SpiralFrog-Universal Music Group Tie up: FREE Media Downloads

Yes, FREE media.

But definitely with strings attached.

The point of SpiralFrog, which will launch its beta software in December, is to curb piracy by offering a legitimate no-cost download service to music lovers everywhere. With Universal Music Group (UMG) signing onto the program, this means that UMG’s extensive catalog of music and videos will be available for download from SpiralFrog, at no cost. Registered users will be able to download as many tracks as they want.

There are a couple of strings attached. One, the free media downloads will be supported by ads attached to the downloads. No big thing; even YouTube has been considering expanding its advertising options to continue the free service. SpiralFrog’s own research indicates that people are willing to “pay” for their downloads by watching attached related or relevant advertising content.

Two, the downloaded content will be DRM-protected to prevent illegal file sharing and unauthorized CD burning. In fact, the music cannot be burned, period. The media player must be DRM-supported. And this won’t work on iPods and Macs. Based on reactions to the whole DRM issue (and the popularity of the iPod, for that matter), this will likely pop someone’s balloon. A lot of balloons.

Yes, FREE media.

But definitely with strings attached.

The point of SpiralFrog, which will launch its beta software in December, is to curb piracy by offering a legitimate no-cost download service to music lovers everywhere. With Universal Music Group (UMG) signing onto the program, this means that UMG’s extensive catalog of music and videos will be available for download from SpiralFrog, at no cost. Registered users will be able to download as many tracks as they want.

There are a couple of strings attached. One, the free media downloads will be supported by ads attached to the downloads. No big thing; even YouTube has been considering expanding its advertising options to continue the free service. SpiralFrog’s own research indicates that people are willing to “pay” for their downloads by watching attached related or relevant advertising content.

Two, the downloaded content will be DRM-protected to prevent illegal file sharing and unauthorized CD burning. In fact, the music cannot be burned, period. The media player must be DRM-supported. And this won’t work on iPods and Macs. Based on reactions to the whole DRM issue (and the popularity of the iPod, for that matter), this will likely pop someone’s balloon. A lot of balloons.