San Francisco, Oct 17: Apple Computer Inc. on Thursday launched the long-awaited Windows-compatible version of its iTunes online music service, promising a wider library of songs and new features to maintain its lead in an increasingly competitive market. Apple also announced a marketing pact with PepsiCo Inc. to promote the wider availability of its song-download service, saying that it would give away some 100 million free tracks to lucky soft drink buyers in a promotion starting on Super Bowl Sunday in February and running for 60 days.
The company also raised the bar for itself, setting a goal of selling 100 million songs by April 28, 2004, one year from the music store's launch. To meet that goal, Apple said it would make it easier for AOL's 25 million subscribers to register for the iTunes service and use it to buy music.
It unveiled new add-ons for its popular digital music player, the iPod, that allow it to be used for voice recording and digital photo storage, with digital photos automatically downloaded into Apple's iPhoto software when users place the iPod into its cradle plugged to a Macintosh computer. Bureau Report