Alfreido's Blog

I’ve generally been a quite vocal fan of iTunes, the music management software provided our Microsoft-emulating friends at Apple, but I’ve never been a fan of their DRM-encoded (digital rights management) music library available on iTunes Store. I’ve begrudgingly put up with it as iTunes went hand-in-hand with my iPhone before I lost it, and I want to support my favourite artists. Although I understand the “record companies get most money, artists get none” excuse most people make when downloading music, I don’t subscribe to it. You either support the artist and give them a little money, or you download their material illegaly and give them nothing.

So I’m quite delighted by the latest news that Apple has finally agreed with those 3 big record companies with gold-plated walls in their HQs to release their music DRM-free. I truthfully believe this is a step in the right direction, and might be a factor in getting people back into paying for music again. Songs in iTunes are hardly expensive these days, less than a 600ml of Coke each ($1.69) and whole albums cost less than a ticket to the movies ($16.99). Of course, there’ll still be cheap-skates, but there’s not a lot you can do about them.

The main gripe I have with iTunes at the moment is its insistence at using AAC format for the music and the cost of TV shows for download. Technically, the AAC format is more advanced than MP3, so why don’t I like it? Just simply because it isn’t as supported yet. Some of my music players refuse to play AAC, so I’m forced to use a converter to make it MP3. In terms of the TV shows, $90 for LOST? You’re kidding.

By the way, I’m not an Apple sales person, as much as some of my work buddies would like me to be. I’ll use anything if its easy and cheap enough, and at the moment, iTunes is. Get on board!