Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Apple cutting price of iTunes Plus (DRM-free) tracks?
Rumor sites are reporting that Apple has made the decision to revise the pricing of Plus songs on the iTunes Music store. To date, iTunes DRM-free tracks have sold for $1.29 US.
Some users have reporting seeing iTunes Plus DRM-free tracks already listed for $0.99. It is not clear at this time if this was simply due to a mistake or if it signals a shift from Apple. The change could be Apple's reaction to Amazon MP3 store and it's 256kbps DRM-free MP3 files, many of which sell for $0.89 - $0.99.
Also reported are Apple's plans to expand iTunes Plus to include certain indie music labels starting Wednesday, October 17.
HungryFlix.com has provided DRM-free movie downloads from indie filmmakers for over two years now. We continue to believe that consumers deserve choice with their media, and that DRM schemes simply do not work.
Some users have reporting seeing iTunes Plus DRM-free tracks already listed for $0.99. It is not clear at this time if this was simply due to a mistake or if it signals a shift from Apple. The change could be Apple's reaction to Amazon MP3 store and it's 256kbps DRM-free MP3 files, many of which sell for $0.89 - $0.99.
Also reported are Apple's plans to expand iTunes Plus to include certain indie music labels starting Wednesday, October 17.
HungryFlix.com has provided DRM-free movie downloads from indie filmmakers for over two years now. We continue to believe that consumers deserve choice with their media, and that DRM schemes simply do not work.
Labels: Amazon MP3, apple, DRM, ipod, iTunes
Monday, October 15, 2007
YouTube launches Video ID filtering technology
YouTube today is announcing the beta of its video filtering technology.
The program calls for rights holders to upload versions of their copyrighted videos into a database,YouTube will then identify matches and pull them for review. Publishers will then have the choice of blocking the content or to monetize it via ads or run promos.
The program calls for rights holders to upload versions of their copyrighted videos into a database,YouTube will then identify matches and pull them for review. Publishers will then have the choice of blocking the content or to monetize it via ads or run promos.
Labels: DRM, Google, online video, youtube
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
ZDNet Asks: Where to do you stand on digital media ethics?
ZDNet's Ed Bott asks where you stand on the legal issues around digital media in this article.
HungryFlix.com has always felt that artists deserve to be paid, there is no question there. The debate does heat up when we look at organizations such as the RIAA, MPAA, big record companies and movie studios and their control over what we can and can not do with media that we purchase.
DRM simply does not work. It keeps honest people honest, nothing more. It is time to move past these failed DRM schemes and deliver real value to consumers. If you are looking for DRM-free movie downloads be sure to check out HungryFlix.com.
HungryFlix.com has always felt that artists deserve to be paid, there is no question there. The debate does heat up when we look at organizations such as the RIAA, MPAA, big record companies and movie studios and their control over what we can and can not do with media that we purchase.
DRM simply does not work. It keeps honest people honest, nothing more. It is time to move past these failed DRM schemes and deliver real value to consumers. If you are looking for DRM-free movie downloads be sure to check out HungryFlix.com.
Labels: DRM, iTunes, movie downloads, music downloads
Friday, September 28, 2007
Another nail in the coffin for DRM - AmazonMP3 launches beta
Amazon has release a beta edition of its new DRM-free MP3 music download service this week. The web-based solution has received positive reviews from computer users, music download fans, and the anti-DRM community.
Amazon is offer singles from $0.89, and all files offer 256 kilobits per second and did we mention no DRM?
This is clearly the record labels attempt to reduce iTunes' dominance in the music download market. Time will tell if consumers, who seem to enjoy the seamless nature of iTunes, will move to Amazon's service. In a very interesting move, Amazon offers a downloader helper application that will directly transfer you songs into iTunes or Windows Media Player.
Consumers looking for DRM-free video downloads can try the great indie films offered at HungryFlix.com.
Amazon is offer singles from $0.89, and all files offer 256 kilobits per second and did we mention no DRM?
This is clearly the record labels attempt to reduce iTunes' dominance in the music download market. Time will tell if consumers, who seem to enjoy the seamless nature of iTunes, will move to Amazon's service. In a very interesting move, Amazon offers a downloader helper application that will directly transfer you songs into iTunes or Windows Media Player.
Consumers looking for DRM-free video downloads can try the great indie films offered at HungryFlix.com.
Labels: amazon, download, DRM, iTunes, music downloads
Friday, June 1, 2007
DRM Free Movie Downloads
Looking for great indie films? Visit HungryFlix.com today for great indie movie downloads for your iPod, PSP and Apple TV.
All movies are free of DRM and downloads start at just $0.99.
www.hungryflix.com
Labels: digital download, DRM, hungryflix, movie downloads
iTunes Plus with DRM free tracks now available
Apple has released iTunes 7.2, with iTunes Plus, now offering higher bitrate, DRM-free tracks from EMI. The release comes a few months after the big announcement that Apple and EMI would partner to bring open, non-copyprotected music to the masses.
iTunes Plus allows users to upgrade existing purchases to the new format where available. It also asks users if they wish to always purchase the DRM-free version of songs when available.
As we've said before, this is a great development for consumers. The ability to download high quality AAC files with no DRM makes us very happy.
If you are looking for DRM-free movie downloads please check out http://www.hungryflix.com.
iTunes Plus allows users to upgrade existing purchases to the new format where available. It also asks users if they wish to always purchase the DRM-free version of songs when available.
