Microsoft challenges RealNetworks for music limelight

 

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The software giant takes aim at the streaming media leader, forging distribution partnerships with major record labels and Net music device makers. "Microsoft's challenge will be to convince more Web sites to make Windows Media the default." - Howard Dyckovsky, vice president of operations, PC Data

Microsoft inks music technology, distribution deals update The company announces deals with major record labels and device makers to securely deliver music for play via the Net, portable music players, and someday through car and home stereos. Microsoft catching up to RealNetworks? update Microsoft is gaining ground on RealNetworks in the digital media player market, as consumers increasingly turn to multiple products to download music and video from the Internet, a survey says. previous coverage Microsoft bets on RadioShack for Web strategy Microsoft's deal with RadioShack is perhaps the clearest indication yet of the software giant's strategy to sell Web services to a mass market.