Apple Launches iTunes Match for iOS Developers
Apple has just launched its iTunes Match service for iOS developers. Announced back in June as a complementary service to the iCloud, iTunes Match enables users to put their existing collection of ripped CDs in the cloud. This is accomplished by scanning the music library and matching songs to the versions Apple already has (a DRM-free 256kbps AAC file), rather than uploading everything. The process Apple claims only takes “minutes,” not “weeks”. Uploading will still occur when there is not a match found for a specific song.
Anyone with an iOS developer account can access the service now alongside iTunes 10.5 beta 6.1. The iTunes Match service is priced at $24.99 for the year. Incentive for anyone who signs up early will receive three additional months for free.
If anyone decides to give the service a run, be sure to let us know how it works.
