Apple Streams Into Social Media - Rumors

Apple came out throwing punches this week with its successful quarter earnings call, proclaiming its stance in the tablet arena, and now the iOS creator is eyeing social media as its next target.

The rumor that’s been circulating amongst the curious isApple’s (News  -Alert) foray into social media, and with the iOS 4.3 beta release, it’s looking as though said rumor is closer to being true. Users of the latest iOS might have noticed in their new filing system a folder titled “Media Stream,” which, according to the buzz, is a tool that allows you to share photos with your friends.

"Photo Stream uploads and stores the last 30 days of your photos on MobileMe and downloads them to all of your devices," according to text appearing in iOS 4.3 beta 2.
As part of Media Stream development, Photo Stream turns the existing MobileMe Gallery sharing into an automatic process, allowing users to share all of their photos as soon as they’re taken.
While it’s not a full-fledged social network like you see on Facebook (News - Alert)since its only feature is sharing photos, this could very well be Apple’s chess move in the game of social networking development.
The moniker leads one to wonder why the feature is called Media Stream when its only function is to share photos. Some assume this only means the feature will eventually expand into video shortly down the road.
Media Stream is only the second mention amongst Apple’s social networking rumors.Mac Rumors did some further digging and discovered that the iOS 4.3 build showed settings for a feature called “Find My Friends.”
According to the man himself, Steve Jobs (News  - Alert) wrote that the MobileMe service will get "a lot better in 2011".
In related news, as Jobs takes time to focus on his health, Apple is relying on their COO, Tim Cook to take charge. As a possible successor to Jobs, Cook could very well be in charge for an undetermined amount of time.
"I have great confidence that Tim and the rest of the executive management team will do a terrific job executing the exciting plans we have in place for 2011," said Jobs.