Microsoft Planning Music Subscription Service

ZDNet: Microsoft is planning to improve the experience of its MSN-branded online music store with a new subscription service expected later this year that will include a downloadable software application separate from the standard Windows Media Player. Yahoo's recent market entrance has undoubtedly shortened their time table, but it's about time they get their feet wet and get off the sidelines... "The tentative features of the new service (which is still under development) include advanced community aspects and playlist-sharing. But sources say Microsoft is also considering a more direct attack on Apple, seeking rights from copyright holders to give subscribers a new, Microsoft-formatted version of any song they've purchased from the iTunes store so those songs can be played on devices other than an iPod."