Send In The Clouds

Apple and Google are launching online music services almost simultaneously.

Apple has started its iCloud service, which allows iTunes users to stream music library on all platforms, from the iTunes software to iPhones to iPads.

With a catalog of 20 million songs, Apple says it will not need to upload many of the user’s songs. There is a price tag to it – a chunky $24.99 – annually.

Meanwhile, Google is launching its music store, where users can download and stream music. It is also asking record companies to allow Google+ users to share their music, and EMI is reportedly ready to do that.

Sony and Warner are apparently taking a backseat until pricing is resolved, as well as privacy concerns (read: file sharing).