Samsung to Build Own Music Store

Samsung on Friday announced plans to develop its own online music store, which would join a growing number of Windows Media-based services that have struggled to compete with Apple's iTunes. The store would complement a new line of MP3 players from the electronics maker.

With Microsoft readying its own Zune portable device and music service to take on Apple, the company's PlaysForSure partners are becoming increasingly wary of being pushed to the side. In turn, Samsung is closing the loop and will promote its own service alongside its devices, much like Apple does with the iPod.

Samsung has tapped MusicNet to provide the library of songs for the store, which will likely offer both a monthly subscription and individual downloads. MusicNet currently powers Yahoo! Music Unlimited and MTV Networks' URGE, which was developed with Microsoft and will be the primary service in Windows Media Player 11.

The company has provided few other details about the service, except that it will initially target Europe. Samsung's store will launch in the United Kingdom, France and Germany before expanding to other EU countries and Asia. With Apple dominating online music sales in the United States, Samsung is looking to establish its presence elsewhere.

Samsung also announced Friday the K5 audio player, which features a built-in speaker and OLED display with a one-button design. The K5 will come in 2GB and 4GB models, priced at $209.99 and $259.99 USD, respectively. The device goes on sale September 10th and will be available in black and pink.