It's in the Clouds

Cloud is a service that'll allow users to upload their music and other files to secure internet hosts, which will allow those users to access their stuff from any mobile device. Amazon, Apple and Google have announced their involvement in the movement.

As for Spotify, Pandora and Rhapsody, these applications have been the first choice for US and UK users only, which puts them at a big disadvantage to the global take-over by bigger contenders.

Amazon’s service will be a win for users who already make purchases in the Amazon MP3 store. Google’s Music Beta will most likely get a large number of Android users and people who simply want mobile and flexible access to their entire music library. As iTunes as the preferred digital music store for most Apple users the success of the iPhone and iPad will see users of those devices automatically gravitate towards using the service across their devices. If Apple can successfully tap into that without a hitch, it will likely take a big chunk of the pie.

As if we weren't already spoilt for choice, Facebook is also entering the fray. As Spotify moves over to their launch in the US the rumour is they will integrate with Facebook and create Vibes. South Africa will have to wait for the launch of Apple’s iCloud to see any action without a Proxy server but until then we have weekly playlists right here on Vaseline MFM.