With the release of iOS 5 getting ever closer, the new iTunes Match service has finally hit beta. iTunes Match allows users to make use of all of the facilities of iTunes in the Cloud, even for music that wasn't originally purchased through the iTunes store. This is particularly relevant for CD rips etc. The service will cost $25 per year and allow up to 25,000 songs to be converted during that year.

Of particular interest, it has become apparent that on top of being able to download your music from anywhere, you will also be able to stream tracks from the Cloud without downloading. This is something that wasn't explicitly stated during the original keynote announcement, however it will come as a welcome addition to many users.