Yahoo Joins MusicMatch, Music Engine

Yahoo released a new version of its online music service Wednesday, merging its Yahoo! Music Engine and MusicMatch applications into a single program called Yahoo! Music Jukebox. which Yahoo acquired MusicMatch in 2004.

Among the enhancements to the software include a new equalizer, as well as improved playlist and usability enhancements. Popular features from MusicMatch Jukebox have been seamlessly integrated into the Yahoo product, the company said.

"This new version of the Yahoo! Music Jukebox enables our users to take advantage of the combined strengths of the Yahoo! Music Engine and the Musicmatch Jukebox in one fully-integrated experience," Yahoo Music vice president and general manager Dave Goldberg said.

A Plus version of the product would also be offered for $19.99 USD, which would add features such as faster ripping and burning, MP3 audio enhancements, and CD label printing features. Both versions would allow mixing and the capability to import and manage music, as well as the option transfer songs to portable devices that support the Windows Media PlaysForSure format.

The Jukebox software is also the access point for Yahoo! Music Unlimited. The service is available for $6.99 USD monthly or $59.88 USD annually for streaming only, and $11.99 USD monthly or $119.88 USD annually for the option to download and transfer songs to a portable device.