Warner Music International (WMI), one of the 'big four' record labels, has signed a deal with 7Digital to offer MP3 tracks. The 7Digital music service, based in the UK, is a major European store that already offers EMI's music catalog. Customers in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, and Spain will be able to download DRM-free tracks from artists such as, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Madonna, My Chemical Romance, James Blunt, Muse, and many more.

This is obviously another blow for the iTunes Store which still sells the majority of its music as protected AAC files; Apple uses a proprietary DRM system that only iPods and iPhones can use. In contrast, the MP3 format gives the user the freedom to copy, transfer, and play downloaded tracks on a huge selection of MP3 compatible devices.

Physical CD sales are on the downward slope and are likely to continue as the popularity of digital music increases. The big question is, will the music industry be able to combat piracy (via P2P file sharing etc.) solely by offering DRM-free music?