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Wal-Mart launches MP3 music download tracks

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walmart.jpgWal-Mart announced the launch of DRM-free MP3 music downloads, now available online. At only 94 cents per track and $9.22 per album, the new MP3 digital format delivers value, convenience and the ability for customers to play music on nearly any device, including iPod, iPhone and Zune portable media players. Wal-Mart is one of the first major retailers to offer MP3 digital tracks with music content from major record labels such as Universal and EMI Music.

“As we consistently strive to help our customers shop smart at Wal-Mart, our new ‘DRM-free’ MP3 digital tracks give them the ease and flexibility to play music on virtually any device at a great value,” said Kevin Swint, Wal-Mart’s senior director and divisional manager for digital media. “Also, we’re excited to launch our MP3 catalog with major record labels such as Universal and EMI Music that includes music from popular artists like The Rolling Stones, Coldplay, KT Tunstall, Amy Winehouse, Maroon 5, George Strait and Nelly.”

Wal-Mart will continue to offer its existing WMA-format music downloads. Thus, customers may select the option of MP3-format downloads at 256 kbps for $0.94/track and/or WMA-format downloads at 128 kbps for $0.88/track.

Originally posted on August 21, 2007 @ 1:34 pm

LimeWire to open DRM-free digital music store

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LimeWireLime Wire, popular spyware-free file sharing program, announces its plan to open a DRM-free digital music store.

The music store, which still remains unnamed as of press release, will initially be a stand-alone website, which can be accessed through links on LimeWire’s software. Eventually, they plan to allow users to buy music directly from LimeWire.

Currently, LimeWire has scored deals with Canada-based music label Nettwerk Productions, and Iris Distribution, both companies agreeing to provide LimeWire with MP3 formatted music from their catalogs.

“We are delighted to collaborate with these forward-thinking music companies and sell their authorized content through LimeWire,” said Jesse Rubenfeld, Lime Wire Chief Financial Officer.

Originally posted on August 15, 2007 @ 6:08 am

John Lennon solo catalog debuts on iTunes

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johnlennon.jpgApple announced the debut of the John Lennon solo catalog on the iTunes Store. Sixteen of Lennon’s solo works from EMI Music are available for the first time on iTunes starting today, with the “Lennon Legend” and “Acoustic” collections making their worldwide digital debuts. For a limited period of 30 days, exclusive video content will be included with the albums “John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band,” “Sometime in New York City,” “Walls and Bridges,” “Milk and Honey” and the collections “Anthology” and “Working Class Hero.”

“John would have loved the fact that his music will now be available in a format suited to a new generation of listeners,” said Yoko Ono.

“John Lennon is one of the greatest artists of our time,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “We’re thrilled to have his solo catalog available on the iTunes Store for the first time.”

As part of EMI Music’s digital catalog, the John Lennon solo works will be available in iTunes Plus, offering DRM-free music tracks with high quality 256 kbps AAC encoding for audio quality virtually indistinguishable from the original recordings for just $1.29 per song.

Originally posted on August 14, 2007 @ 12:35 pm

Best Buy Digital Music Store joins Universal Music Group
to test sales of DRM-free music

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bestbuy.jpgBest Buy announced that Best Buy Digital Music Store will be part of a test by Universal Music Group, offering customers the chance to purchase music without Digital Rights Management (DRM) protection for the same price they would pay for protected music.

“Our customers have shared their frustration around DRM protection and we have listened,” said Jennifer Schaidler, vice president of music for Best Buy. “One of the most appealing aspects of digital music is the freedom it can provide to enjoy music wherever and whenever you want. Taking away DRM protection will help digital music live up to this promise. Best Buy offers a wide variety of digital music players and services to match the various devices.”

The Best Buy Digital Music Store gives music lovers an easy way to enjoy, manage and discover music. Powered by RealNetworks Rhapsody 4.0 music platform, the Best Buy Digital Music Store offers millions of songs that can be accessed in two different ways. Customers can purchase songs for $.99 per song. Customers also have the option to subscribe to the service for $14.99 per month for unlimited music listening. The music can be played on a computer or loaded any compatible MP3 player, and can be listened to without limits as long as the subscription is active. Subscribers can also purchase music at a discounted rate of $.89 per track.

Originally posted on August 10, 2007 @ 3:20 pm

Universal Music declines iTunes deal

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Universal MusicUniversal Music Group has declined to sign a two-year deal with Apple’s iTunes music store, which is said to possibly hurt Apple’s dominant hold on retail digital music.

Universal chooses to continue selling music and videos via iTunes on a monthly basis, instead of being tied up with a long-term deal. With this arrangement, the Vivendi-owned music company is still open up to accept other possible deals with other services.

Apple now covers over 70% of the market when it comes to digital music sold in the US. Universal, on the other hand, has been the leading producer of music albums. Last year Universal inked a deal with Microsoft to have a share of sales of the Zune. Universal is open to more possibilities like this.

Originally posted on July 2, 2007 @ 9:56 am