The Bass Geek

The basic premise of Qtrax is that the service provides free and legal downloads of major label tracks to users’ computers.  Stellar idea, no?  Especially if the artists involved are getting paid their fair share.  I’m getting conflicting stories, though.

• This story claims that all the major labels are behind it, that it’s not compatible with the iPod, and that DRM and proprietary software will be involved (fair note: I’m a user of iTunes and the iPod, which does include provisions for proprietary software and DRM - however, the files I’ve ripped from my CDs will transfer to other media players and software.  According to the article, the tracks won’t move at all).
• This story backs up the first article on every point but the major label support - the claim here is that nothing has been put in place yet.
• This story claims that the deals aren’t in place but could be soon, doesn’t worry about the DRM or software issue, and claims that iPods WILL be supported (again, I’m noting iPods here only because they are a dominant product in the player market - I’d be interested in hearing whether other media players are compatible as well).

So I’m getting conflicting information, the PC service is still in beta, there’s no Mac version yet (it’s promised on 3/18), and there’s still the issues of DRM and ad-supported music (how will the ad revenue be distributed to artists, if at all).  That’s a bunch of red flags to me at this point.