The pioneer of the MP3 player announced a new MP3 file format, during this weeks MIDEM music industry trade fair. An extensive range of additional content will be offered to music enthusiasts including lyrics, tour dates, videos and social networks are viewable alongside the tracks.
The file format is called MusicDNA and the company behind it, BACH Technology, headed up by Dagfinn Bach, a leader on the development of the first MP3 player. “Just as vinyl gave way to the CD and the CD to MP3, it is time for the MP3 to pass the baton on to MusicDNA,” said the company CEO to journalists today.
The company says that is will be compatible to the IPod as well as all MP3’s. The cost should remain the same as current MP3’s but retailers will determine the initial pricing.
This product will be in direct competition with Apple I-Tunes LP service, which currently offers consumers an option to purchase multimedia and other content for an additional cost. However the BACH format aims at offering a more substantial service and will supply automatic updates on content each time the player is connected to the internet.
Large labels in Britain including Tommy Boy and Beggars have signed on, while negotiations are taking place with the major world wide labels currently.
The consumer is being catered for more fully by the push for a slice of the burgeoning MP3 market which has increased dramatically in the last 5 years. The shift from physical music sales is long term and possibilities endless with plug in apps supplying infinite market demands.
