The Long and Winding Download
Looks like the music download business might get another big boost. A little band called the Beatles–one of the last major bands holding out from licensing their music for digital distribution–is finally cashing in it seems. According to Reuters, the group is kibitzing with a variety of services about making their valuable catalog available online. What took them so long?
Then again, they’re not the only fogies holding out. The Rolling Stones only recently went online, and Madonna still hasn’t jumped in this game. Why the wait? I’m sure they’re all trying to get the best deals possible. One word about the Beatles is that they might open their own e-store, where their songs will be exclusively available. This plan, instead of licensing their songs to iTunes, Rhapsody, or even Microsoft’s upcoming digital download service. I’d think they’d be better off going non-exclusive with a variety of services, but they’re the Beatles, after all: they can do whatever they want.
Deep Dive
Uncategorized
Our best illustrations of 2022
Our artists’ thought-provoking, playful creations bring our stories to life, often saying more with an image than words ever could.
How CRISPR is making farmed animals bigger, stronger, and healthier
These gene-edited fish, pigs, and other animals could soon be on the menu.
The Download: the Saudi sci-fi megacity, and sleeping babies’ brains
10 Breakthrough Technologies 2023
Stay connected
Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review
Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.