Google to acquire Napster?
The New York Post (read: one of our very best sources for tech news) is claiming to have the exclusive scoop on Google’s anticipated foray into digital music. Citing “sources within the music industry,” the Post says that Google is “considering an extensive alliance” with the possibility of an “outright acquisition” of once-renegade Napster. Not that this would come as a surprise given the recent launch of Google’s Video download service and Napster’s struggle to turn a profit off its 500k or so subscribers. One thing’s for sure, Napster stands a better chance of success snuggled up to the likes of Google than they ever did with those mad CD burnin' folks over at Roxio… that was just like, so Y2K.
[Thanks, Lang]
Update: Big surprise, a Google rep in the UK denies ever being in talks with Napster over a buyout, and that the "have no plans at this time to develop a music store, or to compete with existing online and offline music retailers." Well, alright then.
