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Amazon launches sale of DRM-free MP3s

Daring Fireball: The Amazon MP3 Store and Amazon MP3 Downloader

Given the Amazon MP3 Store’s audio quality, prices, and user experience, I can’t see why anyone would buy DRM-restricted music from iTunes that’s available from Amazon. And given that Amazon is quite a bit cheaper than iTunes Plus, you might as well check Amazon first. I plan to.

I'm with Gruber -- this is a welcome and fan-friendly addition to the marketplace. And, frankly, I'm glad there's finally somebody out there who can really give Apple some competition in this area.

One thing: I'm surprised that MP3 sales links aren't yet mixed into regular CD sales pages. That must certainly be high on their TODO list. Because Amazon's Google juice is strong as hell, and on the day they put "Buy This Track Now" onto a few dozen thousand PR5+ music pages? Well. That may be the day Apple gets to really see what competition in this space looks like.

shawnpetriw's picture

Piracy

I thought the big deal was piracy. If the labels are through with the idea of DRM, why not be through with it everywhere?

It makes no sense to sell DRM free at Amazon and DRMed at iTunes.

DRM is over; AAC is better; Apple wins with iPod sales and a good competitor so they are not considered a "monopoly."

 
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