According to the British newspaper The Guardian Apple is preparing to launch a new HD audio format that adapts depending on the user's Internet connection and the space available in his terminal. The audio format is designed to improve the quality of songs already available in iTunes and of course it will help to improve the iTunes Match service currently only available in the US. Basically, iTunes will check the type of your connection and the available space in the iDevice and will decide whether to send you a high definition version of your song or choose another suitable for your connection. A UK record company has already prepared some songs using Apple's new format and it is rumored that at the presentation of the iPad 3 Apple will demonstrate it to the whole world.
Apple is working on a new audio file format that will offer "adaptive streaming" to provide high- or low-quality files to users of its iCloud service. The new format could mean that users can get "high-definition" audio by downloading to an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. It is believed that Apple will use the new file type to upgrade its iTunes Match service, which allows users to re-download music from iCloud to their Apple devices. All of a sudden, all your audio from iTunes is in HD rather than AAC. Users wouldn't have to touch a thing – their library will improve in an instant," said the source, who requested to remain anonymous. Potentially, it will allow an iPhone user to access smaller file types to avoid using significant mobile internet bandwidth, but allow those with a fast connection to download or stream studio quality music. It is unclear whether the files will convert to the smaller types such as AAC in real time, or if Apple will convert the master file to several different types upon submission to iTunes. Asked for comment, Apple said it "does not comment on rumor and speculation
This new audio format will allow Apple to modify users' entire iTunes libraries and offer them high-definition audio content instead of the AAC format songs currently available. The technology that Apple is preparing to launch will partly change the music industry because it will give users the opportunity to listen to music in any format on their iDevices if they have a good internet connection. Even without a good internet connection, those who have jailbreak will be able to listen to any kind of songs in HD format with the help of some tweaks.
It was rumored at the beginning of the year that Steve Jobs would have been interested in developing such an audio format, and here the rumors prove to be real again.
