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iTunes DRM-Free Tracks Now Same Price As DRM Tracks

Posted by Zonk on from the that's-called-competition dept.

jawtheshark writes "Apple has made the decision to revise the pricing of Plus songs on the iTunes Music store. Whereas previously the DRM-less tracks were more expensive than the 'normal' option (at $1.29 vs. $0.99), DRM-less tracks bought via ITMS will now be priced on the same level as DRM'd tracks. 'Apple plans to expand iTunes Plus to include certain indie music labels starting Wednesday, October 17 (or sometime this week, at least) ... This expansion won't include all independent music labels just yet, although we're optimistic that more will be included in the future. While we have no information on whether the iTunes Plus songs are selling well, we assume that the decision to drop the price is a response to the Amazon MP3 store. Amazon sells individual tracks for between 89 and 99 apiece, all without any DRM restrictions. With that in mind, it's kind of hard for Apple to compete at $1.29.'"

4 of 250 comments (clear)

  1. All tracks to be 99 by Chris+Pimlott · · Score: 4, Informative

    I know it's nothing novel to complain about the quality of Slashdot summaries, but it really would have been nice to mention that the new price for all songs is 99. The last line in the current summary gives the impression that they were all going to be $1.29...

  2. Re:Hard, but not impossible by XxtraLarGe · · Score: 4, Informative

    The Non-DRM songs are called "iTunes Plus", they show up in your play list with a "+" next to them. I've upgraded a few of my songs from the DRM to non-DRM versions for $.30, I wonder if they will be offering free upgrades for those who haven't upgraded already?

    --
    Taking guns away from the 99% gives the 1% 100% of the power.
  3. Re:Hard, but not impossible by iainl · · Score: 4, Informative

    As I understand it, they're 256kbps AAC files. Which is good, because it's a much better codec than mp3. It's also something of a myth that only iPods play them; lots of other machines, from PSPs via Zunes and Zens to Nokia mobile phones can handle the format.

    --
    "I Know You Are But What Am I?"
  4. Re:Hard, but not impossible by Hes+Nikke · · Score: 5, Informative

    i would hardly call AAC obscure. it has more device market penetration than WMA, that real defecation and OGG combined. even the zune plays AACs! ;)

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