December 3, 2008 16:55

Amazon launches digital service to rival iTunes

Over three million songs are already available to download

Online entertainment store Amazon.co.uk launched its UK MP3 service today (December 3).

Called Amazon MP3, the store is offering bestselling albums from £3.

Albums available to download at that price currently include Kings Of Leon's 'Only By The Night' and Coldplay's 'Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends'. Individual songs are also available to buy from 59p.

The service, which offers DRM-free songs that will play in any MP3 player (including the iPod) is expected to become a major rival to Apple's iTunes store.

There are already three million songs available to buy from Amazon MP3.

Acts from all four major labels and a number of high-profile independent labels, including Beggars Banquet and Cooking Vinyl, are represented on the service.