A new report about iTunes Replay, the rumored cloud-based service which would offer Netflix-style TV and movie streaming across iDevices, doesn't write off its existence. However, consumers will not likely have access to it any time soon.
Technology news site Cnet said on Monday that it spoke with "multiple film industry sources" who confirmed that Apple is currently engaged in talks with "at least four" major movie studios. Deals have yet to be signed, and additional details were not provided. In other words, it's safe to say the notion that iTunes Replay will release soon is incorrect. Cnet also speculated that crafting a cloud-based movie service would be "a tougher nut to crack" due to HBO holding sole electronic distribution rights to half of the six major studios' films.
AppAdvice, a site dedicated to all things Apple, added fuel to the long-standing rumor last week. It stated that Apple would official reveal the "full-fledged re-downloading and possibly streaming service" just as soon as the company updated its servers. The site framed iTunes Replay as "an extension to what Apple is already doing with iCloud."
Apple's iCloud will mark the company's first foray into the burgeoning cloud computing business. Amazon and Google have already launched cloud-based offerings for customers in Cloud Player and Music Beta, respectively. iCloud is now live for a developers-only beta. The complete version is expected to launch this fall. Both free and tiered paid options will be available. Apple also added TV streaming purchases and a Vimeo app for Apple TV owners last week.
