Apple Could Be Planning iTunes Overhaul With Music Sharing
Microsoft may not be the only game in town planning some big changes for its digital music store, as Bloomberg has also heard from sources claiming that Apple is planing to launch a redesigned iTunes before the year’s end, featuring some new music sharing options.
This new iTunes is supposed to feature heavy iCloud integration, making it a one-stop destination for managing files as well as media, across all your Apple devices.
The primary new feature we’re hearing about for this new iTunes is the ability to share track with friends. Right now, iTunes has very limited abilities in that department, with its Home Sharing feature. That works fine for accessing another user’s whole account, but it’s really not meant for casually exchanging tracks with friends. The new sharing Apple’s rumored to be adding would step in to fill that void, though exact details on how it would operate aren’t yet available. For example, will you only be able to share tracks available for sale on iTunes, and not ones you upload yourself through iTunes Match?
We also might end up finding that the revamped iTunes features additional media in place to complement artist listings, including more band photos and videos. The one feature that’s supposedly not on the table is any sort of streaming subscription service, with Apple continuing to focus on music sales, instead.
This is all reportedly due for sometime later this year, but if we had to bet we’d guess it will be announced alongside the iPhone 5.