Walmart - DRM-Free, 94c

[nbs2]

So, it looks like the DRM-free industry is starting to get competitive. Wal-Mart will be offering tracks (http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070821/wr_nm/walmart_mp3_dc)at the aforementioned 94c. Both EMI and Universal will be running this, so it looks like Uni is firing a salvo into Apple's camp.

I'm curious - how do you expect Apple to respond, especially since the 94c undercuts even the DRMed iTunes prices, and now Windows users (since the WM store isn't Mac compatible) can easily buy tracks from WM and import them into iTunes?

[jimN]

Competition can only be a good thing and will hopefully serve to drive down prices. I expect most will continue to pay the iTunes prices for the convenience of shopping at the iTunes store and the immediate synchronisation to your iPod without additional steps. I don't particular care for what Universal is doing, all that they might achieve through their antics is leave me less likely to acquire their music legitimately.

[epochblue]

Yep....DRM-free, $0.94, and still censored. I'll stick with iTunes.

[synth3tik]

A lot of people, myself included do not trust Walmart. I would rather pay $1.35. 41c is not worth going through Walmart.

[mkrishnan]

How is the MP3 DRM-free store not compatible with Macs? :rolleyes:

[ftaok]

How is the MP3 DRM-free store not compatible with Macs? :rolleyes:

I just checked. The Walmart MP3 store checks for Windows. I could not get into the store with my macbook.

i'm sure the actual files will be Mac/iTunes/iPod compatible, but the store itself doesn't work with Macs. I guess Walmart figures that Mac users aren't the type to shop at Walmart and they don't think it's worth it to fix their store to support us.

ft

[jessica.]

I just checked. The Walmart MP3 store checks for Windows. I could not get into the store with my macbook.

i'm sure the actual files will be Mac/iTunes/iPod compatible, but the store itself doesn't work with Macs. I guess Walmart figures that Mac users aren't the type to shop at Walmart and they don't think it's worth it to fix their store to support us.

ft

You are correct. I tried it myself.

[mkrishnan]

Yeah, I meant to say that I had also. Sigh. But I guess I can probably purchase MP3s from it if I ever really want to, using a work PC or something.

[Bobdude161]

DRM-free with CENSORED lyrics!

[Loge]

Universal seem to be regarding the DRM-free aspect as a trial. I wonder if that applies to the 94c as well?

[epochblue]

Universal seem to be regarding the DRM-free aspect as a trial. I wonder if that applies to the 94c as well?

This could be considered off-topic, but I don't think this is just about a "trial." EMI's was definitely a trial, they were the first ones....but that proved to be fairly successful. This "play" by Universal is all about proving that Universal doesn't need Apple. I expect that to backfire, however.

[theBB]

Companies would rather have multiple customers, suppliers and distributors. iTunes is very dominant in online music distribution, so it is understandable that music and movie companies are trying to create a new online distributor. Apparently, they are willing to sacrifice short term revenue by offering cheaper prices elsewhere and refusing to offer movies on iTunes.