BERLIN, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Samsung Electronics plans to offer digital music services like Apple Computer's iTunes alongside a new series of portable players, the company said Friday.
Samsung is teaming up with New York-based MusicNet to power the service, which will offer both download sales and subscription options.
The service will first be available in Britain, France and Germany, the company said, and then expand throughout Europe and Asia.
MusicNet -- which provides content and technology to America Online, Virgin Digital and HMV -- will power the service and provide the underlying technology and content library of more than 2 million licensed songs for Samsung.
The service will be compatible with Samsung's forthcoming line of MP3 and portable media players, the company said.
The move follows Microsoft's July announcement it would launch a digital music player and service called Zune.
Samsung shares were at $67.88, up 45 cents, in early-afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
