The days of the MP3 as the digital record industry’s standard may be numbered. That, at least, is the opinion of the management at Norwegian company Bach Technology Ltd., developers of a new format for storing music that they have given the very high-sounding name of MusicDNA. As opposed to the conventional MP3, this new format allows the storage of artwork, photos, music videos, song lyrics, interviews... additional material that can only be enjoyed by those who acquire these files in the legal way (nothing can stop MusicDNA files circulating freely online, but it seems that, in principle, it won’t be possible to "rip" these extra contents), and which you can update over time. 

For lack of any greater specifications, the underlying concept of MusicDNA doesn’t seem too far removed from "iTunes LP" or "iTunes Pass" (which allows "temporary subscription" to an album and, as well as the traditional collection of songs, users will receive more content spread over a number of years) which Apple launched last spring. It must have some advantage however, because large independent record groups like Tommy Boy and Beggars Group have already signed a contract with Bach Technology to start exploiting the advantages of this new format -perfectly compatible with any MP3 player- with their future releases. 

According to Bach Technology plans, MusicDNA should start "beta test" circulation in the middle of the coming spring, with a view to its launch in the summer.

http://www.bachtechnology.com/