Creators of MP3 release new file format aimed at stopping music piracy

Dagfinn Bach and Karlheinz Brandenburg, two of the acknowledged fathers of the now-ubiquitous MP3 sound file format, have teamed up again to debut a new file format that, they say, features both copy protection and "tangible benefits", according to tech news website the Register.

The new MusicDNA service will not, that website reports, feature any improvements in audio quality, but instead will provide a host of pertinent metadata to listeners. Rolling Stone reports that MusicDNA files will likely cost more than MP3s, but will be backwards compatible with current-generation MP3 players.

However, despite the big-name backers, all might not be smooth sailing for the new format. The BBC reports that none of the major music labels has yet signed an agreement with the nascent service, and that it will compete directly with Apple's wildly popular iTunes music service. However, the Register reports that the company has said to expect further announcements soon.

In any case, the MusicDNA player, according to the website, will see a beta launch around Easter, with a full release in the summer of 2010.