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Is Apple's Cloud Movie Service On Hold?

  • CNET, Monday, August 8, 2011 11:58 AM
About that cloud movie service, which Apple is reportedly about to launch. It might not arrive as quickly as some news sources are reporting, CNet suggest. Why? "Apple has yet to sign cloud agreements for feature films with at least four of the top six film studios," CNet writes, citing multiple film industry sources. "Apple has indeed pursued such agreements ... but Apple's negotiations could drag on for months before the company acquires cloud rights from all six film studios."

When it does debut, the new service should let iTunes users stream movies from Apple's servers and then re-download them to other devices. Apple has already announced that a cloud service is coming for music, and just rolled out an offering that lets iTunes user to re-download TV shows.

"But a cloud service for films is going to be a tougher nut to crack for Apple," CNet assures. "One reason is the HBO window," it adds, explaining that online retailers are legally prevented from delivering movie downloads from three HBO-restricted studios during certain time periods.

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