Technology giants Apple and several major labels are reportedly developing a new interactive multi-media music format that will enable fans to experience an album through a virtual CD booklet, including features such as lyrics, photos and liner notes- In essence, the traditional staples and perceived added value of a physical CD or vinyl release.

 This would hopefully provide an alternative way for fans to consume and experience digital formats and is presumably aimed at encouraging purchase of complete albums as opposed to individual tracks. Currently, some albums are available for download from iTunes with the equivalent of a limited CD booklet, such as Gang Gang Dance’s ‘Saint Dymphna’ (pictured above).

The new format could see a release as soon as this September and it is heavily rumoured that it is being prepared in conjunction with a newly developed Apple touch screen mini portable computer.

Meanwhile, European streaming music service Spotify has developed an application to use their service on the increasingly popular iPhone, pending approval from the iPhone creators. Apple could conceivably reject the application on grounds that Spotify competes with its own iTunes music store, sharing similar functionalities.

 Although Apple has approved applications from streaming music providers Pandora and Last.fm in the past, such services are much more like streaming radio. In contrast, Spotify allows people to choose specific songs to listen to, creating playlists of songs. Crucially, the iPhone Spotify application would also enable users to listen to their favourite tracks in an off-line database as well as streaming through Wi-Fi networks and 3G mobile phone data networks. In the UK, Spotify currently has a free service supported by advertising alongside a premium service which allows users to listen to ad-free streams for £9.99 a month and the proposed I-phone application will only be available to premium subscribers. Stay tuned for further developments!

Cross posted from thegen.org.uk