> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.hypebot.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# MSN Music vs. iTunes
- URL: https://www.hypebot.com/msn_music_vs_it/
- Published: 2004-11-11T08:44:49.000Z
- Updated: 2004-11-11T08:44:49.000Z
- Description: FMQB Reports: "In order to compete with Apple‘s stronghold on the digital music market, Microsoft‘s MSN music service began a free song promotion this week sponsored by American Express. The. Continue reading [https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2004/11/msn_music_vs_it.html]
- Author: Bruce Houghton
- Tags: Vinyl, Cassettes & Retail, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-01-21 11:10

[![Msn_music_1](https://hypebot.typepad.com/hypebot/images/msn_music_1.gif "Msn_music_1")](http://hypebot.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/msn%5Fmusic%5F1.gif?ref=hypebot.com) FMQB Reports: "In order to compete with **Apple**‘s stronghold on the digital music market, **Microsoft**‘s MSN music service began a free song promotion this week sponsored by **American Express**. The deal offers free songs to users who buy music downloads with their American Express card, and those who apply for an Amex Blue card through a link on the MSN site will get credits to download free music."

"Meanwhile, Apple has stepped up its marketing efforts with the recent announcement of the new U2 custom iPod, just in time for the holidays. And Apple’s iTunes music store still accounts for 70 percent of the music sold online. However, a *New York Post* article notes that Microsoft may have the ability to cut into Apple’s share since its Windows Media format is supported by multiple portable music players. Conversely, Apple’s iTunes service is only compatible with the iPod. A number of iPod alternatives are now on the market, including portable music players made by **Royal Philips Electronics, Samsung Electronics, iRiver** and **Creative Technology**."

**Click on COMMENTS below and join the dicsussion.**