Apple Buying Lala
Okay, first we lost youtube video lengths, then youtube lost Sony music rights, then Google bought youtube, rendering the site commercialized as the rest. It was my main source of being introduced to new music on my computer.
Earlier this year, through the use of Pitchfork (who still uses it as their main streaming service for song reviews) and other media outlets, Lala gained a following of music lovers who enjoyed streaming music for free without signing up. Lala allowed you to listen to pretty much most music for free. Lala helped push for new artists and/or new songs to reach the masses without any hassle… Then their services changed (Google became their partners a month ago) and required you to sign-up leading to irritating e-mails.
The service is already dead to me and I know they’ll be a new “Lala” to replace it in 2010. Apple is essentially buying it to prevent format switching from iPod, iPhone, and other media… meaning I’ll still end up using. :/