Microsoft Appears Next Up With EMI DRM Free Downloads

In the last few days, Microsoft has been spreading the word that they may be the next major download service to sell EMI product DRM free. 

Neither Microsoft or EMI would confirm officially that a deal is close, but it makes sense.  Microsoft has both the deep pockets (Apple reportedly paid a $5 million advance to EMI) and the motivation.  Microsoft is heavily invested in making its Zune player and download store a success. The companies reputation is also on the line and its hard to imagine that a few million dollars will hold Microsoft back for long.

EMI would only confirm that it is talking to a number of companies and is looking forward to offering its catalog as DRM free Mp3’s and WMA files along with Apple’s DRM free AAC offering.

Yahoo!
certainly also has deep enough pockets but has never backed its music offering as aggressively.  Napster and Rhapsody certainly have the cash but may be content to be 4th or 5th in line hoping to pay a smaller advance.  Where is leaves Amazon who seemed ready to open an all mp3 store any day and is rumored to be purchasing mp3 subscription service eMusic is less clear.