Amazon promises "millions of songs in the DRM-free MP3 format from more than 12,000 record labels" so that anyone can play the files on any device. Other e-tailers are going to be soon to follow. I expect Amazon to see that as competition finally arrives onto the scene that their dominating market-share will suffer and other influences will likely eat away at their margins. Even though Steve Jobs has called for the dissolution of DRM, I see the manifesto as nothing but an attempt to try to get ahead of the end of DRM to then be able to take credit for something well beyond the Jobs-ian influence. I don't think the greater consumer will buy into his parlor trick. Those who've drank the Apple-flavored kool-aid are another stroy -- but they're locked and loaded with the AAPL regardless.
Currently digital downloads are offered by few. Within months and then with great speed, this should change.
For this reason, I see AAPL dropping down a notch from this great height. I also see Target being able to take good advantage of the death of DRM.
$107.95 (05/16/07)
