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EMI recently announced that it's going to launch DRM-free downloading (mp3s without copyright protection), initially through iTunes and presumably through other programs upcoming. I believe the deal is that all EMI tracks will be offered with the option of buying either the regular $.99 (£0.79)DRM/copyrighted version or a $1.39 (£0.99) version with enhanced sound and no copyright software.
EMI info on their site
Apple takes the credit on their site
Story w commentary from Wired
While I realize that most people here probably don't use iTunes, I wonder what your take on this announcement is, as I think it has bearing on the industry and its consumers in general. I think though Apple is clearly trying to spin this as some great technological advancement on their part, as a music consumer I can't help but notice that the supposed integrity of the industry and protection of the poor, much-put-upon artists can now be bought for .30 extra per track. From that point on you can do whatever you want with it... which to me really undermines the MPAA's argument that this is protected property blah blah blah. It also bothers me - though this veers into technological territory beyond my level of knowledge - that Apple is releasing these as higher quality tracks, showing that they have the ability to make better mp3s and are choosing to use them only in a way that will exploit more money out of its consumers - why can't all mp3s be high quality?
Thoughts? |
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