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Microsoft to Launch MSN Music Service in 2004

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the itunes-can-suck-it dept.

securitas writes "SmartMoney.com reports that a Microsoft spokeswoman confirmed plans to launch an online music download service in 2004 via the MSN Web site. The story was first reported in the Wall Street Journal (paid subscription required). Microsoft may undercut the per-song prices of competitors Apple iTunes and Roxio Napster. A reliable source is cited as saying that Microsoft has been in talks with major music companies and a post for a senior-level marketing position for the service was added to Microsoft's recruiting site last week. Observers expect that the company will use Windows or the bundled Windows Media Player to gain a competitive advantage over other services that require a software download to use them. Interestingly, in this May 2003 analysis piece about Apple's iTunes Microsoft denied any plans to launch a music download service. More at CNet."

9 of 361 comments (clear)

  1. When... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    When is this going to stop being news...when walmart start selling musi....oh wait...

  2. Any bets? by dauvis · · Score: 4, Funny

    When do you think the first "bug" will apprear that will break iTunes and/or Napster's music playback on Windows with an update to Windows Media Player?

    1. Re:Any bets? by Frogmanalien · · Score: 3, Funny

      Not to sound rude to the almighty slashdotters our there, but why the cyncism? Microsoft might be making music downloads cheap for everyone. Everyone seems to be looking for a reason why- maybe they like music and want it to be available to the people who enjoy music too. OK, I imagine their DRM software will be harsh, but let's give it a try guys... (please don't mod this as funny!)

      --
      The only thing that saves us from the bureaucracy is its inefficiency (Eugene McCarthy)
  3. Ogg by bluegreenone · · Score: 5, Funny

    I heard they were going with Ogg Vorbis for maximum cross-platform compatibility.

  4. Still by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

    we'll still need p2p for pr0n...

    1. Re:Still by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

      Yeah, Microsoft should launch their porn subcription service. It would turn your, or more correctly Bill's, micro$oft into one Macro Hard(on).

  5. Re:Using bundled software for monopolistic advanta by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

    Perhaps it was just a case of thier forward thinking visionary approach.

    As opposed to Linux and the fanboys perpetual game of catch up.

  6. Finally ... FREE MUSIC!!! by soupmaster · · Score: 2, Funny

    What more can you ask for? The worlds "leading" authority on security will create a online music service.

    I wonder if the record label executives know that ROT13 is not exactly a new break through in cryptography.

    --
    - soupmaster
  7. Oh, that Microsoft!! by amarodeeps · · Score: 2, Funny

    Always a step ahead. Always innovating!!