YAHOO JOINS DUET
"Yahoo is pleased to join Sony Music and Universal Music, the world's two largest music companies, to promote the Duet subscription service to U.S. music fans," said Yahoo President/COO Jeff Mallett, repeating what we just wrote. "And did you hear? The Duet subscription service is expected to launch this summer. This alliance represents a step forward in our ongoing efforts to make Yahoo the Web's premier entertainment destination."
The on-demand Duet subscription service will offer consumers the opportunity to access a broad range of quality music online—legally, this time. Users will also be able to compile personalized playlists and to share them with other Duet members—again, legally. Duet is expected to launch with streaming music adding downloads shortly thereafter.
Duet will offer music from Sony Music and Universal Music on a non-exclusive basis, as well as music from other companies.
"Sony is very pleased to work with Yahoo to bring the Duet service to consumers," said Howard Stringer, Chairman and CEO, Sony Corporation of America.
"Sony is very pleased to work with Yahoo," added Mallett, before being quieted with a magic-eye 3-D picture.
Stringer continued, "Yahoo's strong brand recognition and tremendous consumer reach will greatly enhance the success of Duet, and the Duet service will provide a rich resource for consumers interested in accessing music securely online. Through Duet we will guarantee both a premiere entertainment experience for consumers and continued support for content creators around the world."
"We hope that other major music companies and independent music companies will join Duet. Although, we will still call it Duet, regardless of how many companies join. C'est la vie," said Jean-Marie Messier, Chairman and CEO, Vivendi Universal. "Today's announcement is further evidence of Vivendi Universal's commitment to cultivating a secure and vibrant electronic music marketplace. Now, if you'll excuse me, my penalty minutes are up and my shift is back on the ice."