Microsoft may be on verge of launching subscription music service
Insiders say Microsoft may soon launch a Napster-style subscription service, possibly within its MSN Music platform, after Yahoo's recent arrival in the space.…
Microsoft
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Microsoft ready to launch MSN Music campaign
Microsoft is expected to launch a major US advertising push for MSN Music featuring Gwen Stefani, Shakira, Stevie Wonder and Beyonce, plus five free downloads for new customers.…
Microsoft looking into podcasting too
Adam Curry has said Microsoft contacted him for podcasting advice shortly after Apple added podcasting to iTunes, though Microsoft may wait to see if it takes off.…
Xbox expands music offering
The next-generation Xbox will support plugging in MP3 players to play digital music, and will be iPod compatible despite Apple's codec incompatibility.…
Microsoft planning digital domination
Microsoft has signed a non-exclusive deal with Philips to install Windows Media systems in Philips' digital media devices.…
iRiver launch new players
iRiver has launched 1GB, 6GB and 20GB models in its H10 series, all compatible with Microsoft's PlaysForSure system for download services.…
Hilary Rosen criticises Apple's iPod and iTunes compatibility
Former RIAA chief Hilary Rosen has criticised Apple for keeping iPod incompatible with other music stores, calling the model anti-consumer, in a post on the Huffington Post.…
HMV reveals details of new download platform
HMV's new download platform will be powered by MusicNet and use a Microsoft codec, with Microsoft-compatible players given priority in its stores.…
Napster UK partners with Toshiba to bundle subscription service on laptops
Napster UK will be preloaded on several Toshiba laptop models, giving buyers a free 30-day trial of its subscription service.…
Napster raises revenue estimates on rising subscriptions
Napster now expects first-quarter revenue of $16.5m to $17.5m, up from its earlier $15m estimate, which it attributes to a rise in subscriptions.…
SonyBMG plans to extend copy protection to more releases
SonyBMG will add copy protection to new albums from The Chieftains, Kasabian and Susie Suh, and may extend the technology more widely if the Velvet Revolver release goes smoothly.…
Napster officially announces portable service
Napster has launched Napster To Go, a portable subscription service using Microsoft's Janus DRM, giving access to 1.3 million tracks for £14.95 a month.…