Remember the HD-DVD / Blu-Ray wars? Well, that’s all over now, but the winner is not necessarily Sony. There’s a theory that the entire thing was engineered by Microsoft to stall for time until they could get their HD streaming services on line. Whether the theory is true or not, Microsoft just announced that they will be partnering with Netflix to provide streaming services via the XBox 360.

Together, Netflix and Microsoft will launch around 10,000 TV and film titles. Judging from the success of XBox Live (6 million active users), they should see a good take up on the service. We’ll see how they fare against the mighty Apple iTunes Store.

Once upon a time, Napster was the place to go to get all your music needs. It had a simple interface, and you could search, download and play your favourite songs within minutes. The problem was, just about everything on Napster was illegal. Fast forward a few years later, and now the new new Napster has taken a leaf from Amazon’s playbook. Napster’s version 4.5 of its software and store now offer 6 million unprotected (DRM free) MP3 tracks for US$0.99 each.

Hopefully the four major labels will soon warm up to Apple and offer the entire iTunes DRM-free, too.

[ via CNET Crave ]

One thing you can say about Microsoft, they sure are persistent. Based on their track record, they only get things really right by the 3rd / 4th versions of their products (example : Internet Explorer, Windows). Even the much-criticized Zune Digital Media Player is getting the continuous update treatment. The latest Zune 2.5 update adds the ability to purchase TV shows from the Zune Store and view them on the media player.

TV Shows cost 1 cent more from Microsoft compared to Apple (US$2, or 160 MS Points), but you get access to NBC Shows like The Office which are no longer available on iTunes Store.

Not content with dominating the world’s music business, Apple wants to do the same thing to the movie business, too. Apple is now starting “day and date” releases of new movies, i.e., the digital versions are made available on the same day as the DVD release. Apple has secured deals with most major studios including Warner Bros, 20th Century Fox, The Walt Disney Studios, Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures, Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Sony Pictures Entertainment.

You can now buy movies direct from your Apple TV, too — no need to get off the couch to get to Walmart.

Starting from scratch just a few years ago, Apple has done the impossible with the iTunes Store. Now, having sold over 4 billion songs, Apple has claimed the top spot as the largest music retailer in the world. The giant that they had to beat was the mighty Wal-Mart.

Next step : largest media seller in the world?