MySpace could launch iPod rival

 

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Posted on 7 Nov 2008 at 09:05

MySpace could develop a digital music player in the future, pitting it against Apple's iPod.

"It's possible," said CEO Chris DeWolfe, in response to a question from the Web 2.0 summit conference host, John Battelle. "Right now, we're just focusing on the service."

The company launched its music download service MySpace Music in September, in collaboration with major music labels such as Sony, Universal and Warner. The service provides ring tone and music downloads, as well as streaming audio and video.

The service is quickly gaining popularity, claims DeWolfe. In the first few days after launch one billion tracks were streamed by MySpace users, and 80 million playlists have since been created, which allow tracks to be shared with contacts.

However, the firm will not be rushing to enter the hardware market just yet. Even if it does, it is likely that its product would in fact be a re-badged model, rather than a player developed from scratch.

"If anything, we'll be accretive to iPod sales," as people use MySpace Music to download more music and videos for their iPods, DeWolfe said. "Unless we develop a device," he added.

While a remote possibility at this point, it would be an audacious move for MySpace, which practically defined the burgeoning social network concept as a business.

Author: Reuters