The cloud-based music race has been accelerating in the last few months, with Amazon releasing its Cloud Player and Google coming out with Google Music. Neither service launched with the support of the major music labels — although Google reportedly tried to woo them — so both products came out of the oven a bit half-baked. They’re basically lockers that require users to upload their music collections in order to access them across devices.
Consequently, many have been looking toward Apple to come out with a slicker, more robust offering that would allow users to listen to music anywhere and everywhere with ease.
We have yet to get any str aight news from Apple on such a product, but we have rumors aplenty. Check up our roundup below and give us your thoughts on what you think will be revealed come June 6.
Who Is On Board?
Apple has reportedly signed deals with all four major labels: Universal Music Group, Sony/ATV, Warner Music Group, EMI and their publishing units, according to the New York Post.
What Do They Get?
Apple will be paying the labels between $100 million and $150 million in advance, the Post says. Each label will receive between $25 million to $50 million each.
In terms of revenue, sources like CNET are saying that publishers will garner 12% of the revenue, major labels will get 58% and Apple will keep 30%. Universal and Sony Music Entertainment were supposedly asking for 60% of the revenue, but came to a compromise so that publishers could be paid.
Apple has not yet signed any deals with indie publishers a nd labels, but apparently...
