> Google is set to launch a free music service in China with Top100.cn to battle Biadu. We take an in depth look and ask "Is This The Music Industry’s Future? (Hypebot) We’ll have reaction from music industry watchers in China this week and don’t miss our ongoing series on the Music Industry In China: Part 1 – Piracy & Retail, Part 2 – Inide & Major Labels, and Part 3 – Media & Marketing with more to come.
> Napster posted a much smaller 3Q loss than the previous year but the number of subscribers fell slightly. The company will begin selling mp3’s later this year. (AP) Lower
losses mean longer life, but what is Napster doing to differentiate itself?
> Amazon and Universal pact for free Valentine’s ecards that include original versions of classic modern love songs plus a sale of Valentine’s Day appropriate songs, albums and compilations. (press release, Amazon)
> Jupiter Research’s David Card looks at MTV’s online strategy and likes what he sees. "…a pretty compelling story from a supposed digital dinosaur. Maybe that online youth audience isn’t quite locked up after all." (Jupiter)
> The Orchard is changing its name to The Orchard Enterprises. (press release) Why?
> Kayne West has launched his own search engine. (here) Again, I ask…Why?
> UK music publisher Kobalt (Moby, Eminem) has landed $16 million in additional funding. (PEH)
> A consumer focused overview of the moves toward ad supported free music. (USA Today)
