Napster Launches DRM-Free MP3 Music Store

Posted by Richard Palace in May 21st, 2008

Napster had finally launched its much anticipated online MP3 music store, hoping it will turn around it’s sliding fortunes by luring iPod and iPhone users.

Napster is the latest to make the switch to the DRM-free MP3 format, unrestricted file format, which makes it music tracks compatible with virtually any music player or other device.

As a Napster customers, you have two options.

First option - You sign up for a subscription based service that lets you listen to any of 6 million songs for a monthly fee. If you stop paying, your music stops.

Second option - You can purchase any of those 6 million songs in the DRM-free MP3 format. The download service has the backing of all four major labels, Napster’s content partners.

Each song carries a 99 cent price tag, comes with album art, and a relatively high bitrate of 256kbps or higher.

“It’s great that we have finally gotten here,” said Chris Gorog, Napster’s chairman and chief executive. “It is really the beginning of a level playing field, which I think is essential for Napster, but also for the health of the digital music business in general.”

Will iPhone and iPod users switch to Napster? Well, unless there is significant saving when they switch over, else Napster better think of something else.

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