Microsoft song shop coming soon despite Apple snub?

If rumour and speculation are to be believed, Microsoft's iTunes-alike music download service will be debuting in the coming days. And if a different set of rumours is to be believed, Redmond approached Apple for iPod compatibility and was snubbed.

It is thought that with the latest update to Windows Media Player coming soon, Gates and chums will take the opportunity to push users in the direction of its very own song shop.

Original estimates were that the download service would debut in the middle of August. Microsoft has confirmed the announcement is expected this year but won't reveal a date. But don't expect a big bang launch: Microsoft is more likely to gently ease the music merchant into existence via the MSN portal.

With over 300 million hits a month to MSN on top of the Media Player users, Microsoft has got a healthy user base to wean onto its song shop. However, according to a report in music mag Rolling Stone, Microsoft wanted even more.

With Apple's iPod holding around 50 per cent of the music player market, the report quotes a source close to the matter as saying that Microsoft had made several attempts to get Apple to agree to iPod compatibility for the store but Apple refused. Microsoft declined to comment.

It's not a surprising move for Cupertino. Apple has preserved an isolationist stance towards its iPod music player, refusing to let Real's song shop license the technology. Real 'cracked' the software and launched a campaign encouraging Apple to open up its music licensing.