Omitting digital rights protection on premium downloads will come with a small price on iTunes.
EMI said almost all of its catalog, excluding music by The Beatles, is included in the new deal. Higher-quality music files, which will play on any computer and any digital-audio player, will not replace the copy-protected EMI music currently sold through iTunes. Rather, they will complement the standard $.99 cent iTunes downloads and will be sold at a $1.29 per song. CNET
Steve Jobs gets his wish for downloads with no DRM protection, though iTunes customers will have to pay a premium for higher quality. Look for major labels to adopt a wait-and-see position following this groundbreaking move that shatters a previously ironclad commitment to digital protection. Are you willing to pay more to get more? Count me in!

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