Sky to launch (subscription) music service

[arkitect]

New for the UK…

Although how well the subscription will do is questionable. At least it is not bound to Windows software only.

The Guardian:

BSkyB is to break into the digital music market with a new business, launched in conjunction with Universal Music, that aims to take on Apple's iTunes in the UK.

The new as-yet-unnamed venture, in which BSkyB is the majority shareholder and Universal is an equity partner, aims to launch by the end of the year.

The service, which is likely to be Sky-branded, will offer a monthly subscription service as a counter to iTunes' track-by-track purchasing.

BBC:

BSkyB is launching a new music subscription service for internet users in what it claimed is a world first.

The satellite television company, which also offers broadband access, is teaming up with Universal Music to offer digital access to hundreds of thousands of songs for a monthly fee.

Sky said other music industry partners may soon join the service.

The new service will launch late this year but details of subscription prices have not yet been made public.