The U.K.'s BBC 6 Music invited musician Pete Townshend to give the inaugural John Peel Lecture on Oct. 2011 at The Quays Theatre in Salford. The following is a transcript of his speech on how the business of music in the digital age should change in order for there to be future musicians. Read More

It’s amazing how quickly Apple rumors can spread. Witness the current discussion regarding Apple’s upcoming iTunes Match service and whether or not it streams from the cloud, which started blazing through the blogosphere early this morning.

Apple has released the beta version of iTunes Match to developers, that much is definitely true.  Also confirmed is that is costs $24.99 for a 12-month subscription, with early adopter developers getting a bonus of three months free. The service will scan all of the [...].

Starbucks has expanded the types of digital entertainment it gives away on its Pick of the Week download cards. Having been just music, the downloads now include Apps, TV shows, book excerpts, and other products that can be purchased from Apple’s iTunes Store.

The initial non-music download doesn’t stray far from music, however. Starting Tuesday, customers could pick up a free download code for Shazam Encore, an app that normally costs $5.99. It instantly identifies any song being played in its [...].

Wal-Mart’s Vudu movie service is now the third most popular online movie service, according to a new research report that moves Sony’s PlayStation Store movies down to fourth place in the first half of 2011.

Researchers at Screen Digest/ IHS said that Vudu now has 5.3 percent market share in the United States, having only 1 percent in the first half of 2010. Amazon’s market share rose as well, from 4 percent to 4.2 percent during the same time [...].

San Jose, Calif. — Apple released a new application for iPad and iPhone users that will enable them to stream live performances from the iTunes Festival London 2011.

The 9.7MB, free software is available to iOS devices — requiring the mobile or tab-like gadgets to have a iOS 4.1 or better running system

“Download the official app now to explore the lineup in more detail and watch the shows LIVE or on demand for a limited period from wherever you are in [...].

Cupertino, Calif. - Apple (NASD:  AAPL) is promoting an announcement scheduled for tomorrow regarding its iTunes service that the company promises "you’ll never forget." "Tomorrow is Just Another Day. That You’ll Never Forget. Check back here tomorrow for an exciting announcement from iTunes," reads a note posted to Apple.com on Monday.

Wired.com speculates the company will introduce a new iTunes music streaming service, and notes that the announcement appears it may only cover iTunes in the U.S., Japan and England.

Billboard added the announcement may herald longer iTunes [...].

New York – The CEO of NBC Universal (NYSE: GE) says the company is not likely to offer its programs for digital rental on Apple’s (NASD: AAPL) recently announced iTunes TV rentals service, arguing they are priced too low at 99 cents, Reuters reported. "We do not think 99 cents is the right price point for our content. … We thought it would devalue our content," NBCU head Jeff Zucker reportedly told an investor conference.

Last week, Warner Bros. (NYSE: TWX) CEO Barry Meyer made similar comments, saying Apple’s TV [...].