Sony BMG drops DRM locks on albums
Fans to get protection-free downloads
Sony BMG is set to launch a service that will allow customers to buy downloadable albums that are free of copy protection software.
The decision follows on from Warners' announcement that they are to abandon copy protecting MP3s, and means that all the world’s four biggest music labels offer music free of software locks.
The digital locks were initially put on the music tracks in a bid to stop people pirating the music and swapping it on file-sharing networks.
Consumers will be able to get the DRM-free tracks by buying gift cards for Sony’s Platinum MusicPass service, BBC News reports.
The DRM-free MP3s will go on sale in the US from January 15. Sony BMG is yet to announce a launch date in Europe.
The Shockwaves NME Awards 2008 are coming soon – and it’s time to have your say. Vote now by heading to NME.COM/awardsvote and you could win VIP tickets to the ceremony, which takes place in London on February 28.
The decision follows on from Warners' announcement that they are to abandon copy protecting MP3s, and means that all the world’s four biggest music labels offer music free of software locks.
The digital locks were initially put on the music tracks in a bid to stop people pirating the music and swapping it on file-sharing networks.
Consumers will be able to get the DRM-free tracks by buying gift cards for Sony’s Platinum MusicPass service, BBC News reports.
The DRM-free MP3s will go on sale in the US from January 15. Sony BMG is yet to announce a launch date in Europe.
The Shockwaves NME Awards 2008 are coming soon – and it’s time to have your say. Vote now by heading to NME.COM/awardsvote and you could win VIP tickets to the ceremony, which takes place in London on February 28.
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