Microsoft, MTV team up on music service

Bill Gates wants his MTV. Microsoft announced today that it will be teaming up with the music channel to create a new online music service, which will be integrated into an upcoming version of the Windows Media Player. Rather than leverage any equity that the MTV (or even MSN) brand might offer, the new service will also mark the launch of a new brand, undoubtedly created to prove how hip and happening Microsoft and the M really are: Urge. (Hey, at least it beats "the iTunes Music Store.") We're not sure what this means for Microsoft's deal with Real Networks to promote Real's Rhapsody service, though we suspect that the fact that Microsoft paid Real $300 million as part of that deal might help soften any blow Real might feel from being urged, er, edged aside.