Limewire launches DRM-free store

 

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By Matthew Sparkes

Posted on 18 Mar 2008 at 11:23

Limewire has launched a DRM-free music store, which will attempt to lure money from those users who might otherwise download pirated copies.

Limewire will display a button next to each track on its P2P application, allowing users to buy that song via its own store. Files will be stored centrally on the company's servers, rather than being distributed over P2P.

As well as the application button, users will be able to buy tracks from Limewire's new online store. The company will be offering tracks for 99 cents each, but those who choose to sign up for a monthly subscription can lower this cost.

Three different monthly payments are available; silver, gold and platinum at $10 per month and 40 cents per track, $15 per month and 30 cents per track and $20 per month and 27 cents per track respectively.

Until now Limewire, based in New York, has earned revenue from selling the professional version of its open-source P2P filesharing application.

Its recent move into DRM-free music downloads is one of a recent flurry attempting to capture the market for freely usable music files.

We7, 7 Digital and Play have all launched DRM-free stores in recent months, although none have had the backing of all four major music labels.

Amazon has this support, but currently only offers DRM-free downloads in the US. It has announced that it plans to launch the service internationally, but has disclosed no details on exactly when.