Apple rumored to be turning iTunes into a DRM-free music store UPDATE: Not anytime soon

We can't count the number of times we've heard from one random source or another that Apple was about to pull the trigger on a subscription-based / 100% DRM-free music service, and given how those have worked out in the past, we'd highly recommend taking this one with a huge dose of salt. French site ElectronLibre has it that Apple will finally offer up all of its music in DRM-free form starting as early as tomorrow, specifically calling out Sony, Universal and Warner as outfits who would join the protection-free cause. Should this happen, it would obviously be a dream come true for ole Steve, but we're still left to wonder what would happen to bitrates, prices and (potentially most important) all other iTMS content. Something tells us Hollywood isn't quite as ready to release its death grip.

Update: Don't hold your breath -- CNET says that while Apple is in negotiations with the bigs to go DRM-free, nothing's set in stone and changes are unlikely before the end of the year. Amazon it is!

[Via AppleInsider]

[munchies Posted Dec 9th 2008 11:17AM]

Fuck DRM.


Fuck Apple.


Happy Holidays.

[thirdopticaltool Posted Dec 9th 2008 11:44AM]

"...join the protection-free cause."

should be

"...join the restriction-free cause."

DRM isn't a condom. It's a chastity belt.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 9th 2008 12:46PM]

hahaha totally with you

[fourthletter Posted Dec 9th 2008 4:30PM]

This will never happen, but then who cares with Amazon MP3 I don't even have to use iTunes, true genius

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 11th 2008 1:27PM]

Fuck Apple. Too little too late.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 11th 2008 6:13AM]

i just want the videos to be free of DRM. i like their selection and i'd pay for it if i didnt have to only watch it on my computer or an ipod or an apple tv. especially HD stuff.
i dont really care to DVR.
i dont download illegally because the stuff was ripped from TV more than likely and has all those dumb watermarks on it
if i can get it now, as the show is airing instead of months later on dvd or blu, i like that.
i don't think movie + tv studios understand that media pirates want to forego the initial acquisition of their content if it involves paying for it at all. even if it is DRM free, if they gotta buy it before they can spread around and that might not be worth a boost to their ratio.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 11th 2008 10:47AM]

This is one of the main reason why I hate using Ipod. If itunes made its software based on Digitial Rights Management free it would increase it's customers to a whole new level. Consumers are limited to 3 transfers after they are done downloading a song from itunes. It's ridiculous.