500,000 DRM-free MP3s at no cost from We7

We7 launched, offers 500,000 DRM-free MP3s at no cost

The free download service We7 is finally here, and claimed to offers 500,000 tracks of music from Sony BMG label and independent artists. These tracks are available to users for free and not protected by any kind of DRM, however it comes with pre-roll advertising that starts before the music track begins and lasts only several seconds

The unprotected MP3 files can be use on virtually any portable audio player that supports MP3. We7 also provides advertising free tracks of the same files that have been downloaded by the user after 28 days later – it is however limited to 20 tracks a month.

All registered users can download up to 100 free tracks daily and a maximum of 500 free tracks weekly. We7 also provides full album download without the advertising for a fee. Don’t expect huge catalog collections on We7 as there are only one major record label behind it.

[via PCPro]

(Via SlashGear)

‘Pick of the Week’ from iTunes & Starbucks

iTunes, Starbucks create ‘Pick of the Week

Apple and Starbucks on Tuesday announced the Pick of the Week. It’s a new program that offers Starbucks customers free music and music videos each week, downloadable through the iTunes Store.

The music will be available through Pick of the Week download cards provided at more than 7,000 company-owned Starbucks locations in the United States. The card will enable customers to get a complimentary song or music video picked by Starbucks Entertainment and iTunes. Customers have u to 60 days from the date the Pick of the Week is available to redeem the free song.

The promotion is kicking off with “Washington Square” from Counting Crows. Starbcks says that artists lined up for future Picks of the Week include Carly Simon, Duffy, Adele, Sia, Hilary McRae and more.

This is the latest extension of a partnership between Starbucks and Apple that first took shape back in October, 2006, when the iTunes Store first launched the Starbucks Entertainment area — a specially-branded portion of the iTunes Store. Since then, Starbucks has begun to roll out access to the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store at select locations, where patrons can download music and get more info about what that Starbucks happens to be playing at the time.

(Via Macworld.)

Digital sales will account for 40% of music by 2012

Digital sales will account for 40% of music by 2012

The digital music market will grow by leaps and bounds over the next four years, as Apple takes over top spot in online sales.

(Via Macworld.)