Apple’s latest invention, the iCloud, is to be unveiled – with the company aiming to simplify the way users access their music. The unveiling will take place at the group’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference in California by CEO Steve Jobs.

He is returning to the spotlight after taking leave due to health problems.

The iCloud is a web-based service that lets consumers stream music to any Apple device.

The cloud-based service is expected to scan the user’s entire iTunes library and allow them to access the same songs from any Apple device.

Sources also say Apple has strucl deals with three of the four major record labels, allowing them to offer a vast range of music to subscribers.

Competitors Google and Amazon.com already have their own open-sourced software and investors say the move to the iCloud is necessary to help Apple stay competitive.

“It’s absolutely critical,” said Michael Yoshikami, chief executive of YCMNET Advisors, who expects iCloud to include technology that scans a user’s hard drive and provides access to music found there from the company’s own servers.

“Eventually, people are not simply not going to tolerate a hard drive crashing on a local basis and having all their information lost,” he added.

Currently, Google and Amazon users have to upload their music.

Experts say the move by Apple would help it capitalise on a lucrative market opportunity and sustain its huge level of growth.

While most agree consumers would benefit from a system where everything can be stored online, rather than through hand-held devices, critics question whether it puts too much power in one company.

(Source: Sky News)