EMI/Apple Announcement

So, okay, EMI disappointed everyone many when their announcement this morning failed to bring the Beatles music to the digital download world. However, the upside is that EMI's talent is now available DRM-free.

But all is not as it seems. There are some hooks to all of this apparent pro-customer lovefest.

1. DRM free music is at a higher quality (256kbps vs. 128kbps), but also at a higher price. The DRM-free version of a song is $1.29. You can still buy the same song at $.99, but it will be 128kbps and crippled with DRM. However, full albums cost the same either way.

2. For those concerned with interoperability, the songs are still encoded with AAC (which is better than MP3), but there are very few devices that can decode AAC. So if you want to buy from iTunes but use something other than an iPod, you have very few choices. This was an Apple decision, EMI doesn't care what format the music is in according to their spokesperson.

I haven't had a chance to hear the difference between 128kbps and 256kbps, but my guess is that there's not much difference. And considering I'm quite happy with my iTunes and iPod, I don't see the point in spending an extra $.30 for DRM-free music. If I want to create a mix for someone (which will ultimately spur further music sales), I'll get around DRM the old-fashioned way.