Universal embraces DRM-free music

With many companies now experimenting with or investing in offering DRM-free music, such as Amazon, bigger media companies are starting to take notice. Now, one of the industries biggest players will be offering DRM-free music on a test basis, starting later this month.

Universal Music Group, through Rhapsody, will start offering DRM-free music starting on August 21st. They won't, however, be extending the same offer to iTunes users. While UMG isn't commenting on why they will not be offering DRM-free music on iTunes, some possible reasons include bitterness between Apple, who is reluctant to raise music prices.

Universal is following up on EMI's lead, who became the first large conglomerate to deploy music in this fashion. Hopefully, this trend will continue – and expand.