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Warner, iTunes and DRM-free music plan (updated)

Warner Music plans to invigorate its deals with European online music stores, extending DRM-free downloads to additional store fronts in an emulation of its existing deal with Amazon in the US.

While the truth’s murky, industry sources warn that a "major announcement" involving Warner Music’s plans to offer DRM-free downloads in Europe is likely to emerge early this week, perhaps Tuesday.

That the music label seems set to reveal its plans on Apple’s traditional Tuesday news refresh date suggests that Warner may introduce DRM-free downloads through the iTunes Plus service.

However, such speculation carries risk: Warner has deliberately only permitted DRM-free downloads through Amazon in the US, reflecting major label attempts to promote online music services alternative to iTunes.

Apple last week revealed iTunes has become the second-largest US music retailer, with analysts expecting the company will overtake current incumbent, Wal-Mart, this year.

Warner’s strategy for DRM-free downloads may yet see the label offer up songs through local European music services other than iTunes.

Update: Yep

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