Napster Tries Free MP3 Player Promo

Napster has begun offering new customers its own branded music player for free in return for a one-year subscription to its music service. Users would be able to select from either a 256MB player at no charge that is capable of playing MP3, WMA, and WAV files, or a 1GB player that adds a larger color screen capable of displaying JPEG photo and MPEG video files for an extra $50 charge.

Music services like Napster have struggled in Apple's shadow. According to the most recent estimates by NPD Group, the iTunes Music Store garners over 80 percent of the market. This leaves services like Napster turning to special promotions like free gifts in order to fight over the remaining fifth. Napster did not comment on the MP3 player promotion.