News Archive for 07/02/25

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EMI's talks for DRM-free music stall

02/25, 9:35pm

DRM-free music stalls

Users may have to wait a bit longer for DRM-free music from the major, despite Apple CEO Steve Jobs' recent call for DRM-free music. EMI has reportedly pulled out of negotiations with online music labels to provide DRM-free music, according to Bloomberg News. The negotiations, with online retailers including Microsoft, stalled over the size of advance payment, the report said. EMI, the only major label willing to explore DRM-free music, demanded an upfront payment to compensate for its risk in releasing the music without software that prevents copying. The music retailers, rejecting the initial offer, countered with a lower offer; however, negotiations stalled, according to the report. Online music retailers such as Real and Yahoo have backed Jobs' call for DRM-free music in an effort to help challenge Apple's industry-leading iTunes.