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Steve Jobs recently threw down the digital music gauntlet and lashed out at the big four music companies (Universal, Sony BMG, Warner and EMI). (Thoughts on Music Steve Jobs) Jobs states that Apple only locks the music they sell at iTunes because of the DRM(Digital Rights Management) rules the music companies insist on using. He also, says that Apple would gladly support DRM free music. “This is clearly the best alternative for consumers, and Apple would embrace it in a heartbeat.”
Jobs argues that they can not allow other companies to use the DRM that is used on iTunes music called FairPlay, because it would be impossible to keep the technology updated if it is in the hands of another company. Therefor they could no longer guarantee to protect the music licenses they are contractually imposed to protect.

What does all this really mean for us, the consumers? Personally I have an iPod as well, but I don’t purchase much of my digital music from iTunes because that means I can only play the music on my iPod or the iTunes software. Hopefully the music industry will seriously think about the arguments that Jobs puts forth. The “big four” companies are still in a panic as their profits slip further because people continue to find other ways to get the music they want. In fact artist might even be better off selling their music in digital format themselves and bypassing the companies altogether, considering the cut they take. It has taken the music industry a long time to understand the benefits and need to embrace digital music. Now, if they can get over the DRM hurdle we may be on our way to enjoying the music we love, where and how we want to.