Tips: iTunes streaming unlikely, content more probable
updated 02:45 pm EST, Mon November 15, 2010
iTunes Nov 16 not expected to bring streams
Apple's special iTunes unveiling on Tuesday isn't likely to involve new streaming music features, alleged insiders said today. Music industry contacts echoed statements that Apple doesn't have deals and by extension wouldn't have rights to either a flat-rate subscription or to an online locker. AllThingsD, despite its sources, hadn't learned what it might be.
Both the new inside info and the circumstances surrounding the launch instead make a content deal more likely. In addition to the website, Apple has been pushing the teaser prominently in the iTunes Store itself, hinting that it's a store change rather than the app. Apple already posted iTunes 10.1 on Friday and is unlikely to have hidden features in the software.
Speculation has persisted that Apple might add the Beatles catalog after people linked the "just another day" teaser to a Sir Paul McCartney song lyric. Yoko Ono has recently downplayed such possibilities but didn't give an estimate as to when it might happen. Other possibilities could include more network support for 99-cent TV rentals among other changes.
iOS 4.2 is also due to launch in the near future but doesn't have any known connection to the iTunes update.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
Sounds likely
That Beatles connection with the "just another day" bit on the Apple home page, makes sense to me. Apple likes this kind of wordplay stuff.
They're putting the stakes quite high though: "... just another day. That you'll never forget." - that sounds like more than just "Oh btw, we're selling Beatles songs now, because none of you people would have a CD or twelve of this rather unknown band at home".