http://www.mp3.com/news/197.html
Exclusive: Microsoft Prepares Breakthrough MS Audio 4.0!
By Doug Reece
March 11, 1999
Sources say that Microsoft will release MS Audio 4.0--a new file format that
compresses audio files to half the size of an average MP3 file while improving sound
quality--sometime in April.
The company also plans to distribute free encoders for the ASF (advanced streaming
format) audio.
"It's a high-priority over there with 'The Owner,'" says one source.
Sources say the format will have a security feature built in, but reports are mixed as
to MS Audio 4.0's e-commerce capability. Some believe the format will launch with
commerce functions built in; others say it's not clear how far along Microsoft is with
commercial applications.
According to another source in the music industry, Microsoft has been approaching the
major record labels over the last few weeks to discuss the new format. Some labels
have also been solicited for music content, which Microsoft plans on including on a
demo CD that contains 10 hours of music in the MS Audio 4.0 format.
Initially, MS Audio 4.0 can only play on Windows Media Player, which raises questions
about Microsoft's strategic position. It will also play on Windows CE devices (hand
held PCs).
"They're not trying to squeeze out anybody," says yet another source. "They don't
fancy this as another Liquid Audio and they're not looking at this as a means to
extend their world domination. They're just providing you with another alternative."
The launch of MS Audio 4.0, if true, also brings into clearer picture Microsoft's
recent investment in Reciprocal Inc. (formerly the Rights Exchange, Inc.). According
to a press release from Redmond, the equity stake in the digital rights management
company is "the first step in a relationship in which the companies will work together
to build the emerging digital content distribution and commerce industry."
It's expected that Microsoft will tout the format at its Got ASF? web site
(http://www.microsoft.com/sbnmember/osig/gotasf.asp).
