Apple gets cozy with EMI, Universal, and Sony over cloud music licensing

Ah, so it's all coming together now. Following a report on Warner Music inking a cloud-streaming deal with Apple, CNET has followed up with fresh information that sees three more major record companies jumping on board. Citing "multiple music industry sources," we're told that EMI Music is the latest addition to Apple's cloud music portfolio, while Universal Music and Sony Music are close to sealing the deal to permit this rumored iCloud service. If true, such endorsement will no doubt add pressure on Google and Amazon over their cheeky, license-free cloud streaming offerings -- not a bad way to fend off competition, though it's not clear how much money's involved. Guess we'll know more at WWDC next month.

CNET

LimeWire reaches $105 million settlement with record labels

It's been a long, slow demise for the once mighty file sharing service, but LimeWire has now taken one last big step towards being a footnote in internet history. The company reached an out of court settlement with the major record labels yesterday, which will see it and its founder, Mark Gorton, fork over $105 million to finally put an end to its longstanding dispute with the RIAA. In a statement, the RIAA said that the settlement was "another milestone in the continuing evolution of online music to a legitimate marketplace that appropriately rewards creators," while LimeWire's attorney said simply that he was "pleased that this case has concluded." You'll note, of course, that the RIAA said "another" milestone -- it's obviously still hoping for plenty more settlements or legal victories where this one came from.