Universal tries some DRM-free sales

Jeez, guys, don't rush into things: Universal are going to launch a limited trial of DRM-free downloads:

Universal said: "The experiment will run from August to January and analyze such factors as consumer demand, price sensitivity and piracy in regards to the availability of open MP3s."

Retailers including Google, Wal-Mart, and Amazon.com, will participate in the DRM-free trial, Universal said.

But participants do not include Apple iTunes online music store, the third largest music retailer in the US.

Yes, yes, Universal, we get it - you're showing Apple that you don't need them. Although one might argue about the value of this "experiment" if you exclude the place where people actually buy their music from.