Microsoft is presently testing a Web-based radio service as part of its MSN Music service, reports AP. The new feature mimics nearly 1,000 local radio stations, offering the same kind of content, but with less commercial interruptions. Industry analysts say the move is more irritating than threatening — at least for now. “Because it’s a beta and because it’s Webcasting, it’s not yet considered a tremendously important competitor to radio,” said Brida Connolly, technology editor at the Los Angeles trade publication Radio & Records in the story. “At this stage it’s considered more of an irritation.”
