Competing with Compatibility [Edit]

Steve Jobs better watch out, because Napster is giving Apple a run for their money.

This week, Napster launched a music-sharing portal on the web with over six million MP3s, a move that could seriously hurt rivals like iTunes.

For reference, iTunes also has around six million songs, but the majority of the songs cannot be listened to on any device other than on Apple gadgets like iPods and iPhones.

The MP3s sold at the Napster store will be compatible with all listening devices, including Apple’s, and will include tracks from major artists as well as thousands of independent labels. Napster will charge about $0.99 a song, or $9.95 an album.

When Napster first launched, they were one of the key applications for downloading illegal music. Later, they became better known for their ethical streaming music that was available for unlimited listening for a monthly fee. The demand for downloads continued though, as people wanted to bring their music with them, and thus the new service was born.