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Microsoft hopes MSN music-streaming service will sound sweeter this time

Whistling a new tune

Tags: msn, microsoft

By Ina Fried

Published: 14 July 2009 08:49 GMT

MSN has made several entries - and several exits - from the music service business but apparently it is ready to try again.

A Microsoft representative told silicon.com sister site CNET News: "In the coming months, MSN is planning to launch a new music-streaming service in beta via its Music channel in the UK.

"At this stage we won't be confirming the details behind this but more information will be available soon and will be communicated in due course."

Microsoft first mentioned the service in a report in The Telegraph.

MSN executive, Peter Bale, told the newspaper: "Music is an important area for Microsoft. We are looking at launching a music-streaming service imminently."

Microsoft already has a music-streaming product in the UK through a partner, however this new service would be based on in-house technology acquired through its MusiWave purchase.

Microsoft launched an MSN Music download business in 2004 but pulled the plug two years later and started promoting RealNetworks' Rhapsody as part of a settlement with that company. It then launched the Urge service in partnership with MTV before shifting its energy to the Zune service and player.

Original article: Microsoft plans U.K. music-streaming service from CNET News.com

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