Napster is DRM-Free With Over 6 Million MP3 Files
Napster has gone back to its roots with its offering of 6 million MP3 songs in its new storefront. Napster joins Amazon in offering MP3s, which downloaders have craved for their iPods and other MP3 players. 
The size of the song libary gives Napster the honor of having the world’s largest MP3 store. While the songs aren’t free like they were back in the day, most can be had for the popular $0.99 price point. Additionally, the standardized MP3 format means all of the songs downloaded from Napster will play on your iPod forever - no worries of incompatibility due to Apple’s iPod updates like happened in the early days of Napster’s commercial endeavors.
Commenting on the switch to DRM-free file format, Napster’s Chairman and CEO Chris Gorog said, "Music fans have spoken and it’s clear they need the convenience, ease of use and broad interoperability of the DRM-free MP3 format, and they want to be able to find both major label artists and independent music all in one place. Napster is delighted to deliver all of this and more with the world’s largest MP3 catalog."
Pricing for download sales will remain at 99 cents for single MP3 tracks and $9.95 for most MP3 albums, Napster confirmed. The vast majority of the MP3 catalog, including all major label content, is available at a high-quality 256kbps bitrate, and downloaded tracks include high-resolution album art. Consumers can visit and browse the download store with no obligation or commitment, and can also choose to subscribe to Napster’s on-demand streaming service, which is web-based and can be accessed from any Internet-connected computer without downloading software.
"Our goal is to enrich your life with music, in ways that are personalized to you," said Chief Operating Officer Christopher Allen. "Napster now offers a truly complete and synergistic digital music destination, where music lovers can not only discover and listen to music, but also buy and own everything they want in MP3 format, which works on any music player. The combination offers consumers the best of both worlds."
Napster gives music fans the freedom of choice to discover, experience, and buy music on their own terms. With its web-based, open, innovative products and services, Napster gives consumers the ability to enjoy music across their desktop, living room, portable music player, and mobile phone.
Personally, I stopped buying AAC files from iTunes a long time ago due to the hassle of the DRM-locked format. If I want to burn an MP3 disc, I shouldn’t have to technically violate the DMCA for my own personal use. Hopefully, Apple and the rest will get on the bandwagon and give consumers what they want.
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