Yahoo, which could soon become part of the Microsoft empire, has decided to shutter Yahoo Music Unlimited, the DRM-ed subscription service it launched in 2005. All existing subscribers will have to migrate to Rhapsody over the next few months, which offers a similar – if more substantial – service.
Rhapsody has also forged deals with manufacturers to include its service on devices such as the Philips Streamium, which gives Yahoo users at least one reason to welcome the upgrade. However, the transition will be particularly rough on former Musicmatch users who, having been forcibly "upgraded" to Yahoo's service, must now switch again.
Other DRM-ed music services that have failed in recent memory include MSN Music, Sony Connect, and Virgin Music.
