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Music Labels to Offer Restriction-Free MP3 Files

Is the wind of change blowing through the music industry? Some of the biggest music labels announced that the unrestricted MP3 file format will be used for the distribution of particular songs. After using encryption on top encryption to protect music files form piracy, it seems that the industry is changing its orientation. The released files will be a part of an experiment aimed at measuring the level of demand for files that can played on portable audio players.

iPod and its counterparts are ripping huge success, and the number of people that use portable audio players is increasing in an incredible rate. Now that people have the means to consume mobile audio, the music industry wants to be the one catering for their needs. The problem with protected files is that only specific players know how to handle them, and that makes them relevant only for a small part of the market. By offering restriction-free files, companies are ensuring that everyone can use them and play the songs.

Many independent labels and artists are selling music files in restriction-free MP3 format all over the web. The big labels want to see how people react to the new initiative, and if people do, as they will probably will, things might finally change in one of the more conservative industries in the digital age. Although the files will be offered for free, the selection is expected to be minimal, as the companies are still testing new ground.