RumorTT: Apple about to launch cloud-based movie streaming service

RumorTT: Apple's cloud-based movie streaming service might go live by the end of the year, or early

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Apple is rumored to be launching a cloud-based movie service before the end of the year, if not, early 2012. The Los Angeles Times has reported that Apple Representatives have been meeting with various movie studios to finalize a deal that would allow consumers to purchase movies through iTunes and stream them to any iOS-based device. The news comes just after talks of the first movies from a multi-studio venture known as Ultraviolet being launched this week.

RumorTT: Apple about to launch cloud-based movie streaming service | TweakTown.com

Ultraviolet will allow consumers to purchase a DVD or Blu-ray and gain access to digital cloud-based copies they can then watch instantly on their Internet-connected TVs, smartphones and tablets. Ultraviolet web-only purchases, without discs, are expected to arrive in 2012. The Los Angeles Times didn't cite iCloud specifically, but when it says that Apple plans to "put movies in the cloud", there's no guessing required. What is unclear though, is whether the movies and TV shows would be simply downloaded to iOS devices, or streamed in order to save storage space.

The Ultraviolet system is interesting as it introduces a new digital system for customers, without ditching the old business model. It would also [hopefully and potentially] curb piracy, as there are many, many iOS users who are happy with paying for things through services such as iTunes. People familiar with the matter also stated that even though studios were launching Ultraviolet, they are willing to partner with Apple for the new venture, with talks of customers being able to access their Ultraviolet-stored content through Apple's cloud-based service.

I'm also sure this has nothing* to do with Apple accounting for 66% of all online movie sales and DVD rentals.

*may or may not be sarcasm

Anthony joined the TweakTown team in 2010 and has since reviewed 100s of graphics cards. Anthony is a long time PC enthusiast with a passion of hate for games built around consoles. FPS gaming since the pre-Quake days, where you were insulted if you used a mouse to aim, he has been addicted to gaming and hardware ever since. Working in IT retail for 10 years gave him great experience with custom-built PCs. His addiction to GPU tech is unwavering and has recently taken a keen interest in artificial intelligence (AI) hardware.

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