MySpace music site confirmed

4 April 2008

Social network MySpace has announced that it is launching a music service in partnership with three major record labels.

SonyBMG, Universal Music and Warner Music have formed a partnership with MySpace to support the site, with EMI the only one of the "big four" publishers not involved.

Unlike rival services such as iTunes and Napster, MySpace Music will sell music for download without Digital Rights Management (DRM), thus placing no limits on the playback or copying of songs. An additional, advertising-supported streaming service will allow users to stream music and video free-of-charge.

MySpace first announced its intention to create an online music store in September 2006. According to technology news website The Register, the delay in announcing the service has been due to an outstanding copyright infringement lawsuit brought by Universal Music against MySpace.

The news comes as Apple's iTunes, responsible for eight out of 10 legal music downloads, has become the biggest music retailer in the US, overtaking the Wal-Mart supermarket chain.

Market researchers NPD say that, if 12 song downloads equate to an album, iTunes outsold Wal-Mart in January and February of this year.

Category: Miscellaneous