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Apple buys online streaming service LaLa

by Sylvie Barak on 7 December 2009, 09:32

Tags: Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)

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Music to Apple's ears

In a bid to stave off the perceived threat from online music streaming companies, Apple seems to have taken on board the old maxim "if you can't beat ‘em, join ‘em" with news the firm has acquired music site LaLa.

LaLa lets punters stream any song in its collection once for free, but then charges 10 cents to access an online selection, which boasts tracks from major labels including EMI Music, Warner Music Group, Sony, BMG Music Entertainment and Universal Music Group.

The site also allows customers to buy MP3s and share their playlists with other registered members. Funnily enough, it has even made an acquisition of its own, splashing out for online radio station WOXY.com.

The site, which started out four years ago, began its life as a CD-swapping service - a model which almost brought it to its financial knees. However, after a quick rethink, the firm had a makeover as a streaming service - a model becoming increasingly popular in the US.

Online radio stations like Lastfm and Pandora are attracting millions of followers and streaming services like Rhapsody, LaLa and even Microsoft's Zune Pass are encroaching further and further on Apple's iTunes territory.

Apple must be hoping that the the two firms can make beautiful music together, and perhaps rather a large chunk of change to boot - all while allowing Apple to keep hold of its MP3 sales dominance.



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