MTV Networks has announced the launch of a digital music service integrated with the upcoming Windows Media Player 11, thanks to the support from Microsoft and content from MTV, VH1, and CMT, along with over 2 million tracks available for users to download.
Named URGE, this service is set to debut in 2006. MTV plans to showcase a variety of genres and chart-topping hits from stars like Alicia Keys, Coldplay, and Gretchen Wilson.
“In addition to providing a straightforward download service, URGE will offer a music playground for fans – a place where they can choose, explore, and download the latest tracks,” said MTV Networks’ digital head Jason Hirschhom.
Currently, there is limited information about URGE. Fans are curious whether URGE will function as a music library or a subscription service similar to Napster To Go and Yahoo! Music Unlimited. The URGE service will be promoted through MTV Networks as well as the newly launched website URGE.com, which went live yesterday, December 13.
MTV also plans to widely advertise URGE at the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas next January.
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