Napster to sell music as MP3 files

Napster will begin selling music downloads as unprotected MP3 files this Spring, the company announced.

The change in file format applies only to single tracks and album purchases. Tracks downloaded as part of Napster's music subscription service will continue to come with copyright restrictions.

Meanwhile, unprotected MP3 files are compatible with a majority of portable music devices that include Apple iPods, Microsoft Zunes, and music-playing mobile phones.

Chris Gorog, chairman and chief executive of Napster, voiced the view that the ubiquity and cross-platform compatibility of MP3s is expected to create a more level-playing field for music services and hardware providers, which would result in greater ease of use and broader adoption of digital music.

Napster hasn't said which record companies have agreed to license music for sale as MP3s.

Last year, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and EMI Group all cleared decks for online retailers such as Amazon.com to sell their music as unprotected MP3 files. This year, Sony BMG is expected to jump onto this bandwagon.

Napster said it will continue to focus on its core strength; namely, its subscription business.