Amazon launching DRM-free MP3 download service

Each record company can own many labels. Usually by acquisition, but also by specialty, etc. Obviously they have a ton of small labels, but the writing is on the wall. Everyone else will have to follow (including iTunes). But I think it's pretty clear that iTunes will be going this route, it's just a matter of "when?"

iTunes still has an advantage, which is classic Apple. The simplicity and user experience are so much better with iTunes than other stores (well there are some that have downright copied iTunes, like Sony for example). This will enable them to keep up some momentum while they get their act together on the pricing. Maybe. Apple would be foolish not to get ahead of the curve here and use its market position to pressure the other big record companies. Once a deal is given to Amazon, I don't see how a label can hold back from doing the same deal with Apple. Apple also still has a great deal of leverage with the installed base--the iPod owners. So if they can match the price, they can stay ahead with their already established catalogue and the old Apple user experience magic.

Amazon on the other hand also has a big installed base (bigger and longer-standing than iTunes obviously). But these are also in many cases less tech savvy people who buy books and CDs (yeah, CDs and DVDs). They will hold on to those who don't completely feel comfortable with all digital, intangible downloads. I like the CDs, but they take up major space when your library is in the 1000+ range. However, it is the ultimate backup. Plus you get the bonus of liner notes, and sometimes other cool packaging goodies. But I don't even watch DVD extras, so ... guess I'm hoping Apple takes the hint.

12,000 labels no wonder the industry is tanking, too many labels too much crap!

This is great for consumers - from the healthy competition point of view. iTunes has the integration advantage, so I think that the one company which could be sweating it the most from this announcement is eMusic.com - because they've been the leading non-DRM MP3 store. Depending on just how deep the Amazon catalog is, and what kind of pricing structure it adopts, eMusic could see its subscription service really suffer. Shows you how much pull Amazon has in the market, since eMusic has been doing MP3 downloads for years and the only thing it has been lacking are big labels and per-song pricing.

It would help to read the headline:
Amazon.com to Launch DRM-Free MP3 Music Download Store with Songs and Albums from EMI Music and More Than 12,000 Other Labels
OK, so no other Majors. But a crapload of "Other Labels".

Interesting! They must be dealing with indie label aggregators like The Orchard or Tunecore. That would nab them a hefty load of labels right there. As an indie with a direct deal on iTunes (no aggregator), I haven't seen any opportunity to get on this bandwagon yet. But with all the other evil, Mac-hostile music retailers out there, I don't think I'd mind being on Amazon at all.

So is it all the MAJOR labels? If so, it's the end of iTunes.

#5: "Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) today announced it will launch a digital music store later this year offering millions of songs in the DRM-free MP3 format from more than 12,000 record labels."

It is 12,000 labels.

As for the story, this is great news. It will be nice having some alternate non-subscription competition for iPod users.

i hope lots of people use this service only if they cut the shit and offer it at the .99 cent price tag per track that would send a message to steve that WE want to buy DRM-free music at the same price as the rest of itunes music. I don't care about the higher quality, give me the same just DRM-free. If itunes offered the same tracks at the same price .99 DRM-free what would you think would win?? thought so DRM-free is great i just hope more services follow suit..

I believe it's 12,000 songs not labels. Only one label. Guess who? EMI.

Great, now I can use Amazon's cumbersome website to buy songs for my iPod. Not. Wonder what bit rate they'll be offering (and which MP3 encoding engine).

Speaking of DRM-free, where is the DRM-free EMI music in iTunes already? Or when Jobs said "May," did he mean May 31st? :|