’t true of the streaming industry, so it’ll be interesting to see who’s resolve breaks first.


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