Microsoft has confirmed that it will be taking on Apple’s iTunes and others with the launch of its own music download service in 2004.

A spokeswoman confirmed the proposed service would be offered on the company’s MSN website, but gave no further details.

Following months of speculation, the announcement came as little surprise to industry experts. Bill Gates said he was considering building a music download service last July, although he said he was unsure it would make any direct profit for Microsoft.
www.microsoft.com