November 11, 2008

By By Antony Bruno, Denver

Virtual world IMVU has launched a music extension to its service, aiming to offer something like a "3D playlist" to set itself apart from other social networks and playlist services.

Like other virtual worlds, IMVU lets users browse and interact in a 3D environment though the use of avatars. The music service lets these users create playlists, listen to them with other members, and buy songs.

In addition to an avatar, IMVU users have their own rooms, or virtual spaces, in which they can stream their playlists. Users can also attach their music preferences into their avatars and bring playlists with them to public spaces, where other users can view and stream the songs as they wish.

Music sales are DRM-free, and includes content licensed from all four major labels as well as independent distributors like IODA, Redeye and more.

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