Universal May Leave iTunes

New York (dBTechno) - Universal is currently refusing to renew its deal with Apple iTunes leaving the Apple service in a bit of trouble.

The world’s biggest music company Universal Music Group of Vivendi has stated that it is not going to renew its annual contract to sell music through iTunes.

Universal stated that it is going to market music to Apple at will instead of the previous deal. Executives stated that this Universal decision has major ramifications on Apple as it means that Universal can pull songs from the iTunes service at will if terms are not met between the companies.

More than 15% of sales from Universal in the first quarter came from digital music sales. Apple and Universal had no comment as of press time.

Microsoft Wants To Protect You

Washington (dBTechno) - Microsoft is trying to protect users by calling for one standard to be set for web search and online advertising in order to try and protect consumer privacy.

Microsoft stated that they are going to cut the time which they keep their internet searches logged in data. The Live Search engine will store user information of searches now for only 18 months. After that period is up Microsoft will remove the entire IP address, cookie ID, as well as anything else linked to the user.

Microsoft wants to target other companies now to take on the pattern which Microsoft is now following, this includes their rival Google.

Peter Cullen of Microsoft stated that “We think it’s time for an industry-wide dlalogue. The current patchwork of protections and how companies explain them is really confusing to consumers.”

Ask.com has already stated they will join Microsoft in this move.

Sirius and XM Show Merger Benefits

Boston (dBTechno) - Satellite radio providers Sirius and XM stated on Monday the benefits of a potential merger between the two as many subscription packages could be offered to cut subscription costs by 46%.

This is big news as they continue to try and get their merger approved. Lawmakers have been long concerned that the merger would actually raise prices and also cut down on programming choices which the companies would show to their consumers. Many new packages though would be offered to give the users more choice over their subscription.

One package could allow a customer to pick 50 channels on XM or Sirius for $6.99 a month. If they wanted to add more channels it would be at 25 cents a piece. The current plan is for $13 a month with more than 100 stations including Howard Stern on Sirius.

Sirius Chief Executive Mel Karmazin stated that “We need to build the subscription business base of satellite radio to strengthen our business and better leverage our high fixed costs. We are confident that a lower price point and more programming choices will help us do just that.”

The merger is being reviewed very slowly by the Federal Communications Commission, the FCC.