7digital.com challenges iTunes

A service that lets you download music tracks to your PC and retain a copy online has been launched.

The 7digital Locker has been launched as a rival to iTunes and contains more than two million songs, including all of record label EMI's DRM-free tracks. Some tracks will cost just 50p with selected albums for £5.

And as well as automatically keeping a back-up of your library online, you will be able to access your tracks wherever you are in the world, as long as you can get online.

"We have developed the 7digital Locker that provides access to your digital media collection from anywhere in the world. Alongside this, the plethora of content and exclusive partnerships reinforces our vision of bringing a great digital media experience right to the user, wherever they happen to be," said Ben Drury, managing director of 7digital.

With your music more readily accessible through the service, Apple could find iTunes' 80 per cent share of the digital music market challenged.

Arash Amel, senior analyst at Screen Digest said: "Innovative services that complement the user's experience, make consumers' lives easier, increase community interaction and build on the simple act of retail are crucial to encourage the continued success of digital."

Music is offered in MP3 format at a bit rate of 320Kbps - higher than iTunes' standard offering of 128kbps and also better than the iTunes Plus format of 256Kbps.

7digital.com

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