New and Noteworthy: Does Apple still need Microsoft?; iTunes file swapping service lives on; more

Does Apple still need Microsoft? An E-Commerce Times piece opines on the current relationship between Apple and Microsoft, and where the two firmsw ill go from here. "Nearly six years have passed since Microsoft agreed to invest US$ 150 million in Apple and continue developing Mac versions of its Office application suite for at least five years. In the intervening period, both companies have experienced many changes. Apple has transformed from a moribund entity whose doom was foretold by countless pundits into an innovative niche player -- the high-tech equivalent of a luxury carmaker." More.

iTunes file swapping service lives on In January, Apple Computer ordered James Speth to stop distributing his iCommune software , saying that he had improperly co-opted Apple software intended only to allow hardware such as MP3 players to connect to iTunes. Speth took the original program off of his Web site, but pledged to rewrite the program without Apple's code. CNET reports that now, nearly three months later, "Speth says he has accomplished his goal, posting online what he says is a program that does the same thing as the original--allows people to share their music libraries within iTunes--only this time without appropriating Apple's code." More.

The music industry's need for Steve Jobs Reporting on the speculation of a possible Apple acquisition of Universal Music, Reuters notes "It would be like a partnership between Peter Pan and Captain Hook. For now, many believe the idea of one-time CD copying advocate Apple Computer Inc. buying music giant Universal Music belongs in never land. But whether Apple does a deal or not, industry watchers say the talks underscore an undeniable truth -- music and technology companies need each other more than ever. The difference this time is the music industry is a willing player." More.

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