Download platforms form strategic alliances
Microsoft's MSN Music has partnered with American Express in the US, while Napster has struck a deal to sell its download cards in Post Office branches.…
Microsoft
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Tesco enter download arena
Supermarket Tesco is launching a download service with 500,000 tracks at 79 pence each using a Microsoft codec, aimed at dads buying music for their families.…
Microsoft expand MSN Music across Europe
Microsoft has launched MSN Music in eight more European countries, undercutting iTunes on compatibility while charging slightly more per track.…
Sting's quarter of a million gig
Sting reportedly received £273,000 for an eight-song private performance at a Bill Gates party in New York, and has rescheduled UK tour dates.…
Apple hit back at Microsoft music service
Apple's Greg Joswiak has criticised Microsoft's MSN Music, saying it lacks iPod support and features, while analysts expect weaknesses to be fixed.…
Microsoft launch their iTunes rival
Microsoft have launched MSN Music, a US-only download service charging 99 cents a track, which it says offers better sound quality than iTunes.…
Microsoft expected to launch download service this week
Microsoft is reportedly set to launch a pay-per-track MSN download store this week, modelled on Apple's iTunes and compatible with more than 60 MP3 players, though not Apple or Sony devices.…
Microsoft ready to soft launch iTunes-esque service
Microsoft will soft launch its iTunes rival this month, with a full launch in autumn, hosted within MSN and playable on MP3 players other than iPods.…
Real's revenues rise, helping losses fall
Real Networks reported Q2 revenues up 32% year on year to $65.5 million, cutting its losses, while Sony's Q2 profit rose to 23.3bn yen.…
Will Apple sue over Real's Harmony?
Speculation grows over whether Apple will take legal action over Real Networks' Harmony, which uses an unofficial version of Apple's AAC codec.…
Apple's profits triple on iPod sales
Apple tripled its net income in the April to June quarter to $61 million, on revenue up 30% to $2.01 billion, helped by Mac sales and iPod popularity.…
Beatles considering digital options
Reports suggest Apple Corps is in talks with digital services about making The Beatles' catalogue legally downloadable, possibly via an exclusive deal.…