MP3 pioneers release new luxury file format

The key developers behind the first ever MP3 player are now working towards launching a new, multifaceted version of the MP3 music file.

MusicDNA is a newly released music file format, which includes music lyrics, videos, artwork and continually updated blog posts, as well as music.

The new deluxe music file format has been developed by Norwegian born Dagfinn Bach, who worked on the original MP3. The project has been financially backed by German researcher Karlheinz Brandenburg, director for the Fraunhofter Institute for Digital Media Technology who is attributed to have invented the MP3 player in 1993.

Brandenburg describes the MusicDNA file format as a merging together a number of ideas that have been around for a long time. He also stated “I remember 10 years ago, a lot of people were saying that we need to enrich the user experience, that legal access to music has to give the customers more than just music, and this is certainly one very nice way to do it”.

British record comapny Beggars Group have already signed up to use MusicDNA. Beggars are behind Vampire Weekend, MIA, and the Strokes and have also recently signed US label Tommy Boy.

At the Midem music conference Bach talked about how the MusicDNA will be automatically updateable, so that every time users are connected, the files will be updated. Individual files will each carry up to 32GB of information and be highly searchable.

MusicDNA will be launching a beta version this spring and will be looking for an official launch by the end of summer.

However with MusicDNA looking likely to be more expensive than other music downloads it may have trouble against its competitors. In addition to this, Apple’s iTunes will be launching iTunes LP, which will include videos, bonus tracks, music and lyrics, creating stiff competition.