SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 16, 2004--MP3.com, a leading
unbiased content and discovery resource for music fans and a property
of CNET Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq:CNET), today launched its first Holiday
Gift Guide, a complete resource on the world of digital music for this
year's holiday shoppers. The guide, which can be found at
http://www.mp3.com/giftguide, includes a complete round-up of digital
music products for every budget as well as great gift ideas for music
fans that already own an MP3 player.
According to IDC, the worldwide MP3 player market is expected to
reach nearly US$58 billion in revenues by 2008, representing a
five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20%. This is being
driven by a variety of factors including falling price points, the
availability of music from legitimate online music services, and the
integration of compressed audio support in a wide variety of digital
devices, including DVD players and gaming devices, making it one of
the most popular gift options this holiday season.
"Music-related gifts are always popular for the holidays, but this
year with the new array of digital music options, buyers need to know
where to turn for unbiased recommendations," said Eliot Van Buskirk,
section editor of MP3.com. "Even the most seasoned digital music user
may have a tough time figuring out what MP3 player to buy someone,
which is why we created a holiday gift guide that offers MP3 newbies
and more experienced users a few easy ways to compare and pick the
best digital music gifts on the market today."
To help people find the right products, the editors created a list
of MP3 players based on price that can fit a wide range of budgets.
Everything from the $50 Rio S-10 to the latest Apple iPod, which
retails for more than $400 is included. Each recommendation links to a
detailed review outlining the MP3 player's design, unique features,
and performance as well as a compatibility chart that lets shoppers
see what digital music download services work with the selected
product.
Knowing that many people already own MP3 players, MP3.com's
Holiday Gift Guide also includes a special section dedicated to
digital music accessories that offers shoppers a selection of options
from high quality headphones to special gear to use an iPod or other
MP3 player in the car.
Having addressed users who need the best all-around MP3 player in
a specific budget, MP3.com's Holiday Gift Guide also includes a list
of the best MP3 players for niche activities -- everything from
swimming to photography.
About MP3.com
MP3.com is a comprehensive, next-generation digital music
discovery and content resource that caters to the way people learn
about and listen to music today. As an objective, unbiased interactive
media resource, MP3.com is free from restrictions that would cause it
to favor one music format, technology, editorial resource, or genre.
MP3.com is a CNET Networks brand (www.cnetnetworks.com).
About CNET Networks, Inc.
CNET Networks, Inc. (www.cnetnetworks.com) is a premier global
interactive content company that informs, entertains, and connects
large, engaged audiences around topics of high information need or
personal passion. The company focuses on three categories -- personal
technology, games and entertainment, and business technology -- and
includes such leading brands as CNET, ZDNet, TechRepublic, MP3.com,
GameSpot, CNET Download.com, CNET News.com, Webshots, Computer Shopper
magazine, and CNET Channel. With a strong presence in the US, Asia and
Europe, CNET Networks has operations in 12 countries.
CONTACT: CNET Networks, Inc.
Leslie A. Dotson, 415-344-2129 (Media)
Leslie.dotson@cnet.com
Cammeron McLaughlin, 415-344-2844 (Investor)
Cammeron.mclaughlin@cnet.com
SOURCE: CNET Networks, Inc.
