InformationWeek: Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has launched an online music service that lets music lovers create personalized CDs. The service is being developed as an alternative for people who don't have access to digital-music CD burners and prefer a physical music collection rather than downloaded tracks on an MP3 player.
The service lets customers choose tracks from more than 400,000 songs — rock, easy listening, country, classical, and more — all from Wal-Mart's Web site. There's no downloading required, nor is access to a CD burner or a portable digital music device necessary.
In-store kiosks equipped with computers linked to Walmart.com also are being tested in select stores. Customers can come into select Wal-Mart stores and order custom CDs online through a kiosk just as they can shirts, shoes, and patio furniture. A similar service is being explored for movies as Hollywood studios prepare to transition from celluloid to digital content.
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