In an update to its cloud music player Amazon has taken a direct shot at Apple's iTunes Match subscription. Both are priced at $25 per year, but Amazon's service offers 10 times more online storage than Apple's.
Previously, Amazon allowed songs purchased from their online music store to be stored and streamed for free. In addition to all purchased songs, Amazon will let users store up to 250 tracks not bought from elsewhere for free. The $25 yearly subscription will allow users to store up to 250,000 songs sourced from anywhere.
Like iTunes Match, Amazon will scan for songs on a computer and match the music library on their cloud's music streaming service. Sound files encoded at low bit rates can be upgraded to 256 kilobits per second.
With the launch of Apple's new iPhone and smaller iPad rumored later this year, Apple may feel the need to respond. Some have expected Apple to offer a streaming subscription much like Spotify or Rhapsody.
Matthew Fortner has been at The News & Observer since 2002. He has a passion for gadgets, cutting-edge technology and all things geek.