Microsoft steps back from launching digital music offer
According to the Wall Street Journal, Microsoft has postponed indefinitely plans for a Napster-style download service after refusing to accept the labels' $6-8 per user licence fee.…
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US download firm going for premium sound
US firm MusicGiants plans a download service offering lossless WMA tracks at $1.29 each, requiring a $50 player, and says it has licensing deals with the majors.…
Nokia delay release of new music phone
Nokia has delayed its N91 music phone until the first quarter of next year, using Microsoft DRM for compatibility with a wide range of download platforms.…
Virgin launch UK download platform
Virgin has formally launched its UK download platform, offering pay-per-download and subscription options at 79 pence, plus a streaming radio station and artist recommendations.…
iTunes phone likely this week, Microsoft music phone to follow
Motorola's iTunes-enabled Rokr phone looks likely to launch this week, while Microsoft is reportedly partnering with Orange on a music phone sold in HMV stores.…
Apple may have to pay Microsoft to sell iPods
Microsoft may use patent law to force rivals to pay royalties on iPod-like players, after its 2002 patent application for iPod software reportedly preceded Apple's own.…
Apple and Microsoft increase indie payouts
Apple and Microsoft are reportedly raising payouts to independent labels in the US via iTunes and the MSN music store, with the American Association of Independent Music claiming credit for collective bargaining power.…
Happy birthday MP3
Ten years after the Fraunhofer Institute developed the MP3 codec, a survey of University of Rochester students suggests the format still challenges the music industry's legal download services.…
HMV to reveal digital plans to independent labels at BAFTA event
HMV will host a BAFTA session next Monday to show UK independent labels its download platform ahead of its September launch, organised with AIM.…
BT planning TV on demand over phone line
BT has struck a deal with Microsoft and hopes to pilot a TV-over-broadband on-demand service through its broadband phone line early next year.…
BBC mobile programming chief moves to MTV
MTV has hired Angel Gambino, the BBC executive behind its mobile and broadband content, to expand the channel's new media activities from September.…
Survey finds music fans would pay for legal P2P over iTunes or Napster
A PlayLouder survey of 843 fans found 84% would pay for a legal P2P service, with co-founder Paul Hitchman arguing ISPs could generate £240 million a year.…