I get to keep my trampoline.
Let me explain. In an interview with Mac Greer earlier this month, we began discussing the possibility of Amazon.com
Well, I didn't have to wait long. Amazon has made it official, announcing that it will launch a digital music service later this year. Unlike most existing storefronts that sell format-protected tunes -- like Apple's
Amazon claims that it has 12,000 music labels on board, including EMI Group (OTC BB: EMIPY.PK). That isn't a surprise. EMI has already agreed to sell premium MP3 tracks, even through Apple. EMI's bold step has even inspired Yahoo!
Leave it to the digital heavies to rain on Amazon's parade. Reports that the leading e-tailer was working on an MP3 store have been swirling about since last year. It was considered a rebellious move at the time -- a gutsy splash for a company late to the digital music game -- but now, it seems as if all the hip kids are doing so these days.
So, yes, I do get to keep my trampoline. Now it's Amazon's turn to bounce.
A timeline of the untimely demise of protected music downloads:
- Rumors had been circulating about a DRM-free service since last year.
- Now even Apple is getting in on the unrestricted fun.
- Check out the Fool Video interview where I laid my trampoline on the line.
Amazon.com and Yahoo! have been recommended to Stock Advisor subscribers. Work on that singing voice with a free 30-day trial subscription today.
Longtime Fool contributor Rick Munarriz once had his band signed to Sony's Columbia Records label. It didn't exactly pan out. He is also part of the Rule Breakers newsletter research team, seeking out tomorrow's ultimate growth stocks a day early. He does not own shares in any of the companies in this story. The Fool has a disclosure policy.