In the next release of Ubuntu Linux – Lucid Lynx – A well integrated Music store in the same lines as Apple’s iTunes for Mac and Windows users is being beta tested.
With one major difference namely – Ubuntu One music store will be selling DRM free songs. Each song will use 256 kpbs (or higher) encoding which enhances the quality of the song.
Popey, a private beta tester has a well written write up of the music store and it seems that it should compete well with iTunes.
Apple iTunes has been selling DRM free music for a while now and it also has been upgrading the quality through its iTunes Plus program.
This could be a big boon for consumers. Right now there are a limited number of record labels that offer DRM free music. Now that Ubuntu One has jumped into the fray, I am sure more and more labels will offer DRM free music. Especially since Ubuntu will most likely negotiate with better terms for the record label in order to build up their catalog.
Another interesting question is if the stores will offer the same titles.I can see exclusive arrangements with each service and consumers will have both services in order to get songs they want.It will also be interesting if the Ubuntu Music Store can be used outside of Linux.
