MusicMatch Brings MP3 to the Masses; MusicMatch Jukebox 6.0 Captures Individual Styles and Tastes to Create the Ultimate Personal Music System

Business Wire, Nov 14, 2000

Business Editors

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 14, 2000

MusicMatch, Inc., inventor of the world's first all-in-one digital music jukebox, introduces exciting new services for music fans that bring them even closer to their favorite tunes.

Today the company unveils the MusicMatch(R) Jukebox(TM) 6.0 software program, the latest version of the award-winning software that packs power and ease into one program, letting music lovers decide whether they want to roll up their sleeves and control their music, or just sit back, relax and enjoy it. The new software is available now for free download at http://www.musicmatch.com.

MusicMatch Jukebox 6.0 software includes a new MP3 radio service that works for individual fans based on personal music styles. MusicMatch(R) Radio is unlike any other online radio offered today, blending the unique MusicMatch personalization technology with a database of tens of thousands of popular songs.

The result is favorite music streamed directly to the music lover, specifically for that listener. MusicMatch Jukebox 6.0 also builds on its easy-to-use interface with enhancements to the Music Guide, Music Library and other tools that make it easier to discover new music, acquire old favorites and play the right music for any mood or occasion.

"MusicMatch Jukebox 6.0 embodies our vision of personal fulfillment through music," said Dennis Mudd, CEO of MusicMatch, Inc. "From the invention of the first digital music jukebox to the pioneering personalization we deliver today, we've been passionate about helping people discover new music - and new ways to appreciate music."

Personalized MP3 Radio

With today's technology it is not necessary to spend time looking for anything less than the right music for that moment. MusicMatch Jukebox 6.0 now offers both content and control for music fans.

The MusicMatch proprietary personalization system delivers a variety of unique personalization methods to create stations based on favorite artists, moods and individual tastes by learning from listening patterns. Once a MusicMatch listener creates a custom station, he or she can save it and share it by e-mailing to friends.

Music fans can create several custom stations in four easy ways:

-- My Station: The default station that creates a personal station for the
listener with a unique selection of hits and new singles based on listening
habits.

-- Artist Match: Creates a new station based on a favorite artist by simply
typing in the artist's name. MusicMatch pulls from thousands of similar artists
to stream a custom station.

-- Station Match: Gives music fans the power to be their own DJ by mixing
different radio stations from the Popular Formats, including R&B Hits, Oldies
and 80s Hits, to create one customized format station.

-- Popular Formats: Features 18 exclusive stations programmed by top radio
industry veterans, such as Top Hits, Alternative Rock, Rap & Hip-Hop, and
Smooth Jazz.

Exclusive Artist Interviews & 100,000 Downloads

The MusicMatch Music Guide now features 60,000 more downloads of today's popular audio, video and music content -- bringing the total to more than 100,000 downloads.

Integrated fully into MusicMatch Jukebox 6.0, the Music Guide is used by millions of music lovers who want to stay current on the top albums, tracks, artists and industry buzz, with streamed and downloadable content, previews and videos from the major recording labels and independents alike.

New in version 6.0, Music fans can discover new artists by launching an artist station directly from within the Music Guide, capturing the latest sounds and similar styles based on artists of current interest.

Featured Artists on the Desktop

Music fans can upgrade to the MusicMatch Jukebox Plus version of the software (available online for $19.99) to take advantage of additional new features that bring fans even closer to their favorite artists. As people are enjoying music, the listener's desktop wallpaper will be changed dynamically to showcase the album cover art displayed in the MusicMatch Jukebox media window.

Also, the Plus version offers the ability to print customized CD jewel case inserts with album art and track titles, as well as listeners' music libraries and personalized playlists by track, artist, album, etc.

More for the Music Fan

Traditional stereo systems are limited to playing regional radio stations with generic music or songs from the listener's personal collection. MusicMatch Jukebox eclipses traditional stereo systems in its breadth of functionality and versatility, with the following:

-- Ability to turn existing CDs, albums and cassettes into

digital music files with free CD-quality MP3 recording (up to

320 kbps) -- the best sound quality available.

-- Integrated CD burner software to store hundreds of MP3s on a

CD or create custom audio CDs to play in any CD stereo system,

whether it's in the car or at home.

-- The most sophisticated music management system to record and

store entire music collections in one location, create

playlists and easily organize a complete music library.