Apple to end music restrictions (BBC)

Apple Inc has agreed to start selling digital songs from its iTunes store without copy protection software.

At present, most music downloaded from Apple's iTunes store can only be played through an iTunes interface or iPod.

The new agreement with Sony BMG, Universal, and Warner Music will end digital rights management (DRM)software currently attached to iTunes music.
***
Over the last six years songs have been $0.99 <79p>. Music companies want more flexibility. Starting today, 8 million songs will be DRM free and by the end of this quarter, all 10 million songs will be DRM free," he told the crowd.

Apple has also revised its pricing structure, offering a two-tier system with songs available for $0.69 and $1.29. Prices will vary slightly in the UK.
***
more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7813527.stm

Does anyone know if all of the previous songs that I bought on itunes will be able to be used as MP3s or will this only be for new purchases?

I'm not very smart when it comes to this issues!! ;-)

forum today that you can re-download all of your current music files DRM free from Apple for 30 cents extra per music file.

If you have a large collection of music files, that can add up to a lot of money.

You can also buy DRM free MP3 music files from Amazon at a lower price.

http://www.amazon.com/MP3-Music-Download/b/ref=sa_menu_dmusic2?ie=UTF8&node=163856011&pf_rd_p=328655101&pf_rd_s=left-nav-1&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=507846&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1X8P5ADNSDTZ1BAKHV13