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Qtrax, which launched in beta with much fanfare back in January, is a file-sharing music site which initially claimed it had deals in place with all four major labels to supply music for the site for free, supported by ad revenue - a claim which was swiftly denied by the labels themselves.

In contrast, the latest announcement was a much quieter affair, with Universal confirming in a press release that "Qtrax will now have access to the most extensive digital music catalogue of chart-topping artists in the world" but refusing to elaborate beyond the statement.

The deal currently only covers the North American market, with Qtrax refusing to comment on when the service might reach the UK or how negotiations with other labels are progressing.