MarketingVOX: U.K.-based retailer HMV has announced plans to launch a social networking-based, DRM free music download store, reports New Media Age.
The store will include songs from EMI’s existing catalog of DRM-free tracks, as well as music from various independent labels. The download component will be integrated with a social network the company has planned as part of its overall mission to build out its web footprint.
HMV is also looking at ways to add download and CD-burning functionalities to its retail locations.
The announcement comes shortly after HMV reported a profit drop to almost half of what it had been last year. Sales were up, but not enough to make up for an aggressive marketplace.
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- Amazon to Launch Music Store, DRM Not Invited
- EMI, Apple to Sell DRM-Free Music via iTunes
- Flat Digital Music Sales May Augur the End of DRM
