256kbps MP3 is the same size as 256kbps AAC
and it's also the same size as 256kbps [whatever format] since it's a data rate. 256kilobits per second of audio.
(The AAC quality may be better for that same datarate, however)
arn
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Amazon Launches Public Beta of DRM-Free Music Store
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256kbps MP3 is the same size as 256kbps AAC
and it's also the same size as 256kbps [whatever format] since it's a data rate. 256kilobits per second of audio.
(The AAC quality may be better for that same datarate, however)
arn
Amazon announced the public beta of a new service called Amazon MP3, a music download store that sells MP3 music downloads that do not include any Digital Rights Management (DRM).
The MP3 formatted files are compatible with a wide range of music players, including the Apple iTunes, iPod and iPhone. Songs are priced from 89 cents to 99 cents, and albums from $5.99 to $9.99. All MP3s are encoded in 256kbps format and are now available at Amazon.
This represents the latest trend in the online download industry to move towards DRM-Free downloads that are playable in a number of different media players and not tied to a particular vendor. Apple launched DRM Free songs on the iTunes store in May, 2007.
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Just bought Arcade Fire's "Neon Bible" album for $8.99... the integration is pretty seamless. I'm running OS X 10.4.10, Firefox 2.0.0.7 and iTunes 7.4.2. Songs add as soon as they're done being downloaded, and the addition doesn't interrupt your currently playing song. I have Amazon configured to use One-Click, which made the whole process actually disturbingly easy... there's a confirmation dialog, but still...
Overall I'm very happy with this development.
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Unless my iTunes has suddenly stopped showing DRM-free choices, there seem to be quite a few artists that Amazon's got that iTunes doesn't.
Feist is one, Caribou is another.
Haven't found any examples of iTunes having stuff that Amazon doesn't.
Yes, you are correct; I mistyped in my posting and was going to edit it when I saw your reply. I should have simply said that I would rather have a 256kbps AAC file than a 256kbps MP3 file. The size would remain the same, but the quality would theoretically be better.
Anyone who has purchased a track from Amazon, do they insert any tags to identify that it was purchased from Amazon? I'm not concerned about "privacy" issues, but rather something embedded that can be used to create a smart playlist of Amazon-purchased tracks (so I can use an AppleScript to copy them automatically to my backup drive). Not 100% sure I'll use it, but competition is always a good thing.
I love having choices, but most likely I'll end up using it once or twice. I am too lazy and I am used to using iTunes anyways (whenever i purchase songs)
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PS: Go Amazon !!!! : )
.PS: Go Amazon !!!! : )
Aapl
Interestingly AAPL is WAY up today, $3.68 at this moment. It was down earlier int he day, and the upward swing seems to correlate to this announcement. My guess is people are very glad to see that this works with iPods, and probably will only lead to more iPod sales. Glad to see that Amazon (which I purchase many items through) was smart enough to support both Mac and iPod users with this store -- kudos! And thumbs-down Universal -- no need to dis Apple, just because you fear them.
Interestingly AAPL is WAY up today, $3.68 at this moment. It was down earlier int he day, and the upward swing seems to correlate to this announcement. My guess is people are very glad to see that this works with iPods, and probably will only lead to more iPod sales. Glad to see that Amazon (which I purchase many items through) was smart enough to support both Mac and iPod users with this store -- kudos! And thumbs-down Universal -- no need to dis Apple, just because you fear them.
a few weeks ago, I wouldn't have considered this, even though I like Amazon. I guess I have more loyalty to Apple.
But watching Apple's quality go into rapid decline in the past two years--not design, but production quality--and some of the recent decisions which seem to reflect a change in the wind and Apple becoming more like a typical big company, has forced me to take a good look at the Amazon offering.
MP3 (Although I am OK with AAC)
Higher bit rates
No DRM
Cheaper. (You have to compare the prices against iTunes plus. These songs are 39 cents cheaper each)
I think competition is good for us. And obviously, Apple needs it. I still want Apple to win, but I am definitely hedging my bets nowadays and looking around.
But watching Apple's quality go into rapid decline in the past two years--not design, but production quality--and some of the recent decisions which seem to reflect a change in the wind and Apple becoming more like a typical big company, has forced me to take a good look at the Amazon offering.
MP3 (Although I am OK with AAC)
Higher bit rates
No DRM
Cheaper. (You have to compare the prices against iTunes plus. These songs are 39 cents cheaper each)
I think competition is good for us. And obviously, Apple needs it. I still want Apple to win, but I am definitely hedging my bets nowadays and looking around.
