Real Networks to compete with Apple iTunes

APPLE'S ONLINE music service iTunes is to face competition from Real Networks, which will today announce a download music service for only 79 cents a track.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the service will be based on the Rhapsody service from listen.com, which Real bought last month.

The move means Real won't push Musicnet any more, a joint venture between it and major firms EMI, AOL and Bertelsmann.

But the Journal points out that Real Networks owns 40 per cent of Musicnet and has already plunged an estimated $4 million into the service.

Most people are waiting to see what the Big Vole (Microsoft) will do, as the race to sell music online gathers pace. µ