Apple Launches DRM-free EMI Tracks


Apple today unveiled higher-quality DRM-free EMI tracks for the iTunes Music Store. The songs are 256kbps AAC-encoded and will sell for $1.29.

The tracks will be available worldwide from May. Previous purchasers of EMI tracks will be able to upgrade to DRM-free 256kbps for $0.30 per song.

"We are going to give iTunes customers a choice--the current versions of our songs for the same 99 cent price, or new DRM-free versions of the same songs with even higher audio quality and the security of interoperability for just 30 cents more," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "We think our customers are going to love this, and we expect to offer more than half of the songs on iTunes in DRM-free versions by the end of this year."

Analysis: EMI is the only one to come to the party so far: who else will follow? This is a smart move on both Apple's and EMI's part and may just push other record companies into action.