MusicDNA to replace MP3s and challenge iTunes?

Posted on 25 Jan 2010 at 12:44

The creators of the MP3 file have created a new music file format, MusicDNA, which will come embedded with extra content such as lyrics, videos and continually updated online content.

Bach Technology, a Swedish company manned by many of the boffins who created the MP3 file format, hopes its new MusicDNA file format will help combat music piracy by offering music fans extra content embedded in their music files. MusicDNA files can have up to 32GB of extra content built-in, such as an artist biography and music videos, as well as content updated whenever you're online, such as tour dates and Twitter feeds.

MusicDNA is currently backed by several independent music labels, but none of the four major record companies who are developing CMX, their own competing enriched music file format. The first MusicDNA and CMX files should be available by this summer. Apple's similar iTunes LP music files are already available, but are currently only playable on a computer or AppleTV.

We're skeptical about whether people want the extra content available with such enhanced music files, especially if they cost more than current music downloads and the file sizes are too big to fit on most MP3 players.

Author: Alan Lu

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