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One more thing ... iTunes Match

WWDC 2011 keynote is over ... and there was the traditional 'one more thing' at the end. iTunes Match.
Written by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, Contributing Writer

WWDC 2011 keynote is over ... and there was the traditional 'one more thing' at the end. iTunes Match.

What is iTunes Match. Well, in exchange for $24.99 a year Apple will let you take your existing collection of ripped CDs along with other music you're acquired (legally, I'm sure) and out it on the iCloud. iTunes will basically scan your library and use a matching algorithm to ID the song and give you the right DRM-free 256kbps AAC file. The idea is that this saves you from having to upload your entire collection to the cloud (which could take a loooooong time). This means that the process takes 'minutes' rather than 'weeks.'

Note: If a song can't be matched then it will be uploaded.

There are limits ... a 25,000 file limit.

Now, the devil's in the detail here. Is Apple allowing people the chance to convert their *cough ... cough* dubiously-acquired music into legit versions for a small yearly flat-fee? Seriously? Has Apple worked out a way for people to 'buy' themselves an amnesty?If this is the case then then I know certain people who will never buy music again.

Another question - Is Apple trading off (or maybe even profiting from) music piracy?

It wouldn't be the first time ...

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