• Sony has introduced a new audio format, the Blu-spec CD. It combines Sony's Sony's Blu-ray Disc technology with the ability to play on standard CD players. Sixty titles are initially available on the format. The press release was released in Japan and there is no indication which territories will have the product. (Impress, via Engadget)

• A Verdict Research report predicts the UK gaming market will exceed that of recorded music and video combined in 2008 -- £4.6 billion to £4.5 billion. Said the report: "Music is suffering from piracy, a continual onslaught of price deflation, intensifying competition and the ongoing decline of physical format CDs. While the DVD market has shown robust volume growth, value growth is impaired by falling prices and heavy discounting." (Times Online)

• comScore released some statistics on music-related sites in Japan. Yahoo Music led the music category in August. Napster had a relatively small number of visitors but had the highest number of minutes per user and the highest frequency of visits. (Press release)

• Details on Sony BMG's SBX communications and artist agency joint venture with Exposure. "SBX is a key pillar of our new business strategy. It delivers on our mission to transform Sony Music from a record label into a global music entertainment partner for our artists and brand clients." (Music Week)