I think the important fact there is that the music provider is independent of the "format provider". I.e. I can download an MP3 from itunes, and Apple has no co

I think the important fact there is that the music provider is independent of the "format provider". I.e. I can download an MP3 from itunes, and Apple has no control over which MP3 compatible device I move it to or play it on (or indeed that I even can move it beyond the "purchasing" device). Granted (legally) not all devices I want to play it on may be MP3 compatible when they technically could, but that restriction isn't Apples to (directly!) control. In the rest of the world without silly software patents, it is free!