Digital Weblinks: Apple and Google Eye Streaming Services

• • • According to the LA Times and Financial Times, Google is in talks with the majors to launch a streaming music service similar to Spotify. Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple has its own streaming service in the works.

• • • Songwriters are getting more love from iTunes. The latest iTunes update, version 11.0.2, includes a new Composers view. After installing the update, the view doesn’t display automatically, users have to select the option under the Preferences menu. The update also includes a redesigned Store, a new MiniPlayer and more.

• • • The New York Times offers an interesting look at revenue paid by streaming services.

• • • Spotify will soon be available via an app in Ford cars, according to the New York Times.

• • • Sprint will unlock the radio chip in its phones which will allow the hardware to pick up terrestrial signals. Charlie Cook has the story on MusicRow.com.

• • • A new RIAA report states Google has failed to follow through with its plan to lower the search ranking of sites that are known copyright infringers.

• • • The implementation phase of the Copyright Alert System (CAS) began this week. ISPs will receive notices of alleged P2P copyright infringement and forward those notices, or Copyright Alerts, to consumers. Alerts are meant to educate rather than punish, and direct consumers to legal alternatives.