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Every song is encoded at 256Kb/sec and the decison to eschew DRM means that the downloads are compatible with just about every portable music player - including iPods - and every desktop music application.

It also means that Sony BMG and Warner artists are absent. EMI has been licensing DRM-free music for several months. Universal Music announced

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last month that it would allow some stores to sell unrestricted tracks.

Bill Carr, Amazon.com vice president for Digital Music says that a private beta version of the service has been extensively tested, and that the public beta would enable the company to incorporate users' feedback.

"Amazon MP3 is an all-MP3, DRM-free catalog of à la carte music from major labels and independent labels, playable on any device, in high-quality audio, at low prices," he says. "We look forward to receiving feedback from our customers and using their input to refine the service."

Most songs are priced from 89 cents to 99 cents, while albums are priced from $5.99 to $9.99. If the store is succesful it could therefore increase pressure on Apple to introduce flexible pricing.

Amazon was unable to say if or when the service would be extended to the UK.