More on News Corp's plans to enter the download market. Well, not much more. But some more. As previously reported, the Rupert Murdoch owned media firm is reportedly in talks with the major record companies about launching their own download platform, most likely under the MySpace banner. The new store would replace the existing low key download service within the social networking monolith, and would aim to follow Amazon in selling digital rights management free music from all four major record companies and the indies.
A report on Digital Music News confirms the new service would have an advertising funded component, revenues from which would be shared with the majors over and above their income from actual download sales. It is thought the service would expand the existing facility whereby MySpace users can stream songs from MySpace Music through their own pages. The streaming widget would carry advertising, plus link users to the download store where they could buy the tracks. A stand alone version of the store is also anticipated.
All that said, DMN reckons all planning is at an early stage, and that there is still a lot to play for - and some are talking about some collaboration between News Corp and Amazon regarding a MySpace download service. Meanwhile others are questioning whether that previously reported ongoing legal stand off between MySpace and Universal Music (over the ease with which punters can post unlicensed music on MySpace pages) could hamper News Corp's plans to enter the download market with DRM-free content from all four majors, though others say an out of court settlement on that dispute could be part of any deal in relation to the store.
So, like I say, more news, but not much more.