
All you can listen to buffet
Microsoft has said that people who pay for all-you-can-listen access to the Zune digital music store can keep 10 songs each month.
The big idea is that people who have been reluctant to test out the subscription model, preferring to own their music instead of rent it, might sign up for the scheme.
Microsoft's Zune Pass, RealNetworks Rhapsody and others give users unlimited access to millions of songs in exchange for a monthly fee. But as soon as the user stops paying, the music stops playing. Using the Zune Pass perk, subscribers can use the Zune desktop software as usual to buy individual songs, and the service keeps track of how many free ones remain for the month.
Microsoft has signed deals with Sony BMG Music Entertainment and Universal Music Group, so that Zune users can buy MP3-formatted songs, not just ones infected with DRM.