MSN Music service launched

Microsoft has launched its own iTunes equivalent, MSN Music.

MSN Music offers downloadable tracks in MP3 and WMA formats, free of DRM (digital rights management) anti-piracy technology.

Rather than buying tracks individually, customers need to purchase a block of 10 credits for £7.99. One credit will get you a single track and most albums cost 10 credits.

There are around one million tracks in the MSN Music catalogue, compared to 7digital's eight million and iTunes' 10 million.

Music comes from the four major record labels - Sony BMG, EMI, Warner and Universal - as well as several independent labels.

The tracks come at a bit-rate of 192Kbps, lower quality than 7digital's standard offering of 320Kbps and iTunes Plus' 256Kbps.

However, the MP3 format is compatible with a wider range of digital music players than iTunes' AAC format.

There will also be some limited tests of a free streaming service too, Microsoft said.

Great Christmas savings when you subscribe to Web User magazine. Order now and save up to 30%.