If you had to guess the name of an Apple-branded cloud storage service, what would you call it? Don't think too hard, really.
Apple has reportedly bought the domain for iCloud.com, strengthening rumors that Apple is poised to launch a cloud-based music storage locker for iTunes users.
According to GigaOm, which broke the news, iCloud.com was previously owned by a Swedish software company called Xcerion for its CloudMe product. Citing an anonymous source, GigaOm says Apple bought the domain from Xcerion for "about $4.5 million."
There are strong signs that suggest Apple is launching a cloud music locker in the near future. Last Wednesday Apple reportedly secured licensing agreements with Warner Music Group and at least one of the remaining three largest music labels (Universal Music Group, Sony and EMI).
Furthermore Apple has built a massive data center in North Carolina, believed to be intended for a streaming video service.
"They've [Apple] been very aggressive and thoughtful about it," an unnamed industry executive told AllThingsDigital. "It feels like they want to go pretty soon."
When Amazon unveiled its cloud-based music storage service, it faced backlash from labels that said Amazon needed licenses to stream music. But Amazon said it was only offering cloud storage for music that its customers already owned and, therefore, did not need licenses.
Meanwhile, Apple may be in a hurry to launch its iCloud before Google's rumored music locker service makes its debut. Evidence of such a service was uncovered recently in an alleged Android Market prototype.
Apple will hold its Worldwide Developer Conference in June, during which it has promised to unveil the future of iOS and Mac OS.