Microsoft is set to enter the online music fray with the
launch of a test version of its MSN Music store and release of
Windows Media Player 10.
The software manufacturer is also slated to provide more details
about the availability of portable media centres - devices that run
a slimmed-down version of Windows and can play back audio and
video.
The first portable media centre from Creative Technology is
expected to be available this week.
While portable media centres will compete with Apple Computer's
iPod on some fronts, industry watchers consider the Microsoft-based
devices a new category of media players.
Portable media centres are larger than iPods and also play back
video, while iPods only play audio.
The MSN Music store is expected to offer songs from all major
music companies and to be accessible from within Windows Media
Player as well as through a web browser.
The store will compete against Apple's iTunes and other online
music services such as RealNetworks' RealPlayer Music Store and
Rhapsody service.
Ahead of Microsoft's launch, RealNetworks lowered prices in its
download store to $0.49 (£0.27) per song as part of a special
promotion. The company said it sold over one million songs in a
week, the highest number of songs sold in a week in its store.
Microsoft has been working on its music download service since
last year. Company executives have said that the store will not be
a money-making service, but is something the company has to offer
to for its range of services to be complete.
Songs on the MSN Music store are expected to cost $0.99 each,
matching Apple's iTunes price.
Joris Evers writes for IDG News Service