Microsoft's Music Subscription Service

An anonymous reader writes "In a bid to compete with Apple's iTunes music service, Microsoft is planning to set up its own subscription-based online music store later this year. It is said to be working with record labels and copyright holders in preparation for the launch. Last September, the company unveiled its MSN-branded music site but it didn't have a subscription plan." From the article: "The tentative features of the new service -- which is still under development -- include advanced community aspects and playlist-sharing. But sources say Microsoft is also considering a more direct attack on Apple, seeking rights from copyright holders to give subscribers a new, Microsoft-formatted version of any song they've purchased from the iTunes store so those songs can be played on devices other than an iPod."

Comments

Summary.

[Eric_Cartman_South_P]

1) Every idiot in PC Magazine will go "WOW! Can't wait"
2) Store opens up. Late.
3) User interface sucks.
4) iTunes keeps on truckin'.

Caution: sarcasm follows...

[TripMaster Monkey]

Music online???

Boy, that Microsoft sure is innovative...

^_^

DRM

[Poromenos1]

so those songs can be played on devices other than an iPod.

But only once...

Re:.mp3 format?

[porcupine8]

Hey, you're right! You should go tell the RIAA that, I bet they'll let Apple switch as soon as they hear your well-reasoned argument.

My Hero

[flood6]

"give subscribers a new, Microsoft-formatted version of any song they've purchased from the iTunes store so those songs can be played on devices other than an iPod."

Thank God we have Microsoft to save us from vendor lock-in!

Re:Do we really nead another one?

[SpinyNorman]

This one's got Microsoft innovation built in - Clippy support.

"I see you're downloading from iTunes - would you like to switch to MSMusak.com instead?"

Re:Dude Bill

[pixelpusher220]

I believe he's successfully stayed away from the 'Quality Software' niche, no? ;-)