Microsoft is set to unveil the latest version of its media playback software on Thursday, giving its partners powerful new tools for selling digital entertainment services even as it launches its own music download store. With Windows Media Player 10, Microsoft hopes to leapfrog competitors such as Apple Computer and RealNetworks with some novel features, notably support for music rentals …

As Microsoft focuses on its music store and digital media software, Apple talks bucks and BMWs–and gets in some digs at its new rival. MSN Music is off-key, Apple says The creator of the iPod and iTunes sounds off on its new rival in music downloads. September 2, 2004 Creative adds MP3 players to take on iPod Will twice as …

Apple Computer announced Wednesday that it will offer commissions to third-party sites that drive customers to its iTunes online music store. The Cupertino, Calif.-based company said that the iTunes Affiliate Program will allow Web sites to link directly to specific content stored in iTunes’ digital archives, and will pay dividends to those companies that can help Apple generate downloads. The …