Bach Launches Updated MP3 Format

An anonymous reader writes to tell us that Bach Technology has rolled out an updated MP3 file format in a bid to combat music piracy. Dubbed "MusicDNA," the new format offers embedded "updatable premium content" like lyrics, videos, news updates, and album artwork. "Using the new technology, music labels and bands will be able to send updates to the music files – with tour dates, interviews or updates to social networking pages – while illegally-downloaded files remain static. ... No major labels have signed up to use MusicDNA so far, but British record company Beggars Group and US label Tommy Boy are both on board. However, the files are likely to be more expensive than MP3 files – according to the BBC – and will have to compete with Apple's iTunes LP, which already provides additional content such as bonus tracks, lyrics and video interviews."

Comments

Sounds like features I need from an audio file

[sopssa]

with tour dates, interviews or updates to social networking pages – while illegally-downloaded files remain static.

So if I want to buy music legitly, in addition to paying for the track I will now also get spammed with ads?

Re:Sounds like features I need from an audio file

[BabyDuckHat]

They're not ads. They're valuable opportunities from trusted online partners. Now, where did I put that shiv?

Re:Sounds like features I need from an audio file

[Anonymous Coward]

In other words, if I download a file illegally, I'm guaranteed to be left alone and my files won't be changed around without my consent or prior knowledge?

Hm.

No thanks, Bach

[mcgrew]

Just when the patent on MP3 is set to expire they "update" it with DRM? WTF? This will ensure that the old, soon-to-be free file format will stay around.

I hope Ogg doesn't think since MP3 has this cruft they have to too. Of course, MP3 may be playing catch up with Microsoft; WMA files have had DRM for a long time. The DRM was in fact (and still is) a security risk.

I'll stick with OGG and even better, SHN and FLAC.

Comical

[rbrander]

...a "successor to MP3", which removes the most popular feature of MP3, the ability to control your own purchased copy of the property. Yeah, that'll bring back the customers you chased away with the last 3 attempts at controlled digital content.

It can be "updated"...who wants to bet that one kind of "update" is like the Amazon "update" of their sale of Orwell's '1984'...total deletion.

Do not pass "Go", do not collect millions of customers...go directly to the ash-heap of computer history.

Just another avenue to spread viruses

[Attila Dimedici]

Using the new technology, music labels and bands will be able to send updates to the music files – with tour dates, interviews or updates to social networking pages

They forgot to mention that this would also provide an exploit for malware writers to use to get into people's machines.