MSN Music
Encyclopedia
MSN Music was a part of the MSN
web services. It delivered music news, music videos, spotlights on new music, artist information, and live performances of artists. In 2004, Microsoft
created an MSN Music download store to compete with Apple
's iTunes Music Store, though its sales in comparison were negligible. The store utilized Microsoft's Windows Media Player
application and proprietary Windows Media Format files (protected .wma
files).
It started out with 1.5 million songs, but decreased to 1.1 million songs due to lagging sales and lack of real support from Microsoft.
The MSN Music store was not compatible with Microsoft's own Zune
music player. As of 14 November 2006, MSN Music ceased music sales and now redirects viewers to either Zune or Real Rhapsody websites.
Microsoft acquired MongoMusic on September 13, 2000 and merged its technology.
In April 2008, Microsoft announced that the DRM
servers for MSN Music would be deactivated on 2008-08-31. After this date, it was no longer possible to reauthorize purchased songs when changing computers or operating systems.
They have suggested that customers back-up their music by burning it to CD.
MSN
MSN is a collection of Internet sites and services provided by Microsoft. The Microsoft Network debuted as an online service and Internet service provider on August 24, 1995, to coincide with the release of the Windows 95 operating system.The range of services offered by MSN has changed since its...
web services. It delivered music news, music videos, spotlights on new music, artist information, and live performances of artists. In 2004, Microsoft
Microsoft
Microsoft Corporation is an American public multinational corporation headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of products and services predominantly related to computing through its various product divisions...
created an MSN Music download store to compete with Apple
Apple Computer
Apple Inc. is an American multinational corporation that designs and markets consumer electronics, computer software, and personal computers. The company's best-known hardware products include the Macintosh line of computers, the iPod, the iPhone and the iPad...
's iTunes Music Store, though its sales in comparison were negligible. The store utilized Microsoft's Windows Media Player
Windows Media Player
Windows Media Player is a media player and media library application developed by Microsoft that is used for playing audio, video and viewing images on personal computers running the Microsoft Windows operating system, as well as on Pocket PC and Windows Mobile-based devices...
application and proprietary Windows Media Format files (protected .wma
Windows Media Audio
Windows Media Audio is an audio data compression technology developed by Microsoft. The name can be used to refer to its audio file format or its audio codecs. It is a proprietary technology that forms part of the Windows Media framework. WMA consists of four distinct codecs...
files).
It started out with 1.5 million songs, but decreased to 1.1 million songs due to lagging sales and lack of real support from Microsoft.
The MSN Music store was not compatible with Microsoft's own Zune
Zune
Zune is a digital media brand owned by Microsoft which includes a line of portable media players, a digital media player software for Windows machines, a music subscription service known as a 'Zune Music Pass', music and video streaming for the Xbox 360 via the Zune Software, music, TV and movie...
music player. As of 14 November 2006, MSN Music ceased music sales and now redirects viewers to either Zune or Real Rhapsody websites.
Microsoft acquired MongoMusic on September 13, 2000 and merged its technology.
In April 2008, Microsoft announced that the DRM
Digital rights management
Digital rights management is a class of access control technologies that are used by hardware manufacturers, publishers, copyright holders and individuals with the intent to limit the use of digital content and devices after sale. DRM is any technology that inhibits uses of digital content that...
servers for MSN Music would be deactivated on 2008-08-31. After this date, it was no longer possible to reauthorize purchased songs when changing computers or operating systems.
They have suggested that customers back-up their music by burning it to CD.