iTunes is DRM free now

[Yodalicious]

As of yesterday, iTunes is DRM free. There is now a 3 tier pricing program 69 cents, 99 cents and $1.29. I do not use iTunes as I don’t have an iPod, but was wondering if someone who does use it could tell me what the different price structures entail?

Thanks!

[Skywatcher]

@Daddypants

I do not use iTunes as I don’t have an iPod, but was wondering if someone who does use it could tell me what the different price structures entail?

Your link gives me the impression that the price per track only depends on what Apple’s deal is with the various labels.

[Turek]

@Daddypants

I do not use iTunes as I don’t have an iPod, but was wondering if someone who does use it could tell me what the different price structures entail?

From your link (emphasis added):

And beginning in April, based on what the music labels charge Apple, songs on iTunes will be available at one of three price points: 69 cents, 99 cents and $1.29, with most albums still priced at $9.99.

Am I not understanding your question?

[Gfactor]

Apparently they’ll also remove DRM from songs you already purchased for 30 cents a song. http://www.appscout.com/2009/01/itunes_drmstripping_fee_isnt_a.php

[Dreamy_B]

Somewhat angry about this. They are happy to charge me the special price of $187.41 to remove the DRM and re-download all my purchased songs at 256k. However these songs are now available at the same price that I originally bought them for. So to me, I feel like I’m getting charged .30 a song as a penalty for being an early adopter.
You know, one of the early adopters that decided pirating the songs would be plain wrong even though I’m more then capable of doing so…one of the early adopters who helped show the record companies that legal downloads could be a viable business.

I know, I know, they’re a business and businesses exist to make money. I get it. Doesn’t mean I’m happy about it.

[Yodalicious]

And beginning in April, based on what the music labels charge Apple, songs on iTunes will be available at one of three price points: 69 cents, 99 cents and $1.29, with most albums still priced at $9.99.

You know, my eyes read that, but brain didn’t comprehend it. I’ll blame my cold.

Earlier in the article though, it reads

Beginning today, all four major music labels—Universal Music Group, Sony BMG, Warner Music Group and EMI, along with thousands of independent labels, are now offering their music in iTunes Plus, Apple’s DRM-free format with higher-quality…

So, I guess my questions are can I download DRM free from iTunes now? What is iTunes Plus? How much does all this cost?

[Skywatcher]

@Daddypants

What is iTunes Plus? How much does all this cost?

That’s their current DRM-free format and is $1.29 per individual track, or 30¢ to remove the DRM from each previously downloaded track.

[control-z]

You still can’t download MP3s, right?

And you can’t download without iTunes as well, correct?

[Roadfood]

@Dreamy_B

Somewhat angry about this. They are happy to charge me the special price of $187.41 to remove the DRM and re-download all my purchased songs at 256k. However these songs are now available at the same price that I originally bought them for. So to me, I feel like I’m getting charged .30 a song as a penalty for being an early adopter.

I bought a car a few years ago. Now the greedy company that made my car is selling the same model, with a bigger engine, a radio that has a built-in iPod adapter, and heated seats! They are happy to charge me the special price of $15,000 (that’s the purchase price of the new car, minus the so-called “trade-in” allowance of my current one) to “upgrade” to the current model car. However, that car is now available at the same price that I originalyl bought it for. So to me, I feel like I’m getting charged $15,000 as a penalty for being an early adopter.

The MacBook Pro 17" that I bought two years ago has far lesser features than the model just introduced. Should I feel ripped off? Should I feel like, if I want to buy the new model, that I’m being “charged” for being an early adopter of the previous model? That’s just silly.

There are very, very few things in this world for which buying one now does not result in some sort of “penalty” compared to buying it later. Look, you’ve had the use of those songs between the time you bought them and now, are you saying that that use isn’t worth the 30 cents? If you had known back then that the DRM would be removed now, would you have held off on buying?