Rich Fiscus
15 Oct 2007 10:18
With DRM apparently on its way out for music downloads, developers are working hard to come up with new ways to make use of their customers' new found freedom.
According to MP3tunes CEO and MP3.com founder Michael Robertson, the switch to a DRM free model will free up developers to try new and innovative ideas, instead of spending all their time finding ways to implement DRM solutions and develop frameworks that work with them.
"Over the last decade, the many different DRM schemes (Windows Media, ATRAC, iTunes, Madison Project, Liquid Audio, SDMI, Real, a2b, etc.) promoted by so many large corporations have created confusion in the marketplace and soaked up hundreds of millions of dollars in development," he said. "The resurgent focus on MP3 will mean future dollars can be focused on building compelling new ways for the consumer to first get and then enjoy their music."
Not all online retailers are likely to be as happy about going DRM free however. Subscription services like Napster rely on DRM considerations to sell the ability to access music from various locations on various devices. With no DRM to hold them back, other services are likely to target subscription customers with services like MP3Tunes' music lockers, which allow DRM free music to be stored online for access from any internet connection.
Additionally, potential competition from music labels determined to break iTunes' hold on the music download industry could be the final straw for such ventures. Universal Music Group is already considering setting up a subscription based service of their own that would charge consumers invisibly when they buy portable media players, and automatically provide access to an unlimited subscription for the life of the device. They already have Sony BMG as a potential partner, and are in talks with Warner Music Group to get their participation. Ironically, such a venture appears to depend on DRM to be successful.
Source: Wired