Probably the biggest news to come out of the Macworld Expo is the announcement made by Apple to host DRM-free music on iTunes. Apple has signed a deal with all the major record labels to bring eight million DRM-free tracks to iTunes immediately, with all 10 million tracks to be stripped of their DRM by the end of the quarter.
The company has bowed to record company pressure to introduce flexible pricing, with US tracks ranging from $0.69 to $1.29 for the latest chart hits. UK pricing remains at 79p for a single track, although variable pricing may follow.
Apple has boosted the quality of the DRM-free tracks to 256Kb/sec AAC. However, those who’ve already invested in DRM-protected music will have to pay 20p per track to upgrade to DRM-free versions.
iPhone owners will now be able to download tracks over-the-air, rather than having to connect to their PC.
The company has bowed to record company pressure to introduce flexible pricing, with US tracks ranging from $0.69 to $1.29 for the latest chart hits. UK pricing remains at 79p for a single track, although variable pricing may follow.
Apple has boosted the quality of the DRM-free tracks to 256Kb/sec AAC. However, those who’ve already invested in DRM-protected music will have to pay 20p per track to upgrade to DRM-free versions.
iPhone owners will now be able to download tracks over-the-air, rather than having to connect to their PC.
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