iTunes Match 'streaming' reportedly removed from iOS 5 beta 7
When the beta of iTunes Match launched to developers, a semantic debate ensued over whether certain behaviors within the service counted as music "streaming" to devices or not. The question has been rendered largely moot as of iOS 5 beta 7 according to Appleinsider and several other sources. Apple has altered iTunes Match and caused the service to automatically download songs onto users' devices when playback is initiated over iCloud.
Music files downloaded to a user's device can of course be manually deleted later, but anyone who was hoping to use iTunes Match as a true streaming music service will undoubtedly be disappointed by the change.
When launched to the public, iTunes Match will cost US$24.99 per year. The service is expected to launch this fall.
