The original inventors behind the MP3 music file format and the MP3 player have developed a new file format that will take into account lyrics, videos, artwork, blogs and social media. Called musicDNA it will initially compete with Apple’s iTunes LP service.
Dagfinn Bach, who worked on the world’s first MP3 player in 1993, is working on the project along with the MP3’s inventor Karlheinz Brandenburg.
The new musicDNA file format will store MP3 audio but provide extra content to those who legally purchased it through the internet.
The original artist or record labels could then send updates to the file over time, such as tour dates, new album news and merchandise offers.
The user would also be able to control what kind of content they receive, such as blog updates.
US label Tommy Boy as well as UK label Beggars Group, which includes acts like Vampire Weekend and The Strokes, have signed up to the new standard.
The new standard will compete with Apple’s iTunes LP which also gives users extra content like bonus tracks, lyrics and video interviews.
By John Kennedy
