The brains behind the epochal, universe-shifting MP3 file have been at it again, unveiling the latest creation which will see lyrics, video, artwork and web blogs bundled in with our favourite tracks.
The new file format, which has been dubbed MusicDNA, will provide downloaders with a host of continually updated bonus content, that will serve as an incentive to legally download music rather than use torrent sites.
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So if you download a track from your favourite artist, that’s just the beginning. You’ll receive regular updates, such as footage from recent concerts, the chance to buy gig tickets, or their latest tweet or blog posting, all in one feed. The advantage for the artist is that it keeps them directly in touch with the fan long after the song has been purchased.
It has been created by Norwegian legend Dagfinn Bach who worked on the first MP3 player back in 1993, and has been part-funded by Karlheinz Brandenburg (pictured) who is largely credited with inventing the MP3.
The service, which can provide users with 32GB of bonus content per track, will hope to go head-to-head with Apple’s iTunes Music Store, and the Amazon MP3 store but so far only independent record labels Beggars Group and Tommy Boy have signed up to use Music DNA.
Apple launched a similar service in September called iTunes LP, which also features original artwork and themed animations, along with exclusive videos, bios and lyrics.
Mr Bach said: "We can deliver a file that is extremely searchable and can carry up to 32GB of extra information in the file itself. And it will be dynamically updatable so that every time the user is connected, his file will be updated."
A Beta version of the service will be available this spring, with the full experience likely to be rolled out in the summer. In the meantime the creators will seek to woo major record labels to get all of the big players on board.
Typical. Just as we’ve finally finished explaining to our old dears what an MP3 is and how it works, they go and shift the goalposts again. Gee, thanks guys.
Link: (via BBC)
