Wal-Mart sells MP3s from EMI, Universal
updated 11:00 am EDT, Tue August 21, 2007
Wal-Mart Begins MP3 Sales
Wal-Mart today opened its MP3 music downloads, giving customers the option of unprotected songs playable on any device rather than the protected Windows Media files that have been the staple of the retailer's website. The initial catalog includes both music from EMI as well as the recently promised Universal music library, which gives customers the option of artists such as 50 Cent and Bon Jovi. Tracks typically sell at nearly the same price as protected versions with individual songs offered for 94 cents each and most albums available for about $9.22.
The catalog and pricing significantly undercut Apple's offering, which is currently limited to only EMI musicians and is obligated to charge $1.29 per song, roughly a third more than its new competitor. Wal-Mart has not explained whether the pricing applies to all tracks but promises that its MP3s are completely compatible with devices that have typically been excluded from its online store, including iPhones, iPods, and Microsoft's Zune.
Accessing the store officially requires Windows XP or Vista, and Wal-Mart has not said whether it will change the conditions for access now that Macs, Linux, and earlier versions of Windows can now play its content.
The deal with Universal is currently a trial run that may expire as soon as January depending on its results, which the company claims will be used to determine the viability of selling music without DRM. Multiple reports have suspected that deals with Wal-Mart, as well as other smaller stores such as Rhapsody, are ultimately meant to test non-iTunes sales and pressure Apple into delivering more favorable contracts for hosting Universal artists.
windows media
08/21, 12:03pm reply
Does this mark the decline of Microsoft's Windows Media format, and possibly by extension, the Windows Media Player as a preferred (by way of default) tool for music and video playback?
Flying Meat
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2007
itunes
08/21, 12:36pm reply
Is it me or did iTunes just cut their prices for iTunes Plus albums?
There are some that are still $12.99 but many are $9.99 and even $7.99 (Amos Lee for example). The songs by themselves are still $1.29 though.
ccrider
Mac Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2001
Still the same
08/21, 12:51pm reply
iTunes is the same as it always was. $1.29 per track, $7.99 / $9.99+ per album.
bradbissell
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Joined: Aug 2003
lower quality = low price
08/21, 01:10pm reply
The quality of mp3 technology (which is around 15 years old), cannot compare to more recent, better sounding mp4 encodings when played on decent speakers.
Lower quality of the Mp3 files of course translates to lower price for mp3 files. ENough said.
dliup
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2006
still need windows
08/21, 01:18pm reply
when perusing walmart's download section of their website with safari, you get
"We're sorry, your operating system is incompatible. To provide the best download experience, we can no longer support Windows 98, ME or NT. Please visit again after you upgrade to Windows 2000 or XP. Visit our Help section for complete system requirements information."
interesting.
ravedog
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2000
Re: lower quality =
08/21, 03:24pm reply
The quality of mp3 technology (which is around 15 years old), cannot compare to more recent, better sounding mp4 encodings when played on decent speakers.
That's nice, but, then again, they also state they were going for interoperability with most/all devices. You still can't say that about mP4.
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
and this has...
08/21, 03:36pm reply
what to do with Mac based News ?
UberFu
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 2002
Should be shut down…
08/21, 04:30pm reply
Yes Wal-Mart should be forced to shut-down its evil operation or someone should toss the Union at them.
bloggerblog
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2007
damn this conglomerate
08/21, 05:26pm reply
they charge 5 cents per song less now then apple.... soon they will force the studios and artists to be selling them for about 50 cents.
and we think the quality of "new" music stinks now....
Herod
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2007
mp3 vs. mp4
08/21, 07:03pm reply
hmmm. Seems like a chicken and the egg argument with regard to mp4 compatibility, No?
If only one company sells an mp4 player, then the demand for mp4 format compatibility isn't there?
If every other mp3 player manufacturer doesn't build in mp4 compatibility, then there is no demand for the mp4 format?
What the heck is the hold up on mp4 in the player arena? Why make new players without a the superior and currently open standard anyway?
Flying Meat
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Joined: Jan 2007