Lala - Where Music Plays... but only until May 31st

Back in November 2009, I posted an article with my praise of the online music store Lala.com.  Then about 1 month late, Apple purchased the service.  At that time there was concern and curiosity with Apple's intention (frankly, their service was so good many thought it was a potential threat to the iTunes store.

Well, this morning we learn that Lala is closing - and will be unavailable after May 31, 2010. 

Here is the message that members see once you log in

"You will be able to access and play all music in your Lala collection through May 31, 2010. Any mp3 songs purchased and downloaded from Lala will continue to play as part of your local music library. You can continue to purchase mp3 songs through May 31st using your wallet balance or other payment methods.

As of today, web songs, wallets, and gift cards are no longer available for purchase on Lala. Uploads have been discontinued, and we are not accepting new users for the service."

There is great speculation on what Apple's next move is -- some theorize Apple is heading towards an internet based iTunes (instead of the current software/application model). You can read this article on PC World's website about that suspicion: Apple's Shutdown of Lala Fuel Rumors of Web-based iTunes