iTunes downloads going for a song in the UK

Computer giant Apple launched the long-awaited UK version of its iTunes on-line music store today, allowing users to download a song for just 79p (€1.18).

More than 700,000 tracks are available from what Apple calls “the best music juke-box in the world”.

There is no subscription fee and most albums will cost £7.99 (€12) to download.

In the US, iTunes has sold more than 85 million tracks since its launch a year ago and already dominates the market with a 70% share of all legal downloads.

From today it is available in the UK, Germany and France.

ITunes has been credited with kick-starting the fightback against piracy, which is blamed for a worldwide slump in record sales.

Apple believes it can lure people away from illegal downloading by offering a superior product.

ITunes promises a speedy “one-click download”, free 30-second preview of each tune and album cover art to accompany the songs.

The on-line store will also offer extra features such as music videos, exclusive tracks and more than 5,000 audio books from authors including John Grisham and Bill Bryson.

“It is piracy, not overt online music stores, which is our main competitor,” said Apple chief executive Steve Jobs.

“Piracy has brought the music industry to its knees in the UK.

“You have to understand it and you have to compete with it by offering a better product.

“Illegal downloads can be unreliable, they can be slow, and they can be poor quality. Most of all, it’s stealing.

“ITunes is a better product and it isn’t stealing – it’s good karma.”

Mr Jobs flew in for the European launch, which was held amid great secrecy at Old Billingsgate Market in the City of London. Grammy-winning artist Alicia Keys was the surprise performer.