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Just An Online Minute... EMI Pioneers DRM-Free Music On iTunes

EMI Group said this week it will allow its music to be sold DRM-free on Apple's iTunes. Starting next month, people will be able to purchase tracks on iTunes from acts like Coldplay and Joss Stone that can be played on any device, not just iPods. At $1.29 each, the tracks are slightly more expensive than the normal 99-cent per song fee, though albums will continue to go for $9.99 each.

The move marks the first time one of the four major record labels is allowing Apple to sell tracks free of software that limits people's ability to transfer them to other non-Apple devices.

It comes at a time when Apple faces increasing pressure from European authorities to sell music that's compatible with other companies' portable devices. The company also revealed in January that it's facing a lawsuit in U.S. federal court for allegedly creating a monopoly with its iTunes digital music and video store.

At the same time, there's really no question that consumers would prefer to purchase music without DRM restrictions. People understandably think that once they've spent money to purchase something -- whether online or in more tangible form -- they've acquired full ownership, which includes the ability to transfer or lend to others or, in the case of music, to listen to on whatever device is most convenient.

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