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MTV Networks is merging its online digital-music offerings into a joint venture with RealNetworks in order to create a stronger competitor to Apples market-dominating iTunes Store.

This new move also appears to spell the end of MTV’s Urge digital service, launched in partnership with Microsoft. MTV’s Urge fell apart quickly with the lack of focus and few subscribers.

MTV has been investing in digital technology. They plan to invest at least $500 million in games, on top of acquisitions like that of Harmonix Music Systems the developer of the Guitar Hero game series. (WSJ)

Consumers need approximately three dominating digital retailers allowing them a couple of options.