Amazon Without DRM

Back in December it was just a rumour, now it seems to become true: Amazon is launching a DRM-free MP3 music store later this year. I was very sceptical that any major label would allow selling its music without DRM but at least EMI has agreed.

I am not sure about EMI’s real motives to join Amazon’s new store, though. Is there a new understanding that DRM won’t benefit customers, rethinking old positions or is it more like a drowning man clutching at a straw? EMI has some major problems and it is suffering from the constant drop of sales even more than its competitors. So going the DRM-free route might be a last resort for EMI.

Undoubtedly, Amazon’s announcement has to be applauded and offering releases from 12,000 labels right from the start is certainly a very positive sign. Maybe other (major) labels won’t be reluctant anymore and will drop DRM as well. Hopefully this is more than just wishful thinking.