INTERNET BUSINESS NEWS-(C)1995-2005 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

HMV, a music, games and video store, has revealed that rock band The Who is to record a version of 1965 hit My Generation, along with McFly, to help the launch of its digital download site next week.

Customers of HMV's new site will be able to choose from a monthly subscription or a paid-for downloads service. In addition, HMV is to establish digital sections in its UK stores to provide help for downloaders.

The launch of HMV's site coincides with the introduction of Virgin's download service, scheduled for the end of this week. Virgin is also to offer a monthly subscription of under GBP10 per month, or a pay-as-you-go service, and samples of around 1 million tracks will be available prior to purchase.

The introduction of the iPod and other portable music devices has resulted in a substantial increase in online music services. Over 10 million songs were legally downloaded in the UK in the first six months of this year, with digital downloads accounting for 5% of global music sales during that period.

((Comments on this story may be sent to info@m2.com))

COPYRIGHT 2005 Ingram Investment Ltd.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group