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News
Wal-Mart Offers DRM-free Music Downloads
Monday, August 20th, 2007 at 4:00 PM - by Jeff Gamet
Big box retailer Wal-Mart has joined the iTunes Store in offering copy protection-free music downloads, but instead of Apple’s US$1.29 per track, Wal-Mart is charging $0.94 per track. So far, EMI and Universal Music Group have signed on, while EMI is the only label that is offering DRM-free tracks through the iTunes Store.
Wal-Mart’s copy protection-free songs are available as 256kbps MP3 files, and it will continue to sell DRM laden tracks in 128kbps WMA format for $0.88 each. In comparison, the iTunes Store sells its iTunes Plus (256kbps AAC) tracks for $1.29, and protected tracks (128kbps AAC) for $0.99. Wal-Mart’s music service, however, is compatible only with Windows, where the iTunes Store is Mac and Windows compatible.
Regardless of pricing differences, Wal-Mart has joined Apple in weakening the major record label’s stance on music download copy protection. Sony BMG and Warner are still holding out, but with the other two big labels already in the DRM-free game, they may not be able to stand their ground much longer.
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