iCloud online music streaming announcement imminent?

The much rumoured iCloud online music streaming service may soon be announced, if recent buzz online is anything to go by. Rumours are that Apple is close to completing all the required deals with the big four record labels (EMI, Sony, Warner and Universal Music). Universal has been the one that has been holding out, it seems, but rumours are that they are close to signing an agreement with Apple to license its portfolio for the iCloud service.

As well as the record labels of course, Apple has had to negotiate with the music publishers, of which there are many more than there are major record labels. One issue has been that the music publishers are to get more than their fair share of the royalties, at least according to the record labels. It seems Apple has been playing the two off against each other in order to get the best deal it can. As far as the customer is concerned, all this can only be good news as it will mean cheaper subscriptions. Lets hope that everyone comes to a mutually satisfying arrangement soon. Better still, lets hope its all a done deal in time for the WWDC on 6th June.

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• Apple Also Negotiating with Music Publishers for Cloud Service (macstories.net)
• Apple, publishers reportedly close to completing cloud music deal (tuaw.com)
• Apple inching closer to inking licensing deals for clould-based music (edibleapple.com)
• Sony joins Apple cloud-music scheme; Universal accord imminent? (slashgear.com)
• Gap closing quick on Apple cloud music deal, say sources (ipodnn.com)
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• iTunes cloud locker all but ready as Apple signs a deal with EMI (9to5mac.com)
• Apple, EMI ink deal for ‘iCloud’ streaming service (intomobile.com)
• Apple iTunes iCloud Music Service Might Not Launch At WWDC? (slashgear.com)
• Little divides Apple, music publishers on cloud deal (news.cnet.com)
• Apple Inks Deal with EMI, Cloud Music Almost Finalized (macstories.net)
• Apple gets cozy with EMI, Universal, and Sony over cloud music licensing (engadget.com)
• Sony joins EMI and Warner in Apple cloud music service (tuaw.com)
• “Apple Signs Sony, EMI, and Warner For Cloud Music Service” and related posts (pulse2.com)
• “Apple signs up EMI for iCloud music service” and related posts (pocket-lint.com)
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Logic Pro 9 update released

Apple has announced an update to its Logic Pro 9 music production software.

The latest update improves overall stability and addresses a number of minor issues, including the following:

• Support for opening projects imported from GarageBand for iPad.

The update is recommended for all users of Logic Pro 9.
Issues addressed with 9.1.3 include:

•  Resolves problems related to the support of Hyper-Threading

Issues addressed with 9.1.2 include:

• Improved compatibility with 6 and 12-core Mac Pro systems
• Support for iOS control surface apps that utilize the OSC protocol
• REX files now supported in 64-bit mode
• Improved compatibility with select Audio Unit plug-ins

The update is recommended for all users of Logic Pro 9.
For detailed information on this update, please visit this website: Logic Pro Release Notes

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• Apple updates Logic Express, Logic Pro to 9.1.4 (macworld.com)
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Logic Express 9.1.4 update

Apple has released an update to Logic Express 9, its music production software. The update addresses a number of issues:

• Support for opening projects imported from GarageBand for iPad.

The update is recommended for all users of Logic Express 9.

Issues addressed with 9.1.3 include:

• Improved compatibility with Hyper-Threading.

Issues addressed with 9.1.2 include:

• Improved compatibility with 6 and 12-core Mac Pro systems
• Support for iOS control surface apps that utilize the OSC protocol
• REX files now supported in 64-bit mode
• Improved compatibility with select Audio Unit plug-ins

The update is recommended for all users of Logic Express 9.

 For detailed information on this update, please visit this website: Logic Express Release Notes

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• Logic Pro, Express can now import GarageBand for iPad projects (9to5mac.com)
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• Software Update: Apple Logic Pro, Logic Express (tuaw.com)
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Magical Mystery Tour finally over!

Cover via Amazon

It seems forever that we have been waiting for the Beatles to come to iTunes and at long last they are finally here! Today, all 13 Beatles Studio albums and also a special digital box set are now available for the first time.

Commenting on the news, the two living Beatles said:

“We’re really excited to bring the Beatles’ music to iTunes,” said Sir Paul McCartney. “It’s fantastic to see the songs we originally released on vinyl receive as much love in the digital world as they did the first time around.”

“I am particularly glad to no longer be asked when the Beatles are coming to iTunes,” said Ringo Starr. “At last, if you want it—you can get it now—The Beatles from Liverpool to now! Peace and Love, Ringo.”

Getting in on the act as well:

“In the joyful spirit of Give Peace A Chance, I think it is so appropriate that we are doing this on John’s 70th birthday year,” said Yoko Ono Lennon.

“The Beatles on iTunes—Bravo!” said Olivia Harrison.

Each of the Beatles’ 13 legendary remastered studio albums, including “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” “Revolver,” “The Beatles [The White Album]” and “Abbey Road” include iTunes LPs, which create an immersive album experience with a beautiful design and expanded visual features including a unique mini-documentary about the creation of each album. The two-volume “Past Masters” compilation and the classic “Red” and “Blue” collections are also available.

Single albums are available for purchase and download for $12.99 each, double albums for $19.99 each and individual songs for $1.29 each. (UK prices are: £10.99 single albums and £17.99 double albums)

The special digital “Beatles Box Set” ($149 – £125.00) contains the 13 remastered studio albums with iTunes LPs and all mini-documentaries, “Past Masters,” and the “Live at the Washington Coliseum, 1964” concert film, a worldwide iTunes exclusive which captures the Beatles’ very first US concert in its entirety. In addition, Beatles fans can stream and view the “Live at the Washington Coliseum, 1964” concert film from iTunes for free for the remainder of this calendar year.

So, has it been worth the wait? I guess many fans already have the complete set on CD and have added them to their iTunes library already. No doubt though they will still sell like hot cakes.

Related articles

• It’s Official: The Beatles arrive on iTunes (updated) (zdnet.com)
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• The Beatles Now on iTunes (eon.businesswire.com)
• It’s really for real: 13 remastered Beatles studio albums arrive on iTunes (techvibes.com)
• Beatles Catalog Now Available In iTunes Store (techie-buzz.com)
• The Beatles on iTunes: Hands-On With the Full Collection [PICS] (mashable.com)
• Beatles music at last comes to iTunes (cnn.com)
• Apple says iTunes will sell music from Beatles (boston.com)
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• Beatles Music Now Available on iTunes! (justjared.buzznet.com)
• Paul, Yoko and Ringo Talk About Beatles On iTunes (cultofmac.com)
• News: The Beatles catalog now available on iTunes (ilounge.com)
• Apple Announcement: ‘The Beatles. Now On iTunes’ (mtv.com)
• The Beatles Are Now On iTunes [ITunes] (gizmodo.com)
• Beatles’ iTunes Debut: 11 Reactions To Apple’s Announcement (huffingtonpost.com)