Rave reviews of the newly launched AmazonMP3 music store abound in the last couple of days. The big win here is obviously the over 2 million DRM-free songs it offered at launch day, something Apple is still struggling to do for years.
Here’s a quick comparison of the two services so far:
Apple iTunes Music Store
Songs available in Store: over 6,000,000
Song Prices: USD $0.99 each DRM, $1.29 for DRM-free
Album Prices: USD $9.99
Quality: 128 Kbps
File Format: AAC (.m4p extension)
Software: iTunes Music Player
Player Compatibility: iPod, iPhone
AmazonMP3 Music Store
Songs available in Store: over 2,000,000
Song Prices: USD $0.89 to $0.99 each 100% DRM-free
Album Prices: USD $4.99 to $9.99
Quality: 256 Kbps
File Format: MP3
Software: iTunes Music Player, Windows Media Player
Player Compatibility: iPod, iPhone, Zune, Creative Zen, GigaBeat, Sandisk Sansa, Sony Network Walkman, and many more…

Aside from the variable and cheaper prices, I believe the best selling point for AmazonMP3 is that it’s completely DRM-free which allows you to use on on iTunes and Windows Media Player alike as well as sync it to any portable music player you have. There will be a smooth transition for iPod owners to switch to AmazonMP3.
Why buy protected and expensive songs on iTunes when you can get at AmazonMP3 for less and use it on any mp3 payer you have? Surely, Apple will have some serious competition here.


Good stuff, wish I read more about this !