Rhapsody DRM-free MP3 store takes on iTunes' dominance

Stephen Withers
Tuesday, 01 July 2008 09:18

Business IT - Technology

A full range of unprotected MP3 tracks, full-length previews, competitive prices - will the Rhapsody music store from RealNetworks be the one that finally puts the squeeze on Apple's iTunes Store?

Although Apple was a leader in online music retailing and pioneered paid downloads of DRM-free tracks from major labels, the music industry has become wary of its success.

The iTunes Store is currently the biggest music retailer in the US.

With the exception of EMI, the attitude at the big music companies seems to be "anyone but Apple."

So we see Rhapsody offering DRM-free MP3 downloads from all major labels, joining companies such as Amazon and Wal-Mart. Such tracks can be used with any MP3 player (including iPods); computers running Windows, Mac OS or Linux; music-capable mobile phones; many CD and DVD players (including in-vehicle models); and media players (including some games consoles).

"Until now, legal digital music has suffered from severe limitations on where consumers could buy it and how they could use it," said Rob Glaser, chairman and CEO of RealNetworks.

"'Music Without Limits,' fixes those problems and will make digital music easier and more valuable for consumers," he added.

Over 5 million tracks from major labels will be offered by RealNetwork's new store.

But how much is Rhapsody charging for downloads? Find out on page 2.