From May, you will be able to buy music in MP3 format from the Tesco Digital online music store, which is pitching itself as a competitor to iTunes.

Tesco already offers digital music via Tescodownloads.com, but only in WMA (Windows Media Audio) format, meaning that it is incompatible with Apple's iPod.

Tesco Digital will initially offer 3.3 million tracks, 1.6 million of which will be in MP3 format. By the end of the year, Tesco hopes to have all music available in MP3 format.

All music provided in MP3 format will be free of DRM (digital rights managament) protection, though WMA tracks will still have DRM built-in.

Graham Harris, commercial director at Tesco said: "The new Tesco Digital site is more than a music download portal – we wanted to create an exciting and easy-to-use entertainment shop that Tesco customers of all ages and technical ability can use and trust."

Tesco promised that the service would also be offering downloadable films and games in the future.

"Our music offering is just the start of an exciting journey for our customers – it really is a case of watch this space. We are delighted to be offering our customers MP3 download music for the very first time and our customers can expect to hear more news from us in the coming weeks and months as we develop our digital store," said Harris.

Clubcard points will be available on all purchases and though pricing has not been finalised yet, Tesco promised that it would be "competitive".

www.tesco.com

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