MTV has launched a test version of Urge, the long-delayed music store it's operating jointly with Microsoft. The service costs $9.95 per month to stream songs from the network's 2 million-plus song
library, and $14.95 for unlimited downloads. If users stop paying the download fee, the downloadable songs will stop working. Permanent downloads will be sold at 99 cents, however. Urge's files are
compatible with nearly any music device but Apple's iPod. MTV hopes to set its music store apart with features like 500 preset playlists for different moods and styles, as well as 130 Internet radio
stations and 24 music blogs. The service will be marketed heavily on Microsoft's Windows Media Player.
Read the whole story at New York Times »
