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Apple signs deals for cloud-music service

A shopper browses the Apple storefront displays for the newly released multi-colored Apple iPad 2 at the Apple retail store at the Flatirons Crossings mall in Broomfield, Colorado on March 13, 2011. UPI/Gary C. Caskey
A shopper browses the Apple storefront displays for the newly released multi-colored Apple iPad 2 at the Apple retail store at the Flatirons Crossings mall in Broomfield, Colorado on March 13, 2011. UPI/Gary C. Caskey | License Photo

CUPPERTINO, Calif., May 19 (UPI) -- U.S. technology giant Apple Inc. is close to signing licensing deals with a third and fourth music company to launch a cloud-music service, sources told CNET.

The primary feature of a cloud-music services is the ability of users to access music they own through any device that connects to the Internet. In addition, Apple would be able to "scan and match" music the user owns, which would allow the user to avoid the time-consuming step of uploading songs onto Apple's server.

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Sources told CNET that Apple has signed an agreement with EMI Music and has a deal in place with Warner Music Group. It is also pursuing deals with Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment, Digital Trends reported Thursday.

The four deals would give Apple a leg up over Google and Amazon in the cloud-music business that has no proven track record among consumers.

CNET said it expects Apple to charge a fee for the service, which includes the expectation that consumers will pay to access music on numerous devices, even though they already own the music.

By signing the deals, which could occur by the end of next week, Apple, however, could be ready launch a cloud-music service at the Worldwide Developers Conference on June 6.

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