Amazon has launched a browser-based MP3 store featuring 22 million songs. The move directly challenges Apple since the store allows consumers to use their Apple devices to access music through Amazon’s Cloud Player app. Much of the music is cheaper than iTunes because Amazon does not have to pay Apple the 30 percent commission for sales through iTunes. This allows Amazon to offer specials like 69 cent songs and $5 albums.

“When a consumer makes a purchase, the music is stored in the cloud and can be accessed in the cloud or saved to a library and played from a variety of devices, including those running Android,” explains paidContent.

“Since the launch of the Amazon Cloud Player app for iPhone and iPod touch, a top request from customers has been the ability to buy music from Amazon right from their devices,” explains Amazon’s VP of Music Steve Boom.

“From a strategic perspective, the offering shows Amazon’s determination to muscle into the cloud-based entertainment market which, on the music front, is dominated by Apple and Google,” notes the post.

According to the press release: “Music purchases are automatically saved to customers’ Cloud Player libraries and can be downloaded or played instantly from any iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Kindle Fire, Android phone or tablet, Roku, Sonos home entertainment system, or any Web browser, giving customers the freedom to enjoy more music, from more devices than any other major cloud music service.”

Amazon recently added another incentive to check out its cloud service by offering free digital copies of any CDs consumers have purchased in the last 15 years.