Cnet published today an interesting report about the new audio streaming service that Apple intends to launch in the near future. The famous American publication claims that Apple could charge this service with an annual amount much lower than the one required now for the MobileMe service. Apple recently concluded some agreements with certain record companies in the US, probably with the idea of launching a streaming service for its users.
Don't expect Apple's cloud-music service to come free of charge, at least not forever.
Apple plans to eventually charge for its cloud music service, sources told CNET. Users would be able to store their digital media on the company's servers.
Music industry insiders told me that Apple has indicated it could offer the service free of charge initially but that the company will eventually require a fee. Google is also expected to charge for a similar service.
Many were looking forward to a free streaming service with a lot of space included, but Apple has to cover its expenses with the maintenance of the data centers and also with regard to the money paid for the record companies. It is assumed that Apple will ask around $20 annually for the possibility to use this service and of course there will be many customers willing to pay this amount. For Apple, such a service would complete the current line of iDevices, especially since we are talking about a service that will be integrated into iOS and will allow a very easy upload of songs on the web and an equally easy playback of them directly from Apple servers.
