The Associated Press has some further details on Microsoft’s anticipated Thursday launch of an iTunes Music Store competitor. “Microsoft has a formidable foe in market leader Apple, which boasts both the popular iTunes music store and the iPod music player. The landscape also is dotted with plenty of smaller services, including RealNetworks’ Rhapsody, Roxio Inc.’s Napster and offerings from companies like Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Sony Corp. But none of those has managed to capture hearts and minds like Apple.” more…