Apple Takes Steps Towards Being DRM-Free

Apple has released a statement saying that in May all of their content from EMI will be offered in a 256kbps (higher quality), DRM-free (can be played on ANY mp3 player and as many computers as you want) form that costs only $1.29 per song (if you already own the song you can upgrade for 30 cents). These songs will also still be available for download in the original 128kbps, drm-hampered, 99 cent version for those who are too cheap to spot the 30 cents for the gigantic upgrade. This deal has a large impact considering the EMI library contains over five million songs at this time. Jobs claims that by the end of the year almost half of iTunes' content should have a DRM-free option available. This decision is HUGE, as this step towards accessible online music could be the action that sets into motion Apple's complete domination of the music world. If they are able to convince other labels to sell DRM-free music, we could see the transition into a world of easily accessible, easy to listen to music that is both simple AND legal. Good job Apple! Right when things are bad and you're starting to look like any other mega corporation, you go and do something that could possibly be one of the largest steps towards a new music industry reality since iTunes itself. You can read the official release here.