Yahoo may be fending off "bearhugs" from Microsoft, but it's their music biz that's getting the axe in the shortterm. The company announced today that it will discontinue its Yahoo Music Unlimited subscription service and will transfer its customer base to RealNetworks' Rhapsody service.
The process is expected to begin mid-2008, when subscribers will be guided through migrating their current libraries over to Rhapsody's system. Eventually (though we don't know when) subscribers will be expected to, ahem, "upgrade" to Rhapsody's pricing plans.
Only problem is, Yahoo's rates range from $5.99/month (full year pre-pay) to $8.99/month and Rhapsody memberships start at $12.99/month.
Yahoo will integrate Rhapsody into their music portal, and the two also intend to collaborate on other digital music services such as music downloads.
[CNET]
It is almost like a merger... Customers get screwed and prices go up for the same service.
Hmmmmmm
No matter. Comcast uses Rhapsody. Microsoft and Comcast are very, very friendly. Microsoft merges with Yahoo. Done Deal.
Hmm, I wonder (yeah right!) if the FLAC support will continue?
I'd rather use Napster. It's still only $9.99 (or $.01 from $10) per month. I've had Rhapsody. It's a rip off.
Someone figured out what a great deal Yahoo! was. Damnit. Back to the drawing board, Rhapsody sucks.
Goodbye MusicMatch. You were once such a nice service...
As of this afternoon (July 20), Mr. Bukowski’ s Wild Ride from Trace Publications is spreading its soiled wings and ready to fly. You can purchase a copy at Target stores online , as well as Amazon. com and Barnes and Noble. It also appears that a few indie booksellers on the east coast have picked it up.