DRM now dead, as Amazon snags Sony

[RoyGBiv]

I only wish, but still ... not horrible news anyway.

It's the end of an era
By Andrew Orlowski
Published Friday 11th January 2008 14:13 GMT

Amazon.com has now secured the right to sell DRM-free music from all four major labels, snagging Sony BMG.

On Monday, Sony BMG announced it was lifting DRM from its digital music, but only through a gift card service called Platinum MusicPass, which was available through bricks and mortar retail channels. Amazon wouldn't have any such shenanigans, and cut the strings Sony had attached.

The move gives Amazon a clear competitive advantage over its rivals Rhapsody and Apple's iTunes store. Rhapsody's songs are tied to Windows DRM, while the only portable player that supports Apple's DRM-protected songs is Apple's own iPod.

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So farewell then, music DRM. You were a stupid idea and we won't miss you.

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