As we've said before, this is a great development for consumers. The ability to download high quality AAC files with no DRM makes us very happy.
If you are looking for DRM-free movie downloads please check out http://www.hungryflix.com.
Labels: DRM, EMI, hungryflix, iTunes, iTunes plus
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Amazon to sell DRM-free music downloads
Amazon yesterday unveiled a plan to take on Apple's dominance in digital music, promising to offer downloads of millions of tracks from thousands of labels after signing a deal with EMI.
The online retailer's virtual store, to be launched this year, was announced in the wake of EMI offering its entire digital catalogue in a format free of digital rights management (DRM) software.
Amazon said all tracks from its download service would be in plain MP3 format, allowing them to be transferred between and played on almost any device, including Apple's market-leading iPod, and burned to CD without restriction.
This is more good news for consumers and music fans. It finally seems that the rest of the world is now agreeing with us here at HungryFlix that DRM only serves to annoy and frustrate true customers while doing nothing to stop true pirates.
HungryFlix.com has been selling movie downloads with no DRM since our inception.
The online retailer's virtual store, to be launched this year, was announced in the wake of EMI offering its entire digital catalogue in a format free of digital rights management (DRM) software.
Amazon said all tracks from its download service would be in plain MP3 format, allowing them to be transferred between and played on almost any device, including Apple's market-leading iPod, and burned to CD without restriction.
This is more good news for consumers and music fans. It finally seems that the rest of the world is now agreeing with us here at HungryFlix that DRM only serves to annoy and frustrate true customers while doing nothing to stop true pirates.
HungryFlix.com has been selling movie downloads with no DRM since our inception.
Labels: amazon, digital download, DRM
Monday, April 2, 2007
EMI and Apple team up to remove DRM, add high quality AAC to music downloads
OK, well, it is here the beginning of the beginning. Today in London, EMI and Apple have announced that they will begin to offer DRM-free music and music videos. Music files will be high quality 256kbps AAC files and will sell for $1.29 US. There will also be a $0.30 upgrade for users who have already purchased lower bitrate versions of the same songs.
iTunes will be the first online distributor to offer the new DRM-free songs, starting in May.
Many analysts and reports believe that DRM-free files which will play on any music player will hurt iPod sales. Users will have more choice and may choose to purchase a lower cost MP3 player or one that offers more features than current iPods. When asked if DRM-free downloads will have an impact on iPod sales Apple CEO Steve Jobs replied, "I don't see a link, because you have always been able to buy music from elsewhere (CD's) and put it on your iPod. We're going to keep working to do the best job at what we do, and we are going to hope that consumers agree."
This is excellent news for consumers, music and movie fans, and for the future of digital content. HungryFlix.com has been offering movie downloads with no DRM for years now and we really belive that DRM is not a solution. It is rewarding to now see the major studios and Apple agreeing with us.
iTunes will be the first online distributor to offer the new DRM-free songs, starting in May.
Many analysts and reports believe that DRM-free files which will play on any music player will hurt iPod sales. Users will have more choice and may choose to purchase a lower cost MP3 player or one that offers more features than current iPods. When asked if DRM-free downloads will have an impact on iPod sales Apple CEO Steve Jobs replied, "I don't see a link, because you have always been able to buy music from elsewhere (CD's) and put it on your iPod. We're going to keep working to do the best job at what we do, and we are going to hope that consumers agree."
This is excellent news for consumers, music and movie fans, and for the future of digital content. HungryFlix.com has been offering movie downloads with no DRM for years now and we really belive that DRM is not a solution. It is rewarding to now see the major studios and Apple agreeing with us.
Labels: apple, digital download, DRM, hungryflix, iTunes, online distribution
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Steve Jobs - "Thoughts on Music" - Apple would love no DRM
Steve Jobs (CEO of Apple, Inc.) has published a letter to the community in which he talks about the past, present and future of online music sales and music consumption.
At the end of the letter Mr. Jobs asks the record companies to remove the DRM requirements from the songs Apple sells in iTunes. He says, "Apple will embrace this wholeheartedly."
Apple has come under fire recently from European governments and internet and music industry pundits who all claim in one way or another that Apple is the source of, and primary benefactor of, DRM in iTunes and the iPod.
It has often been claimed that Apple's "closed" system locks people into buying iPods and music from iTunes. Mr. Jobs gives his views on this and provides some interesting statistics to back up his views.
HungryFlix provides movie and music downloads with no DRM. We believe that consumers should not be treated as criminals and that content providers will be rewarded by providing their content to a broad set of users in open formats.
The full letter from Steve Jobs can be found at http://www.apple.com/hotnews/thoughtsonmusic/
At the end of the letter Mr. Jobs asks the record companies to remove the DRM requirements from the songs Apple sells in iTunes. He says, "Apple will embrace this wholeheartedly."
Apple has come under fire recently from European governments and internet and music industry pundits who all claim in one way or another that Apple is the source of, and primary benefactor of, DRM in iTunes and the iPod.
It has often been claimed that Apple's "closed" system locks people into buying iPods and music from iTunes. Mr. Jobs gives his views on this and provides some interesting statistics to back up his views.
HungryFlix provides movie and music downloads with no DRM. We believe that consumers should not be treated as criminals and that content providers will be rewarded by providing their content to a broad set of users in open formats.
The full letter from Steve Jobs can be found at http://www.apple.com/hotnews/thoughtsonmusic/
Labels: apple tv, DRM, ipod, iTunes, music, online distribution, video distribution
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]