Rhapsody Relaxes DRM And Starts Selling MP3s Via Verizon And Yahoo

Rhapsody, which has always been offering DRM-based music subscription services, seem to have finally turned over a new leaf. While its previous DRM subscription deals are still in place, it’s now offering DRM-free MP3 downloads via its Rhapsody MP3 store and also through partners which include Verizon’s VCAST over-the-air service and Yahoo.

This is good news to users, especially those who are waging war against DRM, as it brings about 5 million DRM-free tracks to them, priced around $0.99 per song and $9.99 per album. The good news doesn’t stop there, as it seems that all the tracks can be previewed in full before downloading. Though Rhapsody’s VP, Neil Smith says that they’re no longer competing with the iPod, Apple probably won’t be too happy to hear about their $50 million marketing assault on iTunes, along with the help of MTV’s TV networks.