Anyone familiar with Digital Rights Management? It’s the code added to MP3 files, usually associated with iTunes, which allows you to only copy it a certain number of times. This type of restriction, say the reactionary record companies, will prohibit the level of copyright infringement that’s supposedly tearing the industry apart. Thankfully, we’re seeing a trend towards distributing DRM-free music. This will help create a greater level of sharing — you know, like how you let your buddies borrow your Pearl Jam CDs back in the day. Canadian company Puretracks is right on board with DRM-free music, and is establishing a store for BlackBerry users.
This is especially great because it offers over-the-air downloads, so you can nab the new Fergie track — or whatever kids find popular nowadays — from anywhere. Even better: The files are compressed in AAC/AAC+ format, which is smaller than the MP3s we’re so used to.
“When it comes to the wireless world, BlackBerry is at the forefront and we are excited to offer our service on a cutting-edge solution that seamlessly integrates digital music into the wireless space,” notes Andrea Ziegler, Chief Operating Officer of Puretracks. “The Puretracks Mobile music service we have developed for the BlackBerry platform is an innovative mobile music store for North America that employs DRM-free, 64 kb AAC/AAC+ files. For wireless users, this equates to inexpensive airtime costs, smaller storage requirements, and higher music quality.”
You’ll be able to nab the Puretracks Mobile application on the BlackBerry 8800 series, the Pearl, and the Curve. It’s being introduced today at SXSW, with the launch scheduled for April 1 at CTIA. For now, you can check out their online store.
