Well, they’ve finally gone and done it - Apple launched ‘iTunes Plus’ today – which will provide DRM-free tracks at – allegedly – around twice the quality of the existing 128kbps files they sell at the moment. And they’re not launching with a few little bitty handfuls of tracks either – the entire of EMI’s digital catalogue is available.

Of course, the new songs have a slightly heftier price - $1.29 per track, up from $0.99 per track – but Apple are hoping that the increased quality of the tracks will make that pill easier to swallow. They’re also easing over any potential grumble-points, by offering consumers the option to upgrade previously purchased tracks for the 30 cent difference per track.

Of course, without DRM, tracks can be played on almost any compatible computer or mp3 player. Apple had previously come under fire from several quarters for what was seen as their restrictive policies. As the biggest player in the ever-growing download market, for iTunes to take even these first formative steps could have huge ramifications for the entire online sales industry.

The naysayers would have us believe this will be the start of the end of civilization as we know it. Music Towers waits with baited breath.