MP3 is a lossy compression algorithm, meaning that some data is lost to greatly reduce the file size but still sound close to the original audio for most listeners. MP3 is short for “MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3” and is part of the MPEG-1 standard established in 1991. MP3 and M4A are digital audio encoding formats, in other words, a way to store analog music on digital devices. Let’s compare the digital music sold on Amazon and iTunes:

For some people, the iTunes purchase and download experience and integration with iTunes software is much simpler than Amazon.

iTunes songs are higher quality than Amazon, but most people won’t notice much of a difference.

Most new digital music players can play iTunes songs.

All digital music players can play Amazon songs.

Both iTunes and Amazon songs are NOT copy protected, which means you can play purchased songs on all of your computers and devices without hassle.

If simplicity or integration with your iPhone is your top priority, then buy digital music from.

If price is your top priority, then buy digital music from.

Here’s the real answer if you’re the impatient type:

“What’s the difference between digital songs that cost $1.29 on iTunes and $0.99 on ?”Īnd being the smartass that I am, my stock answer is: One of the most common questions they ask me is: As the resident geek, my part-time job is providing computer tech support to family, friends and neighbors.

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