SOFTWARE INDUSTRY NEWS

Apple reportedly set to acquire streaming music service Lala
07 December 2009 , Written by Dhruv Tanwar
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Apple is reportedly set to acquire streaming music service Lala as a move that will help it explore further options for its music sales business via iTunes. The software, which links to Apple's online music store, is said to account for around 70 per cent of all digital music sales in the US as users of the iconic iPod routinely buy and download music from Apple's online music store. Launched in 2003, iTunes typically charges $1 per song download. 

Though the terms of the deal were not disclosed, some reports suggested that Apple had confirmed the acquisition over the weekend. There was no official confirmation or statement from Apple on its website while reports quoted Apple spokesman Steve Dowling as saying that his company “buys smaller technology companies from time to time” and that it did not comment on its “purpose or plans."

Reports speculated that the acquisition was a move towards iTunes being able to offer its own streaming music service to iPods and iPhones, even though this may require connectivity to wireless networks to go online, which may or may not be available to the user most of the time. 

On its website, LaLa reports a collection of 7 million songs online, and allows one free stream before offering an option to either buy and download an MP3 file of the song or stream its collection online for 10 cents per track. Lala has agreements with major labels in the music industry including EMI Music, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group that allow it to stream and retail music.
 

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