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Sans Apple, Major Labels Plan New Digital Album Format

by Caleb Johnson on August 11, 2009 at 07:20 PM

While it might sound like commercial suicide, a group of major record labels -- Sony, Warner, Universal, and EMI -- are planning to launch a new digital album format, without Apple's support.

According to the Guardian, the project, codenamed 'CMX,' will launch in November and include songs, lyrics, videos, liner notes, and artwork. It's a push to revive the album in a time when digital singles dominate music sales. However, Apple turned down the labels' offer to work on CMX and instead began work on a digital album format of its own called 'Cocktail.' While it's unclear exactly how these two will differ, it could be troubling news for the record labels. If CMX isn't compatible with the ubiquitous iTunes, it could wind up dead on arrival. Label reps will play it safe at first, only releasing a few select titles under the new format.

While Apple maintains its stranglehold on the digital music market, it may be looking to further venture into the hardware market, too. Rumors suggest that Apple will introduce a 10-inch touchscreen tablet this September similar to the iPod touch.

If this is the bullheaded path the major labels plan on taking, it'll be impossible to ignore the elephant in the room that is the iTunes Store. The major labels must find a way to set the new format apart from the version Apple will offer, or they'll fast see it go the way of the 8-track and cassette. [From: The Guardian]

Tags: apple, digital, emi, hardware, itunes, music, record label, sony, top, universal, warner

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