iTunes unveiled in the UK, Germany and France
Let the price war continue. Apple iTunes service was just unveiled in an event that took place in London. Apple announced the launch not only in the UK but also in France and Germany.
Another surprise is the cost of a song that’s 79p, instead of the expected 99p (equivalent of $1.43, which is the cost practiced by Napster UK.)
Some users are still upset due to the fact that most independent artists are unavailable at this time. According to the Association of Independent Music (AIM) negotiations with Apple have broken down with ‘a number of its members’.
As we’ve been reporting here there’s fierce competitiion to get the biggest chunk of the European market — starting from Britain.
Yesterday, Napster’s British operation announced an exclusive distribution deal with broadband provider NTL. Napster will now be bundled with NTL’s Broadband Plus service package beginning in July.
Microsoft also announced an expanded alliance with online music provider OD2 to create a sort of music-service jukebox in Europe. Microsoft MSN’s SonicSelector jukebox, already powered by OD2’s and available in the UK, France and Italy is expanding to include Germany, Belgium and Spain.
