Here's a look back at some of the digital music highlights of 2008. This short list showcases select online download services (both free and paid-for), MP3/media players, and essential software that has stood out from the crowd after being reviewed during the course of the year.
Paid-for Digital Music Services:
- AmazonMP3 - The AmazonMP3 digital music service continues to be a strong competitor in the music download market. It's biggest selling point is its large DRM-free music catalog which eclipses the DRM-free content offered by the iTunes Store. Amazon also beats Apple on price which is a crucial aspect to consider when thinking about where to get your music from (especially with the present global rescession hitting many consumers pockets).
- 7digital - While not as content-rich as some of the more established services, 7digital is a growing media delivery company that provides quality downloads with good support for various audio file formats. 7digital also provides a personnal digital music locker which is a great feature to keep your purchased music safe at all times.
Free Digital Media Services:
- OurStage - One of the most unique free media services to be reviewed this year was OurStage. With over 50 genres, it provides a great place to discover new music from independent bands and artists. The driving force behind OurStage is the voting system - at last you get to be judge for the music and videos you showcase! There are monthly prizes to be won if you're a performer (up to $5000), so OurStage is a worthy promotional platform to exploit. Overall, a great Web site with some unique features.
- Maestro.fm - Maestro.fm is another free streaming audio site that stood out from the crowd due to its uniqueness. This social music network stores your music as you play it which enables you to access your music in the future from any computer connected to the Internet with an Internet browser. Maestro.fm is largely playlist-driven where you can play other peoples favorites, or create your own to share in the community. Essentially Maestro.fm is a good resource for music discovery with the added ability of remote online storage!
MP3/Media Players:
- Sandisk slotMusic Player - Even though the Sandisk slotMusic Player didn't receive a particularly high score when reviewed, it did stand out for its use of a new digital format since the compact disc. For technophobes, this ultra-affordable MP3 Player represents the perfect solution - no Internet or computer required, just buy albums on slotMusic cards from a participating store! What could be simpler than that?
Software:
- Audials One V2.0 Platinum - If there was one piece of software that shone in our reviews this year, it was Audials One. This 'total solution' software package not only contains the excellent Tunebite for removming DRM, but also has Radiotracker, Videoraptor, a CD burner, MP3 tagger, and even a ringtone maker!
