ars technica: Napster launched its MP3 service this morning with 6 million unprotected MP3s and a library that the company claims is 50 percent larger than any other MP3 store in existence. The store is a direct attempt to challenge the dominance of iTunes and to take on Amazon MP3, which has been moving up in the ranks in terms of popularity. However, given Napster’s slight foibles with its MP3 store, it may find unseating iTunes and Amazon a little more difficult than expected.
The company originally announced its plans for an MP3 store in January, but with few details. Napster’s move to DRM-free sales is the latest in a long line of attempts to gain a larger share of the digital music market, after trying a number of other initiatives. The service has remained one of the most popular when it comes to subscriptions, but is still struggling for market share.
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