In what look like a big win for patient music lovers everywhere, the last of the media giants have tumbled into line with consumer expectations.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7175338.stmSony BMG is set to launch a service that will let consumers buy some downloadable albums that are free of copy protection software.
The decision means that all the world's four biggest music companies offer music free of software locks, or Digital Rights Management systems.
Music fans will be able to get at the DRM-free tracks by buying gift cards for Sony's Platinum MusicPass service.
Sony BMG said the DRM-free MP3s would go on sale in the US from 15 January.
Those buying the gift cards will be able to download albums from the MusicPass.com website. At launch 37 albums from artists such as Celine Dion, Avril Lavigne and Bruce Springsteen will be available.
Customers will be able to get access to the downloadable tracks by typing in an identifying number on the back of the gift card. Cards are expected to cost $12.99 (£6.58) and will be available from stores such as Best Buy and Target.
The service will launch in Canada in late January but Sony has not announced plans to launch it in Europe.
Sony is the last of the big four record labels to launch music services with tracks free of digital locks that limit what people can do with the music they buy.
After many many years of selfish stupidity it seems they have at last seen the light and started to respect the power of the conumer, lets hope they gain something from doing the right thing to encourage them to repeat the operation a little faster next time.
