Microsoft to Unveil Faster Music Download Format

Microsoft is about to unveil a new technology that will allow computer users to digitally download music recordings twice as fast as anything currently available, sources said. The MS Audio 4.0 format is said to sound better than MP3 compression and will feature a new encryption system called Secure ASF to help prevent theft on the Internet, sources said. The technology is expected to be included in Microsoft’s Windows Media Player 4.0, which could be released next month. Microsoft declined comment.