Sony BMG to Offer DRM-Free Music on Apple's iTunes?

[MacFly123]

No, your statement is wrong. The Big Four, at this moment, would not cede any further bargaining power to Apple if they are now to allow their DRM tracks to Apple. Fact is, The Big Four have already made their DRM tracks available to other venues such as Amazon.... so it's NOT like Apple iTunes will be some all-godly-powerful exclusive seller of their DRM tracks. Customers will have a choice to obtain DRM tracks from other sellers other than Apple.... be it Amazon, Walmart, or whomever.

Yes, but that is the point, by doing so the big 4 are forcing those people to shop everywhere BUT iTunes and therefore give themselves bargaining power by taking control from them. The music industry is as stupid as Hollywood!

 

[Rantipole]

That's already available on Amazon.

Not in AAC format.

DRM free music is the only way forward.
The next thing Apple needs to do is to drop AAC (which isn't compatible with everything) and switch to MP3 (which is compatible with everything).

...oh, and before you even get started:

You're citing Wiki as a source? Gee, thanks.

But seriously, yes the difference between 256 AAC and mp3 is not as great as the difference between 128 AAC and mp3. But AAC is still better, and it is the same file size, so why not use it? And finally MP3 was compatible with NOTHING 10 years ago, so there's no reason future devices can not be upgraded to play AAC in the future. The fact is VERY FEW devices don't play AAC at this point anyway. Sony phones, Blackberry phones, Zune, etc etc... ALL play AACs.

I think the real problem is the mp3 patent and licensing issues. For every track sold on itunes in the mp3 format money would need to be paid for use of the mp3 format in a commercial store (see mp3licensing.com). I was under the impression that this, as well at the higher audio quality at a given bitrate was the reason apple chose AAC?

Wrong. AAC is licensed by the same exact organization as MP3 technology.

Um, are you trying to be serious? Or do you just like trying to spead rubbish? AAC is not apple proprietary, and will play on a lot of (non Apple) devices

Thank you for spreading the truth. Keep up the good fight.