Microsoft Wants to Take a Bite Out of iTunes' Market Share

Music Services

By: Grahm Skee on June 13, 2005 11:22 PM

Microsoft Wants to Take a Bite Out of iTunes Market Share. Apple reported in May that they possess 82% of the digital download market. Microsoft is planning to release its own music download service based around a subscription model. In addition they are negotiating with copyright holders to allow them to transfer songs purchased from iTunes to their own secure WMA format allowing users to choose from a wide selection of MP3 players.

The fact is that Apple cannot continue with an 82% market share for much longer. Microsoft has the money to throw at this market. They also have outlets they can tie in with their music service, such as the video game market. Imagine being able to connect your mp3 player to your Xbox or PS3 to download music. Many people who own game consoles do not own computers, this is an untapped market. However, at the same time I do not wish for the demise of Apple and iTunes it is always good to have a choice.

[Cnet]

Latest Articles:

abi Editor's Choice

SanDisk Sansa Clip

The Clip has a fantastic little form factor; cheap in build quality but very rugged. The interface is simple and relatively straight forward. The features on the clip are more or less average, mostly identical to the Sansa Express. However, what earns this player a spot in Editor’s Choice is the superb sound quality; you will not find another player at this size and price that can match it. Read the full review or go ahead and buy it.
Samsung P3

The Samsung P2 was a success and the P3 is a very welcome and substantial update. Samsung has paid close attention to users on P2 issues and made great strides in addressing and improving most of them. The best feature of the P3 is its native video support. Most content you thow at it will playback without conversion on the great looking screen. Stop by the Samsung P3 forums for more details or check out our indepth P3 review.
Microsoft Zune 120

Sure, many of us are not big fans of the walled garden, but there are a lot of great things going on with the Zune- sturdy hardware, ultra easy to use user interface, and a media player that is worthy of editor’s choice. The best part of the Zune is the constant firmware and software updates virtually giving you a new device at each major refresh. You can check out the latest Zune 120 & 16 review or stop by our Zune forums for the latest.
Cowon iAudio D2

The D2 is a fantastic sounding PMP with a very nice looking screen and a tone of features. One of the best features of the D2 is the SDHC slot allowing you to add another 32GB to this small wonder. The touch interface does not lend well to on the move operation, but it is not enough to keep it from being an editor’s choice. You can find usually find it at Amazon for the best price and before to check out the review.
Phonak Audéo PFE

Phonak Audéo PFE offer outstanding clarity and precision; natural, dynamic mids and treble, and decent bass for a single armature in-ear phone. They handle dense, complex music very well. The PFE work well with most acoustic and some electronic music genres, but bassheads might have to look at other alternatives. They're great for sports as well, since they fit very securely. Check out our review.