MS to 'quietly launch' iTunes rival this week
By Tony Smith
Tuesday 24th August 2004 15:40 GMT
Microsoft will this week release the next major version of its Windows Media system - incorporating its 'Janus' DRM technology - along with its much-anticipated online music store.
So claims a report at SiliconValley.com, which reckons the new player looks not unlike Apple's iTunes.
Napster, for one, is known to be preparing a Janus-based update to its service. Janus will allow subscription services to better support portable players, and is seen as a key factor in making the subscription model more attractive to consumers.
Given the timing of Virgin Digital's expected US and UK launch, it's likely it too will be based on Janus. Virgin Digital is powered by digital music distributor MusicNet, which has just updated its web site, logo and such.
Certainly, Rio's upcoming Carbon portable player is Janus-compatible, and it's expected to go on sale at the end of this month - circumstantial confirmation perhaps that Windows Media 10 is due to ship this week.
Windows Media 10 was released as in beta form in June. ®
Microsoft Music Store and Window Media 10 This Week?
Fraser Lovatt
24 August 04
The new MSN Online Music Store is rumoured to appear this week, along with a new version of Windows Media Player.
Since Windows Media Player's 100 million or so users will need to update their player shortly, what better opportunity to introduce them to a new music service?
The Microsoft online store is expected to carry the industry standard one million tracks when it launches, having signed deals with the big four labels. Early screen grabs of the service, now out of date, pay homage to iTunes in look and feel. Pricing is also expected to be similar to iTunes and Napster. So expect the European and UK stores to cost more.
Microsoft claim that the service will be compatible with about 60 music players, with even better functionality promised for Janus-compatible players when they start to appear.
Needless to say, we'll be signed up and testing as soon at the store hits the web.
