Microsoft Challenges Apple's iPod Dominance with Urge Music Service

Microsoft has launched a robust music service called Urge, which partners with MTV's 2-million-plus song catalog and integrates with new portable music players from Creative, iRiver, and others. The service offers a "all-access" subscription for $14.99 per month or individual song downloads for 99 cents each. Windows Media Player 11, required for the service, has been released in a prototype application, designed to run with Windows XP, featuring a major graphics overhaul and simplified navigation.

Key Takeaways:

• Microsoft has launched Urge, a music service that challenges Apple's iPod dominance, integrating with MTV's 2-million-plus song catalog.
• The service offers a subscription-based model for $14.99 per month or individual song downloads for 99 cents each.
• Windows Media Player 11, required for the service, has been released in a prototype application, designed to run with Windows XP.
• The new player features a major graphics overhaul, with colorful album art stacked on the display screen, and simplified navigation.
• Navigation buttons and file-management functions have been streamlined for users with large music collections.
• Analyst Ross Rubin noted that the service represents a significant improvement in music management and interface, but acknowledges the need for marketing and brand issues to be addressed.
• Apple's iPod market share is significant, with three flavors of iPod available: classic, Nano, and Shuffle.

Statistics:

• Urge's music catalog contains 2 million plus songs.
• The subscription service costs $14.99 per month.
• Individual song downloads cost 99 cents each.
• Windows Media Player 11 is designed to run with Windows XP.
• The new player features a major graphics overhaul with colorful album art.
• Navigation buttons and file-management functions have been simplified.

Sources:

• Ross Rubin, technology analyst for the NPD Group in Port Washington New York, Newsday.