iCloud definitely seems like the Right Way, going even further than the Android model. Doesn't this make the method the article talks about redundant - or is the author not using iCloud?
[edit] Oh wait, does that mean iCloud works from any device but not from a browser? That seems like an odd omission.
iTunes purchases can currently only be made from inside of iTunes.app, not in the browser. Apple does offer the ability to link to apps or music in the browser, and a track list, description, screenshots, etc will be displayed inside of your browser. iTunes can be launched to make the purchase.
[edit] Oh wait, does that mean iCloud works from any device but not from a browser? That seems like an odd omission.