Microsoft introduced MSN Mobile Music service that let people buy and download songs onto their handheld devices, and a surprise return to digital rights management (DRM). While companies such as Apple and Amazon have finally moved to music download services free of copy protection, MSN Mobile locks tracks to the mobile handset they are downloaded to.

Mobile users need to visit www.msn.co.uk and select the music service from the options. Tracks are available in three different formats: full track, music video, or RealTone (ringtones) and can be paid for either on the customer’s monthly bill from the network operator or pre-paid in sums of 1.50, £2 or £3 respectively.