Amazon’s digital music catalogue is all set to go global, and although a launch date has not yet been settled, it shall hit sometime this year. Given Amazon MP3 offers DRM-free tracks, which are generally cheaper than iTunes limited, equivalent offerings, we cannot help but think an epic battle between the big As is all set to take off.
Amazon MP3 has the only digital music catalogue that offers DRM-free tunes from all four major labels, with around 3.3 million tracks in the library, they are packing some weight. If that fact doesn’t have Apple quaking in their boots, the competitive pricing should. We couldn’t care less how Amazon and Apple get down and dirty, but as they are bound to be set for a fight, teeth gnashing and all, it can only mean good things for customers. DRM-free music will have a bigger global presence, and that should solidify its worth in the consumer market. Also, the ensuing price war is not going to be too bad either. After all, iTunes surely cannot keep their offerings priced above the competition, while simultaneously offering DRM gimped and comparatively expensive ($1.69), DRM-free tracks. It’s about to get interesting—watch this space.
AU: Woo-hoo!
[Amazon]
David D.
January 28, 2008 at 5:49 PM
About time for some cometition. iTunes is great but the rip-off price (compared to the US price and exchange rate) annoys the hell out of me and the fact that the catalogue of songs available is limited by region so we can’t buy songs off the US site (not without backdoor means anyway) is plain ridiculous.
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