Comments on: MySpace Music makes its debut

Backed by the four major record labels, the service could pose a real challenge to Apple--but it won't be easy.

[Calisurfer]

I'm happy this is coming out! it's good to see so many programs and gadgets that help promote and distribute music. Take the Motorokr (www.motorola.com/e8) for example, it has it's own dual mode feature that lets it switch to Mp3 mode with he tough of a button. It's really cool.

[Calisurfer]

sorry about all the comments, this damn pc was acting up :(

[KrunkAttack]

I don't know why, but I just can't take MySpace-anything seriously!

[Penguinisto]

Dunno... lots of bands' MySpace pages already had "buy" button options on their streaming tunes (not sure if that meant you bought the song, or just the right to post it on your own MySpace page, but...)

The one thing I've noticed is, MySpace is just acting as a glorified front-end for Amazon. I like what Amazon's doing, since it forces the music cartels to do without DRM - I suspect that the iTunes Store will probably be able to wipe out the residual DRM on their catalogs once the contracts renew as well if Amazon makes any headway.

To be honest, even if Amazon managed to obliterate iTunes outright, I doubt it would even make a dent in iPod sales (hint: the iPod can play DRM-free tunes just as easily as the weak FairPlay DRM'ed ones). I doubt that Apple really cares that much as to who has what percentage of the music/video download sales by now, since they already have a lock on the marketshare for portable media players.

The clue comes in when you realize that iTMS is only an ancillary to Apple's iPod sales... iTMS barely makes enough to keep itself running and maybe return a small profit. The real money for Apple is in iPod hardware sales, and nothing is going to slow that down anytime soon. Maybe in 5-10 years it might, but right now? Good luck with that, Chief.

/P

[carpware]

Only problem is .... It's owned by Rupert Murdoch. I try very to avoid giving $ to the likes of Rupert.

[Zaunto]

This is great if you are signed to one of the four record companies that are on board, but what about the independent musicians and independent record companies? I guess the rest of us are out in the cold.

[pjsa85a]

Try eMusic...it's only indie.

[AppleSuxLeo]

MySpace will launch its long-awaited MySpace Music Thursday, an offering that will combine audio streaming with download functionality powered by Amazon.

So long iTunes ! Relegated to the dustbin of history. Amazon MP3 taking over. I hear Job`s ulcer is flaring up now.

[benwc]

They have approved content from the four major labels. Cool! That's about where it ends, unfortunately.

With poor interface for finding music you just want to listen to, a distinct lack of independent music, and playlists being really the only big thing going for it (for which there are already distinct competitors), MySpace Music seems more like an advertiser's dream rather than a music fan's.

Maybe they'll get more in touch with what people really want out of digital music, but until then I'll be sticking with Last.fm and Grooveshark (disclosure: I work there). It's about the music you want, not mostly major label content that I have to hunt and click to find.

Just my two cents.

-ben

[moonshiner_2]

Good to see any competitor to iApple and iChoons, but its a good bet that the service won't be extended, in the short term anyway, to Australia. Amazon's MP3 downloads don't come this far! Thanks Rupert!

[sebastiencharest]

ABOUT SOMETHING FOR THE INDIE'S!!
WE CANT EVEN GIVE OUR MUSIC FOR FREE ANYMORE!!