New Music Business Briefing: New Microsoft Watermark, Kayne Tops 50, Mecora Becomes Social.FM & More

>>> Microsoft has patented a new watermark technology called "stealthy audio watermarking,"that can tag songs to track origin and ownership without adding DRM that restricts usage. (PC) Amusing name for a product. Several similar schemes exist, but this may be the Mercedes of them all.  I’ve wondered why everyone going DRM free is not suing one of them.

>>> Kayne West continues to top 50 Cent in their sales battle. (AP)

>>>  Personalized music steamer Mecora has changed its name to Social.FM and added new services designed to build community.

>>> Ad supported download play SpiralFrog has added digital distributor INgrooves labels to its growing catalog.

>>> EMI has appointed another Terra Firma insider Lord Birt to its Supervisory Board. Birt joined Terra Firma as an adviser in December 200f and was previously the Prime Minister’s Strategy Adviser and Director-General of the BBC. More major changes at EMI should follow.

>>> Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group announced the promotion of digital executive Jason Root to Senior Vice President, Digital, Nick.com and Nickatnite.com. 

>>> As the long tail extends, out of print music is getting new life as digital downloads. (USA Today)