Play.com targets iTunes with flexible download service

by Ed Kemp, Marketing 13-Feb-08, 16:30

LONDON - Play.com is gearing up to take on iTunes in the UK download market with the launch of its first music download store, PlayDigital.

The online retailer claims it will become the first UK retailer to offer digital tracks without Digital Rights Management (DRM), which will enable the consumer to download and share tracks between iPods, other MP3 players, PCs and Macs without restriction.

DRM is a technology which enables content owners to control how users listen and view downloaded content, for example limiting the number of times a track can be burned to a CD or how many devices the contact can be transferred to.

Tracks will be available from a host of leading record companies including EMI, whose artists include Corinne Bailey Rae and Norah Jones. The top 100 songs will be available for 65p a track, with albums from £4.95. All iTunes singles are currently priced at 79p.

The site launches tomorrow through Play.com.