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September 5, 2008 10:39:58 PM CDT

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Qtrax Hits Snags

Posted Jan 28, 08 12:31 PM CST in Technology 

(Newser) – Startup Qtrax has been promising free, legal music downloads from all the major labels via an ad-supported site that was supposed to launch this morning. Too good to be true? Maybe. On the eve of its debut, things started to unravel, with Warner, Universal and EMI all denying agreements with the startup, reports CNET.

The companies said they were in talks with Qtrax, however, and Qtrax’s CEO insisted that his company had “understandings” with the labels even if “some of the deals may not be locked in ink.” Qtrax also promised its downloads will be transferable to portable music players, including—for awhile—iPods, despite Apple restrictions against other sites’ protected tracks, says AP.

Sources: CNET, Associated Press, Rolling Stone

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The sign on the EMI office in London is seen in this Aug. 1, 2007 file photo. EMI, the storied home to The Beatles and The Rolling Stones that was taken over by a private equity firm last year, on Tuesday,...   (Associated Press)
Advertisement for the Apple iPod Nano on display at an Apple store in Palo Alto, Calif., in this Oct. 19, 2007, file photo. Qtrax, an online file-sharing service, said it would offer unlimited, free song...   (Associated Press)
Jimmy Page Appears During NYSE Opening Bell   (Getty Images)
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music downloads  • file sharing  • Universal Music Group  • Warner Music  • EMI


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