MusicMatch support encourages iPod users to remove iTunes of their PC

November 5, 2003

Users of both iTunes and MusicMatch have encountered issues on having both applications installed together as iTunes takes control of which application becomes the default. To solve this issue, MusicMatch is encouraging its users to delete Apple's software off the system. Oddly,
MusicMatch's popular Jukebox software is bundled with Apple's iPod digital audio player, but this may be set to change if they continue discouraging iPod users from using Apple's own software.

As both MusicMatch and Apple run their own music download services they are likely competing with each other quickly on who manages to install its DRM services on as many PCs as possible. GristyMcFisty submitted the following article from The Register via our news submit :

San Diego-based MusicMatch Inc. has greeted the arrival of iTunes for Windows with a stark warning to users: delete Apple's software.

MusicMatch's popular Jukebox software is bundled with Apple's iPod MP3 player, but it's doubtful for how much longer. In September MusicMatch launched its own online MP3 download service as a rival to Apple's iTunes Music Store. And last month Apple launched iTunes for Windows with a glitzy launch at which Bono - perhaps already thinking of a curl of white smoke rising above the Vatican spelling the words "Yes, you with the Raybans" , only in Latin - compared Steve Jobs to the Dalai Lama.

MusicMatch suggestions for peaceful coexistence include the following advice:

Disconnect the iPod from your computer if it is still connected
Double click on 'My Computer'
Double click on 'Control Panel'
Open 'Add or Remove Programs'
Select and uninstall 'iTunes'

And so it goes. MusicMatch asks iPod owners on Windows to then delete MusicMatch before reinstalling it from the CD or from here.

"If you install iTunes, you will not be given a choice between Musicmatch Jukebox and iTunes - Apple makes this choice for you," adds the note, picking up on the 'choice' theme we've heard from Microsoft and Dell. Apple and MusicMatch are locked in a battle to see who can infect as many personal computers with DRM as quickly as possible. Clearly, this town is only big enough for one MP3 player-stroke-online MP3 download service.

I am quite surprised that MusicMatch have taken this approach to solving an issue over Apple's iTunes taking user control away from their software. While this may discourage existing MusicMatch customers from trying out Apple's iTunes service, it may backfire on existing iTunes users who have not yet tried the MusicMatch software. They may not be willing to try out MusicMatch if they must ditch their existing Apple iTunes software along with all the music they purchased through it as apart from the iPod, only the iTunes software can playback songs purchased through iTunes.

Source: The Register