Much as we’d like to present an amazing new take on Apple’s latest iGadget, we found an interesting piece of news that’s been slightly lost in that buzz – namely the announcement something that’s being marketed as the next stage in digital music formats – MusicDNA.
Developed by Norwegian company Bach Technology and one of the co-inventors of the MP3, MusicDNA files will be based on the existing MP3 format, but will also contain digital information that can link to the artist’s online profiles at sites like MySpace, Facebook and Twitter. It could also include links to videos, and information like lyrics and tour dates. The file could contain as much information as the creator wanted – and be dynamically updated whenever the device it’s stored on is connected to the internet. The extra content would appear alongside track information in newer ‘app-driven’ players, but the track itself will still be playable by all MP3 players.
Though most of the internet’s more verbose technophiles are still discussing the impact of Apple’s latest product, there has been some skeptical discussion on this subject already – many see it as an extension of the much reviled DRM, others just see it as extraneous information that’s easily available for those who want it anyway – as the information will only be up to date if the player is connected to the internet, access the information is arguably simply more convenient.
Only time will tell – MDNA files will reportedly begin beta-testing in spring 2010.
