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Universal to Offer Songs Via Free Music Service

Universal Music plans to offer music through a new online service that generates revenue through advertising instead of per song sales. Financial Times reports that the service is called SpiralFrog, and it will launch in December.

Unlike the iTunes Music Store, which charges US$0.99 per song download, and other services that charge monthly subscription fees, SpiralFrog plans to recoup its costs through advertisement sales. The fact that Universal is backing the company shows that music labels are willing to try almost anything to sway consumers away from illegal file sharing systems.

Fashion company Perry Ellis is planning on advertising on SpiralFrog, and Levi's, Aeropostale, and Benetton have all expressed interest.

Additional information about how the service will operate, and which devices it will be compatible with, is not available.


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