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Will Sgt. Pepper sing for Microsoft? We might find out this week because Microsoft's MSN division is expected to start a public beta of its new online music service, directly aiming at Apple's dominant iTunes Music Store and wildly popular iPod player.
MSN will be similar to iTunes, according to various reports, with single song downloads available for 99 cents. It may even have a similar look to Apple's brushed nickel finish, according to the San Jose Mercury News in California.
It also will be different. Microsoft will emphasize that songs downloaded from MSN will play on a reported 60 players, but not on the iPod. Apple has tied only the iPod into iTunes. Microsoft will use a "Plays for Sure" slogan that can be put on devices so buyers know they work with multiple services.
Then there's the Beatles, who have not licensed their music for online sales. Rumors have been circulating for months that Microsoft with its deep pockets would reach a deal for some of the Fab Four's songs.
Reports last week gave differing accounts, though no one is talking on the record. The Mercury News reported it apparently won't happen, but Rolling Stone magazine said only that a deal couldn't be confirmed.