There are no details on the size of the catalogue available, or what the pricing is going to be like, but Microsoft finally unveiled its forthcoming music service at the South By Southwest music conference in Texas.
Microsoft chose to demonstrate its new music service in a private preview to independent music labels – a smart move. MSN product manager Christine Andrews said “Other companies took a different route and did not engage with the independent labels early in the process. We heard that the independent labels did feel neglected a little bit. But, more importantly, we want to deliver a site that is great for artists both big and small, and great for the consumers too.”
The tracks will initially be available in Microsoft’s own Windows Media format – though it is thought that MS might make other formats available too. What ever they turn out to be, you can bet it won’t be AAC.