Napster Inc. has announced that it is to start selling unprotected MP3 downloads this spring. The last time Napster hosted MP3 files, it was ceremoniously shut down in 2001 by the RIAA for illegal file sharing - today, the new Napster is one of the top digital music services that offers over 4 million tracks. In its latest proposed move, Napster will join the likes of Apple’s iTunes Store, eMusic, and AmazonMP3 who have all realized the huge market share potential of providing consumers with maximum flexibility.
Napster will use the MP3 format for their a la carte service only. Their all you can eat subscription services will continue to have DRM implemented via the WMA format. The good news for Pod-people is that they will be able to download tracks and create playlists using yet another alternative to the iTunes Store.
The MP3 format is compatible with a huge array of electronic devices and has stood the test of time - it still remains the most popular digital audio format since it was first used over a decade ago.
To find out more about the MP3 format, read the history of the MP3.
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