Apple readies "iRadio" for June unveiling
Apple is closing licensing deals with major music labels ahead of the rumored launch of its free "iRadio" service at a developers' conference next week, according to multiple media sources.
CNET's Paul Sloan is reporting that Apple has signed an agreement with Warner Music Group and its publishing arm, Warner Chappell. This deal brings the world's third largest music label to iRadio, which would provide unlimited streaming music to its users. Apple reached a deal with Universal Music last month, leaving Sony as the only holdout, Sloan suggests. Universal is the largest label and Sony is second.
iRadio could be announced as soon as June 10th at Apple's World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC). Apple has used the WWDC spotlight to unveil numerous Apple products including updates to Mac hardware and its iCloud Web services. WWDC is geared toward software developers who may want to integrate apps with iRadio.
The iRadio service would provide for new advertising opportunities and encourage more purchases within the iTunes marketplace. It would give Apple customers another value-add to bolster brand loyalty and compete with streaming music services such as Pandora and Spotify. Google recently announced its own service.
Apple is also expected to announce a milestone update to its iOS operating system that introduces new capabilities alongside the first major UI overhaul since its launch. However, prognosticators are often wrong about Apple's announcements.
(image credit: CNET)
This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com