Holy cow!
Amazon could pull a "Windows" on iTS...
OTOH, I'm hoping that, since they have always been in the business of content distribution, they won't turn evil like M$, and try to keep the prices low... If both Apple and Amazon stick to that game, and at least iPod/Mac users start and keep buying iTunes+ files en masse, this will be the end of both WMA formats and DRM, FairPlay, and the labels as we know them, in one fell swoop...
Amazon could pull a "Windows" on iTS...
OTOH, I'm hoping that, since they have always been in the business of content distribution, they won't turn evil like M$, and try to keep the prices low... If both Apple and Amazon stick to that game, and at least iPod/Mac users start and keep buying iTunes+ files en masse, this will be the end of both WMA formats and DRM, FairPlay, and the labels as we know them, in one fell swoop...
This is only gonna hurt iTunes sale, but not us. I hope they also start selling Movies and TV shows. 
Excellent news - I'm impressed with Amazon that they've made it Mac compatible from day one.
Pity I can't seem to get it to work from the UK, but I expect an (overpriced) UK store will open soon.
More competition = good.
Pity I can't seem to get it to work from the UK, but I expect an (overpriced) UK store will open soon.
More competition = good.
MP3, pfff. Just goes to show how the vast majority of people are satisfied with mediocrity
Selling compressed music at nearly the same price of a CD is shameful. -Especially using MP3.
Some of us still have our hearing and would eagerly purchase uncompressed PCM. Then we can encode for our iPods as we wish. Until then, I'll stick with CD's.
Selling compressed music at nearly the same price of a CD is shameful. -Especially using MP3.
Some of us still have our hearing and would eagerly purchase uncompressed PCM. Then we can encode for our iPods as we wish. Until then, I'll stick with CD's.
Hopefully this will have an impact on the quality of the offerings at iTunes. 128 bits is just not good enough in my opinion. I envy the people who can´t hear any difference between iTunes and CD quality
Seems weird that NBC moves away from apple due to cheap prices, then finds their way into the arms of an even cheaper audio/video vendor. I do wonder how this will play out with prices on both iTMS and the Amazon store... specifically how it will affect the horrid Unbox "purchases expire" scene
Anyone who wants the music properly will buy the CD, and then rip it at a good rate (or losslessly) to their computer.MP3, pfff. Just goes to show how the vast majority of people are satisfied with mediocrity
Selling compressed music at nearly the same price of a CD is shameful. -Especially using MP3.
Some of us still have our hearing and would eagerly purchase uncompressed PCM. Then we can encode for our iPods as we wish. Until then, I'll stick with CD's.
This store is is for other people. It's competition at that level, not the level that you're interested in. It's still good to compete with iTunes.
Just downloaded a track, and to my surprise, they used LAME 3.97 to encode it. So not only are they selling music in the open MP3 format, but they're using an open source encoder to make them!
LAME is one of the better encoders, *period*, even when compared to commercial ones. So we get to have our cake (DRM free files) and eat it too (that sound good)! Sweet.
LAME is one of the better encoders, *period*, even when compared to commercial ones. So we get to have our cake (DRM free files) and eat it too (that sound good)! Sweet.
this is good news. a little competition is never a bad thing.
selling more music is also good for Apple as they make more money off of selling iPods than they do selling a few more mp3's.
selling more music is also good for Apple as they make more money off of selling iPods than they do selling a few more mp3's.
That's LAME....
Looked up a couple of songs I *just* bought on iTunes and on Amazon, they are unprotected, higher quality, and only 89 cents...
I've bought Amazon Unbox for direct to my Tivo. It's cool, just rent a movie from work, and when I get home, it's ready to watch on my TV.
Amazon is getting cooler by the minute...
I've just bought one song from Amazon - Recoil "Intruder", download took 8 sec /2.1 MB/sek/ and after song was downloaded iTunes opened, import the song with album art. No problem, Im impressed. Finally maybe some competition for iTMS. Seriously my hearing is far from perfect but even I cant listen to 128 AA...Oh and by the way iTunes shows that song is 320VBR...???
I agree. AAC is an open standard too. What's the deal keeping with MP3 compression?
I don't do mp3's. They make me feel dirty.
Then again, I no longer do lossy of any kind. ALAC or bust!
Then again, I no longer do lossy of any kind. ALAC or bust!