Switched has a new home! Huffpost Tech.

Click here to visit the new home of Switched!

Hot on HuffPost Tech:

See More Stories
AOL Tech

Creators Behind MP3 Launch MusicDNA, a New Music Format

by JP Mangalindan on January 25, 2010 at 04:25 PM

Yesterday, the team behind the original MP3 file revealed a new digital music format, claiming that it will both outclass current digital music standards and encourage users to download their music legally.

In theory, MusicDNA has a lot going for it. Users who download songs in the new format will get -- in addition to the music itself -- bits like lyrics, album artwork, music videos, recent live performances, tour details, and any blogs or tweets posted by the artist. There's no word yet on pricing, but it's expected that downloads will cost up to twice as much as their MP3 equivalents when launched this spring.

The new digital music format comes a few months after the introduction of the iTunes LP, which offers interactive album artwork and other multimedia features. If it gains enough traction, it's possible that MusicDNA could become a powerful weapon in the arsenals of competitors like Amazon.

That's a big "if," though. While some independent labels, like Beggars Group, the label behind the Arctic Monkeys and Radiohead, are onboard, the major labels are still MIA. And while we like the idea of all those extras features coming with songs, we're not sure they'll be enough to convince users to pony up more money, or in a lot of cases, any money at all. After all, it's hard to argue with a zero-dollar price tag.

Still, any development that could keep our favorite musicians employed and doing what they do best is a welcome one. [From: BBCNews and The Guardian]

Tags: apple, digital music, DigitalMusic, mp3, music, musicdna, top

HuffPost AOL Social News Most Popular