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Microsoft Music Player To Share the Wealth
Microsoft's Zune music player is scheduled to be released Tuesday. Zune is intended to cut into Apple's lead in the digital music market.
(By Kevin P. Casey -- Bloomberg News)
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Now, Microsoft's deal with Universal may change the landscape between Apple and the labels, Gartenberg said. "The obvious question is: What happens the next time Apple meets with Universal?"
Morris said he intends to point to the Microsoft agreement when he sits down with Apple chief executive Steve Jobs.
"We're going to try and make a deal with Apple, too," he said. Jobs "has been a very good partner . . . [but] he's not the kind of guy you're going to tell what to do."
A spokesman for Apple declined to comment.
Zune product manager Scott Erickson said the deal was struck as a "collaboration" with Universal.
"Digital music is changing the way we listen to music," he said. "It's a question of how can we make sure we have viable business models out there that are sustainable."
EMI Group confirmed yesterday that the company had received an offer from Microsoft to share in the device's sales revenue. EMI spokeswoman Jeanne Meyer said the music publisher is still considering how to proceed.
"The Zune device -- any device like this -- needs music to make it compelling," she said. "We're glad Microsoft gets it."
