Microsoft has released information at this year's Consumer Electronics Show on Urge, its new music download service, which aims to compete directly against iTunes. The service, which will not be based on a per-song or per-album cost, will allow users unlimited downloads, with access to music videos and other content.

Urge is the result of a partnership between the big M and MTV, and is the first serious contender to Apple's coveted crown. The news is not as surprising as how obvious Microsoft is making its move, making the new service incompatible with existing iPods -- a truly daring move.

The new program will be built into all versions of the upcoming Windows Vista, Microsoft's new operating system, the successor to Windows XP. It will be interesting to see how Apple reacts to the news.

[Via, The Independent]