New Music Business Briefing: Napster Fired, Real Rises, Amazon Rumor & Much More

>>> Penn State’s ground breaking relationship with Napster is over. The state college system has dropped Napster’s music service in favor of Ruckus.

>>> A new IPSOS Tempo study showed that CD purchases are down 15% and that digital is not making up the difference.  (Is anyone surprised?)  The study also showed that mobile music and
video use is rising.

>>> Another analyst, Screen Digest sees the mobile music market growing ten fold in five years.  The June iPhone launch should be a major first indicator for the US market.

>>> RealNetworks earnings jumped 61% in the 1st quarter of 2007 powered by music, games and ringbacks.  The stock  gained 5.7 % to $8.02 in after hours trading, but was still off a 52 week high of just over $12. (press release)

>>> CCM Magazine takes a fresh look at Christian music including more indie acts.

>>> Creative is being tight lipped about their next round of iPod wanna be’s.

>>> In another blow against DRM, encryption keys to unlock HD-DVD and Blu-ray discs are being circulated widely across the net.

RUMOR: We hear that Amazon’s new music service will have first-ever DRM free downloads from several large indie labels that have been hold-outs at eMusic and elsewhere when it launches in the coming weeks.

PS: We haven’t forgotten or promised eMusic series.  We honestly just haven’t found the time to finish it and want to get it right. Stay tuned.