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Since I founded MP3.com
in 1997, my personal goal was to make all music
available in MP3 format. Much has changed since the late nineties when
the RIAA
paid people to clandestinely snoop on my talks and appearances, sued
the first commercial MP3 player, and worked to block MP3 adoption at
every step. Last
year I decided it was time to revisit selling music in the MP3
format. I reached out to many labels
and all were polite and open to meetings. My message was to use the MP3
format to boost sales by offering a new buying option for online music
fans. If they purchase an album, they immediately get high quality
MP3 files which they can own forever with the confidence that they'll
work on any
music device available on the market now, or that may come along in the
future.
Some labels were receptive and we spent the next 6 months analyzing the
strategy, figuring out how the economics could work, and building
technology. Today I'm happy to announce the
launch of AnywhereCD
- a new music
store dedicated to selling MP3 Albums and
CDs. MP3 Albums are now available in a licensed, legal, and
reliable
manner along with a physical CD for one reasonable price. This isn't a
couple of singles or obscure live tracks, but thousands of
albums from popular artists. I'm sure you have lots of questions and
I'll try to answer them below.
How
does AnywhereCD work?
AnywhereCD sells MP3 Albums.
When you purchase an MP3 Album you can immediately hear all the tracks
on the album, download the MP3 files, and have them instantly added to
your iTunes library. Those who
like traditional CDs will be pleased to learn you can purchase both for
one price and
get the immediacy of digital music, plus a physical CD shipped to you
with
complete artwork and liner notes. We've made a series of videos
demonstarting how AnywhereCD works which you can watch here.
What music
is available?
Popular artists such as Madonna, Prince,
Green Day, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica,
Bloc Party, The Shins, and thousands more are available at AnywhereCD.
Will
you add other music to AnywhereCD?
Our goal is to sell all music in the MP3 format. AnywhereCD will
continue to grow and new content will be added in the near future.
How
much do MP3 Albums cost at AnywhereCD?
Prices for MP3 Albums vary similar to CD prices. Albums start at $9.95
and with every album you purchase, you'll have the confidence
of
knowing you own all the digital tracks forever and they will play
everywhere.
Who can
use AnywhereCD?
AnywhereCD's licenses permit sales to US residents. We certainly would
like to
expand to other countries.
Are the
MP3 files encrypted?
The MP3 files are not encrypted and will work on all
music devices from any manufacturer - MP3 players, phones, PDAs, etc.
The songs will not time out. You are not limited to just certain
devices. There aren't restrictions on the songs for your personal
listening enjoyment. If others want these songs, please encourage them
to buy their
own music at AnywhereCD to gain the same unlimited, personal listening
privileges.
Does
this mean that record labels working with AnywhereCD are
abandoning DRM?
No. While AnywhereCD purchases are
available in
MP3 format without DRM, other initiatives from labels are continuing
with DRM.
Will MP3
Albums work with iPods?
Yes - absolutely! MP3 Albums will work with iPods
because all iPods
play MP3. Since
MP3 is a global standard your music is guaranteed to play on all audio
devices that play digital files -- this is why MP3 is the ideal format.
Will
MP3 Albums work with iTunes software for Macintosh and Microsoft
Windows?
Yes. MP3 Albums can be loaded directly into iTunes. There are several
ways to do this. You can download individual songs however it's
probably
more convenient to use the MP3tunes Album Downloader. It will download
your newly purchased albums with a single mouse
click, and load them directly
into iTunes. To do this you will need to install the MP3tunes software.
How does
AnywhereCD compare with DRM stores like iTunes, Napster and
Rhapsody?
With AnywhereCD you own the music you purchase -- it's not rented. The
music won't become inoperable if you use one too many devices or don't
pay a monthly bill. With AnywhereCD you have confidence
you'll have the music forever, and it will play on any device.
AnywhereCD is where you can
own your music and have control of your musical destiny.
How
does AnywhereCD compare with non-DRM offerings from iTunes and EMI?
Apple's new service is not available yet, so it's impossible to know
for sure how it will be implemented. Apple has stated they will not use
MP3, but will instead use a format called AAC, which is not
supported by most non-Apple music players. This might be good for Apple
because it makes it difficult for iTunes customers to use
non-Apple products. AnywhereCD files are in MP3 format so they will
work on every digital music player including phones, PDAs, DVRs and
more, without inconveniencing customers with file conversions.
How is
AnywhereCD related to MP3tunes?
AnywhereCD and MP3tunes are separate companies. They have partnered to
provide the best customer experience. AnywhereCD is
where you shop and purchase music. MP3tunes is where you can stream
and download the music you own. MP3tunes
provides
a secure, password protected location for your music. This service is
provided free with any AnywhereCD
purchase. If you'd like to learn more about MP3tunes please go here.
What
are the advantages to
shopping at AnywhereCD?
There are many advantages to shopping at AnywhereCD. Here are a few:
1) For one price you can instantly hear all tracks, get MP3s
to download PLUS get a CD shipped to you -- the ultimate bundle.
2) All digital files are high quality MP3s that will work everywhere
with no modifications.
3) You can buy from any computer -- not just your own. You
can be at your work computer, laptop or even at an Internet
cafe and still purchase music.
4) You'll help entice all labels to sell MP3 Albums.
I hope you'll make a
purchase at AnywhereCD
and support MP3 music!
-- MR
Press related inquiries for AnywhereCD please contact Dianne Gleason at
(858) 658-0646
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