No real surprise here. 7Digital have revealed that MP3 downloads outsell DRMed digital formats like Microsoft's WMA by four to one - ie music fans prefer music without digital rights management technology which restricts what devices they can play it on. The download firm announced the stat at the same time as confirming that 60% of their catalogue is now available in DRM free MP3, thanks, of course, to the fact EMI and Universal have now both followed the independent sector's lead in recognising that DRM free music is the only way forward. Warner and SonyBMG will catch up one day, presumably.
7 Digital boss Ben Drury says this: "Consumers are a lot savvier than some people think and overwhelmingly choose MP3 over any other format when given the choice. MP3 is the only truly interoperable format that works with the iPod, most mobile phones (including the iPhone) and all MP3 players. iTunes does not sell MP3 so the only way consumers can get the best quality and most compatible downloads is via www.7digital.com and similar services".