• Orange, the global communications service provider, have launched a new service in France that allows subscribers to freely download up to 500 tracks a month for PC and phone. With all four major labels on board (offering over 1 million tracks) the €12 a month service is considered relatively unique and novel service in that you get to keep the tracks for life, moving forward the recorded music upheaval.
  • In a move that will spark interest amongst the tech’ communities, EMI – home to bands like Coldplay and Robbie Williams – have looked to bolster their internet presence with the acquisition of Cory Ondrejka. For the non-techie folk Cory Ondrejka is a co-founder of the incredibly successful online community Second Life – a virtual world that now floats its own economy with the Linden Dollar. This comes not long after Guy Hands (owner of EMI) hired Douglas Merrill who was previously one of Googles most senior executives.
  • It’s difficult not to know, but for those of you that have managed to spare yourself from the media barrage, Coldplays new album Viva la Vida was released today. Predictably going straight to the top of the iTunes album charts the LP has caused a stir in the retail world as Woolworths’ download store is offering it for less than £5 – £3.02 cheaper in fact that iTunes. It’s your choice where to get it if you feel so inclined, but either way prepare yourself for the impending Coldplay fanaticism.