PassAlong Networks, developer of digital media innovations and services, announced plans to launch version 2.0 of freedomMP3â„¢, an interoperability platform that offers online music stores the opportunity to provide raw MP3 digital music files that contain security features which honor creator and consumer rights. MP3 files offer true interoperability to consumers because they play on nearly all digital music players including iPodsâ„¢ and cell phones. Now consumers can enjoy the benefits of raw MP3 files and labels can protect their artists’ content with reasonable usage rules.
By balancing what consumers want with what artists and labels need, the freedomMP3 platform offers a solution to the current digital rights management (DRM) dilemma plaguing the music industry. A beta version of freedomMP3 was released in 2006, and, based on feedback from music labels, PassAlong added new protection features to version 2.0.
“Consumers want the ability to purchase music from anywhere, play it on all devices and easily move content from device to device, while artists and labels are looking for new ways to significantly increase online digital revenue while protecting their music,” said Scott Hughes, senior vice president and co-founder of PassAlong Networks.
“Current DRM isn’t working for any music stores besides Apple iTunes, and the long term disadvantages of no DRM far outweigh any potential short term boost in sales,” continued Hughes. “In my opinion, a consumer friendly, iPod-compatible and licensable content protection system is what the industry needs right now, and we believe freedomMP3 is that solution. Version 2.0 is one more step in the right direction towards solving the current DRM dilemma.”
Originally posted on May 8, 2007 @ 9:19 am
This is a very cool system, DRM is simply not working. Compromise is at least a step in the right direction.