Finally, a music company outside of independent music companies has embraced DRM-free music distribution. EMI just announced that they will be offering their music for purchase without DRM. The first retailer to offer the music without DRM? Apple's iTunes. The music will also be available at a "higher bitrate", but it was not mentioned to what the actual "higher" bitrate would be. Apple will sell the DRM-free music along side the archaic DRM-emcumbered music. With DRM, the cost for a track is 99c. Without DRM, the cost for a track is $1.29. All album purchases will come without DRM and at the higher bitrate -- and a the same price as before. This is a move in the right direction for the music industry. Lets hope that other big players will start moving in this direction also.