Apple gets cozy with EMI, Universal, and Sony over cloud music licensing (updated)

Richard Lai
R. Lai|05.19.11
@richardlai

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In this article: Apple, cloud, cloud music, cloud service, CloudMusic, CloudService, deal, EMI, EMI Music, EmiMusic, iCloud, iTunes, license, music, music streaming, MusicStreaming, record label, RecordLabel, rumor, sony, Sony Music, SonyMusic, streaming, streaming music, StreamingMusic, UMG, Universal, Universal Music, UniversalMusic, warner
Ah, so it's all coming together now. Following a report on Warner Music inking a cloud streaming deal with Apple, CNET is back with fresh information that sees three more major record companies jumping on board. Citing "multiple music industry sources," we're told that EMI is the latest addition to Apple's cloud music portfolio, while Universal and Sony are close to sealing the deal to permit this rumored iCloud service. If true, such endorsement will no doubt add pressure on Google and Amazon over their cheeky, license-free cloud streaming offerings -- not a bad way to fend off competition, though it's not clear how much money's involved. Guess we'll know more at WWDC next month.

Update: Bloomberg is citing multiple source who claim that Sony has inked a deal with Apple leaving only Universal to play coy. Two sources claim that Apple's cloud music service won't require users to upload their music.
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