As part of their iCloud platform, Apple will add a new feature called "iTunes Match" to the existing iTunes service. How does it compare with other streaming services?
What iTunes Match allows for, is the complete streaming of your entire iTunes music library, provided a similar match is available on iTunes. Once the match is found, the stream quality version would be a 256 kbps-quality file even your own copy wasn't as similar quality-wise. You then wouldn't necessarily have to fill up your iOS-based device (iPhone, iPad, etc.) with so much songs. Gone are the days when you have sync certain songs over and over again just to clear your iPod. This is isn't Apple's first foray into streaming music, as they have been streaming new albums such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, for a while now.
What iTunes Match allows for, is the complete streaming of your entire iTunes music library, provided a similar match is available on iTunes. Once the match is found, the stream quality version would be a 256 kbps-quality file even your own copy wasn't as similar quality-wise. You then wouldn't necessarily have to fill up your iOS-based device (iPhone, iPad, etc.) with so much songs. Gone are the days when you have sync certain songs over and over again just to clear your iPod. This is isn't Apple's first foray into streaming music, as they have been streaming new albums such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, for a while now.
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| iTunes Match allows streaming to any iOS device |
Like most streaming services, iTunes match is not free. The cost would be an annual fee of $24.99. There aren't any limitations to the number of songs but you can expect up to 20 million available songs in the entire iTunes library. You're bound to find to a match even if you didn't purchase the song from iTunes directly!
How does it compare to Spotify? In order to stream unlimited music from your cell phone, it would cost you $10 month if you sign for the Spotify service, dubbed "Spotify Premium". The quality is a bit higher at 320 kbps that is, if your ears can tell the difference. Spotify Premium also provides with early access to new releases and exclusive content among it's many features.
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| Spotify, iTunes Match's biggest competitor so far |
Apple did not premiere iTunes Match when it finally rolled out iOS5. The affordable price is tempting if music quality isn't much of a factor. The service will certainly offer much choice when it eventually rolls out.
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