The latest threat to the CD has arrived in Australia.
DDA albums come in the form of a USB stick identified with a swing tag. As well as the tracks, each DDA album allows fans to access online content like photos, news, music videos, updates from the band, and social networking. Music lovers can then access their content from the MyDDA service using any internet-enabled computer or mobile phone.
Each USB stick also features a DDA music player and track list builder. The software shows the album art and song lyrics for each tune as it plays. The software also allows for transferring the albums to iTunes or burning them to a CD. All tracks will be available in MP3 and WAV formats to get around any nasty compatibility issues.
DDA albums, including new releases by Sneaky Sound System and Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, are now available from HMV, Virgin, and Sanity stores for the cost of a CD. If the market in Australia is enthusiastic about the technology, there are plans to introduce it to the rest of the world.
I’m still in love with my vinyl collection so the technology isn’t very appealing to me. But I know everyone else has embraced MP3s, and even if I don’t want one I think it’s cool that Australia gets to be guinea pigs. So what about you, loyal readers? Would you like to own your favourite albums on DDA?
Image source: Yasin Oztürk @ Stock.xchng