If Google is making headway into cloud computing, how can Apple be far behind? According to some reports floating around on the interwebs, Apple is planning to launch a new version of iTunes which will let you stream and sync your media.
The new service will facilitate the streaming of audio and video not only from Apple's servers, but also from your own computer. It will also allow wireless syncing of iTunes among different devices. However, in typical Apple fashion, the compatibility of the new service has been restricted to Apple only products. So Android users will be left out cold. No apologies from Apple, of course. And even among Apple devices, only WiFi enabled devices are covered under this new scheme. Oh, wait, it is available for 3G products as well, but the idea of streaming video over patchy 3G network is laughable at the best and outright cruel at worst.
Another caveat is the distinction between ripped and purchased media. Apparently such streaming is available only for the media purchased from iTunes. If this is true, then users like me, who lovingly built their iTunes library from scratchy CDs purchased from bargain bins, are out of luck. Although as a bonus, the new scheme may just cannibalize MobileMe. Rumours are afloat that MobileMe might be turned into free service. I am going to keep all my fingers and toes crossed for this.
Tech blog, Zath have speculated that iTunes streaming is likely to be introduced during Apple's September event, which would give it a head start over Google Music, which is purported to be launched some time before the end of this year. Let's see how this clash of the Titans pans out for the consumers.