MSN Versus Apple

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Microsoft hopes new music players can help it claim Apple's crown
Microsoft has launched its MSN music download service in eight more European countries as the software giant bids to takes on Apple's market leading iTunes.
MSN is now available in 17 countries, while iTunes is available in 13.

But both firms face competition from the likes of Yahoo and Napster in the growing music download sector.

Analysts say a download service has become important to Microsoft as it focuses on creating new software to play digital music and videos.

The company also hopes its music service will draw more users to its web portal and thus enable it to increase advertising revenue.

Microsoft recently signed a deal with Creative Labs, a maker of portable digital music players, in an attempt to increase download sales. An MSN CD is to be included with Creative products.

Source: bbc.co.uk
Full story:news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3985405.stm