Apple may launch new radio service

YEREVAN, February 6. / ARKA /. Files discovered in the iTunes app on jailbroken iPads suggest the tablets might be getting new radio-centric features, digit.ru reported citing Ars Technica, which referred to a user blog under pseudonym iAust1n.

The files are named variations of “radio button,” and two of them also have the word “buy” in their names, according to 9to5 Mac, which found the buttons while rooting around inside their jailbroken iPad. The icon associated with these files is reminiscent of the radio icon once found in the Mac version of iTunes.

The icons could indicate Apple is bringing the radio feature of its desktop iTunes platform to the iPad, along with an ability to easily purchase the track you’re listening to. Alternatively, Apple could be planning to take down streaming platforms like Pandora, Spotify or Rdio with a radio-like service of its own.

Late last year, reports ran rampant that Apple was hard at work on a Pandora-like streaming radio service. The Wall Street Journal said Apple was negotiating the licensing needed for such a custom radio service, with stations based around your favorite songs or artists. Bloomberg said the service may debut in early 2013.

With a radio service Apple could have a more successful recipe for boosting iTunes music sales, and letting anyone find cool music in the process. Sales of music downloads have generally been slowing in recent years. -0-