Sony has launched its long anticipated Sony Connect online music download service in the United States. Like Sony announced early this year, the service features 500,000 songs from $0.99 per track, or $9.99 per album.

The songs at Sony Connect are sold in Sony's own ATRAC3 format, which is compatible with Sony's audio devices. While Apple has done a great job with iPod and iTunes, Sony feels that they can offer the consumers a broader line of devices.

It is quite obvious, that with Connect Sony wishes to boost the sales of its audio products. Devices such as MiniDisc Hi-MD Walkman, NetMD Walkmans, ATRAC CD Walkman, and Network Walkman players will all play content downloaded via Connect. Aiwa (a brand of Sony's) will also soon be releasing Giga Pavit, a hard-disk player similar to Apple iPod Mini.

Apart from a wider range of portable devices supported, the Sony Connect seems to have little edge over its rivals. It will be interesting to see how the markets are going to develop with Connect around. Sony is by far the largest player on the current online music market, with amazing potential to market and push its products to the consumers.

Source: News.com