eMusic and Real happy with EMI’s move to release DRM free songs

eMusic and Real happy with EMI’s move to release DRM free songs

Apple iTunes became the first major music retailer to sell DRM free songs from one of the major music companies in the world.

EMI has taken the brave step of offering DRM free songs on sale. However, the songs are priced a bit more than the DRM version.

The good thing is that now owners of Creative and Microsoft Zune MP3 players would be able to purchase songs from iTunes for listening on their players.

This has also opened up possibilities for other music retailers. Rob Glaser, chairman and CEO of RealNetworks spoke on this new development: “[Monday’s] announcement by EMI is an important step forward for the online music industry. This moves us closer than ever to the day when consumers will be able to buy their favorite music via Rhapsody and enjoy it on their iPod or any other music-playing device.” RealNetworks operates the Rhapsody music service.

David Pakman, eMusic president and CEO had this to say: “We think this is great news for the music industry and a big win for customers. Digital retailers will now have a product customers truly want to buy because it offers high quality and flexibility. Universal compatibility and experimentation with various business models and different price points will help the music industry to grow again.”