Oh my god, the horror. Just in time for Halloween, a slasher rampage has hit the virtual corridors of retail giant Wal-Mart, as they’ve cut prices on MP3 downloads. The company recently backpedaled on their decision to turn off their DRM server, which would have rendered useless music bought by many of their customers in the past.
Of course, Wal-Mart’s been trying to get into the MP3 game for a while now, without much traction. I’d guess that has to do with the fact that Wal-Mart’s clout is mainly focused around their brick-and-mortar stores, while the music download market is associated more with companies that are identified with technology or the Internet, like Apple and Amazon. I mean, when you think Wal-Mart, does that conjure images of music downloads or low low prices on cleaning detergent?
Regardless, Wal-Mart’s out to shake up that image by lowering prices on their MP3 offerings. Now you can pick from a catalog of over 3 million DRM-free tracks from the major labels starting at 74 cents per track. Plus, if you actually buy a physical CD in their store beginning in mid-November, you’ll get a free MP3 download (not sure if that’s of the album you buy or just a random track/album?).
And in case you remember our experiences with the chain’s dearly departed video download store, you’ll be glad to know that the MP3 store is not only compatible with both Mac and Windows, but it even works with other browsers like Firefox and Safari. So, does that sweeten the deal for you, readers? What with the recent proliferation in DRM-free music stores, I’m in the market for a good search engine that’ll scan them all and tell me the best deal.
Is there some reason that MacUser didn't provide a direct link to Walmart?
@John: Because we're eeeeeeeeeevil. Or because I'm forgetful. Or because Googling Wal-mart MP3 will get you there. Take your pick. Remedied.