14 DAY TRIAL // Industry watchers are expecting Apple to launch a web-based version of iTunes, following the acquisition, and now the closing of Lala.com, a service that enabled its subscribes to upload their music libraries and access the songs through a Web browser on an array of devices.
Lala.com offered its subscribers the ability to listen to music without having to download, install or employ specialized media-playing software on a computer or portable device. The songs were stored in a “cloud” and would be accessible anywhere, as long as there was an Internet connection. Customers could also opt to store their songs locally, for offline access. The entire Lala library of songs tallied more than seven million at the time of its acquisition by Apple.
When visiting Lala.com, users are greeted by the following message: “The Lala service has been discontinued as of May 31st, 2010,” signaling that Apple has finalized the entire process of engulfing the service. “If you purchased web songs on Lala or had an outstanding wallet balance as of May 31st, 2010, an iTunes Store credit code will automatically be sent to your member email address no later than June 14th, 2010,” another message reads over at Lala.com. “Credit amounts will be based on your account activity as of May 31, 2010. iTunes Store credit amounts will be rounded up to the nearest $1 for refunds under $10, or to the nearest $5 for refunds greater than $10,” customers are being told.
Those who are looking to redeem their credit on iTunes will be able to do so once they receive the email in question. They must also follow a few additional steps, which involve downloading and installing iTunes on their computer (Mac or Windows), accessing the iTunes Store from within the application, and using the Redeem function under Quick Links. All a customer needs to do is enter the code that was provided to him / her in the email, and their credit will be redeemed.