MSN Mobile providing music

MSN Mobile is to offer its users the chance to download music using the service.

In a move being seen as a further step in the rivalry between Microsoft and Apple, MSN Mobile customers will be able to download content using their mobiles.

The service currently allows users to access email and internet searches, along with news, weather and similar content, but Microsoft has now decided to branch out into the music download business, in direct competition with Apple’s iTunes.

Hugh Griffiths, director of MSN Mobile UK, said: “With more than 130 handsets having access to the music store from day one, this is an exciting proposition that for the first time provides consumers a network agnostic service, with a vast array of new and old music from major music labels.”

MSN Mobile customers will have access to more than one million tracks (costing £1.50 each) and thousands of realtones (£3) and music videos (£2).