Apple to release new digital music album format with tablet-like computer

Recent reports floating around on the Web say that, when Apple launches its much-awaited tablet-like computing device, the company will also introduce a new format of audio music for albums in September. Presumably, the new format is also to be natively supported by other Apple products like the iPod and iPhone.

The music industry first proposed an enhanced album format to Apple in 2007, according to a couple of people who also said that the music labels have been independently working on a separate project code-named "CMX". These labels included EMI Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Warner Music, who plan to release the new format around September.

Despite the apparently desperate efforts by the music labels, Apple decided to go with their own format. It's ironic that it was Apple who finally ended the Audio CD's reign in 2003 when the iTunes Store was launched and made a hot hit.

Of course, these music groups want to revive their album format domination. The bulk of their wealth came from CD sales back then. People simply opted for the 99 cents/track scheme rather than spend $8.00 to 10.00 for a CD.

The new Apple album format is expected to have new interactive features which might include artist interviews. This fresh new approach will of course be pegged at a higher price than the current album formats, but this only proves that fans are ready to spend more for higher quality content.

We'll just have to wait and see what happens. With all the major music labels squirming under the pressure of piracy (or so they say), and Apple's next probable hot trend, a lot is yet to be seen.