Microsoft Partners with Pressplay for MSN Music

Confirming rumors leaked earlier this week, Microsoft and pressplay announced today a partnership to bring pressplay's music subscription service to MSN subscribers, as well as offer Windows Media as an audio format for other pressplay affiliates. MSN Music, first launched in April, will now provide the ability to browse and listen to pressplay's music catalog. Users will be able to create customized playlists, and download or stream music on demand.

A joint venture between Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music Group, pressplay plans to launch its music subscription service late summer. Facing early skepticism from critics, today's announcement adds credibility to the technology which has yet to materialize in public view.

Raising the stakes with RealNetworks-backed competitor MusicNet, pressplay will now offer music in Windows Media format. The company initially planned to make use of Blue Matter, a secure audio format developed by Universal, despite a lack of industry support. This move will give millions of Windows users access to music without downloading a secondary client. MusicNet makes use of RealAudio, requiring subscribers to install RealPlayer or utilize the service's own software.

"Our relationship with Microsoft offers us access to one of the world's largest consumer networks, via MSN, as well as high-quality audio with Windows Media and DRM technology, which strengthens the pressplay service offering," said pressplay CEO Andy Schuon in today's press release.

While the partnership with pressplay is non-exclusive, Microsoft is not expected to extend its format offering to MusicNet - although the possibility does exist. MusicNet has not officially responded to the announcement, although told Reuters it was simply an "ad play."